Yesterday was lovely. We left around 10:30 and it was sunny and beautiful. I’m so glad we left early because it grew overcast in the afternoon. The drive was spectacular. All of the flowering trees in this area are in bloom, the skies were blue with big, fluffy clouds, and the mountains were gorgeous. We were so grateful to be on a drive, going someplace that had nothing to do with groceries or doctors or chores, simply for fun.

You’ll get a kick out of this. We have to travel north on the thruway to get to Rhinebeck. As we got to the entrance/tollbooths, there were signs saying “Don’t Stop.” No one was in the tollbooths. We were dumbfounded. Was there construction going on? Was it a special ‘no tolls’ day? I quickly got out my phone and googled because I saw a sign saying “Coming soon, no cash tolls.”

Well. Apparently there is a new system. When you go through the entrance, a photo is taken of your license plate and the bill is mailed to your address. What the ??? And – here’s the kicker – it’s been in place since last November. FIVE MONTHS. This, more than anything, tells me about the bubble in which we have been living. Oh my heavens.

Anyway, the drive into Rhinebeck was gorgeous and Don kept saying how wonderful it was. We got to the bookstore and easily found a parking space. We double masked and went to the front door. We couldn’t go in the back door. They have a great protocol in place; there is hand sanitizer outside the door, you knock on the door, someone comes to let you in, and you get 20 minutes to explore the shop. But a bookseller said we could stay as long as we wanted to unless there were people waiting outside the door. Then you pay in the back rather than in the front of the shop, and exit out the back door. We scooped up our books pretty quickly, but I tried to take everything in as well. I still felt a little pressure and I couldn’t quite relax as much as I would have pre-COVID, but it was wonderful. Lots of beautiful jigsaw puzzles, by the way. I purchased one, which I’ll share with you another time.

All in all, a great experience but slightly overwhelming. I think I’ll be able to relax more next time I visit.

Then we walked around Rhinebeck.

The Beekman Arms, operating since the early 1700s. It’s the oldest continually operating hotel in the country. They kindly let us use their bathrooms. It’s beautiful inside – the old tavern room is stunning.

Right behind the hotel is the Rhinebeck Antique Center. We got our clock there years ago, as well as my first Maxfield Parrish. It was fun to walk through and look at the booths. I saw several things I liked but didn’t buy anything.

Lots of people out and about, eating outdoors. And far too many people walking around without masks. It’s mind boggling.

Don spied a sign for chocolates and realized that our favorite little shop for chocolates has a branch in Rhinebeck – there are three locations. So we stocked up. They have wonderful sugar-free chocolates for me and sugary chocolates for Don.

All in all, a perfect amount of time spent celebrating our vaccinations.

I’ve decided that masks are great at hiding imperfections and double chins. And, since I’m not going to stop wearing one anytime soon, I’m grateful. Side note: I’ve had makeup on three times in the past week – for the two zoom sessions and this little jaunt.

We were, of course, very tired when we got home. All the preparation; the masks, the hand sanitizer, the wipes, containers of water – all the stimulation; talking to people, scenery, shops  – all of it is a lot to handle if you’re not used to it, and we are not.

But oh, what a lovely day it was. It couldn’t have been more perfect. Today and tomorrow we’re getting rain. But yesterday was sunny and warm and beautiful.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.