Today’s big events include a flu shot and a haircut that at least gets me out of the apartment. Both will involve taking my temperature to assure that I’m not Covid contagious. Tonight, for the sake of variety, we’re leaving the neighborhood to have dinner at Nonna Emelia. We’ll gorge ourselves on Italian food before a meatless diet starts next week. My wife is hoping it will relieve some of the symptoms of a thyroid issue she’s been struggling with her entire life. A recent article steered her in this direction. I’m still allowed to serve meat on my cooking night and will be able to sneak away to Buffalo Wild Wings when the going gets tough. 

We can both stand to lose a few pounds with reduced activities in these stay-at-home times. We’ve always practiced “Meatless Mondays” in an effort to cleanse our bodies of heavy foods, but this will be a stretch. I’m not much of a fruit, fish, and vegetables guy, but want to be supportive of her needs. A “Meatless Month” trial will get us to Thanksgiving, when I know she won’t be able to give up turkey. Besides, a few pounds off my frame will make running every morning easier. I made meatloaf last night for my weekly cooking assignment that certainly doesn’t make me feel light on my feet today. There’s also plenty of leftovers, as will also be the case with tonight’s pasta and meatball dish. Thankfully, it will be another week or so before we rid the refrigerator of all things meat. 

With regard to our boring daily routine, we’re about to finish the seventh and final season of Mad Men. Both my wife and I worked for advertising agencies at one point in our careers, so it’s a show that’s been long overdue in watching. Wining and dining, affairs, and martini lunches were truly prevalent as the series portrays – although grossly exaggerated. I’ve usually had one eye on my phone during our evening T.V. sessions, keeping track of scores. Last night, the Timbers won easily, while the baseball playoffs continue. Yesterday afternoon, I watched an ESPN 30-for-30 documentary on the House That Steinbrenner Built. It brought back some memories of both old and new Yankee Stadium. I have mixed feelings about the “Bronx Bombers,” from the love of Mickey Mantle to the hatred of their obnoxious fans. It’s been eleven years since they’ve won a World Series, so these fans have been pleasantly quiet. Hopefully, the Tampa Bay Rays will keep them that way.

I’ve made it to another Thursday. Tonight, my favorite Chicago Bears play the favored Buccaneers, another Florida team that I’ll soon be obligated to adopt. After the Tampa Bay Lightning claimed the Stanley Cup, there was talk that the Rays could win the Series, the Bucs grab the Super Bowl, and the Heat take the NBA title – a total Florida sports sweep. I believe that the Lakers will soon put an end to this beach dream. Sadly, I may have to watch the rest of these games without a chance for my teams to win or with meat in my stomach. Where’s the beef?