Talk of The Villages Florida

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-   The Villages, Florida, General Discussion (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/)
-   -   Thinking of coming down (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/thinking-coming-down-316694/)

Garywt 02-24-2021 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean G (Post 1907071)
It’s great that you asked for input. I personally find others can bring up things I hadn’t considered. My only thought, being a woman, is “How does your wife feel about you going without her?” Good marriages respect each other.

She is the one generally telling me to go. She is a little concerned this time. If I could fly she would be totally fine but the doctor has told me no planes so no planes. it is.

Garywt 02-24-2021 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davephan (Post 1907108)
If the vaccinations only last for three months, and it takes over a year to vaccinate the whole population, it’s pretty easy to see that plan will fail!

The OP’s wife must not have a ‘remote’ job. I think that the best solution is to hunker down in the snow belt state until your wife is free to get time off from work to take vacation time. Then fly down to Florida, so that you don’t waste a lot of the short vacation time driving to and from Florida.Then rent a car in Florida, so that you’re not trapped in the Villages, without a car. A week car rental isn’t that much more expensive than two round trip shuttle rides.

You might consider flying first class, if you can afford it. It’s much less crowded and packed in at the front of the aircraft. Sun country has $45 to $49 extra cost seats in the first several rows, much less expensive than airlines that offer first class seating. There were many empty seats in that area, and it was packed behind that section. We felt much more comfortable, not having to sit in the totally packed area of the aircraft.

Nope, wife is a hospice nurse and has to see patients everyday. Doctors says no planes. Even with the shots I will still wear the mask etc and do everything I have been doing for a year. I do sit in the house day after day because or the cold and snow. I can’t afford to fall as my bones are compromised and the cold goes right through those old bones.

Garywt 02-24-2021 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laboutj (Post 1907128)
Can I ask OP why you can't fly? I personally think it's safer than going shopping in Publix. There are HEPA filters in the cabins and the air gets turned over every 3 minutes.

My doctor says no flying. My immune system is very compromised do to all the chemo I have had. I follow his orders as I put my life in his hands everyday.

Garywt 02-24-2021 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merrymini (Post 1907186)
Why come down without your wife? Things in Florida are pretty wide open considering how closed a lot of states are like NJ where I am now for my son’s wedding. I feel like I am incarcerated! Do not believe a lot of what you hear on this site. People are as scared as jack rabbits and will say anything.

There are a few things I want to get done and check on some things. After April we will not be back until Oct or November. It is not as fun without my wife but we have friends down there so that helps.

Garywt 02-24-2021 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FutureFloridian (Post 1907197)
I can understand why you're really torn, but can't help you make the decision.

As others have mentioned, the second dose of the Covid vax can pack a big punch. While DH and I haven't yet received it, our daughter (age 25, currently on emergency medicine rotations) received the second dose and had several of the typical reactions. My MIL (age 90's) received the second dose and had no reactions, whatsoever. Go figure.

Also, keep in mind that it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination.



I don't think anyone mentioned this, but if you go to FL, what's your state's re-entry procedure?

In NY, travelers must obtain a test within three days of FL departure, prior to arrival in NY. The traveler must, upon arrival in NY, quarantine for three days. On day 4 of their quarantine, the traveler must obtain another COVID test... If both tests are negative, you are free :a040: ! This essentially turns the 10 day quarantine into a +/- 6 day quarantine. This is still the rule in NY, even if the traveler has received both shots.

Are you and your wife both OK with you coming back to your home after traveling, or will you need to find somewhere else to isolate, as you await the results of your Covid tests or wait to make sure you don't develop Covid (unlikely, because you'll be vaccinated)?

All the best to you, whatever you decide :)

Thanks, my wife has tests for me and our friend in the Villages can test me as well. I am basically isolated anyway and my wife, being a nurse, has been exposed a number of times.

Garywt 02-24-2021 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Professor (Post 1907274)
Stay with your wife for crying out loud. You only have so many days left on this earth...so why spend them alone? My wife and I are together 24/7 (we both work remotely from home) and have not been apart in years...and yes, we like it that way.

She works and I don’t. We are together most times. She is sitting on the couch next to me now after I had chemo all day. We camp together, we boat together, we live in our house together and generally head to our Florida home together but sometimes we don’t.

Garywt 02-24-2021 10:17 PM

Thank you to most who replied with thoughts and suggestions. Will definitely hold off through the weekend to see how I am feeling. Still might hold of longer than Thayer but only time will tell.

JoMar 02-24-2021 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 1906832)
Considering how much is closed due to the virus why not wait at least until the vaccine has taken hold.

In the words of Confucious he who buys house without wife is an idiot.

Assume you meant closed up there, not much closed here. Also he can look into the Auto Train.

LizzieBorden 02-25-2021 06:24 AM

I think you asked the question to get some ideas...not smart remarks. I would wait for a couple days after the shot as most people I know that have had the Moderna have a reaction. On your day of departure, I would leave extremely early AM and drive your 10 hours and be off the road and in a hotel (even though they seem to be safe, I bring my sanitizing items and clean all surfaces). That way you may be driving in the dark at the beginning of your trip, but you will be off the road mid afternoon and then find a hotel and rest up. On your second day, same thing, up early, hit the road, stop every two hours, stretch for 5 minutes and get back on the road. You will be here before 5 pm on the second day. Listen to your music on the way down, pack a lunch, make it a fun trip even though you are by yourself. I have done it quite a few times and its not so bad. When traffic wasnt heavy, I made some phone calls and talked with some old friends along the way etc. Enjoy, and come stay in your home, even if you have to take four total days to go here and back home, it will clear your head, get you out of the cold, and you get to enjoy your home. Coming south, when we stop, we usually stop at at exits that have a Cracker Barrel. Not to eat, but to walk around in their shop, use the rest room, and it gets us out of the car. We use the app “I Exit”. Try it out, there are a lot of good things on that. I say life is short, you should go for it. The alternative is sitting home, not going outside, dealing with the cold when you have to. It will be March here and our days are already getting warmer. Pack your snacks and drinks in a cooler. We also make our hotel reservations at Hampton Inns or Hamton Properties, We are Hilton members, and when the pandemic is over, we will start traveling more. That way, mentally, you know you have a place to sleep, and you know exactly how far you are going that day. These are the tips we have learned over the years. GO FOR IT!!

Skunky1 02-25-2021 06:34 AM

When you’re in a partnership stick with it. In other words suck it up and wait for your lady.

sk2020 02-25-2021 07:01 AM

Garry , you should probably wait and ride down with your mom.

sk2020 02-25-2021 07:05 AM

Gary, you probably should wait and ride down with your mom.

Joanne19335 02-25-2021 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garywt (Post 1906799)
We had planned on coming down early March as we were last down mid January. Now my wife cannot get the time off. Because of that I can leave as early as Thursday afternoon after my 2nd Covid shot. The issue I have is do I want to do the 20 hour drive alone and I know 10 days in The Villages will be great but not as great if my wife was with me. I am also afraid that the ride home will be terrible more so than the drive down. I guess I am just venting as I try to figure out what is best. If I don’t do this then it will be the end of April before we get down there.

I made this journey when I was in my 30s. I was a wreck for “daze.” Men seem to fare better than women, but I would never do it again.

davephan 02-25-2021 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garywt (Post 1907468)
Nope, wife is a hospice nurse and has to see patients everyday. Doctors says no planes. Even with the shots I will still wear the mask etc and do everything I have been doing for a year. I do sit in the house day after day because or the cold and snow. I can’t afford to fall as my bones are compromised and the cold goes right through those old bones.

You’re wife’s job clearly makes her stuck in the snow belt state! We were both stuck in Minnesota in the winters when my wife retired two years before I retired, and I was stuck working in Minnesota, where I was only allowed to work remotely one day a week. That’s interesting that you’re doctor says no flying. Even in first class, where there’s less crowding? My wife couldn’t fly for two months after an eye surgery, because of the altitude pressure, a doctor’s order.

I assume that you’re doctor probably also says to not go to the grocery store, and have the groceries delivered. No going to restaurants either. Then I assume you’d wipe down all the delivered groceries after they are delivered to your home with sanitizing wipes. It sounds like it would be safer to hunker down in the house up north, instead of traveling, and turn the heat up!

Dot Rheinhardt 02-25-2021 09:11 AM

Depending on where you live in MA (from Cape Cod 9-10 hours to Lorton, VA), you could drive and take the overnight train from Lorton to Sanford. I wouldn't drive for 2-3 days after my second shot. Driving 9-10 hours should be the max. I wouldn't drive more than 7-8 hours at a time.

deestatham@aol.com 02-25-2021 09:52 AM

Harsh
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Mortal1 (Post 1906803)
Well Gary...I suggest you do as you please. I think that comes with being an adult and when you depend on complete strangers to suggest a plan of action then you should likely stay where you are till your wife is able to go with you.

That'll be $400 for the assist.

Well that’s a little harsh don’t you think? The guy was just looking for a little conversation.

OhioBuckeye 02-25-2021 10:08 AM

Ohiobuckeye
 
Gary, it sounds like you’re explaining something that only you & your wife have to figure out. If you can’t come I don’t know what you expect anybody to say other than don’t come or come when you can!

jimjamuser 02-25-2021 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laboutj (Post 1906814)
You also have to think about how you are going to feel after the second shot. The last thing you want to do is that drive alone and having a reaction to the second shot.

That was good helpful advice.

Smalley 02-25-2021 03:13 PM

That long drive alone is dangerous and risks a serious, even fatal, car accident. I would advise waiting until April when your wife can join you. Enjoy your time here when it arrives!

sk450 02-25-2021 04:39 PM

I was a professional truck driver over the road for 27 yrs. I used to drive a 1000 miles a day. I can't do 1100 miles from IL to the villages any more and I'm only 67 yrs old. I get a motel south of atlanta every time I drive down. No reason to be a leather as. You sleep a day and half when you drive straight threw.

Garywt 02-25-2021 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk2020 (Post 1907589)
Gary, you probably should wait and ride down with your mom.

It is people like you that give The Villages a bad name. You just can’t be nice.

Garywt 02-25-2021 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LizzieBorden (Post 1907555)
I think you asked the question to get some ideas...not smart remarks. I would wait for a couple days after the shot as most people I know that have had the Moderna have a reaction. On your day of departure, I would leave extremely early AM and drive your 10 hours and be off the road and in a hotel (even though they seem to be safe, I bring my sanitizing items and clean all surfaces). That way you may be driving in the dark at the beginning of your trip, but you will be off the road mid afternoon and then find a hotel and rest up. On your second day, same thing, up early, hit the road, stop every two hours, stretch for 5 minutes and get back on the road. You will be here before 5 pm on the second day. Listen to your music on the way down, pack a lunch, make it a fun trip even though you are by yourself. I have done it quite a few times and its not so bad. When traffic wasnt heavy, I made some phone calls and talked with some old friends along the way etc. Enjoy, and come stay in your home, even if you have to take four total days to go here and back home, it will clear your head, get you out of the cold, and you get to enjoy your home. Coming south, when we stop, we usually stop at at exits that have a Cracker Barrel. Not to eat, but to walk around in their shop, use the rest room, and it gets us out of the car. We use the app “I Exit”. Try it out, there are a lot of good things on that. I say life is short, you should go for it. The alternative is sitting home, not going outside, dealing with the cold when you have to. It will be March here and our days are already getting warmer. Pack your snacks and drinks in a cooler. We also make our hotel reservations at Hampton Inns or Hamton Properties, We are Hilton members, and when the pandemic is over, we will start traveling more. That way, mentally, you know you have a place to sleep, and you know exactly how far you are going that day. These are the tips we have learned over the years. GO FOR IT!!

Thank you

Garywt 02-25-2021 07:31 PM

So the shot went well today, so far so good. Looked into the train and it would cost at least $1500 for that but probably more as that is based on a 18 foot vehicle and mine is 22 feet. Looking to to wait now until after my next set up chemo and to go down early April with my wife for about 10 days. Will just spend another month house bound.

talleyjm 02-25-2021 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garywt (Post 1906799)
We had planned on coming down early March as we were last down mid January. Now my wife cannot get the time off. Because of that I can leave as early as Thursday afternoon after my 2nd Covid shot. The issue I have is do I want to do the 20 hour drive alone and I know 10 days in The Villages will be great but not as great if my wife was with me. I am also afraid that the ride home will be terrible more so than the drive down. I guess I am just venting as I try to figure out what is best. If I don’t do this then it will be the end of April before we get down there.

I’m going to respond with an, “ If it were me,” answer.

No, If it were me, as a senior, I wouldn’t even think of making a 20 hour drive to Florida by myself right after getting my second Covid vaccination so I could turn around ten days later and make the 20 hour trip back up north by myself. And all of that just to spend ten days (without my spouse) in The Villages during a pandemic❗️

I could lay out my rationale for my decision but l was taught that if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. :boxing2:

FutureFloridian 02-26-2021 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garywt (Post 1907478)
Thanks, my wife has tests for me and our friend in the Villages can test me as well. I am basically isolated anyway and my wife, being a nurse, has been exposed a number of times.

Gotcha! It sounds like you're in the best of hands between your wife and your medical team and familiar with your state's quarantine process required upon your return.

Wishing you all the best, with whatever you decide- AND with your treatments!

FutureFloridian 02-26-2021 09:14 AM

I'll keep my fingers crossed for an early spring, so you won't be stuck inside!!


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