“Remoted – Hybrid” – Day 739 (Friday) – foggy

During the predeparture preparations this morning, mistakes were made. Twice, the refrigerator and then the freezer were opened to check for something for lunch. Twice, nothing especially interesting was found, and I thought, “I’ll deal with this when it’s closer to time to leave,” as if something better would magically appear while I was drinking coffee in the living room.

Lowell on a foggy morning.

Halfway to downtown, driving along practically deserted streets shrouded in soft, gray fog, it was remembered that nothing had been taken out for lunch. Apparently the weather wasn’t the only thing that was foggy at the start of the day. 

The gas station that is often driven past because it’s too crowded to get near a pump was also deserted, and there was a quick stop for a fill up. Between the easy ride and access to gas, it occurred to me for a nanosecond that I should buy a lottery ticket, but then I forgot.

The fog was magical over the river. It was one of those picturesque times that being stuck in traffic would have been welcomed, just for the photo opportunity. A few photos were grabbed on the drive, which failed to capture the density of the fog hovering over the Merrimack in five or 10 or 50 shades of gray. 

It wouldn’t have been impossible to walk back towards the river after parking the car, but Mummu’s words echoed: “Work first, play later.” Then it was the usual speed walking pace for the on-foot portion of the commute to the office and away from the river. Outside the bank, the tower of City Hall was barely discernable. 

Grilled brie, apple, and fig jam.

The forgotten lunch worked out in the end. Since December of 2019 and the last office party Yankee Swap before life as we knew it screeched to a halt, there has been a Purple Carrot $20 gift card in my wallet. 

Today was that gift card's day to shine and it was exchanged for the apple, brie and fig jam grilled sandwich for lunch, and a take and bake boiled dinner of corned beef, potato, carrot and cabbage for supper. After 20 minutes in the oven, it was everything I imagined it would be. Bonus, there is corned beef left for a sandwich tomorrow.