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.

Today is the day!

Now I can see why it has been over a month since we have heard from the Groves! I don't have 4 children and I cannot get to this every day! Imagine the chaos of those who do have 4+ children who manage to entertain us daily. I am beginning to appreciate Bethany more and more.
So I have my 2 books for vacation reading, though when I think I am going to read I don't know cause I'll be with family and don't want to miss out on any juicy gossip, family or otherwise!
I am finally reading the Twilight book (I've seen the movie, actually I bought it, I did not see it in the theater) But wanted to see what the big deal is. I liked the movie, and the books are usually better so thought I'd start, then I won't have to wait till the next movie comes out to see what happens next. Although all I have to do is sign into Holly's blog and there it is first thing how many more days.......till the next movie.
And Holly has a Christmas count down. It's less than 3 months for those of you without children or access to Holly's countdown blog pages.
The other book is the Shack, given to me by Vickie Snider whos brother was killed by the sniper here in DC. Also Tim's best friend. My Mom and Kate have read it, I started it with Tim, but he has lost interest. So, I'll finish it.
I could not get one of Bethany's book club books, so I'll have to read double time upon my return to the east coast.
So I am off to Portland today with Mom, Kate and Karen. There better not be anything wrong with this plane, or we will have many sad families.

It always seems OK to be gone from my husband for 10 days when I am planning a vacation that he is not going on, but the reality of it is not so fun. He makes me laugh and I love him so. I will miss him.

I am not done packing, and I have to squeeze my clothes into my carry on as my whole big suitcase is filled with goodies for the girls (great neices) out there........

Can't wait to see my skinny sister Holly.......and all the Mike Kestner family still in the Vancouver area. WAAAAAAAAA HOOOOOOOO Vacation!