Dear Crabby, Do You Miss Going to Canada?

Dear Crabby,

One of my favorite summertime Michigan memories was all the random road trips we’d take. Not only did we cruise around Michigan, but we also ventured into Canada. But now that the border is closed, I really miss having that option. I wonder if you or any of your other readers miss going to Canada as well?

Thanks,

C. Mountie

Dear C. Mountie,

We are rather spoiled having another country so close we can drive there pretty much any time we please. Shoot. I remember loading up the kids and going for the type of drives you’re talking about. My son was absolutely adamant Canada wasn’t a country because it was so easy to get to. Mrs. Crabby and I went ‘round and ‘round with him trying to explain they have their own government, money, etc. We finally got through to him. But between you, me, and the fencepost, I think he knew that all along and just got a kick out of giving us a hard time.

• 

In case anyone has been living under a rock, the decision to close the borders to non-essential travel first happened back on March 21 and was scheduled to last for 30 days. Then came another extension and then another, and well the latest I heard is that the border is staying shut until September 21. Anyone want to place bets on whether or not the borders open before the end of the year? I hear the casinos are open. Ha! With the border closed, that meant the Detroit fireworks both countries have come to enjoy wouldn’t go off as usual. Oh, they’ll still have them, but at the end of August and the public isn’t invited. And get this: to keep large crowds of people from gathering to watch the fireworks, they will be staged at a secret location. That’s right. Even if you live in the downtown Detroit/Windsor area, you won’t be able to look out your window and see the fireworks, so you better start checking your local listings for what channel and what time they’ll be on. The Detroit Free Press Marathon is also another longtime event having to change with the times. While other races were canceling, they held out until late July before throwing in the towel. Now it’s gonna be one of those virtual races. That’s where you still run all those miles, on your own, with no one cheering you on. Now, I may not be a runner, but that seems rather boring. I guess it’s better than nothing, right?

The one silver lining about the border being closed is it got me out of going on an overnight trip with Mrs. Crabby. She’s been yammering away about how we need to get out more and get some ‘culture.’ We were supposed to get away to that Stratford Festival in Ontario. She wanted to see one of those boring Shakespeare plays. About the only play that looked interesting was one called The Miser. Now that sounds like a play after my own heart. I know the border won’t stay closed for forever and one day all of us non-essential folk will be going back-and-forth. Until then, I’ll have to satisfy my Canada cravings by visiting my local Tim Horton’s to drown my sorrows in a box of Timbits.

I hope that answers your question!

Dear Crabby