Day 2, 31 Dec 08, Wilkes-Barre, Penn to Roanoke, Virginia

Happy New Year gang! The past year was a great one for us and we are thankful for every minute of it. I can hardly think about my husband, sons, daughters (not in-law, just daughters), Ty, my wonderful cousins and their families, my friends and not wonder how I got so lucky. I don't expect 2009 is going to be any different--but then I've always had high expectations and can't tolerate disappointment. It works for me!
We had a good nights sleep and were on the road by 9 am. The snow was just starting but not enough to be much of a problem. The wind--gusts at 60 mph meant both hands on the wheel and having to pay lots of attention to those 18-wheelers pulling up beside the LuvMasheen. We only spent a couple of hours in Pennsylvania--remember how everyone who got married in the 1960s wanted to honeymoon in the Pocono Mtns and have a bath in one of those heart-shaped bathtubs?
I'm still surprised at the huge billboards along the Interstates that advertise "Instant Massages--No Waiting". I'm not dumb but really thought these might be legitimate--after all, there are also big billboards for Doctors, Hospitals, Emergency Services, and everything else. However, I managed to see one with my glasses on and saw a smaller block in the corner that said "Big Rig Parking available". I don't think they are looking for people like me to stop in for a massage.
We are passing up the opportunity to attend the local New Year's Eve Baloney Toss (honest-to-God) and call me crazy, but I bet that's a happening event. I expect we'll be long asleep before midnight rolls around but we've had our share of parties and the accompanying hangovers during the years and I just don't think we're missing much.
It's still cold but no snow so we're up early and heading for Chattooga, Tennesee. Apparently, there is an old train station is now a hotel...haven't experienced that before and it's another checkmark on the list of things to do in this lifetime. Until tomorrow, love & hugs to all.

Day 1 - 30 Dec 08 - Ottawa to Wilkes-Barre, Penn

We looked at the weather and decided this was as good a day as any to get on the road. By 9:30 we were making the traditional stop at Tim Horton's for one last decent coffee in who-knows-how-long. When Wayne started up Gertie (the GPS), Willie Nelson let loose to "On The Road Again" which Wayne had downloaded beforehand. We had a good laugh, promised to not kill one another and headed for the 1000 Island border crossing.
The South lanes of Hwy 416 must have been trying to take the title away from the Rideau Canal as the World's longest skating rink---holy moly was it awful! There was one car in the ditch and further along the way a tow truck was pulling an 18-wheeler out. We slowed down considerably and figured the 401 would be better, which it was.
The border crossing this time was not quite as pleasant as others--we got Brunhilda, The Infamous Border Bitch this time--and short of giving us a cavity search, grilled us pretty good. I wanted to remind her of the rotten state of the US economy and that I, along with 100,000 other Canadians were coming in for the winter to help out, but decided 2 bitchy women might ruin Wayne's day, so passed on the strong desire to stick my tongue out and give her a raspberry.
We hit a short, but intense snow squall in Syracuse but once we passed through, there was less and less snow on the ground until there was none at all. There's lots of water which is the result of past flooding but nothing that slowed us down.
We've exercised our God-given right to use hotel coupons again so spending the night at a very comfortable Days Inn and look forward to the free breakfast in the morning--$49. It's cold but not as bitter as Ottawa so we're starting to believe that sun and sand are not too far away.
Until tomorrow, hugs and kisses to all.

Christmas 2008

How can you really describe perfection? We had family, friends, babies, chocolate, a new puppy, and lots of laughs...it just doesn't get much better than that. The only thing missing was K2 (Kevin & Kate) but we thought about them and wished they could be with us. We celebrate a few days early so everyone can be with their own families over the holidays but it works out well. We usually have Christmas dinner with my dear cousins and this year Carol out-did herself with a fabulous turkey dinner with all the trimmings--and more.
Of course, Christmas is better with children and this year we had our dear little Ty, who loves Santa, presents, Smarties, and more presents. Santa arrived on (our) Xmas Eve and Ty was his helper. As he handed a gift to each person, he told them " You gotta say--Thank You Santa". He loved baby Sawyer and 'Dug' the Pug and we have some wonderful memories of this holiday. Poppa had made him a bulldozer bed, complete with Thomas the Train comforter and working headlights so he was happy.
We are busy preparing for our trip south in the LuvMasheen and hope to be on the road within the next couple of days. We'll be watching the weather closely and as soon as there are clear skies, we'll be on the road. I expect we'll be heading for Texas first as that's where it seems to be the warmest but we have no specific plan, which is kind of nice. We'll go where the sun takes us. Hope you will all be joining us!