What we’re reading, listening to and thinking about this month.

Todd R.: As we continue our journey through the Academy Award Best Pictures during this pandemic, Amadeus was a big hit. Now in the middle of Season 4 of Veep, but the Twins and playoff baseball may cause a delay in continuing our journey through the foul-mouthed, disorganized administration of President Selina Meyer. And what do Rhea Seehorn, Bob Odenkirk and Jonathan Banks have to do to earn a little Emmy love?

Alyssa: September has been a welcome back-to-school month for our house, even if most of it is online. I'm working my way through a book called "The WEIRDest People in the World" about how people from W.E.I.R.D. (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich and Democratic) societies are psychologically different from the majority of humanity throughout history. I also watched "The Social Dilemma" about how social media manipulates and addicts us and tried my hand at making fried pickles.  

Rich: September began with Kari and I taking a trip to Grand View Lodge. We had great weather, a beautiful hotel room and spectacular hikes. It was our first excursion from home since the March shutdown. While it was great to get away, we found that the virus still controls much of our lives. Restaurant service was limited, stores were closed or at limited capacity, and interaction with other human beings was difficult.

I have been staying on top of campaigns and politics, reading voraciously and helping candidates we support. I think this really is a critical election and I’m anxious to get to Nov. 4.

We continue to host family, neighbors and friends for backyard, socially distanced cocktail hours and dinner. More than ever, we realize that human beings need meaningful interaction with other human beings. Our backyard events have helped keep us sane. Can’t wait until an effective vaccine brings us back to a more normal life. 

Todd S.: In September, my wife and I have been sucked into some TV binging, including "The Boys," "Cobra Kai" and "Raised by Wolves." I am pivoting back to some old school reading and that starts with a new non-fiction book called, "Love, Zac: Small-town Football and the Life and Death of an American Boy" by Reid Forgrave, who is a reporter covering the Upper Midwest for the Star Tribune. The book is an unflinching look at the issue of concussions and football through the lens of one young man from Iowa who loved the game. The author's goal is not to take sides, but explores the complexities of the issue. Reid is a talented journalist who I have known for almost 20 years, when I hired him as a reporter at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Sarah: Honestly, September went by in a blur. I recently watched "The Take" and the latest episode of "The Great British Bake-off" on Netflix and "Father of the Bride 3(ish)." Otherwise, much of my free time has been spent wedding planning and getting as much done as possible while my fiancé is harvesting.

Anna: The highlight of my month was my family’s road trip to the Black Hills. Amid 100-degree heat followed by record snowfall, we made great memories horseback riding, hiking Black Elk Peak, eating buffalo burgers and having zero personal space in the RV (ha). I also finished Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, an evocative, edge-of-your-seat mystery that is best experienced without any context. Finally, I’ve been listening to Koryn Hawthorne’s new album I AM on repeat – a soulful, spine-tingling blend of pop and gospel. 

Quentin: September has been a month dedicated to exploring new food, places and podcasts.

I loved exploring new and new-to-me restaurants, including the F & B Pop-Up collaboration by the Birchwood Café and the Minnesota Farmers Union, The Lynhall, Vegan East and Sarah Jane’s Bakery. First-time visits to Foxwell and Serge + Jane in Edina were excellent opportunities for a little shop small retail therapy. I’ve got to say I have really missed the in-person interactions with shop owners and getting to explore products by hand. (bonus: both are dog-friendly!) 

With fall in full-swing, I also took advantage of some Twin Cities area pumpkin patches and apple orchards, which felt like great escapes, even if they were just a few miles from my apartment.

It’s been heartwarming to see how our community has safely and creatively adapted to the pandemic. I just hope we can continue to find new ways to support them as the colder weather approaches.

Finally, I found several new podcasts that have delivered some much-needed laughs. “Busy Philipps is Doing Her Best” and “The Michelle Obama Podcast” both deliver uplifting conversations and comedy.