For dinner, a friend suggested Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City. As everywhere in Philly is offering outdoor dining, I expected the same. Not that I’d participate, but I also expected indoor dining with limited capacity.

Nope.

I went in and placed my order. The staff was masked. Customers were required to wear masks upon entering. I quickly learned, as I made my way to the bathroom, that there were no capacity laws in OK. The restaurant was packed, tables in close proximity to each other, all occupied with unmasked patrons. I used the ladies room, scrubbed my hands, and told the hostess I’d wait for my order outside. When it was ready, I attempted to eat in the car, but cutting my rare filet mignon with plastic utensils on my lap in a plastic container was not how I wanted to enjoy my steak. Instead, I boxed it up and made my way to my Airbnb. If I nuked it when I arrived, my rare steak would be medium at best, but I knew eating it at a proper table would be worth the wait. The fries, however, did not make it to the Airbnb. They were finished before I hit the first exit on I-40.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from my Airbnb. I selected a property off the main roads, located on a 140 acre farm. The hostess seemed nice and concerned for my safety. She even offered to meet me in town and let me follow her back to the house. When I politely declined, she offered prayers for my safe arrival.

Prayers.

Now, I’m not a religious person. The best I can offer someone is kind thoughts, good vibes and positive energy. But if a believer is willing to offer me prayers, I’ll take it. How altruistic of her to put in a good word for me with her deity. It’s good to have as many players on your side as possible, just in case.

When I arrived, she met me outside, masked and distanced. She gave me a rundown of the farm, what I could explore and what was off limits, and told me about my accommodations – the Bunk House. While we chatted, twin cats appeared like the welcoming squad, rubbed up against me and sat on my feet. Later when I went for a walk around the property, one of these cats led me like my own private four-legged tour guide. My experience at the farm was the highlight of my time in Oklahoma, followed closely by the fact that I was able to check another state off my list.