Ready to go Home!

 

We just returned our rental car across the street at the Hertz kiosk.  Jim said he is always relieved to return a car having had no problems.  I  feel confined not to have the freedom of a car.  We made one last trip to Dollar Tree (where all items are now $1.25) and got gas (which is a bit of a challenge when the car is unfamiliar, the pumps are unfamiliar, and we are used to NJ having no self serve.) We didn't use the car much--filled the tank with $1.76! 

The weather yesterday was exciting but not good for being outdoors.  We went out

for one walk and turned back because of a sudden downpour.  The sun was shining at the same time--prime conditions for a rainbow.  And yes, there was a beautiful rainbow over the bay.  I quickly photographed it--it did not last long.  Later we attempted another walk, and the wind was so strong that we came right back in again.  All day long the wind howled outside our fifth floor condo.  But there was plenty of football to watch on TV.  (update--there were tornadoes in Naples--not all that far from here!)

Three more days to figure out meals.  One more treat of margaritas and nachos at the tiki bar at Tradewinds, one more IHOP breakfast which would mean a light supper at the condo, and one more to be determined.  The microwave meals we had last night were as always beautiful on the cover and pretty awful to eat. Jim was satisfied.  I am the complainer!  I will not be tempted by that again.  Bread and cheese is far better in my mind.

Plenty of sports on TV today for MLK Day.  And the sun just came out so maybe it will warm up a bit.  (later--watched ND over Howard 71-68 in a special game for MLK Day on Fox held in Washington, DC)

I am wondering if this is our last trip to Florida.  We certainly cannot predict our health for a year from now.  We have thought that if we come again, we may consider a leisurely drive here to avoid the madness and lack of control of air travel.  Plus then we would have a car here.  

Covid has added an element of stress to everything.  We wore our masks in the airports and plane.  We wear our masks in the elevator here and are asked to have just one party on the elevator at a time.  I worry about getting infected here and how would we isolate?  We would have to find another place to stay and try to avoid each other.  

Trying to be positive about all of this, I am thinking that isn't it a good thing that we like being home?  That we like our apartment and our routines and being near Jeff and Susan at least?  That it is good to know who to call if we have medical needs? That we can eat healthfully at home?  I am just not the restless, exploring person I used to be.  Maybe that is a shame and maybe it is a good thing at our age to be at that stage in life.