The Kuchta Christmas 2010 trip

We put 1800 miles under our tires in 7 days. To some that may not seem relaxing, but to us it was just what we needed.

Our first top was in Savannah where I had hoped to go to The lady and sons for dinner, but Paula Deen was closed Dec 25 and 26. We saw her on the cooking channel doing a Christmas dessert cook off, that must have been taped. None the less she was closed, so we managed other ways!

Tim and I and Pat all left the DC area Christmas morning and drove tandem to Savannah, the eight hour drive was easy. We even stopped at Denny's for Christmas morning breakfast out. It was really amazing how many families were out Christmas morning. Who knew!? We arrived in Savannah without a hitch and checked into the Holiday Inn Express. We had a river view and the moss covered trees were everywhere. It was beginning to snow and Savannah was in a panic, we asked if there was a spot for dinner in walking distance, there was: J. J. Bonerz!
The 3 of us had dinner in a local sports bar near hotel. We arrived just in time for the Dallas game, Tim was in heaven. Pat was in heaven as you can still smoke in pubs in Georgia. I was just happy to be in Savannah and have a relaxing week to look forward to.

The next morning we drove to Tybee island, had a chilly tour there and wound up at Uncle Bubbas for lunch.

Another Paula Deen spot. Not too impressed, but did have my first fried pickles, dill to be sure, and Tim and Pat had oysters.

Yes, those are individual fried dill pickles! They are so cute! This could actually the the oyster vacation for Tim.

The next morning Pat went north a bit to Hilton Head to find a smoking hotel and Tim and I forged on to Clermont, Florida. We saw Mark Kazda, I got to meet his lovely parents and see life in a retirement community.

Then to Melbourne beach to see my long lost Friend Glenn Birdsong Boykin. The joys of Facebook, it is amazing who can find you, and you can find. She and her husband Rob have chosen a wonderful little piece of Florida to call their own and have a fun Burrito restaurant there. If you are ever in Melbourne beach Florida Robburritos is a MUST. Below is a view from outside and Bambi in her Christmas finest. She dresses for most seasons, you will see her on the bench out front!

We spent 2 wonderful nights with the sliding door open to hear the surf. My favorite sound to sleep to, and wake to. We bid farewell to Melbourne Beach to turn north to Jacksonville Beach to see Jake and Angelika and the imfamous bull dog, one Ludus! And their Martha Stewart Christmas tree topper! What else would 2 Marylanders in Florida have a top their christmas tree?

We had a nice visit with Jake and Angelika and had 2 more nights of ocean surf right out our door. I cannot tire of that sound.

All in all a very relaxing vacation. Just somehow makes it harder to go back to work on Monday, but oh so many fond memories!

Happy New Year! Below is Thelma Lou of Rob and Glenn. She is a talker just like my Kelly was. I miss having a puddin in the house.

Happy Winter Solstice

So, the shortest day of the year! Shew we made it! It can only get better from here and we had quite a spectacular lunar eclipse last night.
My cards are out, a few packages are mailed, and I still have tons o presents to wrap.
Most important my Tim continued his 4.0! Four more classes down, and only 2 to go! Wahoooo!
We are looking forward to Christmas eve at Mom's and then hitting the road for some bonding in the truck and visiting points and people south for a week.
We still have tiny remnants of snow on the ground from our snow last week. Mostly I seem to have 2 ice skating rinks on the path to take the trash and recycling around. Nearly bought the farm last night, but had 2 cans to steady me!

Merry Christmas one and all. From here on in, the days are longer! Till that beloved day in June, the 21st, where night seems to never come and the air is warm and the living is outside.

A blustery winter Sunday

Only 3 whole weeks till Christmas and I am not even close to "ready". But what does "ready" really mean? I've not put up a tree. I've not pulled out the wrapping paper or card box, which are usually out in November...... I have purchased a few little gifts for a few family members. I've attempted a Christmas letter, but just am not in the Christmas spirit. Usually by now I am piles deep into cards and happily humming Christmas carols all day at home. But tons o work and Tim's school is first priority this year and I will take what ever comes with it as a blessing.
Perhaps I'll get out the creche set, that is easy and for sure emulates the true reason for the season! Perhaps I'll snap a photo of it too!