Adventure Logan

Venice Holiday Parade

Although the weather is in the mid to high 70’s and not very Christmas-like, we geared up for the 36th Annual Venice Holiday parade. Over 3,000 people representing 120 businesses and organizations participated in this event. Mary Evelyn and Gus borrowed chairs and placed them on the route 4 days ago. Putting chairs out long in advance has been a long-standing tradition which they are stopping next year. They will be allowing the setup only 24 hours before hand – it will be interesting to see if they can break this habit.

We arrived at our spot around 6:45 and joined Mary Evelyn, Gus, Janet, Glen, John, Justin, Molly and George to view the parade from our selected location. Yes, the chairs were still there 4 days later.

Happy American Thanksgiving

Today was Thanksgiving here in the USA! It is a bigger deal than Christmas with 4 days off, lots of turkey and football. We cooked a 15 pound turkey and invited Molly and George to join us. Before lunch we heard from Mary Evelyn and Gus and they joined us as well.  It was great having turkey again – and all the trimmings (peas, carrots, turnip, potatoes and corn casserole). I even had one of the small “champagnes” that I got in New Hampshire. It was great having a visit with our Nova Scotian friends.

Goodwill Fun

I finally managed to make a trip to Goodwill after several days of driving by and seeing those big 18 wheelers parked out back. All day long I was getting the “call” and after we worked in the yard I told Dave I was going to take a quick run over. Then I got busy with something and at 5:30 just about decided not to go when Dave encouraged me to go before supper. So I wasn’t too surprised when I found 2 treasures – a black metal end table that goes perfectly with my futon on the patio and a pair of pictures for our renovated bedroom. I love it when I get that strong urge to go – it usually means that some item is waiting there for me. Of course 2 great purses called to me also – they are so happy hanging in my closet.

Water Egret and Water Heron

End table to match my futon

Home Sweet Venice

We left South Carolina this morning at 5:45 ! Both of us were very anxious to get on the road and arrive in Venice before dark. It was cloudy and 14 degrees when we left but warmed up steadily as the day progressed. When we got to Florida, the clouds dispersed and bright sun greeted us. We made such good time that we stopped at Sam’s Club (like Costco) at 1:30 and bought new phones. Those of you who know Dave well, know that he power shops, so in 20 minutes we had the items we wanted and were on our way again. (Liz C I have chicken/cranberry/pecan salad in my fridge LOL). For those of you who have made this drive and have come to Venice, you will relate to the joy we felt at about 2:10 this afternoon when the sign Venice Exit 200 appeared. So with the sun shining and temps at 26 degrees, we pulled into our driveway and sighed! Gus MacIntyre and Dave Thomas had the shutters up, the damp rid and kitty litter (anti moisture) removed, the AC running and things ready for us. Thanks guys. Dave and I have been working on putting things away and he has even made a run to Publix. The phones, Internet and Direct TV all work. We appear to be having an issue with Bell Express Vu but I am sure I will manage to get it in the next day or so. (Dave will go up the ladder and adjust the dish itself tomorrow).  Tonight will be another early one but I do know that tonight’s bed is super comfortable.

Day Two Heading South

At 6:18 this morning we headed out from Danbury. It was a spectacular day – cloudless and sunny – a perfect day to travel through the mountains. As we travelled through the Shenandoah, Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains we saw some great sights and were happy to see the car’s temp gauge rise to 14. At one point today we passed a convoy of about 9 trucks from Texas who had been helping with the relief effort in New Jersey (electrical and tree removal). Last night (forgot to mention it) and then again late today we tried something we hadn’t done before – we travelled in the HOV lane which is reserved for cars with 2+ passengers. It was great to scoot past everyone on the main highway. Last year on the way home we stopped at a place in North Carolina called JR’s and next door there was a great Shoe Rack store. I got a great deal on Sketchers sandals. So this year I mentioned that I would like to make a repeat stop. Now you know Dave wanted me to explain why I would want to buy more sandals. Fortunately I was able to say that I had left them in Dartmouth and needed new ones for Venice. He stopped (his butt was pretty numb by then so he needed to walk around) and within 15 minutes I had 2 new pairs of sandals ($50 each) for a mere $15 for both. A quick stop in JR’s for some salt water toffee and we were on our way. We travelled 1400 KM today in about 13.5 hours – good time for sure. We have just settled in our room in Orangeburg, South Carolina and are happy that day 2 is behind us and that Venice awaits a short 10 hours away.

Day One Heading South

We left Dartmouth this morning at 5:55 AM. Although I am not a morning person, I managed to get up in time to accommodate Dave’s desire to get on the road. Since this is the last time we will be driving (taking the Camry and leaving it there this year), we wanted to spread the travelling more evenly among the 3 days. The skies were cloudy until we got to Maine when the sun broke out. The warmest it got today was 8 degrees.  The new double lane highway between Saint John and the border was excellent. (Dave tells me he heard it was finished early and under budget – imagine) Gas here in the USA is 95 cents a litre – wow what a difference on a fill up! We arrived at Portsmouth Circle for the annual “fun at the NH Liquor Store” – a real oddity since I drink so little. However, we managed to buy Dave’s rum, some wine and 5 bottles of champagne (Mary Daniels get here quick I may have to drink them without you). Thank you to the Live Free and Die State!! LOL  It is 8 PM our time and we have arrived in Danbury, Connecticut for the night. Today we travelled 1300 KM and are pleased with the trip so far. Both of us are taking solace in the fact that we won’t have to drive this route anymore so no matter how long the days seem after 8 years we are DONE! If all goes well tomorrow we will be in South Carolina (and palm trees).