Archive: Flying down and driving back from hurricane prep
Posted By RichC on June 28, 2020
Flew on the airlines for the first time since COVID19 to Florida via Baltimore (photo BWI terminal above) last week and thankfully the flights and negotiating the airport was uneventful. Besides a computer glitch which backed up lines on check in, everything else went smoothly. It is yet to be seen if the rise in cases and hospitalizations in Florida (Texas and other states) is going to change the return to a somewhat normal pattern for traveling, 
but at least as of June 2020 the trip down and drive back went well (Oddity: only one flight attendant working on my Southwest flight from BWI to FLL seemed to be resisting the “wear a mask” policy .. strange?)
Besides the condo cleaning (ugh, really needed Brenda) the closing up for hurricane season and repairing was “as expected.” 
When things are old, they degrade .. and I really wasn’t overly shocked at the rust behind the chrome bathtub fitting; there must have had a lot of water dripping behind it? I replaced the cheaper fixture with stainless steel screwed “sturdier handle” that should last longer than the previous one.
One of the security sensor continues to fall off the 3M foam tape so along with replacing the batteries, I added a couple small screws to prevent the glues from letting go again (photo left). I definitely do not like false “door opening” warnings on my phone!
The old Office Depot corporate campus building in Delray Beach is coming down and according to the preliminary plans, a new walk-able 49 acre shopping area may take its place in the Germantown Road/Congress Road intersection. I’m sure it will not happen overnight, but it was good to see the demolition taking place as I’d love having this within walking distance (current demolition and 2018 architectural concept below).
After a few days closing up the condo, I headed to the boat with the full intention of meeting an engine repair guy. While I touched-base a few times, I sensed that he was having second thoughts and making up excuses. Sure enough, after I picked up the parts I had ordered for the heat exchanger and cooling system (ordered the previously), he canceled on me. So I pondered tackling it in the 90 degree heat by myself and decided instead to just do the hurricane preparation for Encore. Thankfully all went well, but I definitely am not used to the high summer Florida heat and humidity … it wasn’t a relaxing time on the boat. Who knows what he future holds?
I headed back to the aging Honda Odyssey minvan (dead battery .. another pain but thankfully I had my tools and jump starter with me). After installing a new battery, I checked in with the Bed and Breakfast (an inside joke) outside of Savannah GA. As always, they welcomed my stopping and it gave use time to catch up on things. Mark has been busy around their new house with a lot improvements. He never stops doing things – probably why we get along so well? Besides the house and his garage workshop projects, he has also been paying attention to his health. I was shocked how great he looked (minus 30 lbs!!!) He is an inspiration for me to be sure!
As usual, Dar and he fixed a great dinner pork on the grill dinner and always make it special adding “green beans” to the meal (my favorite veggie – I don’t get them at home). Mark showed off his “old is new again” Crosley record player (turntable) and re-collection of old albums. Definitely enjoyable to listen to the old pops and crackles of vinyl – who would have thunk it? (Taylor would love it) The conversation never stopped and carried us past midnight .. I slept like a rock.
With all that is going on in the country, it is sure nice to have friends who are caring and reflective of what Americans “can be” if they chose. We need more Jones! Thanks Mark and Dar.
Heading towards home – South to North Carolina boarder
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