We were so-o-o lucky to have driven home from Massachusetts when we did.  If we had been visiting this past week, we would still be there.  There is no way we could have left.  By Friday all of the truck route, rte 81, was under winter storm warnings. The Poconos, Scranton, and all the other cities we passed through were iced and treacherous and thousands were without power.  All I can say is WHEW!!

That Saturday on the way home, we did stop in Virginia, spent the day with Lauria, Jim, and children and the two dogs, three cats, a black bunny, and a gaggle or a herd of chickens.   Jim was making Challah bread with Sofia.

And of course, while Jim and Sofia are trying to bake, Olivia was doing a River Dance on her father's heels.
We ordered Chinese (what else?!) take-out so nobody had to cook.  Low mein noodles, egg foo young, fried rice, mai fun, won ton soup and more being spooned onto little children's plates............ hungry adults, happy chatter......................

We arrived home late Sunday afternoon, plugged the refrigerator back in, and let it run empty all night. It seems to be running fine, but we are watching for any signs of ice build-up.

Saturday was our Christmas parade.  Weather was better than previous years, overcast, high 40's, rain held off, and just a slight breeze.  Cliff picked out a strategic place uphill where he could see the fire trucks rounding the curve as they approached.

Snoopy and the Red Baron

The Grinch, The Nutcracker, a Gingerbread house, and Smokey the Bear were there.

Cliff had to fight the little children around him for the tootsie rolls being tossed out to the crowd.