Summary

The author reflects on a Mother's Day weekend visit from family, highlighting their outdoor activities in Florida amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and the state's differing approach to virus safety measures.

Abstract

The author describes a joyful yet anxiety-inducing family reunion over Mother's Day weekend after three years of separation, during which the pandemic altered daily life and the family dynamics changed. The visit, while heartwarming, also brought concerns about Covid-19 exposure due to differing safety protocols between their home state and Florida, where the governor has downplayed the virus's threat. To mitigate risks, the family chose outdoor activities, including a visit to Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, a botanical garden built around a sinkhole. The author details the beauty of the gardens, the enjoyment of waterfalls, and the diversity of flora and fauna, while also expressing the challenges of adjusting to the presence of more people in their home after a period of semi-isolation.

Opinions

The author is critical of Florida's Covid-19 policies, particularly the governor's dismissal of the virus's presence and the prohibition of mask mandates, which contrasts with the family's home state's Covid-conscious approach.
The author expresses a mix of emotions about the family visit: it was both

Weeds & Wildflowers May Prompt / Escaping

Family Outing

Staying safe in Florida

My daughter and her family visited over Mother’s Day weekend. The first time we’ve been together in three years. During that interim, the older grandchildren became teenagers and a new granddaughter arrived.

Life doesn’t pause for a pandemic.

Their visit was wonderful and scary. They live in a state that’s very Covid-conscious; wearing masks in public spaces is the norm. When my daughter took the baby for a checkup a few days before their trip here, she asked the doctor for advice on keeping the little one safe from Covid. The doctor inquired about their destination. My daughter said, Florida. The doctor chuckled and said: Oh, no worries, then. Covid doesn’t exist in Florida. The governor won’t let it over the state line!

Despite what he thinks, our governor does not rule the virus. Covid is very much alive here and almost 75,000 people are dead, although DeSantis chooses to ignore the facts and chastises those who wear masks and social distance. In fact, he outlawed mask mandates, even in schools.

Captain Argentina and I spent 2.5 years in a state of semi-isolation. I still work but changed my schedule to be in my client offices when others aren’t around. Having an extra 5 people in the house was a little unnerving — because of the noise and the closeness of bodies. During the past 30 months, we’ve only had touches and hugs from one another. The only sounds in our home have been our voices, cat meows, dog yips, the TV, and music. Yes, my family’s visit was definitely an escape or maybe, an assault! But, a good assault 💕 One that felt comforting and life-affirming.

Since Florida is in a state of Covid-denial, we chose outdoor activities that lessened our possible exposure. On Saturday, we visited Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, a botanical garden built around a sinkhole.

For me, the weather was perfect — low 80s and sunny. For them, it was hot!! Fortunately, Cedar Lakes is mostly shaded.

You enter Cedar Lakes at the top of the sinkhole, then wind your way down to the bottom on trails and boardwalks. It’s as close to a mountain as you’ll find in Florida!

© Dennett ~ May 7, 2022 — Some of the many trails and walkways

Some of the trails were not accessible for the baby stroller, so the older children and I went ahead, circling back to join up with the others and move forward on walkways that are stroller-friendly.