We had planned to go to MO the second week in March but that’s when there were so many unknowns about the virus. We were going to go during spring break and get things done in the apartment, get the internet hooked up, get some more furniture. Chad, Nicole and Addie were in Louisiana for spring break. We’d have everything done by the time they got back and then Addie could stay with us. We had planned to stay three weeks. Then, with Louisiana already having a lot of cases, and Chad, Nicole and Addie had been all over without any social distancing, we decided we’d better just stay home. And . . here we are . . almost two months later and we still haven’t been to MO. I’ve paid rent now for five months and have not spent the first night in the apartment.
Vince and I had planned to go and spend our three weeks there as soon as we felt it was safe to do so. We haven’t gotten to that point yet but with things opening up in Texas and Missouri, we’re kinda watching to see what happens. But now . . we have the garden in full swing and someone has to be here to take care of it. Even with automatic timers for the watering, we’re using well water and one has to go off and another has to come on and that goes on most of the day. One little glitch and no one near to check on it and we could ruin our well so I came up with this idea . . How about, when we’re sure it’s safe to go, I go to MO and spend just a few days and I bring Addie back with me and she can spend 3 or 4 weeks here in Texas? Vince liked that idea so I called Nicole and talked to her about it. I asked her to just casually talk to Addie about it and make sure she understands that it’s a long trip from here to there so if she says she wants to come, she really needs to be sure she’s ready to stay for a few weeks and not realize at bed time that she’d like to go home.
Nicole talked to her last night. She explained that things were going to start opening on Monday in Missouri – not everything and the places that did open, things might be different. Addie’s first question was . . does this mean Granny is coming on Monday? Nicole told her no . . that they had to wait probably a few weeks to make sure there wouldn’t be an increase in cases and to make sure it was safe since Granny had to drive so far and stop at bathrooms along the way. Then Nicole said “Granny thought it might be nice for her to come and stay a few days and then you go back to Texas with her for a few weeks.” Oh . . she was ready! She grabbed a piece of paper and started making a calendar so she could put down today and then the day Granny is coming so she could mark off the days til I get there. Nicole told her we didn’t have a definite date yet so they would make a calendar when it’s closer to time for me to come.
Then Addie realized that she could take all the art supplies out of a large art set I sent her, and use that case for a suitcase and she was off to start packing. Nicole told her .. no! You have a suitcase. No need to tear your art set apart. And there’s no need to start packing yet.
We laughed at Addie’s excitement but on my end, I was already planning the doll clothes we could make; the recipes we could cook; calculating days and wondering if we would have baby chicks while she’s here. I’m as excited as she is! Where’s my paper? I need to make a calendar! 🙂
There is one good thing: I have to account for my days in MO and I have to spend more than half my days in Texas in order to maintain Texas residence (no state income tax) so I had carefully planned all of my trips. Since I doubt I go before June 1, and since I’ve only spent 5 days in 2020 in Missouri, I think I don’t have to worry about how many days I spend there. I won’t come close to spending half my time there.
Karen says
This brings back memories of my childhood when I spent time with my grandparents. They didn’t live in the country but their entire back yard was garden, there was a cherry tree and a grape arbor. I remember baking pies with my grandmother. My grandfather was the custodian at the local grade school and he would have to tend the boilers on the weekends so I got to go with him. I remember sitting at a school desk coloring while he did his thing, then we’d stop at the local tavern on the way home for a beer for him and a cherry phosphate for me. Such wonderful memories.
Judy Laquidara says
Oh, those are great memories. I’ve never had a cherry phosphate and now I want one. I’m thinking Addie will not remember stopping at a tavern with Vince but your memories made me smile.
Dottie says
Spending time at my grandparents farm in the summers (usually 2-3 weeks) was one of the HIGHLIGHTS of my childhood. So many wonderful memories.
Judy Laquidara says
Same for me and that’s why I want her to spend time here and hopefully make some good memories.
Debi McIntosh says
That sounds so promising Judy
Ranch Wife says
I’m so excited for you and Addie! You’ll both be making treasured memories – it’s going to be an adventure and I can’t wait to hear about it!
Tricia says
What a wonderful post! I’m so happy for you both!
Nelle Coursey says
I am so glad she is excited about seeing you and coming to Texas.
Val says
I don’t know how things are there Judy but here if you are making a 2-3 hour drive, there are no washrooms open. I had to travel 2 hours each way to pick up elastic for masks, and then last week another 5 hour ride round trip to pick up a new foot for my machine. It is hard to not have somewhere to stop.
Judy Laquidara says
We haven’t been out other than in town so I have no idea but Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s and places like that are open and they all have decent restrooms. When going to MO, the first place I stop for gas/bathroom is a convenience store so I’m pretty sure they’re open. If not, there’s a Walmart just down the road. The next place I stop is another convenience store and I’m pretty sure they’d be open. The next place I stop is a McDonald’s just for the bathroom. There’s a convenience store next door but men and women use the same bathroom so I’d have to be desperate to go in there. The last place I stop is a convenience store attached to a McDonald’s so I’m guessing the convenience store bathrooms (which I usually use) would be open.
But, I don’t anticipate going anywhere til things are better.
Tee says
Oh Judy, I hope it works for you. I miss my grandson so much. Some days I feel like I can’t go another day without him.
Judy Laquidara says
I’m sorry for you but I’m glad to hear someone else feels that way. Vince thinks I’m crazy!
Sandi B says
So exciting for y’all!
I spent so much time with my grandparents until we moved away when I was 10. Those memories are my treasures. I made sure I did “Grandma Sandi’s summer camp” for 2 weeks at a time with my grands. Now that they have their own kids, they’re wanting their kids to have those same type experiences.
Let me know if I can help!!
Judy Laquidara says
Fun memories. So thankful for the ones I have and love hearing about the memories others had with their grandparents.
Twyla says
Oh How Exciting!!! A grand (get it) time will be had by all. I certainly look forward to my great grandbaby coming to spend the night. Looking forward to many pictures of y’all having fun.
Susan Nixon says
Not having to watch your days is one good thing to come out of all this. Maybe getting to spend Halloween through Christmas? Or am I being optimistic? =) Sounds like she will be happy to come and stay.