Some Random Thoughts on a Cold Winter’s Day

Let’s start with the cold! It’s hard to believe that it was just one month ago today that I got in my first bike ride of the year. A day later, I actually wore my bike shorts as the temperature topped 60 degrees. Since then, nothing but snow and cold! It’s been unrelenting. But relief may be on the way. I saw on the TV news last night that the seven to 14 day forecast has above average temperatures expected in our region. Keep in mind, the average for this time of year is mid 30s. Still, temperatures in the upper 30s to lower 40s will feel so much better compared to this weekend’s bitter cold.

I’m quite amazed that Wegmans has fallen so precipitously in a customer satisfaction rating. I just don’t see it! I will say unreservedly that Wegmans is still the best! My son spent eight years in Cleveland and now lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan. So, we’ve patronized more than a half-dozen supermarkets in those cities, including several that now rank above Wegmans. One of them is Meijer’s in Ann Arbor. Admittedly, it’s a magnificent store that is a full-fledged supermarket with many departments, including clothing, that you’ll find in a big box store like Target. We never escape the toy department without buying yet another Lego for our grandson. But last year, we bought some chicken fingers in Meijer’s prepared food section. They were terrible! Tough, rubbery, virtually inedible! Wegmans prepared food section is clearly superior. My son and daughter-in-law always stop at Wegmans when they visit. Wegmans, you’ll always be number one! But, yeah, maybe lose the biometric scanning!

Let’s stay in the grocery aisle here. If you haven’t shopped Costco, you’re in for a wonderful experience when the Buffalo area’s first store opens later this year. We got our first Costco membership when our son lived in Cleveland. We now shop at the Ann Arbor store every time we visit. I’m outfitted each day in low cost clothing I purchased at Costco — shirts, pants, socks, etc. Their house brand is Kirkland. I find it amusing that my pants and my coffee have the Kirkland label! Granted, it will be a zoo when Costco opens here. But once things settle down, I have no doubt patrons will get in and out smoothly. This store will be situated much like the Cleveland Costco is. I have never been stuck in backups there. The only downside is New York’s law prohibiting wine and alcohol sales in grocery stores means I’ll still have to shop Costco in Ann Arbor for my value priced Kirkland brand wines and scotch.

The Super Bowl used to be a big event for my family and friends. My sister hosted yearly watch parties. Back in the day, we spent several Super Bowl Sundays at a friend’s house. But now there are years when I don’t even watch. I was so heartbroken by the 13 second Bills loss to Kansas City five years ago that I didn’t watch any football after that. Last year, I didn’t watch the Philadelphia-Kansas City game because I didn’t like either team. I’ll be tuning in at some point tonight, but only after my wife and I finish watching a couple of our favorite British mysteries. 

Am I even able to write the words Super Bowl? Or do I have to call it the Big Game?

It’s so funny how the halftime shows create so much controversy. I’ll watch Bad Bunny tonight. I’ve never heard one of his songs. But I want to support him simply because MAGA is so opposed to his appearance. I’ll admit that I haven’t watched the halftime shows in recent years. I just don’t like rap and hip-hop. That’s okay. I’m a 70-year-old aging Boomer. But I don’t criticize the NFL for scheduling artists who play such music. They’re popular and have millions of fans. That said, I’m no fossil either. I thoroughly enjoyed Lady Gaga in 2017. She is an unparalleled artist. Katy Perry was amusing a few years before that, especially because of the legendary Left Shark. But those who know me probably can name my all time favorite Super Bowl  halftime show. Bruce! Glory Days! Boss Time!

Again, I’ll be all in for Bad Bunny tonight! His performance will bury that alternative halftime show being sponsored and web streamed by an extremist right-wing group. It’s headlined by the totally irrelevant Kid Rock. I’ve never heard his music either. But an aging rocker who still goes by the name “Kid” is ridiculous. Plus, it’s the height of hypocrisy for Christians to support a singer who has written lyrics about underaged girls. He’s a disgusting creep!

And you know who else is? The vile racist Donald Trump! This is not open for debate!

Okay, I’ve gone off the rails here. So, let’s end my column of random thoughts with this. My grandson loves Knock Knock jokes. I shared with him one I particularly liked this week. Knock Knock! Who’s there? Ribbit! Ribbitt who? Make up your mind! Are you a frog or an owl?