Covid Lockdown Day 19

We are continuing to shelter in place at our RV resort just west of Orlando Florida. I feel pretty safe here, in fact we have had very little social contact and always maintaining the 6-10 feet. In fact, it has been over two weeks since we were inside of any brick and mortar store. Utilizing the online apps and curbside pickups, we simply park in the designated spot, call the store, and within a minute an employee loads the groceries into our truck. Then it is home to disinfect everything!

In between today’s text I have added some pictures from our mid February day trip to Mount Dora Florida. A very quaint and picturesque town where we had a great seafood lunch. Thanks to Rick Sparks for the tip! And Sue and Calvin for the great place to eat right on the lake.

We are very fortunate and our family is doing fine at all of their locations. Since we rarely leave the RV park, our existence is inside the coach, sitting outside under the awning, and going for walks around the park. I’m still averaging about 2 miles a day. Our daily walks are now earlier in the day with the Florida weather in the low 90’s. There has been no rain for a month!

We do have an occasional happy hour with our good friends Cal and Sue next door. Maintaining about 10 feet we grab our drinks and chairs and sit outside in the shade and chat about the day’s events and our current concerns. Trying to solve the world’s issues. And laugh a little.

Of course we talk to the kids occasionally as well. One of my old co-workers back in Virginia said that they played Yahtzee with their son’s family via Facetime. Sounds like a cool idea to keep in touch and have fun.

Pat and I spend most days reading, playing card games and working on hobbies. Lots of good home cooked meals as well. I remember our last meal at sit down restaurant in early March. I wonder if restaurants will ever be the same again? If they will always have to keep a six foot clearance among patrons in the future?

We do have a swimming pool here that is very little used. No wonder. On these 90 degree days, I have been very tempted, thinking the virus cannot live in the chlorine water. But, not taking any chances, I have not.

It has been very unusual to be in a location and not be out exploring. Normally we would have explored the small neighboring towns, visited the history museum, and eaten lunch out a few times. And browsed the historic downtown stores.

Some shopping feedback from neighbors. One couple said that went to Publix on one of the first early morning “seniors only” sessions. The parking lot was full and a mad rush when the doors opened. Did not work as they planned, so our neighbors just left to come back during normal hours. Publix needs to study the local demographics. Another neighbor went to pick up their curbside delivery and someone else just mistakenly paid and picked it up without checking. Some learning curve to this new situation.

Pat was getting a little nervous as our toilet paper stash was beginning to dwindle. After many online searches she was very excited to finally find some and place an order. The only downsides were the required full case quantity and they were the huge commercial rolls. That will be interesting.

Since there is no timeline for when this might end, we will continue to stay here and enjoy the warm weather and sunshine. Play with some hobbies and take a few daily walks. I’ve dug out my ham radio stuff and almost have the antenna ready to install. It will be interesting to hear others stories from around the US and the world.

Our family is happy and healthy and our life goes on with very little disruption. Until hurricane season comes around July at least. We have binge watched about half of a new Netflix series called Locke and Key. Kind of a spooky show, but good. What have you been watching that is good?

On another note my hair had gotten quite long over the winter. With no hair places open, out came the electric clippers. Using a mirror is a real pain I tell you, but I think it came out halfway decent! It is very short now and feels great with the hot weather.

Our cell phones lit up with one of the noisy public safety alerts yesterday. It said to stay at home if 65+ or having medical conditions. Well, I beat them to it for 19 days so far!

This morning our church back in Virginia (Draper Valley Presbyterian) held their service in a real time live streaming session on Youtube. Very nice.

But this too will pass. Keep your faith and do your part in social distancing. God bless.