Cloverleaf Bowl - Closed Permanently

source: Cloverleaf Bowl

Sad news. Due to financial issues related to the pandemic, another San Francisco Bay Area bowling center is gone. Cloverleaf Bowl closed their doors permanently as of July 24.

Here's the Facebook announcement from Mike Hillman.

Longtime bowlers will miss the family friendly atmosphere and outstanding hospitality the Hillman family provided.

Pandemic Life since March 2020 - The New Normal

I completed another orbit around the sun on June 30.  

Celebrated with a Zoom call with friends and family. What was originally scheduled as a birthday and family vacation to Columbus became a "staycation".

Because of the risks of transmission with COVID-19 still a distinct possibility and non-stop flight to Columbus changed to a stop in Chicago O'Hare, I cancelled the trip. Got a voucher which is valid until 2022.  Booked another trip for August, then cancelled again 2 days ago. It is still not safe.

While I don't miss the traffic and crowded stores before  the pandemic, these are the activities I miss most:

1. Bowling - Exercise with social interaction is one of my most fulfilling activities. I bowled for the first time in 3 months this past week. With a mask. I’m all for safety and fully understand but I hate it. While it doesn't hinder my mechanics, it's stifling hot. I am grateful to be back doing it. For the past 8-9 years, I bowled 3 times a week. For the past 3 months, zero. As a result, I've gained 6 pounds. Gotta cut back on the burgers and fries.
2. Watching movies in a theater - Buying assigned seat tickets online is one of the best conveniences ever. I can plan ahead to sit where and when I want and not have to leave an hour early to grab a decent seat. I enjoy watching movies at home, but a theater with a big ass screen gets my undivided attention.
3. Dining out - I miss this so much. Whether it's by myself or with friends and/or family, it's a ritual most of us take for granted. A feast for all five of our senses.

It's not likely what I did before the pandemic will return. I'm OK with that.

I'll be a lot better when it wanes and see this life changing event end.