by Linda Laughter, guest blogger

Trips are fun to plan, and the time spent in a vacation spot is always memorable.

This year our travel to one of our favorite locations, Galveston, Texas was cut short. I was looking forward to writing a blog about this great trip. Upon arriving we visited a wonderful historical mansion that was built when ships were the way to get to this port. As an architect and designer, we love the details that are no longer applied to current styles. 

We were able to capture one night of bright lights and far flung beads as we stood on the sidewalk and watched the Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras parade in the old part of downtown.  We mingled with new friends and shared great Tex-mex at a family style table.

If you know me, I like to paint our adventures and I was able to capture some of the local birds.

Our family came from Michigan and Dallas to share a birthday. We had a party with a seafood boil including fresh crab, corn, potatoes and shrimp. Yet, in the corner of our minds was this virus that was beginning to take hold around the world. Suddenly, we realized we needed to react to prevent our family and friends from falling ill. Out came the hand sanitizer, small and large hands were washed thoroughly, and the decision was made to head home. I love this place of sun and sea but as baby boomers, the family convinced us to make the 3 day drive home earlier than expected.

The store shelves were getting empty as we purchased for the trip. At one stop, the sanitizer was on lock down. Our hot meal at the hotel consisted of a muffin, granola bar and my favorite, a banana wrapped in cellophane.

The amazing thing was, the RV rigs, and cars with license plates from Canada, Wisconsin and points north, all seemed to travel with no undo urgency. We were all on a pilgrimage to our homes and we felt lucky to have one. At rest stops, everyone kept their distance, but there were smiles and nods as we all knew we are in this together.

The only folks rushing were the huge 18 wheelers as they carried products across the nation. They all seemed on a mission….maybe a little fast at some points! They needed to restock America.

So, this wasn’t the winter break we had been expecting, the lazy beach time was cut short. Life does that to you every now and then. We are quarantined safe at home now. Family is chatting via the internet.

 I have faith, we as families and as a nation will get through this with patience and grace.

So, stay home and wash your hands!

Peace.

Linda lives in Ada, Michigan with her husband Don and dachshund, Jack. She loves interior design, art, travel and her family. She tries to combine as many of these things as she can in her adventures.