Ely, Sept 15, 2020

 Tough decisions.  Jeanne was going to be alone for two weeks while Jay helped Wilhelm (son in law) with some window job.  I thought that if I were going to visit her now would be time with the least COVID 19 risk as possible.  Of course, there was the flight risk, but Delta has a good reputation about complying with all of the safety recommendations. I knew that Jeanne and I would be "bubbling" our family units as soon as I arrived.  If I did not go now then it would probably not be until I had the vaccine.  Who knows when that would be.  So I bit the bullet and made the reservation.  After several changes the day finally arrived.  I had a 6:30 am flight out of Portland.  George drove me to the airport. 

I had my face shield and mask on.  I bought some of the N95 masks for the flights.

I had bought one of those ready-to eat-oatmeal containers, just add water.  I had added the water at home.  I thought if I didn't add much water then it would go through security .... NOT.  Oh well.  So I bought another one at the coffee shop in the airport after going through security.  Pretty empty airport.  Everyone was wearing their masks.  There were a few people like me who had on both mask and shield.  

They loaded the plane from the back to the front.  So sensible.  I hope that they continue to do that once we get back to "normal".  Odd to see such an empty plane.  The flight attendant came by and thanked me by name for my loyalty.  

Above the smoke when leaving Portland

It is challenging to eat and drink with the shield on.

The flight was pretty painless.  I got to Minneapolis about 10 minutes early.  I had plenty of time to get from G to C.  Luckily I brought plenty of food with me.  Many of the shops and restaurants in the MSP airport were closed.  

Snoopy and Woodstock both have masks on

Empty airport

It was a little overcast in Minneapolis but not due to smoke.

Jeanne was right out front when I got out there.  Virtual hugs (they just aren't the same).  It is about a 2 hour drive to Ely.  So nice to be able to breath!! 

Fall colors are just starting.

See the ear of the cat (lower left) watching the squirrel. Jeanne and Jay are cat-sitting Laura and Wilhelm's 2 cats while the window project is going on.

Jeanne gave me my birthday present. She had saved it until she could give it to me.  she found out that I was born on a full moon!! She had 2 full moon pictures which I had taken and the text says "Barbara Donaldson Walker - born on Marsh 4, 1950 - Under a full moon." No wonder I have always liked full moons.  Cool mug and she gave me a necklace as well with a full moon on it.  Perfect.

We had a delicious dinner - cheeseburger, green & wax beans from the garden and brownies.  Yummy.  

We watched 2 episodes of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.  There were several movies we tried to watch but they were ones which were available on either Netflix or Amazon Prime but when we got to the point of watching we found that there was an additional charge. 

What a day!   I was ready to hit the hay.