We finally left Maine on the 28th, having been delayed due to a snowstorm.

Made it to Royersford, Pa, where we spent the night with Joe & Norma.

She had a nice meal ready for us when we arrived, even though it was several hours later than anticipated.

 

We spent a nice evening chatting and playing with Murphy.  Thank you Folks for welcoming  him into your home.  He enjoyed his visit also.

Left the next morning and after about an hour on the road, we rain into snow, then freezing rain and then traffic!  It was a long, hard day of driving and we were so happy when we arrived at the Candlewood Suites in Rocky Mount, N.C.  They accept pets and had treats ready for our pup.  Another day of heavy traffic and weather and finally! into Jacksonville, Fl.  on Sunday. We actually could have made it "home", but our arrival would have been in the evening and we decided to rest and head out in the morning, all fresh and ready for the unloading of the Van and settling in process.

Our Friends Arlyn and John were waiting on the steps for us when we pulled into Solana and within an hour, the Van was empty and we were chatting with old friends again, catching up on the news.  Brian came over and made quick work of setting up our computers so we were online quite quickly.  Thanks to all of you who (always) help us feel so welcome.

Marie and Arlyn had wine and snacks sitting on the counter for us....we had arrived HOME.....

It was New Years Eve and the 4 of us (Arlyn, Marie) went down to one of our favorite restaurants...Fishlips! where we had a drink & dinner.  Then after checking to make sure Murphy was comfortable in his new surroundings, we walked down to the beach where they held an all-day beach party!  Not a lot of people left there, so chatted for half and hour and walked over to Jean & Vic's where we had an early Champagne toast and made our way back to the Condo.  Fireworks started about 11 and we lasted until about 11:30....couldn't stay awake to bring in the New Year.  

Little Murphy was still .wearing his Maine fur coat and feeling the heat!  We made an appointment and had him groomed the next day.

He doesn't look like the same puppy....They tell us his hair will grow back in quickly...we're hoping because they sure gave him a Florida cut! 
The temps have been in the mid 70's to mid 80's since we arrived, so I'm sure he's much more comfortable this way.

On Saturday, about 20 of us drove down to the Elks for their monthly Steak Dinner.  Evelyn (Carolyn F's Mom) is visiting from Montreal and joined us.
Wanted to have her picture taken under the Elk so her Family up home would see where she was!

"Lunch Bunch" was on Wednesday and quite a gathering joined together to get caught up on the latest.  It was good to see everyone.

The Water Aerobics has started up and I've managed to get down there to exercise almost every day.  The water is beautiful, temps around 82-84.

My Friend, Carol L, from Illinois went to a garage sale this summer and came home with a treasure....for me...... She found a box full of Linus, Charley Brown fabric.  There are 56 yards and she only paid $10.00.  When she gave it to me, I felt like I had hit the jackpot!  Imagine all the blankets we can quilt for Project Linus with this....I cannot begin to thank you enough for this Carol.......