July 23, 2021
“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” -Mike Tyson
Isn’t that the truth? Plans and schedules can evaporate just like that.
In less than a week, two out of the five volunteer-couples here have had to leave Branson unexpectedly. Both situations were health-related and extremely dire. What a grim reminder that our worlds can turn upside down in a heartbeat.
There was never a question that those of us remaining volunteers would pick up the slack, but the turn of events definitely threw a monkey wrench into the work schedule for the remainder of the summer which had already been made. Hats off to Ranger Phillips, the 20-something USACE ranger responsible for the volunteer staff, who didn’t leave us wondering for very long as to how we’d be affected. What had been a schedule of three half-days on and four days off is now two full-days on and four off. It works.
This ‘punch in the mouth’ was a wake-up call on several levels. It prompted Dave and me to review our insurance coverage to ensure that certain things were covered, like getting the RV transported to a specified location in the event we couldn’t do it ourselves, as well as ensuring that our pups would safely get to someone we’d designate. It also got us talking again about what we call our “exit plan,” or rather, the next chapter. We know we can’t travel and live in an RV indefinitely…or can we?
We have met and workamped with a few RVers who were a few years older than us; they also had been full-timing for as many as 20+ years with no intention of stopping anytime soon. Not having an exit plan didn’t seem to concern them; they were comfortable taking the we’ll-cross-that-bridge-when-we-get-to-it approach.
Also on the work-front, we’re back to wearing masks while we’re working after nearly two months of normalcy. If you can believe the news, southwest Missouri supposedly is a hotbed for the latest variant of the virus. Given the number of tourists who come to Branson, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that the Visitor Center will have to close at some point; I understand it’s been discussed.
I’m confused because something doesn’t seem right.
Because if the vaccine works 100% (like other vaccines, such as the one for polio, shingles, measles, mumps, etc.), then the pandemic should be over, right?
And if it is 100% effective, vaccinated people should be protected against the virus, right?
So why are vaccinated people testing positive? Either the PCR test is wrong or the vaccine isn’t effective…which is it? What is the truth?
One truth I know is that today is all we have. I know we hear that a lot, but I take it more to heart these days.
LIVE on purpose.
LAUGH often.
LOVE one another.
And be grateful. Always be grateful.
☮️ ,♥️, and 🤗, Maria
Maria —
Missouri rural area has too many non-believers in vaccination and don’t want to wear the masks. Most of those cases reported from the hospitals in Branson/Springfield area are non-vaccinated people under the age of 50. This new delta variant is what has exploded in that area as per the testing by hospitals. The vaccine is not 100% protection from the virus and is certainly no cure, but symptoms of the vaccinated people are less worse than the non-vaccinated. They do not require hospitalization for the most part and recover fairly quick.
From personal experience I know 7 people that have gotten the virus (age 30 – 83) all have recovered and only my 83 yr old aunt required hospitalization. However, the one most impacted was my youngest sister’s boyfriend. He got it in August 2020 and did not test Negative until May 2021. Doctors said he was a long hauler & he is a 50 yr old. He could not get the vaccine until his fever went below a certain temp. Thank goodness he is relatively healthy but during his quarantine, he lost a lot of his muscle mass and now has to build up his strength again.
I just wish people would consult their doctors and listen to them if they have any concerns about getting vaccinated.
The vaccine is free and so easily obtained at most pharmacies including Walmart!
STL city & county just reinstated the Mask Mandate effective Monday, 07/26/2021, so I feel we’re going backwards.
So stay safe out there and keep on RVing!
Hi Dan. Thanks for taking the time to read my latest post and then to comment.
I can’t speak for rural Missourians, except to say that they may staunchly adhere to “I’m from Missouri, show me.” Show me the science, the clinical trials, the peer reviews, and that’s what’s used to make an informed decision. No such thing exists for the so-called covid vaccine.
It must be remembered that the shot was approved by the FDA for ‘emergency use only,’ and that that distinction is given only when there isn’t a cure. The thing is, hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin have been shown to treat covid successfully. Those studies are being suppressed, however. The powers-that-be use fear to drive the masses into pushing a shot that never passed animal testing. Isn’t it suspect that “incentives” were used to get people to take the shot? If it was so good, why isn’t everyone rushing to get it?
The number of incidents reported on the shot on the VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) website are worth taking a look at. It’s sobering.
It’s a challenge to find truthful reporting, that’s for sure; certainly the mainstream media is pushing the narrative about the ‘delta’ variant, but I wonder… just what test is being used to determine that? After all, the FDA just admitted that the PCR test is unreliable, so that’s been discontinued. Makes one wonder if there was really a pandemic. I mean, it’s not like ambulance sirens were wailing at all hours of the day and night, people weren’t dropping dead in the middle of the street, and funeral directors state that business was relatively the same as in previous years.
All of this is to say that it’s important to get the real facts before making what could be a life-changing decision. That goes for any decision, really.
Take care, Dan, and stay well!