So, I would just like to go on the record as saying that Connecticut is the WORST place for traffic EVER. I have never ever driven through Connecticut without encountering HORRIBLE traffic. I am so over Connecticut. Well, until next Spring I guess.
Anyhoo, I was kind of excited to avoid the mess of New York by trying to follow my friend and co-worker, Carol's advice. Wrong! I tried to head for Newburgh, NY to cross the river there but something went wrong. Don't ask me what (and Carol: not your fault! probably)
Found myself on the George Washington Bridge. Lovely.

But I made it to Langhorne where, to my surprise, I had booked us at a high rise hotel. Woohoo! Let's see, what do I like best? The fact that I have to take an elevator to the basement to go in and out with the girls? The fact that I am parked about 2 miles away and have to make three trips to unload and then load the car? Or, how about the fact that the internet connection sucks?
Then, this morning before the sun came up - with nowhere really to walk the girls unless I wanted to go to the mall across the street - Sophie decided it would be a good idea to charge a food delivery guy unloading his truck. She ran across the parking lot barking her head off. Poor guy probably peed his pants. Guess she just didn't like the cut of his jib (as my BFF would say.)
Today will be better, I am sure. Lots to look forward to so I'd better get moving - out of Langhorne, PA. More anon.

Travel Update

A few traumatic days for the girls, who took to their beds (wide awake, as you can see)  while I packed up. "We are NOT LEAVING! . . . um  Are we??"

 So it was with relief that they finally got in the car. As you can see, once again I have failed to keep the passenger seat clear. By the end of the packing process, every nook, every space - well, except the back which is for the doggie beds, of course - is filled, including unfortunately, the front seat. How does this happen? (Oh, I miss having the RV!!)

 Ok, so I have stopped in Lexington, Mass for a few days to visit with my family and take care of some business. I'm at the Element, which is a lovely place if you happen to be in Lexington and needing a place to stay. Here is my lovely Anna, and I know I've said it before, but once again, my niece is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Here she is just home from tennis.

 And here is Will, intent on the screen of his BRAND NEW computer that he has been saving up for - can't remember what it is but it is chiefly for gaming and, in case you can't tell, he is completely engrossed.

 This is my wonderful bro-in-law, Tom, who is the sweetest man on earth. It is not hard to see why Anna and Will are such lovely human beings with Tom and Leslie as parents. (I would put the pic I took of Leslie up but she'd kill me, so if you haven't met her, you'll just have to use your imagination. She is v. cute.)

And, here are Will and Sophie bonding.

Best hospitality ever and I always feel like they are happy to see me, no matter what. There is a lot to be said for that. So grateful for this beautiful family. They feel like home.

Our beloved Gloria is getting her new hip this morning. I know there are legions of us out there thinking of her this morning and sending healing energy and best wishes for a speedy recovery her way.


Update: Spoke with David this afternoon. Gloria was in the recovery room drugged to the eyeballs and the surgeon said everything went as planned. She is at the Cleveland Clinic in Weston. Yay!

My last sunrise in Maine for awhile . . .

and what a gift it was.

The prospect of a week long drive south with two stinky dogs in a filthy car was fairly unappealing so yesterday, I gave the car an "express detail." 24 bucks at the local carwash - deal! Then today, the girls went to the groomer for the very first time. Oh my.  Here is what they looked like when I picked them up:

Here is what they were saying:  HELP HELP HELP HELP WE HAVE BEEN KIDNAPPED AND TORTURED HELP US MOTHER HELP HELP HELP
The poor woman who gave them baths said only, well they were a bit of a challenge and I needed one of the girls to help out. uh huh, understatement of the year. I think if I drove back up with them tomorrow, she would run screaming from the building.
But they smell lovely and we'll see how long that lasts. They were so exhausted from all the hysterics, they sacked out for the whole afternoon and I got some packing done. oy

My friend, Mike, is having a lung transplant today. Please send him and Rita your love, your support, your positive energy, your prayers, whatever you got.

Monday

So, yesterday was a wicked weather day. I had actual rollers on my shore and at times the snow was blowing sideways. They said the wind was gusting to 45 and I believe it. The temps never got out of the 30's and it came straight in all the nooks and crannies in my cottage.

 I was not able to get the temperature above 60 degrees inside but it was nice to have a roaring fire all day.

 Sophie preferred the Rinnai (gas heater.) Stayed in front of it all day.

 Here is my road this morning.

 And the good samaritan who got this huge tree out of the road with his chain saw had a good sense of humor too! Cute.

 Here is what East Pond looked like on my way back from town this morning.

 Lastly, here is what I did while I weathered the storm (and what a miracle I never lost power!) I am all about the oil cloth lately. This is a big tote with lots of outer pockets.

 And, now cute is this? A little bd present for my niece. Happy Birthday, Brynne! Lots of love!