Home and Home Again

The Storm that Wouldn't Be

It's always good to visit home.  John and I enjoyed a surprise trip back East this fall... although we weren't the only surprise.  During our visit, New England was hit by the Halloween 2011 Nor'easter, despite my brother-in-law's insistence that the forecasted storm wasn't going to amount to "anything".  (Ray, you had to know I wouldn't let it go!)

Like any vacation, our time was too short, and filled entirely too full.  We tried to get around to seeing everyone, but the storm and our time constraints eliminated many of our hopes and opportunities.

John: Husband, Hiker, Saver of Cameras

Before the storm hit, John and I were able to get out and enjoy some of the sites.  We had a lovely little riparian hike at Cascade Falls, which nearly spelled the end of our digital camera.  It's fascinating to see how fast a man can scamper after a cased camera tumbling water-ward.

We both really enjoyed our time at the falls.  It was a very different environment from the desert we call home.  So many trees!  So much moss!  Beautiful.

We also took a little time to stare at the ocean.  It occurs to me that I never appreciated it as much when I had open access to it as I do now that it is so very far away.  I would have loved to have had the time to have gone out on the mail ferry.

This was an extra-special visit for John's family as it was the first time in many years that the entire family was together in one place. We were able to spend a couple of meals together, and even managed an early Thanksgiving dinner with my mum, Bob, and sister, Rachel also in attendance.  It was a real treat to have our families meet, and I'm very grateful for having had the opportunity. A very heartfelt thanks goes out to Ray and Anne for hosting us all.

Nick, Ethan & Emma @ Halloween

We had a great time visiting with our niece and nephews.  They've all grown so much!  Not to mention some of the other, more curious changes in appearance we observed.

As for the bed and breakfast in which we stayed... Many, many thanks go out to Jamie and Denise for hosting us.  We have great appreciation for how stressful a home renovation can be, and even greater appreciation for the stress a houseful of family can impart.  Every minute was a delight, and seriously, nothing was an inconvenience.  Thank you, and, you'd better send pictures of your beautiful new kitchen.

Maisy: B&B Hostess, Fan of Yarn & Knitters

We managed a couple of quick visits with Chris and Sam on our way in and out.  Due to our GPS and rush hour traffic, we missed Sam's last soccer practice of the season.  I'm really disappointed about that, but I still got in my hugs, and was able to deliver a couple of pairs of handknit socks, which Sam loved.  He's already grown so much since his visit this summer, and I can't wait to see how much more he'll have grown before I see him again.

Our journey home was long.  We hope to get back East to visit everyone again in the not too distant future, but need to heal our plane-worn butts first.  Family is ALWAYS welcome to come visit us.  Jamie, the Firey Foods Festival is March 2-4, 2012, and we know you'd love it.