Journal: More Holiday Visits

Monday December 23, 2002                          **LOTS of pictures added since 1st published!

Christmas trip to Cary, NC

Volvo – starting mileage 260988, ending mileage 261592

7:22 am – Depart – Clear & cold dawn skies.
10:30 – Rest Stop
11:15 – Ate PB&J and chips and pop for lunch on-the-go
12:00 – Fuel stop, Marmet, W. VA [261275 (295.5 mi) $16 10.67gal]
2:45 – Rest stop, just over NC border. Very busy rest area.

We’re driving the Volvo on this trip, and David did a great job of arranging baggage, snacks, presents, dog stuff, cat litter box, 2 adults, 3 dogs and 1 cat so that we all fit rather nicely. The car is running smoothly at @ 70mph and the dogs seem comfortable enough, cozied together in the back.

Tessa is pretty calm, mostly because she’s tired from Lars’ visit yesterday. Since he couldn’t attend the family functions for Thanksgiving or Christmas due to work, David & I were going to see him on Saturday as a day trip, but he offered to drive up to see us instead. So he showed up yesterday @ noon, and stayed until the Brown’s game ended after 7 o’clock.

We had a good time; walked the property, played air hockey (xmas gift to ourselves), ate hot dogs for lunch, watched the pig movie “Babe” (he really liked it!), looked at Thanksgiving photos, watched the Brown’s game, ate homemade chicken enchiladas at halftime, and tried out our glӧgg to good reviews. A good day was had by all. On Saturday, our neighbor Kathy brought a gift: a Beta fish in a special bowl – very pretty.

(this part entered from memory 1-19-03)

Arrived @ 6pm, after a little excess driving due to wacky internet directions. The house & neighborhood looked great all decked out for Christmas. Karin had been out shopping but arrived shortly thereafter. Everyone got their first glimpse of my ‘head wound’ and black/yellow eye.

Wound Maker

Moving is a contact sport

This was the result of getting smacked in the head by the hand-truck on the previous Wednesday as we were moving a heavy post with concrete base out of the yard. The load shifted and I was in front trying to help keep it on & the handle just shot up and Bonk! Over my right eye. I didn’t scream or cry out because my instincts said stay very still, so I just knelt down. There was a gash (“a hole”) so David *drove me to Galion Community Hosp. & I received 3 stitches. It was mildly traumatic in all, but I survived.

Anyhow, Christmas was fun. Dad & Elsie spoiled us rotten with food & drink, and we got fat & lazy. Their house is beautiful, and they have a nice way of decorating that is warm & inviting. Dick wasn’t there due to work schedule, same as Lars. There were so many presents Christmas morning – everyone was so generous to us. Karin had to depart late Chr. Day so she could go to work the next day.

Christmas Eve Dinner 2002

David and I, Christmas Eve 2002

Hand transplant with pig's foot

Me, gnawing on a pig's foot

[Pickled pigs feet

Pickled pigs feet is a type of pork associated with Cuisine of the Southern United States, Scandinavian cuisine, and Korean cuisine. The feet of hogs are typically salted and smoked in the same manner as other pork cuts, such as hams and bacon. Wikipedia]

Glove Keeper

Decorated Sanddollar

[journal margin notes: *trip to Nat’l History Museum / *trip to lighting store & bought fixture]

Me in a previous life

We stayed on til after New Year, and continued to get spoiled & lazy. The dogs had the run of the house. I began learning Swedish. New Year’s Eve dinner was spectacular with lobster & tenderloin, and slow-cook orange dessert; champagne at midnight! A terrific visit.

New Year's Eve 2002

Pav is ready to ring in the New Year

Think of the wound as a beauty mark...

Would you like to buy a vowel?

*drove me to hospital: as I recall, we were so new to the area that we had no info on hand regarding hospitals, doctors, etc.  I recall David being very stressed over finding out details in a hurry, and figuring out how to get there (pre-GPS, remember...)

End of Entry