New England

Wrap-Up of December’s Happenings

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It feels like forever since I’ve written a post; I guess it has been in blog time; my last one was on December 12th. That’s when I was eagerly awaiting my departure for Florida and the Caribbean. That’s where I’ll start my recap.

On the balcony of the ship

My youngest daughter and I convinced my husband that we needed a vacation before our trip up to New England for Christmas. So with that accomplished, we were flying down to Ft. Lauderdale so that we could get on a five-day cruise to Haiti and Jamaica. We booked passage on our favorite cruise line-Royal Caribbean. The Independence of the Seas didn’t not disappoint. While it may not be in the realm of the largest class of ship, it was perfect for us.

We spent 5 days at sea around mid-December, visiting Jamaica and Haiti. The days were sunny and serene-just what the doctor ordered. We went snorkeling in Jamaica and sunbathing in Haiti. The other days? We lounged by the pool. I will tell anyone who asks that cruising is the way to go.

Our return trip was anything but calm. We had weather issues in Ft. Lauderdale so our first flight was delayed. We got the notification after the only non-stop flight had left. We thought we’d still be ok since we had a layover in Nashville. Lo and behold, that flight was delayed too. But at least we got out. The flight after ours was cancelled. When we returned to DC, we were met by cold, wet, December weather. Not the welcome home I wanted but one I expected. And at that point, I was just happy to be home.

Two days later, we were off to New England. We have an annual trek up to see family for the holidays-at least while we are on the same coast! We had some great times with our family. My youngest daughter even finally learned how to play cribbage! That is the signature game for my father. If he’s not playing poker in person or online, that’s his game of choice.

We ended 2018 with dinner out which is a switch for us. Our family has an annual tradition where we each order take-out and then watch movies until the ball drops (if we make it that late!). But make it we did! We came home and then watched television until we crashed. The best part? We slept in the next morning. I am such a broken record with that but I do love my sleep.

So I’m hoping to get back on a regular schedule for 2019. Keep watch and tell your friends about my blog. I need more followers!

Celebrations! A baby, A Wedding and Family!

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This weekend was all about celebrations. We celebrated a new baby, a wedding and family. (There are lots of photos with this blog so be prepared!)

Hubby and I took the car up to New Hampshire as our first stop. Alain’s sister had her first baby so we had to go see the newest addition to the family. She is the most alert, active baby I have seen! She is such a wiggle-worm. At least she sat still so we could snuggle her!

The next night the whole family went out for seafood. Because you can’t be in New England and NOT get seafood. We went to a restaurant that started as a beach shack and now has a few locations throughout New Hampshire. The Beach Plum retains that feel. You order at the counter and then go sit on picnic tables. It was delicious. Especially since we capped off that celebration with ice cream! OK, so I didn’t eat any. I was too full from dinner.

beach-plum-ice-cream

After that meal, I wasn’t sure if I could handle any more celebratory meals but we were on our way to downtown Portland, ME for my niece’s wedding. We explored the city in the morning and then headed off to the celebration after. I hadn’t been there in sooooo long. The ocean is my happy place so hearing the waves crash against the pier made me happy.

Portland-pier

The wedding was in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. What a beautiful church! After the service, we had a few hours to kill so we headed off on foot to find a drink. We were successful! We decided to hop into Vena’s Fizz House. I had a strawberry basil margarita. Yum! We only had time for one drink but it’ll be on our radar when we go back.

venas-drinks

Now, dancing time! Those are the celebrations I like! We danced the night away with the new couple and I was able to reconnect with my sister-in-law and my oldest niece. I don’t get to see them very often as I’d like but military spouses know how that is!

When we woke up and checked out of our hotel, we headed south to Portsmouth, NH. The trip was to scout the location and see if that would be our retirement home.  We hadn’t spent much time there in years so we wanted to make sure that it still held the appeal we were looking for. I have to say that it didn’t disappoint.

Portsmouth-tall-ships

The tall ships were just finishing up a tour and Prescott Park had a performance of Seussical the Musical. Strawberry Banke was as charming as ever. Even though we couldn’t get inside the buildings since they were closed but I highly recommend it.

We finished off the weekend with dinner at a local brewery. Throwback Brewery has beautiful grounds, wonderful food, and amazing beer. We toasted the night away!

                  

 

 

I know I complain about driving up to New England from DC but when I get there, I know I’m home and I love my part of the United States. It may have been a short trip but I know I’ll be back again soon.