Our packing skills (or lack thereof) are getting a workout. We got back from Hawaii on Tuesday and Doreen took off on Friday morning for a weekend in cottage country with her quilt group. She was back on Sunday and we left Monday morning for the drive to Atlanta. We’re going to spend Halloween with the grandkids again. We really enjoyed the experience last year and it should be even better this time as they’re a year older and more aware of ‘trick-or-treat’.
It’s a leisurely two-day drive to Atlanta, mostly Interstates. This time the border crossing was a piece of cake, not even a ten-minute wait. We overnight at a little motel in Dobson, North Carolina where there’s a lovely eatery (the Surry Diner) that always seems to be crowded with locals. We’re off the road early and the next day is a short jaunt to Atlanta so we arrive early afternoon and avoid the rush-hour traffic.
Having grown up in Newfoundland, we remember Halloweens as a series of cold, wet (sometimes snowy) evenings–which didn’t deter from the fun. The joke about wearing your snowsuit under your costume isn’t completely wrong but we were young then and, as kids will, could focus on the important things–treats (or equally, the opportunity for pranks). Strolling around the neighbourhood in shorts and sandals as the kids rush door-to-door is easy to take. I’m also impressed at the efforts made by this community to ensure that the kids have a good experience. Many of the houses are elaborately decorated and large numbers of the adults join their young children on the streets, including many in costume.
This was just a short trip–four days on the road in transition and five days in Atlanta–but it was well worth it. Kids grow up so quickly so it’s always nice to spend some time with them to really appreciate their uniqueness. It’s great to be able to keep up through e-mails and web cams but nothing beats personal contacts.
The drive back was a reminder that winter is on the horizon. Lake-effect snow put in an appearance as we drove through upstate Pennsylvania and New York but we managed to stay on the highway and keep moving at a reasonable speed. Again, the border crossing was easy.
Now it’s a matter of catching up on all the mundane tasks that have been put on hold since mid-September. Where’s my Quicken file? Of course, there are lots of pictures to process through Photoshop Elements and lots of new toys to set up and play with. And, rumor has it that there’s some holiday time coming up next month. What’s on your Christmas wish list?
