WorldTravelReynolds

The Texas flag was nice to see in many yards as we were walking.

While we try to settle down for a new “temporary” norm, it’s hard to imagine the magnitude this virus has impacted everyones lives. Just less than 10 days ago on my last post, the US was at 21,000 active cases. Today, we are at 143,532 active cases. 2,572 confirmed deaths. Globally there are 741,030 cases and 35,114 deaths.

Empty playgrounds reminds us of how this has affected our children and families.

In the US it’s not expected to peak for another two weeks. Our world is under attack by an invisible enemy thats hard to beat. But, we will win. We will beat it. Our powerful God will make sure of that! The world as we knew it has changed. This time of social distancing makes us see that little things do matter and we should not take them for granted.

Warning signs set up to remind parents of safety concerns.

Being so close to family for 12 days and unable to be close to them is hard. Yes, we can talk on the phone or text but its not the same as a nice warm hug filled with love. Or, sitting around a dinner table laughing and sharing our lives.

Our beautiful great granddaughter Charlie Lake

We have decided to extend our stay in our apartment another 3 weeks so we’ll be here until May 8th. Then we’ll visit more family in East Texas. Since we have canceled all our trips up to July 1, we have plenty of time to get through this horrific period and hopefully back to our world traveling. To keep ourselves busy, we have been walking in the park daily.

Her buddy and protector, “Bo”

A few people and kids are out walking as well but doing very well at practicing their social distancing. This gives a whole new meaning to being in ones “space”. Shame on those that choose not to do what the government guidelines set forth. This virus will peak sooner rather than later if we all do our part. The more the illness is spread, the longer it will take to fight it. 

The park and walking trails are very pretty here.

We went to the grocery store to pick up more groceries. This time we chose a grocery store as opposed to Walmart, a big box store that carries more than just groceries. During our first visit we needed other items and was hoping we could get all in one place. For only grocery items its best to stick to a market or chain grocery.

Social distancing can easily be done here with two paths!

The shelves were much fuller and much more of a selection. Although we have yet to find hand sanitizer. I found an “approved”  recipe to make some from isopropyl alcohol, glycerol, hydrogen peroxide and distilled water. It’s always good to have this on hand even when traveling. We use alcohol wipes on airplane seats, arm rests and trays. So, we are always in need of some.

This was once our house in Bedford many years ago. It has a diving pool in the backyard and is at the corner in a cul-de-sac. Perfect for our needs at the time.

Our other time has been spent ordering some items we need and having them delivered. We were so accustomed to the “overnight” or two day delivery before we left for our travels that we were shocked that some items are taking more than a week. It’s amazing how every aspect of our life is now affected by this virus. Just as World War I & II and the 9-11 tragedy left a mark on our lives, so will this COVID-19 virus. It brings to mind the song “where were you when the world stopped turning?” (by Alan Jackson)

Shelves were stocked with meat times once again. Much different than 10 days ago.

A major crises has once again had an affect on every single one of us, just in a different fashion.  We look forward to the day we can roam freely again without as much worry about contracting or passing along a deadly virus to our friends, family or even strangers.

I thought this picture was perfect for what we are going through right now.

Hopefully this is a great lesson to all of us to turn to God more, not just for ourselves but for our country and the world itself. I pray daily He will heal our world and free us all from the grips of this horrific situation. 

May He bless us all and keep us safe.

Chuck & Lea Ann