May 13 - Summer Updates

“Home should be an anchor, a port in a storm, a refuge, a happy place in which to dwell, a place where we are loved and where we can love.” –Marvin J. Ashton

This is the first May in ten years that we’re still in Texas. It starts to get hot in Texas around Mother's Day...the temperature rises and the humidity becomes almost unbearable. That’s why we’re usually gone by now, but Covid 19 has changed the world and we’re on hold. We aren’t sure if we’ll even be able to return to The Pearl this season. 

Our marina is a New York State Park and they’re opening the marina on May 15, but so far they aren’t letting anyone spend the night on their vessels. It really doesn’t make sense...we can be there during the day, social distancing from others of course, but we can’t sleep on our boats. I’m sure they’re just following the guidelines for camping at other state parks...no camping...no sleeping on your boats. If the policy doesn’t change early in June...we won’t return this summer.

We have a few other options...none of them are ideal, so we’re still looking, planning and waiting. The boat is stuck on the lake, because the Erie Canal probably won't open in its entirety this season. I’m beginning to miss the open sea and the freedom that it brings.

We have been staying in mostly, since March 14...no dining out, no meals brought in, no shopping, no haircuts and no interaction with other people...except from afar or online. Not hard for us, we have plenty to do at our home. Stan has finished lots of projects that we have put off for years. Me on the other hand...not as energetic. The last few weeks we've visited our Texas grands, no hugs, but playing on the driveway and taking walks. This past weekend we actually acted like the world had returned to normal and had a wonderful Mother’s Day with them.

I saw this somewhere online and wanted to share it with my readers. I really like the last line.

The Day the World Went Crazy 
We fell asleep in one world, and woke up in another. Suddenly Disney is out of magic, Paris is no longer romantic, New York doesn't stand up anymore, the Chinese wall is no longer a fortress, and Mecca is empty. Hugs & kisses suddenly become weapons, and not visiting parents & friends becomes an act of love. Suddenly you realize that power, beauty & money are worthless, and can't get you the oxygen you're fighting for.

The world continues its life and it is beautiful. It only puts humans in cages. I think it's sending us a message: "You are not necessary. The air, earth, water and sky without you are fine. When you come back, remember that you are my guests. Not my masters."

We have a lot of good friends in New York and they're keeping an eye on our Pearl as she patiently awaits our return.

We really wouldn't want to be in Ithaca right now...the weather hasn't been very nice. Snowstorms and lots of rain. I sure hope June brings us better news and better weather for all our New York friends.

A friend sent me this picture last night (5/12) still snowing in upstate NY.

Our marina...almost under water.