I love New Years resolutions.  While some people moan and groan at the “new year, new me” social media posts and flocks of newbies at the gym, I love setting goals and the wishful thinking that I’ll actually accomplish them. I’m still working on replacing my Diet Pepsi addiction with water . . . maybe someday. 

As a born-and-raised Pittsburgher, I never take summer for granted. I hate the winter—like, daydream-about-moving-to-California kind of hate. I’ve made more than a few empty threats to pack up and head somewhere with year-round sunshine and bougainvillea. But deep down, I know I’d miss the rhythm of the seasons—and the way summer here feels like a reward we’ve truly earned.

Back when Saturday Night Live started, there was a skit called “The Thing that Wouldn’t Leave.”

Can you believe that it’s been five years since the start of the COVID pandemic?