The news items seem to have major changes and new updates everyday. Our society is on hold for now. I wish I knew for how long. We are in some strange times. In the meantime, we are staying in (or around our site), and staying put in our remote area of south Florida – day 9 so far. With all of the near panic driven news, I thought it would be nice to post a peaceful blog update from our February visit to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. But then, I thought that might look a little weird with us out and about in huge crowded spaces. So, instead I have reverted to some thoughts and a walking tour through our RV park in pictures.
Our son Ross has a small retail/wholesale business in Virginia. All the small businesses in the country will have some serious challenges if this thing goes for awhile.
A few hardy shuffleboard players. 
Bocce ball courts 
Horseshoe pits 
My former employer, Federal-Mogul Corp, in Blacksburg Virginia, has decided to temporarily close operations due to the major automakers closing up shop. Think they are taking it one week at a time.
The businesses associated with grocery and drug stores are doing a great business as is Clorox. Our daughter Audrey works at a Virginia Walmart. I worry about her exposure to others. Her job is to fill the online orders for curbside pickup. And they are very busy during this time. We should all be very grateful for the medical, truck drivers, emergency services and grocery store employees .
I may have mentioned in a previous blog that Pat and I have been discussing slowing down our RV travels. Well, this was not what I had in mind. But, you know, you need to review your situation and reassess sometimes. One idea is to just travel south in the winter and a few RV trips during the summer. We’ll see.
We had started talking about buying another home back near our hometown of Christiansburg, Virginia. Maybe after this pandemic is over would be a good time. Home prices may drop due to the reduced demand and stock market instability. Or would the supply of homes dry up due to nobody wanting to have strangers walk through. Don’t know, but I’m hoping for a good buying opportunity.
Wood carvers and stained glass workshop. 
Wood and metal shops. 
The stock market has now lost all of the gains from the last three years. It is painful to check your 401k or IRA. I know. But, until it is cashed out, the losses are only on paper. Needless to say, but I will not touch it for awhile. I’m more long term investor and for sure not a day trader. Can never time it right.
The Florida governor has finally closed all bars, nightclubs and many beaches. I just could not believe all pictures of the spring breakers on crowded beaches and bars just two days ago. Very sad the number of downstream people who will be infected from that behavior. The Florida restaurants now have a max 50% occupancy mandate.
The latest reports are showing that about 50% of the hospitalizations are for those under 65 years old, so it is not just an over 65 risk. Am I worried? Just some good concern. We are both healthy without underlying concerns, except the age group. I would rather not go through the illness and then possibly expose it to someone else unknowingly during the early no symptoms phase.
In my opinion, President Trump has done an outstanding job during this situation. Whatever your party, whether Republican or Democrat, this is the time to support him. I just cannot imagine the stress level of no doubt the most stressful position in the world, before this crisis. Many folks don’t like his style or orange skin, but he is the perfect type leader to ensure all that can be done is being done.
Our large grocery order is now at Walmart for a pickup tomorrow. The Walmart rep will bring the order out and place it into the truck. Then we get home, suit up some PPE, disinfect all the stuff, take off PPE, and then wash up. Is it perfect, probably not. Is it overkill, probably.
Below is my updated tracker. Many new tests have been given. The social isolation impact will not show an improvement in the numbers for several more days.
Our Florida weather has been near to perfect with highs in the upper 80’s and lows in the mid 60’s. It has been great to get out and go for three walks a day.
Thanks for following along! My next update will be not focused on the crisis. Just need some material… Take care, God Bless, and say a prayer for our country.
Looks like a great area to spend sometime.
Stay safe Randy, we will keep the prayers going … Volvo just announced locally they are shuttering production as well for a time … Can you imagine the update to the FLASH our leaders at FM would be asking for in this crazy climate??
Hope you are well Kevin. No, can’t imagine still working at FM with the French VP demanding “recovery plans” to get the financials back on plan!