My Week that Was - November 12

My oldest Packer hat.

This season reminds me more each week of the Green Bay teams I watched in the 1970s and 80s.   The team is frustrating to watch.  We can't play defense well enough to get off the field or create a play when it is necessary.  The offense is playing like there is a big hole in the middle.

 

Against Detroit, Aaron Rodgers threw three interceptions.  He hasn't done that in one game since 2017.  Two were deflections when the team was close to a score.  

 

At the end of the game, the Packers had a chance to win but the quarterback and his intended receiver had wires crossed as the ball was thrown to an area where the receiver wasn't.

 

3 wins, 6 losses, with eight games to play isn't a good position for the Packers.  Dallas comes to Lambeau Field tomorrow, four days later the Packers host the Tennessee Titans.  Could they win both games?  Sure... they could but the way they've been playing on this four-game losing streak I wouldn't bet on it.

 

From my couch it looks the defense needs to simplify its game-plan.  There are too many wide-open receivers for the opponents and players looking confused on the field.  Overall, this team is drawing more penalties than usual on both sides of the ball.  The Packers may have to install a revolving door on the training room.  

Offensively, quarterback Aaron Rodgers may be hurt but since he's out there he is expected to perform.  He had several throws against Detroit and over the last several games that he used to make in his sleep.  Rodgers under-threw an open receiver who might have walked into the end-zone and came up way too short on another play that could have put seven on the board.

All the team can do is prepare and be ready to play when the Dallas Cowboys, coached by the former head man in Green Bay, come to town.  Preseason expectations are flushed, let's see what they do from here on out.

Saturday was a better sports day in Wisconsin.  The Badgers won their second straight for the first time this season and are one win from being eligible for a bowl game.  The Milwaukee Bucks extended their winning streak to start the season to 9.  Bucky faces Herky Hawk today in a B1G game in Kinnick Stadium, a Badger win could still give them an opportunity to reach the conference title game in early December.

End of line 6:45

 Monday at work I experienced a first when I learned the resident I was scheduled to see died two days earlier.  I was knocking on the resident's door when I learned there would be no answer.  After ten years as an insurance agent and nineteen as a fundraiser, this was certainly the most extreme effort to avoid a visit!  ;-)

  Just to be sure I was "on-time" as far as getting to work Tuesday, I left extra early to get in line at Verona City Hall to vote when the polls opened at 7.  I was there at 6:43 and there was a line - I was at least 30 people back.

 I talked with the person next to me, a teacher who came early to get to school on time.  We had a nice conversation about family and travel as we made our way to the front of the line.  She was told to check in at station 1.  Seconds later, I was pointed to station 2.  I showed my identification, gave my name and address, and after signing was given a piece of paper to take to the person handing out ballots.

 

Looking around the council chambers hosting the poll there were a dozen or more workers and stations where people could mark their ballot.  After voting, I crossed the room to place my ballot in the machine, getting a sticker as my 'prize.'   The real prize is democracy - it is precious and too important to lose.

You should be happy about big voter turnout.  Regardless of the outcome, it is better for more people to participate in decisions that effect our lives.  The decisions make an immediate and long-term impact, history will judge whether we acted wisely or not.

The line at 7:15   11/8/2022 dwm photo

 When I walked out city hall, the line went from the door (photo above left), and half-way down the sidewalk in front of the building.  The parking lot was full, people parked in the street and walked to the line.  I bet there were over 100 people in line.

 Did you buy a PowerBall ticket last week trying to win $2 Billion dollars?  I bought three over the course of three drawings and matched one number, that's not good enough for any prize.

 Thursday was busy in the office with several writing projects to complete, calls to make, and logistics to work out.  Late in the day the heat was on, literally.

Someone changed the thermostat because they were cold.  By 3 it was in the upper 70s on the second floor where my office is located.  On my way out I checked the thermostat and discovered it was trying to heat things into the 80s!  I turned it down and made a note to alert our facilities staff so it can't be adjusted so dramatically.  

I found out the the next morning when talking to our facilities manager that the thermostat was set that high to keep the air-handler working.  When I asked about the heat, the suggestion was to turn on the A.C. or open a window.

Yesterday was Veterans Day, a Federal Holiday which closes banks and the Post Office.  I knew there wasn't going to be mail but when I got to work I checked our mailbox before 8, then checked again at 11.  It was empty.  I returned after 1, and because the previous day's mail arrived later than usual I asked if that was the case again.  The receptionist reminded me there was no mail.

Thank you veterans for your service for our country day-in and day-out.  We are in your debt.