The Coles Travel South

The trip to Florida seemed ill fated when we started. First the blizzard delayed us a day, and the snow blower broke down trying to make a path through the drifts to leave. We finally got out, traveled down icy roads and slow traffic to spend the night with Jon and Erin. A misplaced debit card caused us to drive back to Bangor the next day, then on to Bob's. Meanwhile Gary had come down with a nasty cold. We exchanged gifts, visited a bit with Bridget, and set out Thursday morning for the trip south.

We have pictures here of today's journey - a view of the scene on I-81, trucks and more trucks. Also a glimpse of the mountains in the Shenandoah Valley in the morning haze. Finally there was snow in Virginia and North Carolina, lots of it. However, it got warmer. Louise unzipped and removed the fleece lining of her coat in Virginia, and took the coat off in North Carolina. It reached a balmy 68 in South Carolina, and we came to rest for the night in Florence.

Here you can see pictures of the change in climate here. So it is a happy new year's eve, with dinner out planned with friends who happen to the traveling the same way tonight.

Blizzard Hits!

The fury of winter hit us today with blowing wind and at least a foot of snow. We share with you some photos of the day.

 Two cardinals spent much of the day outside the windows.

This is the scene as we opened the door to go outside.

 Gary snowblowed during a lull in the storm.

The snow was deep and blowing off the trees all day.

The birds filled the feeders all day.
We hope the storm will end before morning and we will make it out to start our trip south. Seeing these pictures, can you imagine how wonderful Florida sounds??

Christmas

 The gifts are piled under the tree, waiting for the opening.

 Andrew and Jonathan have a video chat on Christmas morning.

 Ryan protects his father from  the camera.

 Jessica waits for her gifts.

 Meghan has new mittens!

 Lots of food makes the day.

This year is coming to an end very quickly. The Cole's had a great Christmas that isn't over yet. We will show you the activity at our house yesterday. First of all, Gary received an iPad early for Christmas, and he is joining the computer literate group, enjoying this new toy.
The grandchildren and their parents came, gifts were exchanged, food was prepared and eaten, and everyone had a great time.
As soon as the blizzard passes by, we are off to share Christmas with Jon and Bob, then drive to Florida for a little sunshine and warm weather, we hope!