And that was me yesterday.

Awoke in the morning feeling quite proud of myself. We’d made it here. And I was feeling pretty good. Everything was put away. Went off to the the gym for treadmill and yoga. Checked out books from the library. Stopped at three stores for groceries. Then home.

Oops. Forgot Richard got a Post Office box. I have to mention this because of what he heard there. The woman in front of him was asking to buy stamps and was asked if she wanted religious or non-religious ones. What? I never knew that was an option.

If you’re wondering, she chose non-religious.

Sat in the sun. Special treat, I saw dolphins again. Set up the Apple TV. Four TVs in this house but took a long time to find one where I could attach the Apple TV. Darn old wall TVs with the ports on the back. Finally there was one I could get to but once plugged in I couldn’t get it to connect. Thank goodness for the help of my son-in-law back in Canada patiently explaining I had to join their Wi-Fi for it to work. On his part, I’m sure he was shaking his head in disbelief. On my part, I felt old.

Next on the hunt for the Keurig. After much innovative investigating I found it. But that’s a story for another day.

Then

I crashed.

Total exhaustion.

Napped.

Guess my body was telling me something.

Today?

I listened to my body and stayed in for the day.

Relaxed.

Had good friends from Michigan over in the afternoon for a relaxing reconnection over snacks and drinks on our sunny deck.

At least that was the plan.

But then we were inundated with flies. We’d never had them before. They looked similar to Deer Flies. (I read that some people call them Dog Flies. Don’t know for sure.) Boy did they sting when they bit. I can’t imagine what the people on the beach thought about my screams. Did I mention I am not a fan of bugs? They would swarm me. Did they bother Richard? Nope. Just one of our friends and me. We all went inside. But those ferocious flies followed.

Richard was on fly swatter patrol.

Only we couldn’t find a real one so he used a spatula. Yes you read correctly. Gotta make due with what you have, right? Now close your eyes and imagine him hustling around the room swatting flies with a spatula. It would have been funny if it hadn’t been so necessary. He really didn’t believe me about the biting until he swatted some that were full of blood. Where’d the blood come from Richard?

ME

We still had a great afternoon catching up, just indoors instead of in the sun.

Of course we found the real fly swatter after they left. Figures.

Hope you had a great day.

Sunshine On My Shoulders – John Denver

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” 
Anita Desai

And Gulf Shores has become a part of us. I felt it as soon as we drove down the 59. Not the same feeling I get crossing the Confederation Bridge to PEI but similar.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederation_Bridge

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Edward_Island

Slept in this morning.

Until 5:00. 😂

On the road at 5:30.

Other years the first hour of the drive was foggy. After the fiasco yesterday we were blessed today. Great weather (no fog) and light traffic.

First Alabama sights.

The only problem on the drive was finding radio stations. Choices: Country, religious, or sports. What to do? Solution? Connected Richard’s phone to the radio and listened to “Who Dunnit’s” on the BBC”. They sure pass the time.

Now those who know me know when I arrive I unpack immediately. Get ‘er done.

Unbelievably today I didn’t. 17C.

Work later. Sit in the sun. Water was incredibly warm.

(Of course I got everything put away before the end of the day.)

And the bonus?

We saw dolphins. In the Gulf right in front of us. How sweet is that.

Great way to start our stay here.

The only downside about being here? How much will we have to hear about the ‘orange guy’.

Alabama – Neil Young

Take care and stay healthy.

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Fate was in our favour. No cars being worked on at Midas when we arrived. Took us in immediately. Needed a new battery. Replaced it and cleaned the contacts (whatever they are) then off we went. Our schedule was now late by three hours but much better than we expected. Thanks Midas in Bowling Green, Ohio. Fast and efficient.

Other parts of the drive were amazing. Great weather and light traffic. We made it to Sweetwater, Tennessee. Originally we’d hoped to make it further but no complaining here. Truly grateful.

Gratitude – Earth, Wind, & Fire

Take care and stay healthy.

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Bowling Green, Ohio. Car stopped. Wouldn’t start. We’re fine.

To be continued…

Broken Down Car – Liz Fohl

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Today we drove to London to visit with Richard’s daughter, son-in-law, and six month old granddaughter. We really couldn’t have asked for a better drive.

Yesterday I received a video of my grandson pretending to be a frog so we just had to send him this pic of me today.

So nice to spend time together with his family. When you live far apart it makes visits even sweeter.

We arrived at the perfect time. His granddaughter had just woken up from her morning nap. What a sweetie. She can sit, crawl, and play. So full of new discoveries. Plus she has a fabulous great big smile.

I loved playing with her but even more than that, I loved watching Richard play with her. They immediately hit it off. He’s a great entertainer.

I have to mention our meals. My salad was delicious. But this is what made the noon meal extra special. His daughter had gone to a British shop and bought him a Cornish Pasty and a Vanilla Slice. Richard was so pleased as he loves both of these and hasn’t had them in a long time.

The rest of the day was spent, in between the little one’s naps, watching and playing with his granddaughter. And of course spending time with his daughter and son-in-law.

Supper was a delicious red wine and short rib pasta dish. super tasty. Followed by more ‘watch the granddaughter’. Great entertainment.

She went off to bed and then we were next. Early morning 4:00 am departure tomorrow. Not easy to get up but well worth it at the end of the day, especially this year as we’ll be driving a new route. Hopefully interesting but uneventful.

Child of Mine – Carole King

Take care and stay healthy.

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Today’s post could be about our drive or the weather.

But it’s not.

It’s all about family.

What a way to spend the day.

With my daughter and son-in-law.

A little walk about in Fairview Mall. Marvellous memories came washing over me. I couldn’t count the number of times my daughter and I shopped there. Ahhhh.

The best part?

Off to the movie theatre. Oooo. Nice place. VIP. Leather reclining seats. Servers to take and deliver the food and drink orders. Not too shabby. There to see “Wicked”. Oh my. Excited. Well three of us were excited. One was a good sport and went along for me. My daughter and I had seen the musical in Toronto years ago. Mind blowing. And then my best friend and I saw it on Broadway. Amazing. Needless to say I was sceptical about the movie. We’ve all seen musical movies over the years where some of the vocals, how should I say this, were less than stellar.

And the movie? Loved it. Do I have some criticisms? Sure. But I won’t go into them. Just go and enjoy it.

To Eataly for supper. Lovely spot. Delicious authentic Italian cuisine.

Enjoying the Christmas ambiance.

Followed by a relaxing evening.

Wicked – Overture

Take care and stay healthy.

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A big change in our route to Gulf Shores, Alabama this year.

In the past we’ve driven to Houston, Maine and then down through the states.

This year partly through Canada with stops in Ontario. In Toronto to visit my daughter and son-in-law then to London to visit Richard’s daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter.

Change is good.

So today.

On the road at 4:32 am. During today’s drive we experienced mist, rain, fog, snow, and a hint of sun. the good news is most were short lived. Good weather and traffic for most of the drive. That’s always such a blessing.

Couldn’t not take this. Always fun to see.

A little car hiccup. A couple of times it wouldn’t start but then started immediately after. We’ve had this issue before. Two car dealerships, one in Gulf Shores and one in Summerside, could find nothing wrong. It doesn’t happen often but annoying when it does.

Other than that’s it was a great drive. Long. 13 hours but worth it. Even made it further than our anticipated destination. We planned on Cornwall but made it to Brockville. And our hotel there? Mediocre. Well until we saw the chair. You decide.

Side By Side – Kay Starr

Take care and stay healthy.

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“Just in case” is the curse of packing. 

Alexandra Potte

In the last few weeks I’ve been asked my title question many times. My response? Not yet. Too much to do.

I always forget how much preparation goes into getting ready. Hmmm. Could that be a sign of my age?

I have ‘to do’ lists! Many, many lists, House lists, before leaving lists, packing lists (suitcases, travel bags, rubber-made tub, gym bags), food lists, tech lists, and more. But get this. I no longer make paper lists. They’re all categorized in an Alabama folder on my phone. Imagine that. A sign of the times.

Even with all my copious lists I still fall under that curse of “ just in case”. I vowed not to pack so many clothes/footwear and I did just that. Less clothes and less footwear. Then a little voice whispered to me “just in case”. I succumbed. Not a lot, but a little.

Thankfully almost everything is checked off. Just those last few things that can only occur early tomorrow morning. And I mean early. We usually leave around 4am.

Now for a cup of tea, a bit of dark chocolate, and early to bed. Yawn🥱

At the End of the Day – Music Travel Love

Take care and stay healthy.

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“There is something magical about the way a sunset can make us feel at peace, grateful, and alive all at once.”

Morgan Harper Nichols

Richard often comments on these beautiful, warm days that we’re experiencing are our “ bonus days. “

This week when listening to an interview we heard the person describe turning seventy and all additional years as his “ bonus years ”.

Maybe these bonus years, like sunsets, can make us feel at peace, grateful, and alive.

Yellow – Amber Leigh Irish

Take care and stay healthy.

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I am happy because I’m grateful. I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy.

Will Arnett

A day of thanks. A day of gratitude. I am grateful for so much in my life. Too much to list. But in particular my sweet grandson who calls me GiGi. He somehow shortened Grammie to GiGi. Ok by me. Love hearing him say it.

Grateful – John Bucchino (sung by David Campbell)

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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Take care and stay healthy.