Today is the day we head for the open road and the great unknown. John is not overly excited but at least he didn’t have on his grumpy face as we headed out the drive. And, surprise!, we didn’t make a quick return trip home as usual to check the iron, the stove, or some other gremlin lying in wait to burn the house down while we were gone.<\/p>\n
That, in fact, was John’s big worry when we were discussing the trip a few days ago. “How would you feel,” he asked me at dinner, “if you came home and the house had burned to the ground.”<\/p>\n
I replied, “I’d feel happy that I wasn’t in the house when it burned down.”<\/p>\n
That pretty much sums up our differing attitudes on vacation time. Who said “opposites attract”? What exactly do they attract, I wonder.<\/p>\n
Despite all misgivings, the day greeted us with sunshine and crisp air. All along the way, as we passed through our first four states\u2014Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut\u2014yellow and crimson leaves waved us on. Hillsides brilliant with color lined our route\u2014a gorgeous display.<\/p>\n
Our first destination\u2014Milford, CT. I just love it when the kids spot us and dash for the door yelling, “Grammy Sue and Grampa Geebus are here!” Best greeting I get. After the hugs and kisses, we head for the hotel and the pool. We’d never be able to stay anywhere else; the kids wouldn’t allow it. They’ve memorized how to get to the pool and guide the way, hitting the correct elevator buttons and wielding the room card to open the door to the pool.<\/p>\n
In the water, they are constant motion. Alex, 4, jumps in, swims to the side, hoists himself along the side, climbs out, and does it again and again and again. Callie, 6, swims the width of the pool underwater and the length swimming freestyle, never stopping. Neither one wears a flotation device. I’m tired just watching, and John and Sam, in the water, can hardly keep up.<\/p>\n
Back in the room, Alex transforms the closet into a railroad car and travels with his sister chugging along the tracks, all the while wearing only his shirt. No time to get the pants on until Dad insists it’s time to go.<\/p>\n
Back at home in Milford, Colleen hobbles around with a brace and big boot protecting her fractured foot and sprained ankle. Sam has been doing double duty for the past week and a half since Colleen’s fall (lost her balance outside her door). She’s homebound for at least two more weeks. This is hard for a woman who likes to be on the move. Sam said it’s been like “The Shining” there.<\/p>\n
John’s lasagna is a bit hit. Earlier in the day, Colleen sits on a stool in the kitchen to oversee the baking of a lemon cake made by Callie and Alex for Grammy and Grampa’s anniversary celebration and the start of our anniversary trip. It is delicious with chocolate frosting, which somehow ends up as an extra eyebrow on Alex. An interesting look for him . . .<\/p>\n
After supper, it’s time to read books. One describes a day at the fair. Mention of the teacup ride reminds everyone of Grammy’s last venture on Funtown’s teacups. When Grammy put her hand to her mouth and turned green, Sam waved wildly to the attendant to stop the ride unless he wanted to clean up the mess. Fortunately, he did stop it in time. Callie insisted that her father take her on the ride again, this time WITHOUT Grammy.<\/p>\n
It’s bedtime and lullabies for the kids, and back to the hotel for us. Tomorrow the road trip resumes. We’re off to Fredericksburg, VA. Till then, good night to all.<\/p>\n
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Today is the day we head for the open road and the great unknown. John is not overly excited but at least he didn’t have on his grumpy face as we headed out the drive. And, surprise!, we didn’t make Continue reading Day 1: Bon Voyage<\/span>