A Covid Silver Lining

[CalGalTraveler]

Our travel desires have always been bigger than my DH's available vacation days at work. A few years ago we accidentally went negative and have been trying to build a small vacation day surplus ever since. We have tried to target 3 day weekends to stretch.

Now with no travel in sight, we may actually build a large travel surplus that we can use when this is all over.

Do you see any silver linings?

 

[klpca]

We have (and I say this modestly) a beautiful back yard. But we never relaxed in our yard - it always needed something done. Last year we received a small windfall and decided to spring for some fake turf in the back yard. (We are finally able to admit that we aren't gardeners and do whatever it takes to make it work). So our relationship with our back yard has changed - it looks like a resort and we are using it like a resort! Yesterday we spent the entire day outside. We had coffee at our bar. Then we played corn hole. Then we sat on the lounge chairs and read. Then we sat by the fire pit and had a glass of craft beer. It was just like being at a resort except we didn't have to share anything. We loved it!

Actually the real silver lining is that we are enjoying every day as it comes. We have no trips to look forward to, so we are just enjoying our family, our home, our yard, and our neighbors. I truly appreciate this. It would have never happened otherwise.

 

[Monykalyn]

Well with no travel (big trip cancelled-still waiting on refunds to reschedule) we have to work on the house. Currently most of lower level is painted, 1/2 bath upstairs finally got rid of the pedestal sink (those things are only good on rehab shows-zero practical use) and replaced a cabinet, countertop, painted the room and trim. I have 6 different large paint swatches on the living room walls-and don't like any of them so going to look again tomorrow. We've been planning on redoing/expanding our deck and moving a door to make kitchen more functional, then ripping up carpet and replacing hardwoods. I've been prioritizing travel while we still had our kids at home-now with one off to grad school and the middle off to college - only one left-and no trips to spend money on I guess the silver lining is I might not hate this house so much LOL.

 

[PigsDad]

Absolutely in our family. I posted this in a similar thread a few weeks ago, but directly due to this pandemic, my daughter is getting a free year of school at a private engineering school. She is currently a freshman and on a full-ride athletic scholarship (softball). Since all NAIA sports were cancelled in the middle of her season, all the athletes were allowed to red shirt for this year. About a week after that decision was made, her school informed them that all athletic scholarships would be extended a year for those who red shirted. Can't complain about that!

Kurt

 

[CalGalTraveler]

@klpca @Monykalyn Definitely getting those backburner house projects done! I had always been too busy at work and tended to hire handymen and painters. I am now realizing satisfaction of accomplishment by maintaining some things ourselves. We have a nice backyard with a view (but no pool). You have inspired me to get out of the house and enjoy it before it gets too hot.

@PigsDad congrats on your daughter earning a full-ride scholarship and earning an engineering degree. You must be very proud!

 

[Brett]

Our travel desires have always been bigger than my DH's available vacation days at work. A few years ago we accidentally went negative and have been trying to build a small vacation day surplus ever since. We have tried to target 3 day weekends to stretch.

Now with no travel in sight, we may actually build a large travel surplus that we can use when this is all over.

Do you see any silver linings?

yes, saving money not spent dining out
No gridlock in Washington DC traffic