Time to catch up with our travels since we left home on December 15, 2016. We left our house ready for our renters and Tom and I headed off in our cars for the usual two hour drive to Kitchener. Five and a half hours later we dragged ourselves into my son Jason's home and recounted our treacherous drive in the worst conditions we have ever experienced.
At our house driving conditions were fine. Roads were plowed, no heavy snow falling, visibility was good. However by the time we got to the top of the escarpment conditions deteriorated fast. Wind and unplowed snow made the roads treacherous. Blocked roads, accidents, frozen up wipers and impossible visibility made it a rough start to our four month adventure to Mexico.
We were so relieved to get out of our cars, enjoy dinner and a glass of (or more) wine and finally relax. That was when our holidays began. It was so good to see Jason, Wendy, Ethan and Avery. Cooper was still at school in Ottawa.
On the 16th, we were able to have a good visit with Cathleen and then return to Jason's for a wonderful Christmas dinner -beef tenderloin, smashed potatoes, vegetables. Avery and I made chocolate bark with pomegranates and pistachios for dessert. Very festive. (Ask me about the recipe if you want to make it.)
We headed off to Pennsylvania to see Maggie, Jack and the kids on December 17th. The weather had improved and we arrived about 4:15 or so. The children were wonderful and everyone was busy with preparations for the holidays. On Monday the kids had school and Jack and Maggie were back at work. I made spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. The grandchildren helped to make chocolate bark for dessert.
The next morning we headed out- this time for David's in South Carolina. The roads were clear and we arrived in good time at Dave's and Robyn's new house. It is a gem on a small lake. Dave has his hands full doing renovations but it's very well built and charming and in a nice neighborhood. Matt has grown, of course, and is delightful company. We were introduced to Alexa, Amazon's voice that controls everything and is always listening for her name to be called. You can't talk behind her back so to speak without her knowing. Also we tried out visual reality games and experiences. Very cool! We visited a museum in Florence that was very well done. Florence's downtown is making a comeback!
We headed off on December 23 for my brother's home in Florida and found high levels of traffic but arrived about 5-5:30. We had a chance to Skype with my sister Pat on Christmas morning and Don wants to learn to Skype from his phone. He loves not having to type! Erica came to visit and we had a great time. It was a very good way to spend the holiday. Weather was beautiful.
On Dec. 26th we headed west to Seagrove, Florida on the panhandle. We stayed three nights at our ATC friends' home right near the beach. ATC (Affordable Travel Club) is a club to which we belong. We contacted them and they welcomed us into their home. The weather was superb during our visit. We spent time on the beach, in neighboring Seaside, and enjoying dinner at The Perfect Pig restaurant. Rhoda and David are very creative and interesting people. We so enjoyed our visit with them.
On Dec.29th we headed out for New Orleans! Again we were able to stay with an ATC member for three nights. Jo has a beautiful old home in the Mid-City area that she has restored. Bumper the cat was great company and easy to look after.
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