From New England to California

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After leaving New Hampshire in October, we headed south for family visits. We stopped in Virginia to see Alan’s dad, brother and sister-in-law, niece and nephew. Diane flew to Pittsburgh to visit her family as well.

Speaking of family, Alan’s son Mark and wife Heidi recently became parents, which makes him a grandfather! We stopped in Tampa for a visit and were thrilled to catch up and pour a little love on baby Alex.

Thanksgiving found us with friends Patti and Bill at Riverbend RV Resort, near Ft. Myers. We had a great time, played some golf, and decided to return next winter. We also visited friends Janice and Brian, who hosted a great dinner and domino tournament. On our way out of Florida, we spent a few days with Diane’s parents in Leesburg. They hosted several games of Sequence and were quite competitive!

Heading west, we stopped in New Orleans. We enjoyed beignets and café au lait at Café DuMonde, a great muffaletta at Central Grocery, and a Ferdie’s special at Mother’s. Mmm, mmm good! These casual, cheaper meals were every bit as good, if not better, than the pricier dinners at fancy restaurants.

Although the French Quarter is bustling, the rest of New Orleans is still a long way from its pre-Katrina state. Progress seems to be very slow, especially in the flood-hit neighborhoods.

We spent a few short weeks in Texas, for medical appointments and a little early Christmas with Dan in Dallas and Stephen in Austin. Christmas week found us in Kerrville, where we caught up with Ken, Ellie, Ron and Laurel, and enjoyed good wine and friendship.

We went to a New Year’s Eve party in Phoenix with Jim and Fran, fellow RVers we met in Idaho two years ago.

On January 1, we pulled into our winter resting spot in Indio, California.

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Photos

Leaving New England
Following Jim and Chris out of Vermont in late October

Eddie in the Pumpkin Patch
Diane's great-nephew enjoyed an outing to the farm

Angela stakes her claim
Great niece Angela is growing up so fast!

Meeting Alex
It was love at first sight.

Mark and Alex
Alex is one happy baby, and dad's pretty proud.

Jackson Square
New Orleans landmark

New Orleans devastation
Flood-damaged house still not repaired 2 years after Katrina.

New Orleans
Even houses in more affluent neighborhoods have been abandoned.

Early Christmas Visit
Diane, Dan, and Megan enjoy an all-too-brief visit.