Missouri Ozarks Why of all places, would Don and I go to Branson, MO? This isn't our vacay choice, even when there's no pandemic. This was all part of a complicated plan to have a safe visit with my dad in Springfield, 45 minutes away. We needed a decent place to stay, until we got the all clear from Dad's assisted living facility. Safe Marriott Just off Branson's main street craziness, we booked a quiet and safe Marriott through a timeshare swap. We'll stay here until we're cleared for a visit. All felt safe when we arrived yesterday. Marriott follows strict covid guidelines, so we know we'll be able to isolate safely and not put my 92 year old dad at risk. The masked staff was professional at check in. They even offered complimentary masks. We mostly avoided the elevator, but it was made as safe as possible. There was a large reminder sign, as well as a dispenser for sanitizing wipes. Home for a Week? Our room was on the third floor, so we got some exercise using the stairs. Yay for open air corridors and stairs. Seems rare for a Marriott, but so preferred during these times. We did the budget route and booked a studio. Not much space, if we end up spending a week here. But it's clean and cozy and I really can't complain. When I look at our crowded space, I'm reminded of my Dad's studio apartment, at his assisted living facility. He has spent many months of 2020, quarantined alone, a space just like this. I so hope we are able to meet him. Killing Time in Branson Today I got up very early and ran in the fog. I passed 2 putt-putt golf courses and laughed. Oh how I loved Branson as a kid. Luckily Don and I are fine without playing mini-golf with the dinos. There are tons of options for music shows and jamborees. No desire to do that either, but evidently lots of tourists are eager. They seem to be flocking to Branson this fall, because it's a tourist destination that is NOT shut down. I still believe we're "quarantining in Branson"! Food Outing We aren't doing the tourist thing, but we do need to eat. Don and I made one trip to stock up at a grocery store. I laughed when I spotted this car parked in front. The cat-eyed taillights reminded me of childhood trips to the Ozarks. Oh how I loved riding in the car on the hilly roads, searching for this eerie cat image! Later, we passed this yellow building. Ugh. Not long ago, the Dixie Outfitters store, made national news. Last June, I cringed as I watched two groups in front of this yellow building. Peaceful Black Lives Matters protestors and locals draped in confederate flags... Safe and Cozy Marriott I was glad to just get back to our hotel room and hunker down as the rain moved in. No desire to be anywhere else. We now have food in the fridge and some fall decor. We had a cozy afternoon and I called Dad. He said all Covid tests at his facility have come back negative!
That's a much better call than the one a week ago. Dad had suggested we put off the visit, since there were new Covid concerns at his facility. It feels like we're walking on eggshells, attempting a visit. But winter is coming and time's running out for safe outdoor visits. Fingers crossed.
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Not-So-Happy List
Cancer, Covid & Coronary... I started this complaining list/blog, in May 2016. I posted 200 gripes about my breast CANCER and then I was done. On March 13, 2020, I started venting all over again, when another disease (starting with a C) interfered with my life. This time it was the invasion of COVID and it affected every person. I ranted for a year, until I got my COVID vaccine in March 2021. CORONARY Artery Disease was the reason I restarted this blog on September 26, 2021. This time it was my hubby Don, who was dealing with a worry that started with the letter "C". Coronavirus and Cancer, Coronary Artery Disease! All are evil, but none can totally get me down... if I vent! I usually end up feeling a little more positive at the end of each post! Navigating This Mess! The most recent post is at the top, from coronary posts in 2022, back to cancer posts in 2016. To find past posts, look below the "Archives" section, to find "Categories". Archives
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