It has been an unusual year for traveling. In the past, Hubby and I would have taken a trip to California to visit our oldest son, Francis, and his family for Thanksgiving or my granddaughter’s birthday. We have a new grandson, almost 2 years old, with whom we have visited only once shortly after his birth. While we can chat with 6-year- old Izzy, the roaming toddler is not interested in yakking on the phone to a Mimi and Papa who are still strangers to him. We miss them so much!

For our anniversary in October, Hubby and I probably would have taken a cruise to Bermuda. Ever since we found out that there is a cruise port in Boston, (thus eliminating the need to pay for expensive airfare,) we have delighted in choosing a relatively inexpensive voyage compete with a closet in which to sleep, free food, free drinks and WiFi. Alas, the thought of taking a cruise during COVID-19 has soured us on taking a vacation at all.

The wanderlust to travel, tamed by a crazy world of virus mutations and air borne droplets, seemed to be gone. The ember remained inside, however, and recently ignited during a text with a friend who lives in Florida. “Come for a visit,” she asked. “We are lonely,” she said, and I thought about it. “It is a balmy 82 degrees out, the pool water is warm, and the birds are happily chirping.” Knowing that they have been homebound with no chance of contracting COVID-19, I thought about it more. “I will serve you lobster with lots of butter and tropical wine coolers.” Ah, that cinched it. Hubby and I would go!

Airfares to Florida are deceivingly cheap. Only $49 each way! That price assumes that one would be standing on the plane, as the cost for an actual SEAT on the plane is another $14 to $45, depending upon location. Although I would be happy with an inexpensive, cramped seat in the last row, Hubby’s six-foot-four girth demanded more leg room … and more money.

Additionally, one can bring a “personal item,” but a carry-on or suitcase would be charged at a rate higher than the base airfare. Rather than pay more for my suitcase to travel than for me, I decided there was another method to get my clothes to Florida – by wearing them.

We flew down here to Florida yesterday. I was wearing four pairs of underwear, three shirts and a sweatshirt, a pair of shorts, tight jeans and sweat pants. Because it was so cold in Rhode Island, the extra weight was comforting; I was saving money AND keeping warm, it was a win/win situation, or so I thought!

Venturing onto the plane, I wore a cloth mask and a plastic face shield. Hubby, similarly clad, had managed to fit his miniscule amount of clothing into his small backpack. He followed me as I waddled down the aisle. Wiggling my oversize bulk into the seat in between my oversize husband and an oversize, well-masked stranger, I remained stuck in that one position for the entire flight. I had thought ahead and purchased a sandwich and drink to eat on the plane, but I was so immobilized that I could only gaze lovingly at the unopened bag on the floor under the seat in front of me. Hubby knew that I was seriously stuck in place because my shoes were still on (as I always manage to get them off to be barefoot). It was with great relief that we landed at the airport in Punta Gorda. My friend dusted off her SUV to come and pick us up, and I sit by her pool now. I am regretting the fact that I did not include a bathing suit among the layers.