Due to business and farm obligations and a husband who is a very capable person who gets a lot accomplished but has an aversion to stepping out of his comfort zone which means going anywhere that he is not familiar with, which means no further than our state lines or the next state over more often than not, we don’t travel much. On occasion, I have managed to talk him into a nice trip somewhere outside “the zone”. Much goes into the actual taking of that trip, ’tis no easy feat, let me tell ya. I make sure all travel plans are laid out well in advance, the destination is mutually agreed upon well in advance, the accommodations are not complicated or iffy in any way, shape or form so that all hopefully runs relatively smoothly and the Mr. can actually relax.
That doesn’t mean the panic doesn’t set in on occasion, regardless. Case in point – Last time we went on a family vacation to St. John, USVI (ten or so years ago now) all was going well, we arrived on St. Thomas after a loong car ride to the insanely congested JFK airport, then an uneventful plane ride, non stop!… then landed on a tiny island airport runway that JEEzus CHRIST really didn’t look possible but hey, we made it, obviously … And the Mr. was still sane. You’d think the scary part was over, right?
We grabbed a van taxi that took us to the ferry dock to board the ferry that would bring us to the island of St. John. The Redhook ferry is not a huge boat – We’re not talking the Staten Island Ferry here – if memory serves me correctly there are two decks, upper and lower – and you could throw a ball in a game of catch from the front to the back if you wanted to. We had a pile of luggage and there were seven of us – we boarded the boat as the luggage was handed to the employees of the ferry – and somehow the Mr. lost sight of us for about 35 seconds. There was only one boat, we were all on it, and you could get a good scope of everyone on board in about 2 minute’s time. You’d have thought we left him on a deserted tropical island with Wilson the volleyball as his only companion for a month.
Then!… after the scorn was laid upon us thick and we reached our destination island, we walked up the street to pick up our rental Jeep. The Mr. suddenly became aware that everyone was driving on the wrong side of the road – and it was determined right in that same moment that I would be the designated driver for the week. Upon arrival at our rented villa, it was also determined that holy-mother’a God the driveway was so steep with no guardrail going down a cliff that said Mr. did not want to trust his wife to navigate, however, the fear of the driving on the wrong side of anything was just too much… and SO… he was indeed stuck with me driving Miss Daisy for the week.
And here we are… preparing to go on another family vacation to the same destination… and I saw the warning signs a few weeks back.
“Ugh, I’ve got so much work piling up, I don’t know. ”
” Jeez, this really isn’t the best time to be going on a vacation, you know? SO MUCH WORK. ”
” This is ridiculous, the stuff just keeps piling up! How can I go away and get anything done?”
Then (when he’s truly already made up his mind and there isn’t going to be any negotiations here at all) … “ I just don’t think I can go with you”.
The corona virus was all he needed to put a big exclamation point on the ordeal, feet dug into the mud of it. “I’M NOT GOING”.
And he’s not. And maybe that’s OK, less stress for me. I’ve done it before without him because the above scenario is not a new one. And.. he can watch the house and look after the animals. But also.. .maybe we shouldn’t go either? I’m on the fence. I’ve asked a few people who travel often, I’ve asked the local Pharmacist, too. They have said – just use the standard precautions – and WASH YOUR HANDS A LOT.
If we don’t go, we will lose all of the money we paid for this trip. And as I’ve said already, we don’t vacation often, we’re really looking forward to it. Anyone have any opinions or advice you care to share? In the meantime, I’ll be keeping an eye on the travel recommendations on the CDC website. So far, travel to the USVI’s is still green lighted.
Also in the meantime, here’s an awesome dessert being shared online that would be perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration…
Bailey’s Chocolate Cheesecake Pots
Ingredients
- 8 (+-140g / 0.59cups) double chocolate Digestive biscuits (in the US Graham crackers are a good equivalent)
- 360g / 1.5 cups full fat cream cheese, chilled
- 60ml / 2 fl oz double cream
- 60ml / 2 fl oz Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur
- 100g / 0.42 cups caster sugar
- 30g / 0.12 cups cocoa powder
To serve
- 125ml / 4.2 fl oz double cream
- ½ tsp caster sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate sprinkles
Roughly chop the biscuits with a sharp knife. Tip: We prefer doing this so that you don’t end up with fine crumbs and powder as you get when you crush them.
Spoon the crumbs into 4x 250ml preserve jars. Set aside. Tip: If you don’t have preserve jars, you could also just use small bowls or drinking glasses.
Place the remaining cheesecake ingredients into a medium-sized bowl. Using an electric mixer beat on low speed just until dry ingredients are combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl then beat again on high speed until the color is uniform and mixture is smooth and has thickened slightly for 1-2 minutes.
Spoon the cheesecake mixture into the preserve jars on top of the biscuit crumbs, close the lids onto each jar, then refrigerate until serving time. Tip: The quickest and neatest way of filling your cheesecake pots is to use a piping bag. Fill a large piping bag with the cheesecake mixture, cut the end of the piping bag off, and then squeeze the mixture into your preserve jars.
Spoon generous dollops of the whipped cream on top of each cheesecake pot, then decorate with chocolate sprinkles.
Cheesecake pots can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, but the biscuit crumb base will lose its crunch after the first day. Still tasty, though!
I say GO. I have had to travel without John to vacation several times as he will decide (at the last minute mind you) that he “can’t go”. Drives me nuts–but okay, too, once I got used to the idea.
If you read deep into the reports the CV is no worse for more people than a common cold–it is the elderly and infirm that are at the highest risk and you don’t fit any of those categories and I’m sure the kiddos don’t either? Just wash your hands a lot and don’t touch your face…it is not airborne but transferred by touching contaminated objects (as I understand it).
Enjoy yourself, Karen. You deserve it. xo xo xo
I think we’re going! Thank you, friend – hope all is well in your world.
I can’t advise, I am your husbands sister by another mother. ha ha.. I hate travel, and don’t do planes or boats or islands. so I will let others give you advice. the only thing I can say is I love to go IF I go without the hubby because he is even worse than I am..
hahahaha… and I must admit, we have had relaxing vacations before when he has danced this same dance.
Only you know what risk level you are comfortable with. It is not a choice for me- having respiratory issues, even going to the market can be risky for me. I am pretty much in self quarantine and the CDC came out today saying seniors should go out as little as possible.
My only concern for you would be you being stranded somewhere because of an outbreak. That being said it would be advantageous to have someone at home to take care of things as many folks are being stranded for many weeks, so hubby not going might be wise?
As for losing deposits, many places and airlines are waiving those fees.
Be careful, take precautions and have a safe and fun trip if you decide to go.
I already looked at the policies… right now where we are going there are no restrictions so they aren’t willing to refund.
Considering the enormity of the COVID-19 pandemic, would the hotel allow you to simply reschedule & save it for another time? It would be rather shocking, considering what’s going on, if they didn’t. The airline will likely do the same. I’m an R.N. here in S.F. & things are REALLY scary, & ramping up. We don’t know all the details & that never feels good. Bottom line, if you don’t have to travel…don’t. LOVE your blog :)))
Ugh, I did inquire – it’s a Villa rental and right now there are no restrictions so they aren’t willing. And now I’m back on the fence, LOL…. thanks for your comment and compliment!
This post made me giggle because I have the same kind of man. However, I have NEVER gotten him to go any further than 200 miles away to the coast.
I would love to go places no matter the risk. You only live once.
I say GO! Your more likely to catch the virus at a Walmart!
Lisa
Lisa we are sisters from another Mister!
Well, it’s no surprise that I say go!
As a wife of a man that has his fair share of travel/work anxiety, I feel for you. Your’s isn’t the first that was nearly undone by the journey to STJ.
Sadly, I am not surprised the villa rental company is firm on their no refund policy, that is very typical on STJ.
That’s a tough call, since you have money in the game. The worst part appears to be the travel, unless the spot in St. Thomas is having issues. I’d check to be sure. I think the Caribbean has so far been pretty safe. That said, getting there is ever so much fun. Rick just flew home from Canada and his seatmate had been in Italy on a study abroad and his school forced him to come home as soon as possible and then not come to school for at least two weeks after he got back. So, if he’s exposed, a small town in mid-Michigan may be (and Rick too). I’m very edgy about him going to the trade show next week, but it’s work and unless they cancel, too late and too expensive to pull out now.
For me, plane travel would not be an option right now. I have too many underlying medical conditions that would make getting this a serious issue and not just an uncomfortable and miserable event. I still haven’t booked flights or hotels to England for this fall yet and am a bit on hold on that. Who was it that said “There will always be an England”? Well, I’d rather go in September but there’s still time to think that. I’m not being totally reclusive now but I’m somewhat self-quarantining here — not because of exposure but because of fear of it. I’ll go to lunch or the store, but avoiding movie theatres, etc. And over sanitizing!
I know whatever decision you make will be well thought out and perhaps the lack of stress will be a plus. Whatever you choose, I wish you well.
Well, shoot, I was gonna say “Take me” but as someone mentioned above; guess I’m a designated “elderly” person – ugh!
Just send me a postcard! And, have fun! But, you best let me know before you leave so I know when it’s time to pray. (Just kidding) 🙂
xoxo
Would you still go if you could get a refund? Maybe there lies your answer.
I’m glad you’re going! I’ve been married twice now (ahem) and time away from the hubs is always good on occasion because absence does make the heart grow fonder and all that jazz! Seriously, he’d be miserable and you’re going to have a fun time. Can’t wait to read about the trip!
The only thing I wouldn’t do right now for obvious reasons is go on a cruise. Which you’re not. Have fun!
In ordinary times I’d say get going in a heartbeat. These days, not so much. While I don’t have any underlying health issues I am still in that “older” group so I don’t want to take any chances. Whatever you decide to do, stay safe.
Already went and back home… post to come.