h20skibum

We finished day 2 of our drive back to Pennsylvania. Got to our favorite stop in North Carolina in time to walk a little trail They must love gongs here, because there are several along the trail. The broken heart one is new since the last time we did this hike. Of course, we decided it would not be a good idea to venture off the trail today.

We used their grab and go. I didn’t pay attention to sandwich sizes, so I assume they have smaller ones than the XXL I picked up. That one was so big, I was too full for dinner that night. Too bad we don’t have any more on our trip home.

It is 50° in Georgia this morning. Already I am not liking this cooler weather. Driving to our stop in North Carolina this afternoon. The fog is pretty thick. At least it is still shorts weather. It is a good thing, because somehow, my long pants got packed in my son’s suitcase, and they are now in California. 🤷

My son is hoping they do not see as much rain as they forecast. Their house is in Marin. Eight to 10 inches in the upper elevations is a lot.

We had a relatively easy drive on I-95 this morning, until we got to the intersection with I-4. Then, Susan got to enjoy that 10 mph speed on 95. That is where we saw the first of 17 crashes today, between there and Jacksonville. They do them big here, because there were usually 4 or 5 vehicles in each crash. The stop at Daytona was for gas, and this. The couple times I stopped before, I never tried their food. That brisket sandwich was delicious. In honor of our soon to start diet, we picked up the XXL brisket. We are trying to eat all the good stuff before we get home, because that’s when it will stop

Now for a couple strange things we have seen. First, someone was walking their pony in Ft. Lauderdale. Next, we encountered this strange squirrel at our first rest stop this morning. I think it is the same pose I had when Susan told me it was time to start the drive home.

Just my opinion, but I think the bottom one looks better.

This is a good day, because any day you wake up to a beach sunrise, it is a good day. There are even a few remnants of our sculptures still relatively intact. This is also a sad day. Had it been different times, we would have checked out of our house this morning and boarded Liberty for a short cruise, then boarded Harmony for that 8 day southern. But times are different, and we are packed and making the drive back north to see our daughter through the rest of her journey. It was a good trip for her, even though she could not use the pool or hot tub, or go in the ocean. And, they are already looking forward to next year. Hoping the only traffic jams we see the next few days are those headed south.

Don’t tell me it is cold at home. Our weather today is better. I can’t enjoy a happy hour Bloody Mary and stare at the ocean when I am home.

The last of the sand sculptures for a while. Somebody wanted one big enough to fit her and her brother. My CA family is already in the air and will land in San Francisco in about 4 hours. My PA family is flying home this afternoon. It has been great having everyone together for the week.

First sunrise of 2023

Not the clearest picture, but we were all waving from here.

I will have the Beef Crostini, Lobster Bisque, Surf and Turf, and the Chocolate Cake. I read in our small hometown newspaper that none of the restaurants are offering any New Year meal and party celebration packages. Most are closing up at 11:00 tonight.

I know I am a little early with this, but it will be a busy day and evening for us. Was surprised the sand sculptures we did yesterday were still intact and pretty well defined. Everyone walking by had to stop for a picture. So today, the early birds were just working on a sign in the sand. Tonight, we have reservations at Bubba Gump’s, then we are cruising on the Jungle Queen for the Holiday Light Show. Wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Year. And thanks again to Dani for this thread. May it keep going strong in 2023.

+1 @A&L_Ont Andrew. Happy birthday, Happy New Year Eve, and have a great cruise.

Another sunny and warm day in Florida. Pool time, then it was off to the Rustic Inn Crabhouse for lunch. That is one place that hasn’t raised their prices, at least not for their lunch special. Friday, Shrimp, Shrimp and more Shrimp is still $13.95 including sides and drink. Then it was off to the beach in the afternoon for some more sand sculpting. Since it was afternoon, my California grandson was awake. 🤣🤣 I say go big when you are building. Not sure where dinner is tonight. Daughter is choosing.

If you went due east, you would find our sand sculptures on the beach. I would want to avoid going to a shopping mall when getting a break from the cold.

I hope you are finally moving. Maybe there are too many people driving to their cruises, after the airline meltdown. I know I am not looking forward to that drive back north next week.

Evidently I have been using my card too much. I got one of these, just after they rang up the big dinner bill. Maybe it was some of these excellent desserts the grandkids ordered. I guess it is a good thing that they keep a close tab on any charges that seem out of the ordinary.

You can tell that the east coast people get up much earlier than those west coasters. I was up, and did a five mile walk with my daughter before 7am. Then some pool time and beach time for sandcastle building 101 with our east coast grandkids. We had this built and were back to the house, just as our west coast grandson got up. 🤣🤣

Oh, those problems with Southwest have been a stressor here. Our daughter missed one of her treatment sessions this week, because of hospital scheduling problems over the holidays. So they were booked on SW to fly home in time for her treatment the beginning of next week. With SW cancellations continuing, they found 4 seats on another airline for Sunday. I think this fiasco will hurt SW

It is 76° in sunny Ft. Lauderdale this morning. Yesterday’s beach day saw some sand sculpting. Grandson sculpted an octopus. While his dad was working on some kind of big fish. and I had to make a little sandman for our granddaughter We stopped at Lauderdale by the Sea, and some of this fudge made its way into a box and into Susan’s hands. The tree was lit up for a photo op for our two PA grandkids, while the CA grandson was busy eating ice cream. and finally, the traditional Christmas pj photo. I wonder how much longer this will last.

Have a great cruise and a happy birthday. I will be following along. We have been warming up Ft. Lauderdale for you. It was up to 79° today. Here is to the start of a great New Year.

Channeling OB.

So here is something I haven’t done for a while. My sunrise photo of the day. Well, maybe two things. My daughter was up early, so the two of us took a long walk, and caught the sunrise. Last night, we packed all 9 of us in our Highlander and went to Bahama Breeze for supper. I know, it is a chain, but it is good to find things for the grandkids. Anytime you can get a drink in a pineapple, it is a good time. My supper was a jerk chicken pineapple bowl. This was really good, and something I would order again. Beach day today.