Savannah, Georgia

City Hall Downtown Savannah, Georgia

October 10, 2013

We arrived in Savannah, Georgia shortly before 10:30 AM on October 10, 2013.  Within minutes of our arrival we spotted the gem of our destination, Paula Deen's restaurant The Lady & Sons where we were stopping for lunch.  It wasn't open until 11 AM so my husband put our name on the reservation list then we took a brief stroll.  City Hall is located in downtown Savannah, only a few short blocks from the restaurant.  We parked on the road in front of the park (out of camera range) then wandered through the shady park enjoying the warmth of the morning sun.  It was absolutely gorgeous, leaving us wish we had planned a longer stay in Savannah!

The East River Mountain Tunnel

The East River Mountain Tunnel

October 9, 2013

 

We left Ontario on October 9, 2013 en route to Florida where our vacation home is.  We spend about three months of the year there, divided over three trips.   We decided to drive this time since we would be spending three weeks there, fly home for three weeks then return to our vacation home for five weeks.   We took I-77 south to I-95 south, a bit longer route than the direct route I-75, specifically to make a sightseeing stop in Savannah, Georgia.   The East River Mountain Tunnel carries I-77 through East River Mountain between Bloomfield, West Virginia and Rocky Gap, Virginia. 

Originally, we had planned on staying overnight in Pipe Stem, Tennessee at an interesting sounding little bed and breakfast (Nostalgia Inn).  The hostess reassured us we did not need reservations, to just come.  About an hour away, we called to let them know we would be arriving within the hour.  Imagine our surprise to have the hostess tell us that she just wasn't up to company.  Apparently she was expecting a larger group that weekend and didn't feel like cleaning again before then!  It was bad enough that our plans were changed with that one phone call but worse was her beyond horrible attitude.  We thanked our lucky stars know with that kind of an attitude the place would have been disappointing anyway.  I guess she never heard of Karma!  We moseyed on to Orangeburg, South Carolina where we had a pleasant stay for the night, happy we had made good mileage that day which would put us at our vacation home earlier than expected the following day.

The Big Snow Storm

Neighbour Clearing Our Driveway

January 6, 2014

Like many in southern Ontario, we are still digging out from under a very deep blanket of snow.  The snow started in earnest Saturday evening, worsening Sunday.  The road conditions quickly deteriorated as the winds picked up whipping the blinding snow into a frenzy.  Then the freezing rain hit followed by more snow.  The plows off the road resuming operations this morning to start the clearing.  Residents have been asked to stay off the roads and there is a parking ban on all municipal streets to help with the clearing of the snow.   Still they were hindered by cars stuck on roadways.  There were reports of power outages and closures as the temperatures plummeted to record lows.  A lot of cars and generators won't start due to the cold.  Many are reporting frozen pips.  Warming stations are open. 

We are very, very blessed to have wonderful neighbours who cleared our driveway.  It quickly filled in so they cleared it again!  Our power has stayed on so our house is warm and cozy.  One of our friend's furnace blower quit so his house is in the 60's because he can only run the furnace for very short periods of time.  We lent him our electric space heaters.  He doesn't want to leave his house in case the pipes freeze!  The temperatures continue to fall. 

This storm has had a huge impact across North America due to the polar vortex.  I suspect it will be affecting many areas for several days yet...

A Special Kind of Stupid

This image has been making its way through Facebook with no credit given to whoever created it.  Seriously, they deserve a thumbs up!  If you are on Facebook, you will likely know why I say this.  Some folks seem to think everyone of their 'friends' need to know all of their drama.   Of course they are the ones with a couple hundred or more 'friends'.  That means they will post something about their drama du jour so not only do you get to see it, you get to enjoy their couple of hundred friends comment on their post AND as if that isn't enough, 9 times out of 10 a huge fight will break out because one of their friends didn't like something another one said.  At the same time, you can't block them because that would be rude especially if they are a close friend or family member AND you can't comment because you don't want to get involved in their drama.

Last fall, friends who are also on my Facebook friends went all out gung ho on what appears to be a very nasty split-up.  A large part of it captured forever on Facebook!  Believe me it was and still is nasty watching the cheap jabs go back and forth.  I've been sitting on my fingers, shaking my head at the stupidity being displayed.  All I can say is both lawyers are going to have a field day and it's all there in black and white! 

Honestly, somethings should not be discussed outside the home.  Just saying...

And So the New Year Begins

This is the time of year that many make or start their New Year's Resolutions.  I do not.  The past year (2013) was one in which I made three major life changing decisions that I diligently worked on throughout the year and look forward to expanding on them in 2014.  So I have no resolutions to break within the first week or so of the new year then feel guilty about it.  I have all the hopes and dreams for a beautiful, memorable new year filled with family and friends, love and laughter, and good times. 

It was a cold, blustery, snowy winter start to the New Year here.  My husband went to the Winter Classic (Maple Leafs vs Redwings)  in Ann Arbor, Michigan yesterday so the house was quiet.  I puttered around the house and made a few annual updates to my blogs while watching the game, looking for him in the crowd.  I spotted him three times!  One of our kids paused their TV and took a picture of him.  It was snowing and cold so I kept an eye on the weather knowing the roads were going to be horrible for him and his friend both ways.  He arrived home safe and sound, happy but tired.

And so the New Year begins...

Happy New Year

Wishing each and everyone of you a very Happy New Year!  Welcome 2014...

Merry Christmas

I would like to take this moment to wish each and everyone a very Merry Christmas!  May the peace, joy and magic of the holiday season be with you always.

We spent October at our vacation home in the sunny south, returned home for almost three weeks then back south for another five weeks.  Like many others traveling home for the holidays, we were on the road for two days arriving home Monday evening.  That left us Tuesday to finish up any Christmas shopping, do a massive grocery shopping and start prepping the house for Christmas.  Our large family gathering is on Boxing Day (Dec 26).   We are spending a quiet Christmas Day together, wrapping presents and finishing up the house.  We have steaks out for dinner.  Barbequing in the snow is very much a holiday tradition for us.  After dinner we will bundle up and take a drive around our little corner of beautiful Ontario, enjoying the gorgeous Christmas light displays.

Merry Christmas!

So True!

Image courtesy of Inspirational Quotes

We've all been there!  Anyone who has driven anywhere can relate to...driving along the highway, happily discussing the fault of other drivers while admiring our own driving skills, noticing every traffic sign including the one that says left lane ends ahead a mile or more before the next warning...when out of the blue some inconsiderate, self-absorbed driver jams their vehicle in the barely are car length space you left between you and the driver ahead right where the lane ends.  Hey, it happens all the time...

Remembrance Day 2013

Today is Remembrance Day in Canada, a day we honour those who have served our country and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country.  Because of their sacrifice, we are free!  We have the freedom to do as we in our beautiful country.  We are blessed to be able to freely move about our country and travel outside our country.  We are beyond blessed to live in a country of abundance that our veterans fought so hard for and continue to do so.

November in our little corner of Ontario, Canada is always dull and grey.  It's rare that the sun peeks it's way through.  November 11 quite often is very cold, rainy or snowing or threatening to do so.  It is never is pleasant weather to be out in for things like Remembrance Day services.  In perspective, our veterans had no choice whether or not they wanted to be out in the weather.  They couldn't just say 'Hey sarge, I'm taking a sick day.' or 'I'm staying in because this weather will mess my hairdo.' or any number of excuses we, who live in a free country can come up with for not going to a Remembrance Day service.  We are beyond blessed to have folks who serve our country proudly, unselfishly and so giving of themselves  to make it a better place for all of us.  There is no excuse not to attend a Remembrance Day service!  Lest we forget...

Daylight Savings Time Ends 2013

Don't forget to change your clocks and check the batteries in your smoke detectors as well.

The Lowdown on the Shutdown

Like many, I'm shaking my head at the  US Government shutdown.  Here in under four minutes is the lowdown on the shutdown.  Sad but true...

Boarding the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry

Boarding the Chi-Cheemaun

August 7, 2013

It was still raining when we boarded the Chi-Cheemaun that would take us from South Baymouth to Tobermory.  Boarding is quite impressive!  The vehicles are lined into rows on the dock then each row proceeds into the ferry as directed.  Once inside and parked, passengers are instructed to lock their vehicles and proceed to the upper deck, cafeteria or lounge  for the hour and forty-five minute journey. 

Boarding completed without a problem.  We were one of the first loaded so made our way to the second floor lounge.  The lower level cafeteria was open so many enjoyed a snack en route.  The upper lounge is enclosed with ample seating, rest rooms and tourist information.  Towards the front of the lounge gives the best view of the journey as it is over the bow of the vessel.  There is a open deck around the lounge for viewing as well as an outdoor seating area.  We went out for pictures but it was too cold and rainy to stay out.

Chi-Cheemaun Ferry

Chi-Cheemaun Arrival 

August 7. 2013

We were scheduled for departure at 9:10 AM from South Baymouth to Tobermory by car.  Our vehicle had to be on the dock an hour before departure otherwise we would lose our reservation.  My husband took the car over to the dock at 7 AM then came back to the motel room.  We didn't have any coffee as neither coffee shop opened until 8 AM so we lounged in the room doing a bit of last minute online tasks.  I looked out the window and quickly started powering down the laptop telling my husband we had to make a dash for the car.  It was less than a 5 minute quick run across the road just in time to be greeted with a heavy downpour.  The skies were dull, heavy with rain and more on the way.  Along with the bone chilling cold, it wasn't looking very promising as we started the camping portion of our adventure.

Chi-Cheemaun Dock

Chi-Cheemaun Dock

South Baymouth, Ontario

August 6, 2013

It was a chilly, blustery evening more reminiscent of late fall weather yet we still took a walk-about.  Our motel, the Huron Motor Lodge (just out of camera range to the left of the Wigwam Motel, was directly across from the Chi-Cheemaun dock.   There wasn't much to see other than the two motels, their gift shops and each had small coffee shops as well.  Our motel was a quaint series of cabins, quite cute really!  It had a nice outdoor pool but the weather was too cold to enjoy it.

Our departure time was 9:10 AM the following morning.  It is mandatory to be on the loading dock an hour early otherwise you will lose your reservation.  We were advised to be parked there by at 7 AM as soon as the dock opened then go for breakfast or back to our room to wait until closer to departure time.  We made a few purchases in our motel gift shop then settled into our room for the night.  Our room faced the dock so we had a lovely view!

Green Stairs

Green Stairs

August 6, 2013

Part of the enjoyment of a road trip is discovering little gems like these wonderful green stairs.  I'm not sure how the colour will affect resale value but it sure got my attention!  I just love the creativity!

Lucky Moose

Lucky Moose

OLG Sault Ste. Marie Casino

August 6, 2013

I always get a chuckle out of character statues often painted up to bring a smile or chuckle.  It's nice to see the OLG Sault Ste. Marie Casino offer a good luck token to their patrons in the form of this cheery lucky moose.  Unfortunately he only brought luck to the casino this trip...

Canada, eh!

Canada Straight Thru

August 6, 2013

We crossed into Canada at Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. around lunch time.  We knew we would have a bit of extra time after we crossed.   After clearing customs, we stopped at the OGL Casino in Sault Ste. Marie then did a bit of shopping for a few things we would need camping like dark chocolate before getting back on the road.  We followed the Trans Canada highway to Espanola, Ontario then turned down towards our final destination for the day.  We stopped for a lovely fish dinner at a quaint little diner in South Baymouth.  Once at the motel we unloaded what we would need for the night, took a walk to the gift shop and the ferry landing then settled into the motel.

The weather had already turned cold enough to turn the heater on in our motel room.  We had hit rain on and off, with more on the way.  I have to admit the tiny bathroom with its vintage pink fixtures looked rather enticing knowing we would have no shower facilities until we arrived home.  Oh sure, if we were desperate we could drive in from the campsite to Tobermory to use the paid showers.  I fretted about the cold and wet forecast because I know that combination is a bad trigger for me.  Other than that we chatted about the day, celebrating our anniversary on the road and what the camping trip held in store for us.

Straits of Mackinac

Crossing the Straits of Mackinac

August 6, 2013

We spent the first night of our road/camping trip adventure at Gaylord, Michigan.  It had been a wonderfully, relaxing day filled with good food and beautiful eye candy.  We had made a brief stop at Turtle Creek Casino before calling it a night.  It wasn't a really early start to the day but we managed to cross the Straits of Mackinac before lunch.  Our destination for the night was South Baymouth, Michigan where we would catch the Chi-Cheechmaun ferry the following morning to take us across Lake Huron to Tobermory, Ontario.

 

The Start of Our Six Day Adventure

Northbound I-75 in Michigan

August 5, 2013

On the morning of August 5, 2013 we left the comforts of our home on a six day adventure, four of those days were to be spent rustic camping.  By rustic camping I mean in bear territory, in tents, no hydro, pump water to cart, outhouses or composting toilets for comfort stations, and no shower facilities.  The weather forecast was rain, cold temperatures and more rain.  It didn't matter!  We were spending two days in the thumb of Michigan then meeting up with our kids and grandkids to camp just south of Tobermory, Ontario.  And so the adventure began...

Happy Birthday Little One

'Tis a special day, the birthday of an heir to the throne of England...

Congratulations to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine Elizabeth Kate, nee  Middleton, Dutchess of Cambridge on the birth of their first child, a son!

Happy Birthday Little One!  May your life be filled with love, peace, hope and faith...