The macro view:
Will the 2022 midterm elections ever end?
It's a fair question, I think, even if it is a rhetorical one.
I write on Nov. 18, a full week and three days after the Nov. 8 balloting, and several races remain either undecided or not finalized. A school-related referendum in my town remains an open question, with a final determination set for Nov. 22.
News reports are full of possible reasons for the counting delays - some reasonable, some outlandish - but many reports cite mail-in ballots as a common reason for the long delays. If that is true, I hope voters will demand changes to the mail-in option.
No Beer For You
Qatar officials announced Budweiser beer is prohibited at World Cup stadiums, reversing an earlier decision to allow beer sales during the games. Considering it's Budweiser, a watery, near tasteless version of beer, the decision should be applauded, in my opinion. Enjoying a soft drink is a better option than choking down a Bud.
Happy for those Vikings
As a life-long (so far) Chicago Bears fan, it pains me a bit to note the Minnesota Vikings are enjoying a great season. The Vikings are 8-1 and lead the NFC North Division, where the Bears are 3-7, last place in the division.
I don't follow the NFL as much as I once did, but I've always enjoyed the NFC divisional rivalries. As a young lad, I enjoyed watching Bart Starr QB the Green Bay Packers and liked Joe Kapp when he was QB for the Vikings. In the early '70s, I was a fan of Fran Tarkenton, and I respected the Vikings defensive units of the 1980s.
And I am a big fan of Bud Grant, the team's coach from 1967 until 1983, with a subsequent tour of service in the 1985 season. So while I remain a Bears fan, I am happy for the Vikings and their fans for the season they are enjoying.
The Micro View:
The area where I reside (the Fox Valley in Northern Illinois) received the first snow of the season Nov. 15. We received a little more than a dusting and most of it melted by evening. We received a little more this morning (Nov. 18). Not much, but enough to contribute to some car accidents on area roads and interstate highways. We're expecting temperatures only in the mid-20s for the next two days (unusual for us in late November), but temperatures are expected to return to seasonal averages (low 40s) before the Thanksgiving Day holiday. I enjoy seeing some snow during the holidays, but I don't like driving in it. I can cope with the cold temperatures, but prefer to avoid icy roads.
As one season ends, another begins
College football is my favorite sport to follow. I've enjoyed much of the 2022 season and will take a closer look at the details in a subsequent post. As the regular football season nears an end (it seemed to go by so quickly this year), I am enjoying the early days of the college basketball season and I'm excited for the start of conference play.
I developed at a young age the habit of marking the passing of a year with the start of seasonal sports. It's something I picked up from my father and older siblings. College and high school basketball always helped me pass the months of January and February, and I remain a loyal fan of the NCAA tournament in March.
A Happy Thanksgiving
Most of my family will be traveling for the Thanksgiving Holiday, so my wife and I have plans to visit a favorite restaurant for our holiday dinner, which we'll enjoy in the early afternoon. Lori and I have said we might order from the menu, rather than partake in the traditional holiday offering. I'm likely to go with the Turkey dinner. I'll also purchase a pumpkin pie from a local bakery, because dessert is my favorite part of the holiday meal. I might even offer a special treat to Otto, our dog.
I pray you and the ones you love most will enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving Day celebration. Remember the reason for the day and offer thanks for the many blessings you enjoy. I know I will.
-- Thank you for reading. Feel free to leave a comment.
Your friendly neighbor on the Internet.
