I agree with Richard about the SM5. I had a Socialite,but I did not like it. My SM3s and 5s are really trusty typewriter. Huge cases, but trusty machines.
So far things are fine in W. MI. Not as populates as the East and Grand Rapids to the North.
Have a safe trip and bribe the cats with some tiny treats. Ours also used to love unravelling short pet ropes. Need to watch them though, That is not the safest option.
That’s how virus spread. That’s how COVID19 got to the US. You have no guarantee that you are not infected. The same goes for your girlfriend, her brother and anyone you all may have had contact with. And, being in a truck together over the miles isn’t exactly social distancing.
So, not to rain on your parade, you may want to re-think your decisions.
Sorry for that, but I tend to think along those lines.
We are well stocked with cleaning supplies and foods. Only stop for gas. I am sure you must derive some comfort from being with your family, Michael. In another couple of weeks, I don’t think I would do this. As teachers, we have all been lucky enough to avoid public interactions (teaching online).
The SM5 is certainly a durable and trusty typewriter. It would be a good choice.
Good luck on your journey. It’s so weird that we are in the midst of this world-changing event.
Moving to Texas for a few months makes a lot of sense.
As the veteran of multiple cross-country trips with cats, I’d recommend consulting your vet to prescribe a safe and effective way to reduce their stress–something that lets them nap instead of spending the first two days of the trip in a constant state of fight or flight. Also, when staying overnight, understand that if there is a small and inaccessible place to hide, your cats will find it. It could be inside the box spring under the mattress, in an almost unnoticeable gap in the TV cabinet, between the headboard and the wall, or wherever. You’ll swear your cat is no longer in the room.
As I see it, if you’ve been able to procure some hand sanitizer, a few packages of disinfectant wipes, or a big box of disposable gloves such as I have for typewriter cleaning, there’s not much to worry about in gassing up. I’d be more concerned about how to eat during a long drive when restaurants are closed. CLIF bars are a good meal substitute, but not for more than one meal a day.
Also, if you can afford it, why not mail a typewriter to your destination and unpack it when you get there? After all, you trust the shipper!
Have a great trip–you’ll be settled again in no time.
Life is too short to be away from the one you love, pack up the cats and hit the gas. Think af all the new typewriters you will meet in Texas.
Be Well.
The Untimely Typewriter:Daily Writings Against the Tides of Distraction 
Difficult decision on a typewriter. Like authors used to do; have favored typewriters stashed all over the USA.
I don’t blame you for leaving FL. Hospitals and doctors are probably better in TX also. FL (at least where I lived) was not know for good healthcare.
Good luck, happy and safe travel, enjoy the summer in TX, and stay safe & healthy; all of you.
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Thanks, Bill. I imagine that the hospitals here will be pushed beyond capacity once things really take off.
Nice backyard in Texas. Fewer people walking around.
How are things in Michigan?
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I agree with Richard about the SM5. I had a Socialite,but I did not like it. My SM3s and 5s are really trusty typewriter. Huge cases, but trusty machines.
So far things are fine in W. MI. Not as populates as the East and Grand Rapids to the North.
Have a safe trip and bribe the cats with some tiny treats. Ours also used to love unravelling short pet ropes. Need to watch them though, That is not the safest option.
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The SM5 is going. If I take the Socialite, it will become RV typewriter for later trips.
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Speaking from the medical side of the house…
That’s how virus spread. That’s how COVID19 got to the US. You have no guarantee that you are not infected. The same goes for your girlfriend, her brother and anyone you all may have had contact with. And, being in a truck together over the miles isn’t exactly social distancing.
So, not to rain on your parade, you may want to re-think your decisions.
Sorry for that, but I tend to think along those lines.
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We are well stocked with cleaning supplies and foods. Only stop for gas. I am sure you must derive some comfort from being with your family, Michael. In another couple of weeks, I don’t think I would do this. As teachers, we have all been lucky enough to avoid public interactions (teaching online).
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Just be careful and avoid contact outside of your group as much as you can. A reliable thermometer is a good self screening device.
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Thanks, Michael. Will do. 🙂
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The SM5 is certainly a durable and trusty typewriter. It would be a good choice.
Good luck on your journey. It’s so weird that we are in the midst of this world-changing event.
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Thanks, Richard. Yeah. I gave the SM5 a work-out. It’s good to go.
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Moving to Texas for a few months makes a lot of sense.
As the veteran of multiple cross-country trips with cats, I’d recommend consulting your vet to prescribe a safe and effective way to reduce their stress–something that lets them nap instead of spending the first two days of the trip in a constant state of fight or flight. Also, when staying overnight, understand that if there is a small and inaccessible place to hide, your cats will find it. It could be inside the box spring under the mattress, in an almost unnoticeable gap in the TV cabinet, between the headboard and the wall, or wherever. You’ll swear your cat is no longer in the room.
As I see it, if you’ve been able to procure some hand sanitizer, a few packages of disinfectant wipes, or a big box of disposable gloves such as I have for typewriter cleaning, there’s not much to worry about in gassing up. I’d be more concerned about how to eat during a long drive when restaurants are closed. CLIF bars are a good meal substitute, but not for more than one meal a day.
Also, if you can afford it, why not mail a typewriter to your destination and unpack it when you get there? After all, you trust the shipper!
Have a great trip–you’ll be settled again in no time.
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We have good supplies for the trip, and we’ll avoid New Orleans and other big cities. The plan is to go straight through.
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Life is too short to be away from the one you love, pack up the cats and hit the gas. Think af all the new typewriters you will meet in Texas.
Be Well.
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