Millions of people across the country, and even outside the U.S., took part in a celebration event last Sunday.

The Super Bowl.

For many, it has become more than just a football game between the last two teams standing after the 17-game regular season and playoffs. It is a tradition that involves not only watching the game, but day-long parties with friends, relatives and co-workers.

Anyone who went food shopping the day before, like me and my wife, Rita, knows how crowded the stores were. People packed the aisles, filling their shopping carts with snacks and their beverages of choice to get ready for the event.

That’s about as close as Rita and I came to being part of the Super Bowl crowd. I’m a sports fan, but last Sunday was a time for us to enjoy meaningful, relaxed time together. It’s been that way ever since we met in 2013.

 While the multitudes were all at home or in sports bars watching the hours of TV hype leading up to the game, we were taking a winter walk along the multi-purpose trails at Warner Lake Park.

No noise, no crowds, no snacks.  Just - quiet.

We passed a few other people during the 40-minute nature walk. Some were walking their dogs. Others were doing the same as us, just observing the snow-covered lake and tall pines, enjoying the cool fresh air and watching the occasional birds and squirrels darting through the brush.

But that was only one part of our day. A few hours later, we gathered at a restaurant in St. Cloud for a birthday dinner for Rita’s daughter. When we arrived there, we were able to park right across the street, which hasn’t happened to me since the Covid 19 pandemic.  

Since there was no TV in the restaurant to watch the game, the streets in the area were pretty much deserted.

We didn’t have to wait when we went inside, either. The waitress led us right to our table (for six). Along the way, we passed a group of four at another table who were also enjoying a quiet mid-afternoon dinner. All the other tables were empty.

While we waited for our food  we talked about family stuff, the weather, work, granddaughter Emily’s school and about how so many people were consumed with the Super Bowl halftime show.

Our dinner arrived quickly and we all commented on the good food and fast service. About 30 minutes later, after singing Happy Birthday and some gift opening, it was time to leave.

We got home about a half hour before the Super Bowl kickoff.

I didn’t watch the game.