It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Grafton, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best Care of the Cedar Valley has compassionate staff and flexible scheduling. The office”
“Always Best is OK but doesn’t seem to make up hours very well. When the”
“I knew a lady who works for Always Best Health Care that's why I chose”
“Always Best Care of the Cedar Valley has compassionate staff and flexible scheduling. The office staff answers my questions patiently.”
“Always Best is OK but doesn’t seem to make up hours very well. When the caregiver is sick, nobody comes. I would think that they need a little more back up than they have right now. They give me a schedule, and billing is paid by Medicaid.”
“I knew a lady who works for Always Best Health Care that's why I chose it. The caregiver is very good with a very good attitude. They were able to provide the caregiver for myself immediately. She accompanies me to shopping.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Grafton, IA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Grafton, IA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Grafton, IA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
IowaIf you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need to escape the noise and pace of city life. Northern Iowa is sprinkled with charming, secluded towns that offer a peaceful retreat amid rolling fields and gentle rivers.I’ve explored these hidden gems, each providing a unique blend of tranquility, natural beauty, and small-town charm. Whether you’re considering a quiet vacation spot or a new place to call home, these 10 secluded towns in Northern Iowa might just be the sanctuary you’re seeking....
Iowa
If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need to escape the noise and pace of city life. Northern Iowa is sprinkled with charming, secluded towns that offer a peaceful retreat amid rolling fields and gentle rivers.
I’ve explored these hidden gems, each providing a unique blend of tranquility, natural beauty, and small-town charm. Whether you’re considering a quiet vacation spot or a new place to call home, these 10 secluded towns in Northern Iowa might just be the sanctuary you’re seeking.
Grafton, with a population of around 250, is a quaint town that offers a serene environment away from the chaos of larger cities.
I love how the town embodies small-town charm, with friendly locals and community events that bring everyone together. There isn’t much in the way of major industries here, which adds to its peacefulness; most of the economy is based on local agriculture and small businesses.
For activities, you can enjoy strolls through the quiet streets, visit the Grafton Heritage Depot Museum, or explore the surrounding countryside. What makes Grafton truly secluded is its location amidst vast stretches of undeveloped land, making it a perfect place to unwind and disconnect.
Grafton is nestled in Worth County, in the northern part of Iowa, not far from the Minnesota border. Its seclusion is heightened by the absence of major highways or tourist attractions nearby, ensuring minimal traffic and noise.
To get there, I usually take Interstate 35 and then navigate through a series of charming country roads, which add to the anticipation of arriving in such a peaceful spot.
The town’s remote location means it’s off the beaten path, offering solitude and a genuine escape from urban life.
Rock Falls is a small town of about 150 residents, nestled along the Shell Rock River. I find it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and picnicking by the water.
There are no major industries here; the town thrives on agriculture and the natural resources provided by the river. Large lots and abundant greenery make properties feel private and secluded.
The combination of its low population density and the natural barriers provided by the river and surrounding landscapes contribute to the town’s serene atmosphere.
Located in Cerro Gordo County, Rock Falls sits southeast of Mason City. Its seclusion comes from being surrounded by lush farmland and being a considerable distance from larger urban centers.
To reach Rock Falls, I usually drive along US-65 and then take local roads that wind through scenic agricultural areas. The journey itself is peaceful, and upon arrival, the tranquil aura of the town is immediately apparent, making it a perfect escape into nature’s embrace.
Swaledale is a tiny town with a population hovering around 160 people. I appreciate its quiet streets and the friendliness of the community. There isn’t much in terms of industry; agriculture is the primary occupation, with vast fields stretching as far as the eye can see. For leisure, you might enjoy strolling through the town, attending local events at the community center, or exploring the scenic countryside. Swaledale’s low population and its setting amid rolling hills and natural barriers make it a haven of quietude and seclusion.
Situated in Cerro Gordo County, Swaledale is southwest of Mason City. Its secluded nature is enhanced by the surrounding farmland and the absence of major roads passing through.
To get there, I usually take I-35 and exit onto State Highway 107, followed by a series of county roads that weave through picturesque landscapes. The town’s hidden location means it’s rarely visited by tourists, preserving its peaceful atmosphere.
Plymouth is home to approximately 380 residents, offering spacious properties and a tight-knit community feel. The main industries are agriculture and some local businesses that serve the community.
I enjoy the simplicity of life here, with activities like visiting the local park, engaging in community events, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of rural living. Plymouth’s secluded nature comes from its expansive natural surroundings and the lack of nearby urban development, ensuring privacy and a peaceful lifestyle.
Located in Cerro Gordo County, Plymouth lies northwest of Mason City, nestled among vast fields and farmland. Its seclusion is due to its distance from major highways and cities.
To reach Plymouth, I usually take US-65 north and then navigate through local roads that lead into the countryside. The remoteness of the town makes it a serene retreat, perfect for those looking to escape the noise and bustle of city life.
With a population of around 370, Rudd is a small community where life moves at a leisurely pace. The town is primarily supported by agriculture, and there are few industries beyond farming and local services.
I find it a great place to disconnect, with activities like exploring the surrounding fields, visiting the local library, or enjoying a picnic in one of the open spaces. Rudd’s secluded charm comes from its setting amid rolling fields and its distance from major highways and urban centers.
Rudd is nestled in Floyd County, east of Mason City. Its seclusion stems from its remote location and the surrounding agricultural land that separates it from more populous areas.
When I visit Rudd, I drive along US-18 and then take county roads that meander through the scenic farmland. The journey underscores the town’s rural simplicity and offers a peaceful transition into its quiet environment.
Leland is a charming town of about 290 residents, where the pace of life is refreshingly slow. The main industry here is agriculture, which contributes to the town’s tranquil atmosphere.
I enjoy spending time in Leland’s natural surroundings, whether it’s walking through the expansive green spaces or participating in community gatherings at the local church or community hall. The low housing density and the abundance of nature around town create an ideal secluded environment that’s perfect for recharging.
Located in Winnebago County, Leland is northwest of Forest City. The town’s seclusion is enhanced by its position amid vast agricultural lands and a lack of major thoroughfares nearby.
To reach Leland, I usually travel along State Highway 9 and then take county roads that wind through tranquil farmland. The journey offers picturesque views and a sense of leaving the hectic world behind.
Scarville has a small population of roughly 70 people, making it one of the tiniest communities I’ve come across. The lack of industry and commercial development contributes to its peaceful ambiance.
While there aren’t many traditional attractions, the town’s proximity to nature provides opportunities for bird watching, hiking, and enjoying the serenity of the countryside. Scarville’s seclusion is due to its location near the Minnesota border, surrounded by undeveloped land and free from urban noise.
Scarville is situated in Winnebago County, right near the Iowa-Minnesota border. Its secluded nature arises from its remote northern location and the absence of significant transportation routes.
Getting to Scarville involves taking I-35 north, transitioning onto State Highway 9, and then navigating smaller roads that lead into the heart of rural Iowa. The town’s isolation makes it a perfect spot for those seeking solitude.
Joice is a peaceful town with a population of about 200 residents. Dominated by agriculture, it offers minimal development and large acreages, which I find ideal for those seeking privacy.
You can enjoy the wide-open spaces, perhaps take up gardening, or simply relish the tranquility that comes from being surrounded by nature. Joice’s seclusion is a result of its sparse population and the expansiveness of the surrounding farmland.
Located in Worth County, Joice lies north of Mason City and south of the Minnesota border. The town’s secluded atmosphere is due to its rural setting and limited accessibility via major roads.
To reach Joice, I usually take I-35 north and exit onto State Highway 9, followed by county roads that lead into this quiet community. The journey offers a peaceful drive through Iowa’s characteristic landscapes.
Fertile, with a population of approximately 370 people, is nestled by the Winnebago River. The town offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and hiking along the riverbanks, which I find incredibly relaxing.
There aren’t any major industries here; the local economy revolves around agriculture and small businesses. Spacious lots and the natural barriers provided by the river create a tranquil retreat that feels far removed from the bustle of city life.
Fertile is situated in Worth County, northwest of Mason City. Its seclusion comes from its riverfront location and the surrounding woodlands, which buffer it from outside noise and development.
I usually reach Fertile by taking US-18 west from Mason City and then turning onto local roads that follow the river’s path. The scenic drive along the Winnebago River enhances the sense of escape as you approach this peaceful town.
Hanlontown is a tiny community with around 220 residents. The town is surrounded by vast farmlands and natural landscapes, offering seclusion far from urban centers.
I enjoy visiting Hanlontown for its quiet streets, friendly locals, and the annual Hanlontown Summer Festival that brings the community together. The main industry is agriculture, and there isn’t much commercial development, which helps maintain its serene atmosphere.
The wide-open spaces and minimal population make Hanlontown a perfect place for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature.
Located in Worth County, Hanlontown lies north of Clear Lake and Mason City. Its secluded nature is due to its rural setting and the absence of major highways or urban sprawl nearby.
When I visit Hanlontown, I take I-35 and exit onto State Highway 9, followed by county roads that wind through the countryside. The town’s location amidst Iowa’s fields makes it a hidden gem, offering peace and quiet that’s hard to find elsewhere.
The post 10 Secluded Towns Surrounded By Natural Landscapes in Northern Iowa appeared first on Home Stratosphere .
Click here for important updates to our privacy policy.CONTRIBUTORS“We can’t stand it. We have to get out...
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“We can’t stand it. We have to get out.”
The voice on the other end of the line was my son’s, cooped up in his home six blocks away in North Liberty with a wife and three kids, all working and learning from home, all staring at screens for endless hours, all piled on top of each other like lab rats in a glass cage.
For nine months now.
So many other young families in the territory and around the country are in this same boat. More sympathetic I could not be.
“How about Thanksgiving on The River?” said he. “We’ll get a VRBO for our family, you get a smaller one for you and Mom and we’ll do a small family Thanksgiving thing, distanced and masked, as safe as we are at home.”
So we did exactly that, and came to know Grafton, Illinois, a tiny tourist town of 636 souls on the shores of the Mighty Mississippi, where it curves in a huge arc just north of St. Louis.
No potentially COVID-infiltrated planes to catch. Only a scenic four-hour drive by car.
And safe we appeared to be.
Most stores were locked up tight, traffic was sparse and there were almost no pedestrians in sight for our time there. A ghost-town feel, something you don’t mind during a pandemic when crowds can be hazardous to your health.
Grafton’s empty streets were in high contrast to the warmer months, when its several riverside restaurant/bars are normally rocking with pleasure-seekers, some ferried from the St. Louis suburb of St. Charles. The tourists are drawn by its authentic river town feel and boatbuilding history, plus more hip attractions like a zip line, water park, ski lift up the bluff, quaint gift shops, wineries and proximity to a nearby 8,000-acre state park — the largest in Illinois.
Should we return during a post-virus summer to enjoy this other side of Grafton? Maybe.
But for this trip, we sought isolation and found it. Thanksgiving morning saw me virtually alone while strolling the vast covered docks of the marina with my morning coffee. A barge chugged downriver past a nifty lighthouse icon on the shore. Nearby was a gigantic snapping turtle sculpture that doubled as a tot’s climbing toy, patiently waiting for a kid — any kid — to climb it.
My aging reporter’s soul brightened to finally spy a couple with their dog near the “Naida,” a 45-foot antique wooden cabin cruiser that looked out of place at the end of a gas dock. There I met Jamie and Megan Sunderland, Australian transplants to Chicago who were two months into the cruising adventure of a lifetime called “The Great Loop.”
“Loopers” travel the continuous waterway that runs from Chicago down the Illinois River to join the Mississippi near Grafton, then to the Gulf, east to Florida and up intercoastal waterways to New York, threading back through the Great Lakes and home.
This congenial couple was not retired. They live on the boat and manage their jobs by internet as they cruise.
“We were working from home in Chicago anyway because of the pandemic,” said Megan, “so we figured, why not work from the boat?”
They were docked at Grafton to seek repairs for their vintage 1935 classic yacht with its gleaming, polished teak and mahogany cabin house. “Naida” was actually built in Chicago but spent much of her life on the West Coast and was rumored to have been owned by Humphrey Bogart at one time. Barring further delays, the Sunderlands planned to finish the 6,000-mile loop by next summer.
“What’s with you Australians and boats?” I kidded Jamie when he said they also enjoy vintage sailboat racing on Lake Michigan.
“Well, we’re an island, mate,” he said with a grin.
Later in the day, our Thanksgiving dinner was not very Norman Rockwellian, but pleasant. A couple of turkey dinners in plastic containers from the lodge at the state park and two racks of ribs from the Hawg Pit, a biker bar down the road.
On Friday, we happily watched Iowa prevail over Nebraska via YouTube TV on a laptop in the open-air game room at my son’s VRBO. We drifted out to sit by the fire pit during the commercial breaks, commune with the seagulls and admire the spectacular river bluffs along the gently rolling Mississippi outside our door. It was relaxing.
And it gave us a chance to ponder those who have it so much worse during this pandemic and count and recount our blessings.
But, you may ask, did this safely-executed change of scenery actually help alleviate the COVID blues?
Yes. Somewhat. Anything to break the daily drudgery of home incarceration, even for a day or two, is welcome.
We came back thankful.
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