Our summer in Somerset PA had fallen into a familiar routine. Since my last post, Bill completed 3 more solar installs. We have been very grateful our clients have been cooperative with regards to COVID19, appreciating the precautions we are taking to help everyone stay safe and healthy.

We’ve also, of course, have spent a lot of time with our kids and Freya. Billy has come out and helped Bill with the installs, which was wonderful. We’ve kept our “bubble” small, continuing to use curbside pickups and only twice heading into Lowe’s for a last-minute part. We’ve also had take-out a few times, pizza, Chinese and Jamaican.

One visit into Lowe’s didn’t go well. The store had signs out front that masks were required – awesome! Sadly, it wasn’t so awesome once we got inside. Employees all had them, but some were being used as chin straps instead of actually on their faces. Customers were about 50% with/50% without – basically no enforcement at all. Bill and I, as quickly as we could, grabbed the few things we needed. We struggled to find the last item on the list, so we needed to ask an employee where to find it. He was wearing a mask, so we choose him over others. When he looked up the item on his phone, he then pulled down his mask and attempted to take a couple of steps toward us to show us his phone. We, of course, backed up. We then decided to go look more on our own (turned out they didn’t have the item in stock.) When we got outside and into the car, I decided to call and speak to the manager about our experience. He was apologetic and said he would talk to to the employee, but he said he “can’t control the customers” even though the signs out from clearly said masks required. Me, being me, said “Well, I bet if I walked into your store naked right now, you’d control that!” *crickets*

From now on, we will pre-order online and pick-up at the desk. No more shopping in-store for us.

You may remember, in my last post, we were still somewhat undecided about heading to NJ for our time off from installs. Michelle and Derek had already made their decision not to go, but we were still on the fence. Ultimately, in consideration of NJ virus numbers on a steady downturn, we opted to go.

Our first stop was the Ephrata Elks for one night. Billy came for dinner, a campfire and smore’s.

The drive from Ephrata PA to East Windsor NJ was an easy one. Our friends were waiting for us, and watched from across the yard while we parked. It was terribly hard to not get our usual hugs from the Infosino’s. We had discussed beforehand the “rules” for our visit. We would be staying outside and maintain at least 6′ of distance at all times. Two of their family members work at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold NJ, which was one of the worst-hit hospitals in the state. Ulrica is a Pharmacist, so doesn’t have a lot of patient contacts, but son Ben works in the CCU with all-day direct patient contact. Thankfully, that hospital never ran out of PPE. Also Oma is elderly and no one wanted to put her at risk.

The following day, picnic tables were set further apart than usual. Extra fans were put out to help the gentle breezes. Extra fold-up tables were also set up with pop-up awnings to help block the sun. Each family brought their own food and had their own table; the only downside was we had to talk a bit louder to be heard. Bill and I used our own bathroom, but others just put on their masks to go inside to use the facilities. There was hand sanitizer at each table. It was truly the best that could be done to have the gathering and keep everyone safe and healthy. We were able to enjoy everyone’s company and felt safe doing so.

Our final day visiting, Bill smoked a pork butt and we enjoyed another socially distant meal of pulled pork with our friends.

I have to comment that this was our first experience with having to deal with the realities of the virus up close and personal. I know I talked about going into Lowe’s above, but this was different. We’ve been seeing these friends, at least yearly, and enjoying their company, sharing stories, both joyous and sad. Receiving and giving hugs – and this year that just wasn’t possible to do, and that makes me sad. It doesn’t mean we aren’t still friends, doesn’t mean we won’t return when we can, but while we made the best of a bad situation, the virus was a damper on the festivities. It drove home the fact that we still need to be so careful. I don’t want to catch it, but more importantly, I don’t want to pass it to my pregnant daughter, or so my granddaughter or even to my son.

Some people have made the difficult decision to not see their family at all. I cannot imagine how that would be. It would break my heart, but if I thought for one second there was a chance I could have this terrible virus, I wouldn’t see my kids either. Just like when we first arrived in PA, Bill and I quarantined for 2 weeks before we saw Michelle and the baby. Depending how the rest of our NJ time goes, we may do it again upon our return.

Bill and I continue to wish each of you safe and healthy travels amid this pandemic.

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