It’s Day 412 of 15 Days to Flatten the Curve. Deb and I are ok.
Since we’ve been on the road, a few folks have expressed curiosity about masks — wondering if we’ve worn them, inquiring about whether the states we’ve visited require them. To the former, it should be clear by now that Deb and I choose not to wear masks unless it’s absolutely necessary to get what we need or want.
As for the states in which we’ve stopped or that we’ve passed through so far, both Indiana (where we stayed overnight) and Illinois (where we spent as little time as possible) appeared still to be on the masking bandwagon. We donned face diapers when paying for diesel, entering a tourist-information building to snag a paper map and so on.
A disturbing number of people we saw in those states wore their masks outdoors.
Missouri has been a different story. This state feels more like America, with compliant maskers very much in the minority and none of the establishments (that we’ve encountered, anyway) requiring patrons to mask-up. I’d put employee masking at 25%, maybe even less.
We’re committed to traveling, damn the rules, enjoying Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness. We’re not the least bit interested in stopping — or in masking, isolating, vaccinating or flattening anything but the State’s attempts to treat us like subjects.
Over the last eight days, it’s been good to see that the vast majority of Missourians agree with us. We look forward to finding many more such pockets of The Real America.
It’s Mother’s Day, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that I have the joy and privilege of sharing this journey with The All-Time Best Mom Ever. For 16 years Deb’s shown me what it takes to be a parent — the intuition as well as the sacrifices. Two young men making their way in this world are evidence of her passion for raising them the right way.
So, my precious Deborah, here’s wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day. You’re better at That Mom Thing than anyone I’ve ever known.
Thunderstorms rolled through overnight, bringing heavy rain and high winds. The day’s been dreary, drizzly and chilly, which for the moment really doesn’t cramp our style. It’s springtime in the American Midwest, after all, and life on the road is still life, with plenty to keep us occupied when weather doesn’t cooperate.
Since Friday’s electrical snafus, I’d re-confirmed the function of everything except the generator (which wouldn’t run that morning because the house batteries were so depleted). I took advantage of a break in the rain early this afternoon to fire it up and operate it under load for a half-hour. I’m glad to report that it performed flawlessly — it ran smoothly and put out the juice required to power the coach.
I removed the load, gave the generator five minutes to cool down and shut it off, reconnecting shore power just as a light rain picked back up.
Deb wished out loud this morning for days when we’re actually living outside again, like we did last year on weekend escapes in the Bumper Bunker. She yearns for mountain views, long walks, warm sun and weeks of blue skies. Me, too.
Those days are coming, I believe, and soon.
Take care of yourselves, Patriots. Stay calm. Stay sharp. Stay free.
#WiseUp #LibertyOrDeath