Luray pictures

Luray Caverns

Our hotel, Days Inn, isn't that great but we made it through the night okay.   No fridge or microwave or even a coffee pot!  Old tv and just plain old.  Got breakfast at McDonald's and drove 12 miles to Luray Caverns.   It opened at 9:00 and we got there at 8:30.  We were the ONLY car in this huge parking lot!  We walked to the ticket window to the sounds of piped in music.   It was a scene from "Wally World" or Shrek and Farquaad's Duloc.   It was hilarious! !!

We walked around the grounds and then got in line.   We were the only ones until the last minute and then 9 more people came in.  It was a nice small group and our little teenage tour guide (Lexie) started us down 70 steps to the awesomeness of the Caverns.  It really is awesome!   Those stalagmites and stalactites form 1 inch every 120 Years!  And one formation was 1 inch every 300 Years...and it was huge!  We saw so much history because these Caverns have been forming for millions of years.  If you get a chance you must see it.

After the 1 hour tour we climbed back out and we saw a great toy museum showing toys from the 1800's through present day.  It was nice remembering the toys we grew up with.   Next door was The Car and Carriage Caravan.  Here were vintage cars and carriages and bicycles from a carriage in the 1800's all through the 1910's.   Benz, Rolls Royce, Ford, Etc......beautifully restored.   Leather, mahogany, steel finishes and candle lanterns and just gorgeous workmanship.   I kept thinking of Uncle Bill and Jay Leno.
Next door to this was The Garden Maze and it was our favorite! !!!  Think Harry Potter and the maze he went through.   It was so much fun.  You had to find 4 "Goals" and stamp your card each time.  We split up but David and I ended up together and he was like a bloodhound and found the goals so quickly!    Bill missed Goal #1 and then we all got separated.  David made it out easily while we floundered for awhile.   Finally made it out and we thanked our lucky stars! :)
The next thing was the Luray Museum which was well done recording the history of the area.   So, we finished our day at 1:00 and drove the very twisty road back.  Stopped at a Walmart and got some cheese, crackers and fruit and ate lunch at the hotel.   Took naps and are ending our day quietly in the hotel.   Tomorrow is our trip to Manassas to see Liz.

On our way.....

Bill, David and I drove north to our first leg of the journey to Luray Caverns.   Just a normal drive .  We ended up at New Market, VA which is just a few miles away from the Caverns.   Our motel is on the top of a hill with a beautiful view of the mountains.  Makes up for the stinky smell of the room; not the best place we've ever stayed but it will do.  We had a really nice dinner at Southern Kitchen in the quaint downtown of New Market.   This was true "locals" dining!   It was so much fun and comfortable.   So tomorrow we will enjoy the awesomeness of Luray Caverns.

Oh yeah,  David does not care too much for staying in the same room with his parents but they wanted to charge us $125.00 for another room and it is definitely Not worth the money!   David has been a real trouper for the most part.  He is enjoying himself but traveling isn't as glamorous in real life as it sounded in the blog.  Tomorrow will be a great day!!!!!!!!!

Monday's adventure

Monday morning we left Greensboro in the morning and drove back to Chesapeake.  The plan was to pick up Livy and then take her to the airport to pick up Adam who was coming to spend a week with his daughter.   Unfortunately, flying these days is a crap shoot and between delays and cancelations Adam's flights got him to Dulles at midnight only to find out his flight to Norfolk was canceled until the next day!   His luggage made it to Norfolk where we picked it up at midnight.   Adam decided to rent a car and drive to Chesapeake - after being up all day.  So, Livy stayed with Marilyn that day , Adam made it safely home at 3:30 am and dad and daughter were finally reunited at her gymnastics camp that morning.   Yea! 
So, Tuesday I worked for about 5 hours while the office was closed and then we visited with Adam and livy.  Prepped for our trip to Luray Caverns next day.

A new adventure

Our son, David, had been diligently reading our blogs when we were on the road so we decided to take him on an adventure of his own.  This past weekend we drove down to Greensboro, NC to visit my brothers Dana and Mike and their wives and families.   Drove Friday and arrived in time for Jackson's (age 8) baseball practice.   Actually, Bill and David went while Sarah and I had some great"girl" time.    Dana and Mary came over for a delicious cookout and fun conversation.

Saturday we attended 2! ball games that Jack was playing in and boy was it hot!!
90° in the hot sun.  Thank goodness for umbrellas.   After the 2nd game (and 2 losses :(  ) we went to a Greensboro Grasshoppers Minor League baseball game with Mike, Sarah, Jack, Elena, Danaand Mary!  Fun times except for poor little Elena (7 yrs).   She threw up 4 times at the game!   She made it thru the spectacular fireworks show but on the way home she just folded over and threw up again.  We all went to bed but Mike and Sarah did the parent thing and stayed up with a sick little girl.  David really enjoyed himself at the game and ate a  huge burger and big soda.  He decided not to partake of the beers we were drinking. .....don't know why :)

Sunday Elena was feeling mostly better.  The 3 of us went to Dana and Mary's apt then to Maxie B's -   the BEST BEST BEST bakery ever!  Cakes galore.  Spent a great day with dana and Mary!  We all enjoyed watching the soccer game between USA and Portugal.   What an exciting game and to be tied at the last second! !  Aaaaaaaargh!    We went back to Mike's and Bill and David went to Mike's hockey game at 10:30 that night!  I know, I'm a wuss and didn't go.   Mike's team won and the boys had a great time. 

One more time.....

So, back in Virginia and it's warm (66) and sunny.   Getting our bearings.....laying low.  

Years ago my sister's boyfriend came with her to visit us from Denver.   He said something that always stuck with me and I never understood it - until now.  He said, "Driving the roads here make me uncomfortable.   Too many trees lining the highways and I feel hemmed in.  No open spaces! "    Whew!  Now I see exactly what he was saying.   And that's from me!  The tree hugger!  :)

Check out the pictures of  this very thing.

Pics of Greensboro, NC

Last day of the Adventure

Drove a little bit south to Southmont, NC to visit Bill's mom and dad's grave.  Cold still,  but sun was shining.   Before we got to Southmont we had taken the wrong road and, in trying to get back on track, we took an exit that put us in Thomasville.  They had a pretty little downtown and we saw a HUGE chair and a really nice park right next to a lot of railroad tracks where a train went by very close to where were standing.   Thomasville was a big furniture town back in the day.

After time in Southmont we drove to the BEST EVER bakery named Maxie B's.  OMG, it was decadent.   They sell the best cake I have ever had!!!  And to prove it the line going in there never stopped.  We stayed and ate a slice of cake there so we can honestly say that the line never got short. 

Next was downtown Greensboro where we spent about 3 hours walking around.   There were many nice stores and the architecture was stunning.   The storefronts had beautiful detail from the olden days.  2 drugstores were of particular interest (see pictures).  We saw the Woolworths where the famous 1960 sit-in happened.   There is so much history here in Greensboro.

Stopped at a grocery store and got ingredients for cabbage roll casserole.   Went back to Mike's home and made a delicious dinner and then enjoyed our last night in NC  and the last day of our  cross country adventure.  It was perfect spending the end with Mike and Sarah.  

So, the journey ends.  It has been an amazingly beautiful time and it gives me a greater appreciation for our gorgeous country.  Thank you to all our faithful followers.   I have seen each day through your eyes and I helped you see it through mine.  Thank you to Mimi, Laurie, Adam,  Barbara, and Mike for sharing your homes with us.  It has been a once in a lifetime endeavor that will be remembered forever. 

Sunday in Greensboro

Enjoyed a great breakfast by Sarah and Mike.   Lynn stayed overnight and we had a full table of laughter.  Bill and I went to Dana and Mary's apt for homemade soup and fresh homemade bread.  Delicious!  Then they gave us the grand tour of Greensboro as well as Winston Salem.  What a fun visit!!

Then back to Mike's and dinner and stories of harrowing mountain drives!  I helped Elena read one of her books for school and then another cozy night in front of the fire with the Olympics.

It is still in the 30's and 40's and chilly.  

Picture of Mike, Sarah, Jack, Elena

Fun day in Greensboro

Early morning going to  7 year old Elena ' s gymnastics meet. Sat on the bleachers from 8:30 - 11:30 watching some awesome little girls doing amazing things.   Elena got 2 ribbons and a medal.   What a little dynamo!   Had a nice lunch and then hung out at the house until brother Dana and wife Mary and sister Lynn came over at 5.  Enjoyed a great pizza dinner at Elizabeth 's to celebrate Dana's  62nd  birthday.  Then, we had the most delicious cupcakes from the best bakery!!!!!  Yum Yum!  It is so very nice sitting with family around the fireplace!

We had quite a show by the kids.  Jack dressed up as 'I don't know what' and danced gangnam style.   It was hilarious!   Elena danced to Pink's song "Just Give Me A Reason" and I have a feeling we will see her on a dance reality show someday.   A fun night!  :)

Siblings picture
Spouse picture
Birthday picture

North Carolina

Left Barb's at 10:30 and drove north to Greensboro, NC to stay with my brother, Mike, and his family.  The roads were all good; clear of snow and ice with only some ponding where snow had melted.   We stopped for lunch at a Cracker Barrel in Charlotte and to pick up some goodies for my 8 yr old nephew and 7 yr old niece.  We also stopped at a NC rest stop to find it had a Vietnam War Memorial only a short walk away.   We walked to it and it was very nice.   Saw a Roach name but don't know if It's a relative.  The memorial sort of looked like a powdered donut. 

Made it to Mike' s at 3:30 and enjoyed beer and snacks and great conversation.    Then a wonderful night with the kids and a most awesome fire in the fireplace.  Tomorrow is a full day starting at 7:30..... Waaaay before I usually see morning so it's an early night tonight.

Thursday....still in Anderson

So........ We had about 5 inches of snow and ice.  Late morning saw everything melting and temps of 47°.   The snow we had looks like sugar on the ground.   It was quite pretty.   The warning is still in effect because of the black ice that will form overnight when temps go below freezing.  We will leave tomorrow by noon and see how roads are when we get to NC since they are having their issues as well.  We have had such a nice time here with Barb!   She has been so very patient with me while teaching me knitting and we have had great talks.

On to North Carolina and seeing more siblings.  This trip has been like a traveling reunion.    :)

Snowed in

Pax really wasn't too peaceful for the Carolinas....and we're in it till tomorrow at 6:00 PM.   Predicted is 7-10 inches.   We'll get probably 6-8 inches but layered in with sleet and ice.  We're all staying inside and cooking, watching TV and.....knitting!   Barbara is teaching me how to knit.  So I'm knitting and pearling and knotting.  No,  knotting isn't what you're supposed to do buuut......  I'm trying, and am determined to get it.  Not much else to do anyway.

Let's see what tomorrow brings.   The snow really is lovely.

Snow and downtown

Woke up to a beautiful snow fall and about 1/2 inch on the ground.   It snowed all day (up to 5:00) but did not stick to the roads.  Bill and I decided to brave the weather and we drove into the so pretty town of Anderson.  The snow was just lovely coming down steadily.   Walked many blocks enjoying the windows of the stores.....Most were "closed due to inclement weather."  One store visited was Apple Dumplings Antiques.  Found a couple of neat things and had a nice conversation with the owner - a sweet lady.

Ate a warm and fuzzy meal at Doolittle ' s.   Shepards Pie hit the spot on a cold day!  Took some cool pictures.

Waited for Barbara to get home and then we just kept an eye on the weather reports.   Snow all day tomorrow through Thursday morning:  7-10 " and 1/10 inch of ice.  Awesome!!!

Monday in Anderson

Rainy and dark today.  Had a quiet morning and then we picked up our niece, Diana,  and we all went to lunch at Fatz Café.   Really comfortable and quite delicious food.  Then we went to the Publix Grocery to stock up on food for Winter storm Pax.  Jeez Louise,  snow starts tomorrow and then it really hits on Wednesday all the way through Thursday noon.  We may or may not be driving to NC on Thursday since the storm is heading that way.  I'm sad about not being able to explore downtown Anderson.   We drove through it today and it was like stepping back in time to the 50's and 60's.  So cute and quaint. Antique stores, boutiques, cafes. ....nice.  We'll be taking Diana to a doctors appointment in the morning and we could walk around but everything will be closed due to Pax.  Maybe a movie?   Will let you know tomorrow.   :)

Anderson, SC

Well, here we are at Bill's sister's house (Barbara) in Anderson, SC.   We had an uneventful drive from AL to GA.  Atlanta wasn't fun.  Even on a Sunday traffic was heavy!  Really miss seeing mesas, mountains, buttes,  Western terrain.   Are we really back in the east?    It is in the 50's here and sunny.  Expecting Winter weather Tuesday and Wednesday.   Gas prices are $2.96 !!!!!

Had a wonderful night with Barb.....pizza and beer and good conversation!

Traveling East

Dropped Adam at the airport around 6:30 then started our journey eastward.   No offense to Texans but we just weren't impressed with this state,  especially Houston.  Adam lives in a very nice section and I may feel differently if I were there in a different season but all I know is that we were really happy when we left Texas. The highlights of our Houston tour were Adam, Tom and Jerry,  Mr . Peeples, and the Museum.

Our drive took us through Louisiana (lots of water and bridges - saw a real bayou) then Mississippi.   Stopped at the Visitors Center in MS and saw some amazing Mardi Gras costumes and right in front of the Center was a practice lunar lander.  Cool! 
From MS we started going north into Alabama.  Stopped after 9 hours of driving in Atmore, AL.  We are only 0.1 mile from the Wind Creek Casino and Hotel and decided to check it out.   Ate dinner in the Grill Café and then walked around looking at everything.  Anderson, SC tomorrow.

Pictures:
-Mississippi visitors center
-lunar lander
-Wind Creek Casino and Hotel

Last day in Houston

Our last day here with Adam.  After Adam went to work we got in the car and did some last minute supplies shopping for us and for Adam.   Then we had to find a post office - Google maps took us right into downtown Houston which is really crazy driving.   Just like any big city, it has its own weirdness.  After getting turned around we finally found it.  We were so ready to get back to the house and, with bags in tow, we got to Adam's door only to find it locked.   Adam doesn't lock his door so it was unusual.   He is a prankster so we thought he was tricking us.  Bill thought Adam had locked it, Adam thought We had locked it......it was not a joke and poor Adam had to come home and let us in.  Turns out it was the Orkin man  and when he was finished spraying he locked the door behind him.   :-0

So we're all here and it's rainy, cold, and dreary.......yep,  movie time!   Watched a movie and then got packing for tomorrow.   We take Adam to the airport at 6:30am (he's going to Chesapeake to celebrate Livy's birthday-9 days of reunion with his family!).  We will just continue on our journey to SC to visit Bill's sister.  Are we going into  winter weather?   I guess we'll see!

Rice University

Today saw us traveling to Rice University which is only about 5 miles from Adam's place.  We really didn't see the University but walked Rice Village - blocks of little boutiques,  cafes, international food restaurants, fun shops.  The area was beautiful;  trees on each side of the road forming a lovely canopy.   Most of the streets were "canopied. "   It was pretty cold and overcast.   We had sleet and snow this morning which didn't last.

3 miles from Rice was the Houston Museum of Natural Science.  There was free admission on Thursdays from 2-5 only so we saved ourselves $30.00!  What an awesome time!   We saw 3 exhibits:  Hall of ancient Egypt, Butterfly Center (really cool - thousands of butterflies flitting about, plus neat tutorial of insects.   I know!   Who'd have imagined it would be so interesting! ) and the Hall of Paleontology.  That was the best,  seeing life size dinosaurs and being awed.  There was also a little exhibit of Petrified wood which I find fascinating.  

It was a good day and then we had an  enjoyable evening with Adam.  Here's to warmer temps tomorrow.  :)

Pictures:   Streets of Rice
                 Hogs and fish fountain
                  Pretty Butterfly
                   Real dinosaurs
                      Fuzzy pic of pterodactyl
                      Huge piece of Petrified wood
                      Megoladon- jaws are at least 6 feet tall!!!!!