Six Months Ago...

Six months ago, the Schloss-Blog was in another life, virtually.

This week, as President Trump heads into Phoenix for the umpteenth time this campaign season, he does so on the heels of the Arizona Cardinals not only scoring their big, opening-day upset over the 49ers, but after the Cardinals did not take the field for the National Anthem.

Fire those S.O.B.'s, Donald, and all the other athletes who continue to take a knee during the anthem or before the opening kickoff, or not go on the field for it at all. All of sports has told you to stick it. And got away with it.

Six months ago, I never thought I'd see an American President encourage people to commit a felony to try to vote twice.

Not anymore. 

Six months ago, I never thought the United States Post Office would see to it that my absentee ballot might not get there on time. Deliberately.

Not anymore.

Meanwhile, six months ago, I would go to giant Woodfield Mall once a month near my suburban Chicago home.

Not anymore.

Six months ago, I went out to eat every Saturday night at a nice, local restaurant, often with friends.

Not anymore.

Six months ago, I thought there would be a legitimate Major League Baseball season.

Not anymore. Now there are 7-inning games and guys on second base in extra innings in a 60-game season. No legitimacy.

Six months ago, I thought the MLB commissioner might actually do something punitive to the Astros and Red Sox, who cheated their respective ways to the World Series titles in 2017 and 2018. 

Not anymore. Now, none of them have been punished, suspended nor fined, and the only player punished was a pitcher for the Dodgers, who lost both of those World Series.

Six months ago, I thought I'd be spending more time in my adopted home in Arizona than my primary residence in Illinois.

Not anymore.

Six months ago, I thought the NHL and NBA seasons would end in June and start up again in the fall.

Not anymore. Now they've played through makeshift bubble playoffs, will finish in October, maybe, and start up again in December.

Yeah, that makes sense.

Maybe.

Six months ago, I thought high school football, which I've covered for 40 years, would start in August.

Not anymore. In some states, it's not starting at all.

Six months ago, I thought me and three of my fraternity brothers would be planning a reunion for 2021 for us all.

Not anymore.

Six months ago, my wife traveled virtually every week to her hospital and healthcare clients, for whom she designs award-winning facilities.

Not anymore. She's strictly working from home all that time. 

Six months ago, if you'd have told me that in our 30 years of marriage, we'd have spent the most amount of continuous time together that we ever have and still be talking to each other, I'd have told you, not anymore.

Boy, was I wrong.

Six months ago, I thought my wife and I would be on our 30th anniversary honeymoon trip to Paris.

Not anymore, obviously.

Six months from now, I hope we're on a new course, with a new president and the coronavirus on its way to be out of sight.

And that I never have to say "not anymore," anymore.

Good night, Mrs. Calabash. Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?