Big change in plans

We knew it would happen, but we were keeping out fingers crossed. But we just learned that we don’t need to begin working our way slowly north at the end of the month, as the Kentucky Derby has been rescheduled – at least for now – to the first Sunday in September. So, with no particular desire to get on the road with the current panic in the US, we have asked the RV Park if we can stay another month, and fortunately, they said “yes”. We will figure out what happens next after the month brings us more news on the Coronavirus.

We did make one good decision while trying to get a few fill-in things at Target. The Woman decided she wanted a medical thermometer, but of course in the in-store CVS and in the personal care aisles, every single shelf or rack for thermometers was empty. The Woman decided maybe we should try the infant section, and lo and behold, there actually was a baby thermometer there. Thank goodness a baby thermometer and one for adults has only one difference – a picture of a baby on the packaging.

While I know we have been sheltered here – Biloxi just isn’t as dense as most of the US, and the local governments aren’t as inclined to make really tough restrictions – but everything here is weird. The mall is empty, retail stores, most of which are still open, have very few patrons. Our Waffle House has posted their take-out phone number in all their windows. Some National retail chains have just shuttered up all their locations – this Stein Mart is literally shuttered!

The Woman went to her physical therapy session today. Before agreeing to treat her, they took her temperature, and then monitored her in a room, presumably to look for signs of coughing or other respiratory stress. When they specifically asked her if she had been to New Orleans recently, she couldn’t help but tell the truth. She thought they were going to turn her away on the spot, but when her temperature was normal and she showed no respiratory symptoms, they finally treated her.

Today on live TV Trump said he was very disappointed in young folk still going out to dinner and not heeding his recommendations regarding social distancing. And yet, yesterday we visited the Gulf Islands Visitor Center operated by the National Park Service. There were way more than 10 people in that very small building. Today we thought about visiting Ship Island, also a National Park Service site, and also still open and operating.  However, to get there, you have to spend an hour each way on a small, crowded ferry boat. Don't federal government recommendations apply to the National Park Service? Sadly, another iconic festival has been cancelled due to Covid-19.

While Mississippi has not instituted a statewide closure on restaurants and bars, there is very little activity for those that remain open. There is a Waffle House on the corner of the RV Park, and we have been there a couple of times to contribute to their employee’s tips – oh, and get a pretty yummy breakfast as well. The last time we went, we were the only people in there. 

So, as you can see, our local Waffle House is encouraging calling and ordering take out, which I have done, carefully practicing my social distancing. Sadly, the usual 5 or 6 person crew at the Waffle House is now down to 2 – one to answer the phone and one to cook. The person answering the phone can also play the server if someone actually wants to eat in the store. While I know what the sign says, somehow I don’t think this restaurant is really hiring right now.

Talk to you soon.