I keep hearing from the weather person that we are heading towards fall weather. Three hours in the front yard last weekend, followed by the resurgence of high temperatures again this weekend, have me unconvinced. The harsh reality is that weed growth has not slowed. At some point, it will, at least for a few months. One good sign over this past weekend was the sound of the Sandhill cranes overhead. They were returning to the Woodbridge Preserve for their winter visit. Odd that we always hear them a few minutes before seeing them as they make their migration to the water. It seems a bit early, but that is just a manifestation of the COVID crisis. In fact, according to the calendar, the Sandhill cranes are right on time. Time flies even during a pandemic.
During the Regents meeting two weeks ago, Carrie Byington from UC Health shared the reality that she expects COVID-19 to cause at least another year of disruption to university systems. In the meantime, the toilet paper supply appears to be in good shape. Furthermore, we are resuming some of our key activities that have been on hold. Other activities have moved forward using new methods. I have learned that occasionally I need a Zoom-free day. I took one this past Friday, after four 10+ hours days of Zooming, to conduct UC ANR work and participate in a national event planned by East Coasters. Even though I had written a blog post, I forgot to upload it, so zoomed out I was by the end of the day. The Zoom reality has translated into more meetings and more work without the airplane downtime. I know you can relate. I highly recommend a monthly Zoom-free day!
With my renewed energy, I am looking forward to this week's activities. Activities include a 2-hour training, a check in with the Oakland team, a PAC meeting on Wednesday that consists of time with President Drake, representing my first live session with him. This week contains a meeting with other Extension Directors from around the country to advance an initiative. The week winds down with 'First Friday' calls that take up the bulk of the workday before heading into a weekend that promises more yard work. Some rain would top off what promises to be a great week.