We’ve had some fun adventures on this lengthy (for us) time away from our home in Minnesota. We took a road trip to North Carolina and are staying with our son and his family. The time is going by fast; maybe because it started over the Christmas holidays, and is extending into the New Year. Or maybe because we’re visiting family and grandchildren – that is always special. I always anticipate having all kinds of time to write, but that never proves true for me. I get distracted with the days activities. We are still here, but I’m taking time to write now.
Initially we had some warm days in North Carolina. We were able to sit on the front porch and drink our morning coffee, and go to a park on a sunny, 75* day and play with the new Stomp Rocket.
We also had a couple warm and sunny days in Georgia, and I wore my sandals while walking along Savannah’s Riverwalk, but now a cold front has come through and it’s a bit chilly…but not as cold as it is back home in Minnesota.
We did take a mini road trip to Savannah, Georgia (a road trip within a road trip!) and enjoyed exploring that lovely, southern city. We had four wonderful days there. One, of many, interesting tidbits from our time in Savannah is from our first afternoon when we drove through the beautiful, historic Bonaventure Cemetery, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and located on a scenic bluff on the Wilmington River.
The cemetery has acres of old, interesting tombstones and monuments with mature southern live oak trees with Spanish moss dripping from them, and rough gravel roads that create a very mystical place.
This was not your typical manicured cemetery, but it was eerily peaceful in the late afternoon as we drove around.
Rod iron gates around clusters of marble and granite tombstones, large and tall monuments, cement angel and crosses, and all manner of cemetery props are within its gates with mature trees and other greenery.
On our way out we stopped at the info center just outside the cemetery where someone commented on our Minnesota license plates. He stated we’re a long way from home and asked what part of Minnesota we were from? “Northfield,” I said. And he said, “we are too!” Two couples from our hometown had just toured the cemetery. It was a fun moment.
We had the same thing happen in Italy. A man from America asked our group where we were all from. Couples came from all over the country. We said said Minneapolis first and he said I’m from there, actually Burnsville. We said so are we but we said Minneapolis first cause it was bigger. Turns out he lived a few blocks from us.
It’s fun when it happens…and I think it happens more than we think.
Thank you for the tour. I would find that cemetery quite interesting.
Sounds like you are having a great time with family and by yourselves exploring. And that you met someone from Northfield, well, what an unexpected delight.
We are having a delightful time…it’s hard to think about leaving.
Way back in 1960 we rented a tiny Citrone car for 80 days as we drove 13,000 miles all over Europe from Norway and Sweden ( where my Hanson and. Sandberg grandparents called home ) to Italy and Sicily where Tony’s relatives still live.
THEN we went to London where we met Vivienne , the penpal I had communicated with since my 7th grade English teacher had given me her address! She wisely showed me famous places, but also those that would appeal to an English teacher. We kept in touch until 5 years ago when she died, but her husband and I are still in touch. He could call FREE for an hour, so I learned a lot , especially about his life experiences during WWII.
Meeting a livelong penpal would be an awesome experience. I’m glad you were able to meet Vivienne.
Sounds like you are having a wonderful visit with your son and his family, and getting in some sightseeing as well. What a lovely way to spend the holidays!
It has been wonderful, in many ways.
I hope your time last Saturday, with your family was lovely.
I’m so happy you and Gary have had such a wonderful visit with your Son and his family!! That cemetery looks amazing!! I have a sister in law who checks out every cemetery in every small town they drive through. They are interesting. Happy New Year Valerie!
What a fun thing to do…cemeteries can be very interesting!
Happy New Year Mary Jane.
Happy New Year to you and Gary Valerie🎉🎉🥳 So nice to have weather like that on your visit😎😎 and so fun to be with your grandkids and family🥰
Seems like you have a lot og fun things on your plate and also nice trips👏👏 Enjoy the rest of your trip😘
Thank you Kari. It’s always fun to hear from you.
We sure hope our trip to Norway happens this summer!
We hope to see you in Norway🇳🇴 this summer🥳🥳 crossing my hands🙏
YAY!