Quote of the week:
“The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you’re still a rat.”
Lily Tomlin
The photo above is the cement factory in San Francisco. I finally figured this out after years of just admiring the cool mural. When there is a road getting repaved the cement trucks line up like ants.
Weather
All you can say about the weather these days is “good grief!” Most of the American West is burning up (over a 110 degrees in Portland, Oregon) and summer fires building, We recently got out of town for a weekend and headed to the Sierra and Donner Summit. The lakes are a bit warmer than usual and make for great swimming. Driving back we left the mountains at 80 degrees, drove past Sacramento were it got up to 103 then arrived in a foggy San Francisco were it was was but 55. Two hours of driving and a 50 degree change in temperature. San Francisco has been quite cold and windy this summer, with the marine layer bringing in the cold ocean air and fog. When we get a little sun, we often go outside at the opportune times and soak up the rays.
COVID-19 Pandemic Update
Since June 15th the mask mandate has been lifted in San Francisco, though in my neighborhood most people still don their masks while walking down the street. We are somewhat back to pre-pandemic activities. Unfortunately, the traffic has also picked up so the drive times have increased. What a joy it was to drive from San Francisco to your friend in Oakland and get there in 15 minutes. Now that same drive is often 45 minutes. Even the Google buses are back running their routes. Nothing lasts forever.
Parklets, Haircuts and Where the Sun Does Shine
One of the endearing changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic is the rise of the parklet. I have always enjoyed eating outside as there is something about the fresh air that makes eating more enjoyable. Even if it is bit chilly, just having the sun shining down makes the food taste better.
One of the debates in San Francisco is whether the parklets should stay. I say “why not?”
Sporting News
It is now after the All-Star break and for some strange reason the San Francisco Giants are in first place in the National League West and Oakland A’s are just a few games back in their division. The NBA has perhaps a few games left and the Milwaukee Bucks are up 3-2 in the finals. The Summer Olympics in Japan are a strange exercise in how not to put on an international sporting event during the pandemic. It is an exercise on how optimism can be dangerous.
That is The Quarterly Report – July 2021. Be well. If you have not already got your vaccine time to get the jab. Do it for grandma. Drink plenty of water, get regular exercise and for the love of God stay away from “social media.” Read books.
Photo Gallery of SF
