My Week that Was - February 22

Elver Park, Madison WI 2/16/25 dwn

When I returned to Madison, there was snow on the ground, four inches that fell Wednesday, 2/12, and another four that fell Friday. A final dusting of white fell Saturday night into Sunday morning to complete the largest snow of the 2024-25 season.

A few other snow events lured cross country skiers and sledders to go outside, but in some cases the snow was gone before the winter athletes warmed up.

There was a cold stretch expected for the rest of the week which will keep this snow around for a bit, maybe through the end of February, at least!

Sunday, when we drove past Elver Park, Madison's largest, the parking lot was full and its big hill was teeming with sleds and people to ride them, despite a brisk breeze out of the northwest. The weather wasn't bad Sunday if you had the right gear, but it might be next weekend before it feels good barreling down a hill with a sled.

Sunday we watched the Red Carpet show and three hours of SNL:50. I'm familiar with a small section of Saturday Night Live's history but it's continued status as a pop-culture treasure makes it possible to re-live and review some of its most famous sketches and performances. Peacock, NBC's streaming service has four episodes devoted to behind the scenes moments, one focuses on the legendary Cowbell sketch.

"I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!"

Monday was nice and sunny but the cold didn't give-in, we didn't reach 10. Temps stayed in the freezer three days, in fact, it would have been warmer in an actual freezer.

First in line. 2/18/25 dwm

 Tuesday we began distributing the Oak Tree Circle 2025 pins to all of our sustaining donors, which means they are giving automatically with a check, credit card, or using payroll deduction.

 Tuesday was also an election day in Wisconsin. Other communities may have had other items on the ballot, but we just had one, a primary pitting three candidates vying for the position of Superintendent of of Public Schools, leaving two to battle for the position in an April general election.

 I walked in the Verona Library three minutes before 7. After 180 seconds, the chief inspector announced the polls were open, I checked in, got the ballot and filled one hole on the page before feeding it to the machine. Then, the prize, a sticker that read, I voted.

 Wednesday we wrapped up the proofing process for the winter donor newsletter and had it printed so it can be distributed next week. 

Thursday was the third pizza party of the year. It was the second time I had to order carry-out because the store doesn't have any drivers to deliver around the lunch hour. Thankfully it's not far from campus, so I can get there and back with hot pizza in less than 15 minutes. 

I was honored to serve as narrator for the Oakwood resident chorus' winter concert last night. The concert was about nature - birds, trees, and animals of all sorts - and the peace we find in the great outdoors. It was a lot of fun.

It's been another busy week - and there is only one week left of February - which means spring has to be coming soon.