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I live in the American Midwest, and as has been covered extensively in the news recently, the region has been hit by a massive cold front. The extreme cold, often dipping down to -20 C or lower, has placed strain on regional electric power companies, prompting rolling blackouts in many areas. Snow is unable to melt from the streets and is simply packed down by the traffic, causing slippery and dangerous road conditions.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 restrictions continue to set limits on building occupancy, and many entertainment venues are still closed. Much of the general public is hesitant to go out and associate with others face to face anyway, in fear of being infected.
The result is that I have had little to no ability to leave my house for the past several days, and even when I can, there's nothing to do and nowhere to go. I tend to be an active and social person, and even before the lockdowns, I have always preferred in-person contact to online contact, so this has been rather difficult for me to deal with.
Current weather forecasts report that the deep freeze will break by the end of this weekend, and temperatures should approach 10 C by Monday. If so, I plan to go on my first bicycle ride since October. I know I need the fresh air.
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[Last updated: 2021-10-28]