A Pandemic Changes Everything

At the beginning of 2020, Covid-19 was rapidly becoming the national topic of discussion. San Francisco shut down, then other cities followed suit and, eventually Texas did too. Stay home, stay safe! New York was quickly declared the nation’s hot spot and all of New England felt the effects. In Vermont, second homeowners who fled the chaos of New York for the safety of the Green Mountain State were believed to be bringing the virus with them. Vermont announced, “If you don’t live here full time, please don’t come here.” We believed their furtive plea applied to us Texans as well and were devastated.

As testing increased and active virus cases diminished, hotels began to open and travel actually became an option. Vermont began to open up and we headed north. We arrive at our property the third week of May, then stay home self-quarantining for another week. During that time, we open up the little RV, unpack, set up the veranda room, and busy ourselves doing other chores around the property. In our absence, garage doors have been installed on our new garage, giving us the ability to secure tools, lumber and other construction supplies — a major improvement.

We make measurements, choose windows and siding, and prepare to order materials for the next phase of construction. Next on the list is to finish the trim and finish skinning the addition roof with plywood in preparation to install the standing seam roof.

We’ve made huge progress since our arrival a year ago, and we’re hoping desperately for cooperative weather going forward. We’re also hoping that a predicted “resurgence” of the dreaded Coronavirus doesn’t happen. The trees are bloomed out, the meadow is growing and we have an enthusiastic bird friend who greets each day with a brilliant trill. It’s hard to appreciate his efforts at 4:30am, but otherwise we’re quickly adjusting to our Country Mouse status. It will be a great summer.