I’ve been back in Leavenworth now for two weeks and it’s a very different town than when I left 11 months ago.

Shops have closed and others have closing sale signs or for sale signs in the window. Restaurants such as Gustav’s, Good Mood Food and Wok About are closed with no intention of reopening.

We went to Visconti’s the other night for dinner. Reservations are recommended due to the limited number of tables available due to physical distancing. Fewer choices appear on the menu but the food was amazing as usual.

In Cashmere the 59er Diner closed its doors this week. Thankfully the owner has kept the other location at Coles Corner open. We ventured out there for lunch one day and I thoroughly enjoyed my very favorite chocolate milkshake with my meal.

Several restaurants offer takeout and curbside only. They are unable to comply with the necessary restrictions that have come into place regarding physical distancing. But at least they are still open.

In Wenatchee we went to Walmart and it was a very different experience than in Mexico. In Aguascalientes, masks required, my temperature was taken, staff disinfected the shopping cart and there was the ever present antibacterial gel. In Wenatchee I wiped down my cart myself and masks required. I prefer the self-checkout and was happy that it was still available.

There is one thing that has not been affected by Covid-19 and is far removed from the threat of being forced to close. Mother Nature will always remain open. The leaves are truly a sight to behold in all their autumn splendor.