The Holidays were terrific!
Jay and I ventured from our tropical paradise aka Boca Raton Florida and headed north to spend the holidays with our children, family and friends.
Our adventure began at 7pm leaving the house in the new car; Jay still swears if he sneezed it would make the car explode from all the gifts/ luggage we were taking on our trip. We made it from Boca Raton to South of the Border by 1am. It seems as though Pedro had already gone to bed and we found that there isn’t much open that time of night and had to camp. For those who know me - camping is more commonly called Motel 6.
Our adventure began at 7pm leaving the house in the new car; Jay still swears if he sneezed it would make the car explode from all the gifts/ luggage we were taking on our trip. We made it from Boca Raton to South of the Border by 1am. It seems as though Pedro had already gone to bed and we found that there isn’t much open that time of night and had to camp. For those who know me - camping is more commonly called Motel 6.
The image you see is of our dog Reggie trying to get into the South of the Border spirit - yes he was in the car too.
We made it to Chambersburg PA - the home of my husbands longtime friend John – the next day was his wedding and he married Ursula at the
We made it to Chambersburg PA - the home of my husbands longtime friend John – the next day was his wedding and he married Ursula at the
Penn State Mont Alto Chapel.
Many may wonder how a southern person handled the climate change - Let’s just say it was
C O L D
and we had to make an emergency run for flannel pj’s!
Back into the car and onto New Jersey to see my bother and sister in-law. What a great pair! It is refreshing to see a couple that truly likes to spend time together. We shopped (much to my husband’s dismay), wrapped ALL of the presents and ate lots of great food before we headed back to PA to spend the Christmas Eve and Day with the kids in Lancaster PA . The heart of Dutch Country and the Amish – Has anyone ever heard the Amish mechanic joke?
It’s still cold and now mother-nature has decided that she would like to rain on my parade. Fear not, we had our positive attitudes in place and headed for the Eden Resort and Conference Center checked into a wonderful room that looked like our first townhouse – it had a full kitchen, living room dining room and fireplace.
As I look back I realize that was not sure what I was thinking when I said I would make a full holiday dinner on Christmas Eve. Amanda (daughter) and I had to do a little grocery shopping at the local Giant. The staff was very friendly yet I haven’t seen that many people in one place since I was in New York City. The lines were long and Amanda still cant believe that I made friends with 5 other women in the checkout line but all was good.
Dinner was great – the presents were passed out and the kids played lots of Wii – yes my husband brought our video game from Florida! It was a pleasant evening with the kids and my bowling winning streak continues!
Christmas morning we always have Cinnamon Rolls I made them lit the fire, made coffee and went back up stairs to wake everyone. Moments later we were greeted by the smoke alarm and maintenance and housekeeping staff descended on the suite looking for a fire.
Hence my new rule
Many may wonder how a southern person handled the climate change - Let’s just say it was
C O L D
and we had to make an emergency run for flannel pj’s!
Back into the car and onto New Jersey to see my bother and sister in-law. What a great pair! It is refreshing to see a couple that truly likes to spend time together. We shopped (much to my husband’s dismay), wrapped ALL of the presents and ate lots of great food before we headed back to PA to spend the Christmas Eve and Day with the kids in Lancaster PA . The heart of Dutch Country and the Amish – Has anyone ever heard the Amish mechanic joke?
It’s still cold and now mother-nature has decided that she would like to rain on my parade. Fear not, we had our positive attitudes in place and headed for the Eden Resort and Conference Center checked into a wonderful room that looked like our first townhouse – it had a full kitchen, living room dining room and fireplace.
As I look back I realize that was not sure what I was thinking when I said I would make a full holiday dinner on Christmas Eve. Amanda (daughter) and I had to do a little grocery shopping at the local Giant. The staff was very friendly yet I haven’t seen that many people in one place since I was in New York City. The lines were long and Amanda still cant believe that I made friends with 5 other women in the checkout line but all was good.
Dinner was great – the presents were passed out and the kids played lots of Wii – yes my husband brought our video game from Florida! It was a pleasant evening with the kids and my bowling winning streak continues!
Christmas morning we always have Cinnamon Rolls I made them lit the fire, made coffee and went back up stairs to wake everyone. Moments later we were greeted by the smoke alarm and maintenance and housekeeping staff descended on the suite looking for a fire.
Hence my new rule
Look at the damper in the chimney before lighting the fire! Not everyone sets up their fireplace where the damper is open if you push the lever towards the back on the fireplace.
Fully recovered from the look of terror and then significant amounts of laughter from my family I chalked this lesson up to another Lucy moment.
We needed to recover!
Okay we made it back to Florida after a four hour traffic delay on route 95 outside of DC and a 2 hour backup in the Carolinas and one more night of camping, this time a Knights Inn.
December 31, 2008 my husband and I were walking along the beach in Marco Island Florida at the Hilton Resort celebrating the New Year by soaking up some sun. Check out the link above and take the virtual tour. We spent the next few days doing absolutely nothing and I was able to book some quality spa time
Remember the holidays’ are great but don’t forget
to treat yourself well too!
Fully recovered from the look of terror and then significant amounts of laughter from my family I chalked this lesson up to another Lucy moment.
We needed to recover!
Okay we made it back to Florida after a four hour traffic delay on route 95 outside of DC and a 2 hour backup in the Carolinas and one more night of camping, this time a Knights Inn.
December 31, 2008 my husband and I were walking along the beach in Marco Island Florida at the Hilton Resort celebrating the New Year by soaking up some sun. Check out the link above and take the virtual tour. We spent the next few days doing absolutely nothing and I was able to book some quality spa time
Remember the holidays’ are great but don’t forget
to treat yourself well too!
Brenda –
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog. It’s very interesting to hear and see (through your links) where you live and enjoy life. In return, here is a link to Valley City - http://www.hellovalley.com/ . The picture of the white bridge is the VCSU footbridge that “links” VCSU to the community. Valley City is (obviously) in a valley with the Sheyenne River winding through it. It is part of a National Scenic Byway. People who come here for the first time are amazed as the beauty. I’ve lived in ND all my life and Valley City for most of it.
My son-in-law is Air Force and was in Afghanistan about a year and a half ago. He leaves next week for Iraq – his second tour there. So I know what you are thinking and praying for – I’m so with you!
Your family is lovely! I’m sure you’re very proud of them. It’s great to spend holidays with family and friends. Our North Carolina family wasn’t able to be with us but I’m hoping to go there in April for Grace’s 5th birthday (my granddaughter). They are wonderful beings! Being a grandmother is everything they tell you and more.
Rhonda