Paul and Andrea's Covid Escape Nov 23-Dec 10

[Andrea J.]

I have been reading Tracey's and Bri's report beginnings and they both said it very well.
This is a very different kind of trip. A trip that Paul and I are somewhat uncomfortable taking.
What makes it uncomfortable is that our kids cannot/will not be coming to our house for Christmas due to Covid concerns and their need to quarantine when they return home. Add to that they want us to go to their house instead and we just cannot. We'd have to quarantine there and it is bad enough quarantining in one's own house, but to quarantine in an upstairs bedroom away from the kids is just unthinkable and we will not do it.
So I am dealing with GUILT. We are going to Aruba and I am thrilled. I just feel guilty about missing the kids.
Then again, enough coconut rum and pineapple juice will help me "be guilt free"

Testing experiences.......... we went to the Florida Public Health and got the nasopharyngeal PCR test (aka nasal route to brain). It was a piece of cake and it was not horrible. That test was free. They did not ask for insurance info. That test was at 2 pm and they said we'd have results before 2 pm on Thursday.

The 2nd test (my belts and suspenders ocd plan) was at CVS. It was also a drive thru self test with supervision. The pharmacist or employee instructed us on how to pierce our own brains thru the nostril........then that was sent off and was told that the result would be by Wednesday 6 pm. They took our Medicare and Advantage plan #s.

So, we are virtually packed. Meaning not at all. All the crapola is all over the dining room table. The bagels are bought and in the freezer. My Christmas cards for 2021 are stamped and ready to be watercolored in Aruba....while I am sitting in the room at night after the Casino. I also have a diamond dot painting that I will work on.

Seriously, I can do my craft projects at home, but in Aruba at night without a project makes me bored.
I will attach a photo of 1 finished watercolored snowman.

So tomorrow a nail fill and a pedicure and some packing.

I am wishing all of us November travelers much ease and safe travels.

[B Likes To Travel]

Can’t wait for you to get that rum and pineapple!

[LisaGrn]

Andrea, you need to pack! LOL!!
When is your friend arriving to pet sit?

[Andrea J.]

I would so love to turn into the inebriated ocd anxiety riddled beach bum.

Can’t wait for you to get that rum and pineapple!

[Andrea J.]

yes I do!
the friend/pet sitter is a long story.
will write more tomorrow

Andrea, you need to pack! LOL!!
When is your friend arriving to pet sit?

[ArubaAce]

I wish you guys a safe, fun and relaxing trip as well as safe return.The times we are living in. Who would have thought! I hope I make my trip in December. Still having some mobility issues and a little unnerving.

[mjh]

That is a great snowman. Excellent. I have zero talent for doing artwork. Have a fabulous trip and a very happy Thanksgiving.

[brady bear]

Snowman is very nice.
Andrea, pack simple; if you're just doing beach; rum and pineapple juice.

[SkiChris]

Hi Andrea - congratulations on completing the test part of your travel journey. Finding a test location and waiting for the results is the stressful / complicated part of the travel experience - but once you get your results, all the anxiety melts away and it is all smooth sailing from there to the happiest island in the Caribbean. You are going to have a very unique but truly amazing vacation. You have worked very hard to support all of us Forum members all year and no one deserves a vacation more than you. Thanks for all that you do.

[WaltVB]

Safe flight you guys, see you soon!