2026-05-15: dust

the city i live in uses sand on the streets in the winter — it provides traction when the snow gets pressed into hardpack, and makes a huge difference, even if (like me) you're using winter tires from october through april. but it lingers. come spring, the streets accumulate sand until the city comes by with the street sweepers to get the worst of it.

yesterday they did that, though ironically, in the middle of a dust storm that's coated everything in a layer of dust and grime. 100 km/h winds picking up dust from drought-hit regions in the US and sending it north. everything dark and dim in the early evening. i was out driving and the sun was thin and hazy. the distance obscured by dust.

gas $1.84/litre. a century later, a new dust bowl. if things ever get better, they're going to get a lot worse, first.

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