Hula Girl

January 22nd, 2016

Today, the whole east coast appears to be in total turmoil about the impending snowstorm destined to slam states from New York to the Carolinas.  We've lived through Whopper snowstorms and I feel badly for the people who will be affected by this massive weather front.  These southern states are not well-prepared and lack the snowplows and manpower it takes to combat such weather.  We Mainers take an annual beating and we're used to it.  We seldom make the news, let alon the headines.  In general, people think we are solidly blanketed in snow and ice 10 months a year.  I've even met people who think Canadians reside in igloos.  No kidding.

For us in Maine, it's no picnic having to smoosh your way out of the house while Zuma jiggles around with legs crossed when there's a foot of heavy white stuff blocking the door and, like last year in Maine, we couldn't see out of the dining room window for a week. Then it really heats up when the cats leap over her in their hurry to get outside and SURPRISE!  it's freaking cold in a foot of snow, that's why we have litter boxes, hello, kitties.

But that's not a big deal really, when you consider the elderly who are home bound and without support.  Uh, I think I am becoming categorized into the "elderly"  slot now.  Fawk.  I just feel so badly for people who can't get out and stock up in preparation for this horrible weather.  It's really no worries when you're ready for it. 
It's just when it hits and you're unprepared, ugh.

Which is why I am here.  I understand now why people move south in the Wintertime.  "Snowbirds" is the term for people like us; they are usually senior citizens who flock south to escape the snow up north.   I get that.  I'm getting on.  I'm fine with that.   My aching knee can no longer tolerate limping around with dancing horses in hand, prancing up and down a snowy icy path from barn to paddock and back.  Last Winter I came to despise chore time.  As the sun was setting I was nearly in tears thinking about the pain my knee would feel and praying the horses would not be too fresh and frisky and cause me to face-plant on the driveway, laying there waiting for a Spring thaw so somebody would excavate my frozen bones from the path.

It's been 11 years since the accident and my Orthopedic Surgeon told me I'd need a total knee replacement by year 5.  I've toughed it out but the arthritis is taking it's toll and I can take a lot of pain.  But I have had enough.  I don't want surgery as it's not always successful if I can remedy this situation with healthy eating and exercise.  I have worked hard to lose 40+ unnecessary lbs and I walk 5 miles a day, every day, 10 miles a day every other day, weather permitting. This is the best medicine for me.  

I know, Iiiii know, I will likely have to undergo the surgery in the next year or two, but for now, if I can avoid being back on crutches or in a wheelchair, hospital bed with people leading me to the bathroom, etc., just tolerate my whining okay.  Thank you.  Thank you very much.

Today we picked up the RV.  Doug has named her "Hula Girl" after the little dancing solar-powered plastic chick dashboard ornament we bought at South Of The Border.  

She makes me smile.  My friend Claude has always said, if it makes you smile, you should buy it.  So I did.  And I got Emma one too  And it makes her smile as well.

Apparently, several nice sailboats share the name Hula Girl and, as our new friend Carol puts it, we now own a "Land Yacht".  It was kinduv sad to part with our Blanca but we were really cramped in her so this is an exciting new family addition.  

pic of rv



We've rented this cottage until the end of January and are really enjoying the space and peace.  Zuma's itchiness has subsided and I'm glad she's getting a break from that.  Her heartworm test was negative but she tested a mild positive for anaplasmosis.  The vet here said that may because she has been vaccinated for Lyme disease and the test is showing a "false positive".  Zuma looks like she  "has the moth" (as my mother would say) on her hind end.  No fleas or flea dirt sighted, just allergies.  

We bought a new comforter, mattress cover and sheets for Hula Girl.  I'm stocking the cupboards with stuff from Blanca.  It's a huge adjustment.  I can't just jump in the van now and go and fetch a bag of ice or jug or milk.  Simplifying our life has made it more complicated.  We got a ton of rain here this morning and the grassy parking area in front of Crabby Pirate is saturated so we're parked next door, thanks to the generosity of the gals at Mermaid Cottage Rentals.  It's a gravel space, level and well-drained.  I am so sorry for the folks north and south of us who are getting hit hard by the wind, snow and ice.    



  

Tybrisa

February 18, 2016

Today, Doug arrived from Maine (morning temps 12 degrees there).  He can really notice the temperature change!  It's so nice to have him back , he is thawing out as the east coast braces for what the media is labeling "The Monster Storm".  We are south of the predicted path and Maine is north of it so we should be safe.      


photo of pier


Along the southern end of the island is a pier, very nice to walk along and, at this time of year, really quiet.  I can be the only one there and it's a luxury.  We went for a jaunt there after Doug arrived back at The Crabby Pirate, then we sat at the bar at AJ.'s for a cocktail and asked about whether or not the Saturday night waitress had been able to connect with adopting the Great Dane we were asked to place.  No news yet.  Paws crossed.

Several movies have been filmed here, including a Nicholas Spark's movie, starring (gag) Miley Cyrus (who bought a home here). Sandra Bullock has a home here, too.  Sorry, not into name-dropping, ya'll.  Just sayin'.

photo of beach

It's pretty freaking nice here.  I'm glad we're on a quiet residential street with no hoopla.  The most excitement is when I have to race out to take the garbage and recycle bins to the curb (sometimes in my underwear at 3 a.m.).  I like it like that.  Everybody seems to do their own thing, on "island time".  

People here say thank you and Ma'am and Sir and ya'll and they really mean it when they wish you "have a nice day".

Simplicity, simplicity.  I love it.

South to Savannah

On the way to Savannah, I dove into one of our travel books and found some attractions "not to miss".  This place is one of them: South of The Border.  This is a cheesy touristy place you simply cannot drive by.  You would have to be in a coma to miss the multiple billboards lining the highway for miles before the turn off, diverting you to this iconic gem of a tourist trap. Everything is loud, colorful, crazy and makes you smile and laugh out loud.  We only stopped for an hour but we had a good laugh and bought "Hula Girl" for the dash in Blanca and also one for Emma.  The place has been around for decades and is a real landmark in Dillon, SC.  If you're ever out that way, stop in.  It's a hoot!  

pic of south of the border .... dog with Z and I

On to Savannah, where we checked into a nice hotel and ordered Indian take-out.  It feels good to stop and stretch all our eight legs. It feels even better to be back in Savannah.

After a good night's sleep we headed into the city and walked around the historic district and down by the river.  Zuma made friends with other dogs and we chatted with their owners and exchanged business cards.  It was warm and sunny and there weren't too many tourists on the cobblestone streets.  The same street musicians are still performing along River Street, same songs.  It all feels so familiar and friendly.  Savannah is nicknamed "Slowvannah" by the locals because of the casual style of the people.  I bee-lined it to a fave local Greek restaurant and bought some tzadziki and pita to go, perfect for dinner; when we stayed in a loft apartment here a few years ago this was my "go-to" place. BEST.TZADZIKI.EVER!

In the evening we searched on our computers for a long-term rental hotel for Zuma and I as Doug has to return to work this week and it's still too cold to stay overnight in Blanca.  There was very little in the way of pet-friendly hotels near the downtown area, so we decided to head out to Tybee Island and look around at campsites and possibly cottages to rent for a week or two.  We love Savannah and the area and have lots yet to explore so we want to stay here for two to three weeks.  I don't believe in going on a trip and racing through 8 countries in 9 days.  How people do that I will never understand.  Got a postcard, back on the bus.  Sigh.  It's so nice to stop and get to know the place and meet the people.  

Lisa at The Tybee Tourist Info Center was very friendly and helpful.  She gave us a list of places available and we chose Mermaid Cottages, a cottage rental company.  FANTASTIC!  





We looked at a few places and chose a darling little cottage circa 1940) by the marsh, its called The Crabby Pirate.  It's clean, nicely decorated and welcoing.  Plus it has 3 bedrooms and 1 1/2 baths so we can chill out here until the end of the month and prepare for the next leg of the journey.

We will head onwards to Florida; Doug has wanted to go to St. Augustine, Florida for a long time so that will be our next destination.  It's really a treat to unload the van, thin out, get reorganized.  It's pretty cramped but it works and it's fun.  Between Blanca and Zuma, it's impossible to go anywhere without someone talking to us about one or the other.  I could have sold the van ten times or more.  

You know how antisocial  shy and private I can be, this is waaaay out of my comfort zone but it's good for me to leave "Hermit Mode".  Which is why I am doing this.  Well, that's one of the many reasons I'm chucking myself out there.  I need this.  

Before I left Maine, I called my nearest and dearest to tell ya'll that I'm launching off on this "walkabout" with Zuma, planning on writing a book about our travels and, for the first time, writing a blog.  It's all a learning experience and I love it.  Sadly, when I called my brother-in-law Dave in Ontario (he has Alzheimer's) we had a nice chat and then I heard him tell the nurse in his room:  "I have no idea who this woman is on the 'phone".  The nurse was kindly and took the 'phone and explained this happens and that his health is declining.  Dave and I talk once a week or once every other week.  Later, I called back and he knew me and it was like old times.  One thing I know for certain, I am glad that Doug, Zuma and I are able to do this trip while we are still healthy and able.  I am forever grateful.




  

Dog Park and RVs

January 14th, 2016

We've been settling in and getting to know the Island and it has a great "feel".  The Dog Park is a super place for Zuma to go off leash and discover new friends and we've been meeting some fun folks too. One couple from Vermont are new to the RV world and are staying at the campground here; the guy said he doesn't want to go back to Bennington, he doesn't want to stop exploring; they left on a two week tour and have almost doubled that time away.  They have to head back to VT but he wants to keep going.  They just love it.  It was interesting to hear him tell about their travels with their RV (it's huge); there are some limitations with parking in small towns but otherwise they are seeing a lot and they don't have the hassle of trying to find lodging for themselves and their dog.  

Zuma is having another bout of itchy skin.   No signs of fleas.  Just itchy scratchy.  Poor dog.  The vet on Tybee gave her an injection and I had her heartworm tested; the meds they prescribed take care of fleas too.  I have not had her on this stuff before but I feel it is essential down south.  

Tybee Isand

January 13th, 2016

It's snowing in Maine.  I have to tell you, I do not miss skating around up and down icy hills with horses in hand.  Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Emma has things all under control.  

Here the people are complaining it's cold (low 60s) for this time of year.  It's perfect for us!  Today we packed up our bags and Doug bought me a new laptop  for me so I can get back to "work", then we are headed to Tybee Island. 

pic of Wiley's 


Along the way, I spied Wiley' Championship BBQ Yep, THIS is THE PLACE, it is famous for it's award-winning bbq. We stopped and had lunch. Wiley himself was seated at the bar and was very interested in "that big dog of yours and how do you like that van?" Wiley is an elderly gentleman now and most charming.  Having read about him and his accomplishments for years, it was a real honor to meet him in person.  

pix of awards

He couldn't have been more welcoming.  And the food, OMG, it is amazing.  Voted 4th best bbq in America, he has certainly earned the title.  We had a sampler platter of chicken, pulled pork, beef brisket, cole slaw and collard greens.  It seems the further south we go, the larger the portions! Doug and I split this and took enough home for our dinner! You'd have to be a starved truck driver to eat all the food they give you. Every bite was delicious and memorable.  We will go back for more.  When we are hungry again!  

Vet Visit and more Bad News

January 18, 2016

The local Veterinarian saw Zuma today and diagnosed the itchiness as allergies.  She couldn't define the cause but she gave Z a steroid injection and then she stayed for a bath and nail trim.  Being without Zuma for three hours was horrible for me.  I went into little shops and browsed, snacked on oysters for lunch at A.J.'s and walked on the beach. All things I can't do with Z.  But I missed her terribly as we've been inseparable for a very long time.  I was so glad to have her back and she felt the same way.  She is now on fatty acids and is no longer itching.  AAHH (loud) is the international language for dogs, kids, horses and husbands,  It works well. 

Seriously, try it.

We had a short walk and watched the Great Egrets flying around the marsh behind the cottage this evening.  Zuma was very excited, thinking they were not unlike the wild turkeys back in Maine. These birds are white and graceful and probably nesting nearby. Thankfully we have a fenced yard.  The App Doug installed on my 'phone confirms the many species of birds I see from the back yard. There are many songbirds I have yet to identify but that's a nice project.

Doug received bad news today.  His friend Sandy was riding his motorcycle in Florida on Sunday and was hit by a car and killed. Sandy was a really nice guy, loved by all.  Doug has lost three friends in the past three months, two in the past week.  We are feeling very sad about all this, as are all Sandy's friends.  His wife is a former horse show Mom whom we know from Emma's equine competition days.  She must be devastated.  My thoughts and prayers are with her and Sandy's family and friends.  Sandy was only 58 years young.  He was a vibrant man who gave all of himself to others and will be missed. 

I'd been worrying about purchasing the RV as it's a major purchase and lifestyle change, but now I see that this is the right decision. 
Do it while you can.  This vehicle will be a huge improvement for our journey.  I pick up Doug in Savannah on Thursday the 21st. Once we get the RV we'll still have ten days here on Tybee Island and will be able to go into Savannah (30 minutes from Tybee Island) and other places. 

The next phase of our journey is to head to Jekyll Island a(north of avnd practice with the RV for a few days, then on to St. Augustine, Florida.  



  


  

RV

January 15th, 2016

It's raining buckets.  We decided to drive into Savannah for breakfast.  Clary's is a favorite breakfast restaurant of ours; the place is humble and bustling, clean and friendly.  The waitresses seem to have been there since the 60s and they know their stuff. Prompt service with a smile.  The food is unbelievably divine and one plate is enough for two.  I had two crab cakes on Canadian bacon atop an English muffin with Hollandaise sauce and home fries and I took one crab cake combination home. They were unbelievably huge and fresh.  With a breakfast like this there's no need for lunch, we didn't eat until dinner time late in the evening. Midnight in The Garden of Good and Evil was filmed in Savannah and there is a major scene filmed at Clary's Diner.  It's a really fun place and always paced solid.  

Afterwards, we decided to look at RVs at nearby RV place.  Long story short, we found a beautiful lightly used 25' unit.  We pick it up next week!  Now we'll have more room and no more hunting for pet-friendly hotels.  Zuma really likes the new space and settled in immediately.  Doug is very sad to say goodbye to Blanca. We have her running perfectly so it's sad to let her go, but it seems this is the solution for us to carry on with our trip.

pic of RV

When we arrived back at The Crabby Pirate, we took Zuma to the Dog Park where she reunited with her doggie buddies and we chatted with their owners. The sun cae out after we bought the RV and we were eager to get home and exercise Zuma.  She gets very excited about going to the Dog Park now she knows many of the dogs.  Sometimes there are as many as eight dogs.  All breeds and sizes intermingle here, it's good fun to watch and everybody gets along.  Zuma hangs back and waits for the little ones to go to her. Everyone is amazed that she is so gentle and kind to the other dogs.

dog park pix

Then we walked to A.J.'s (bar and restaurant) and enjoyed a cocktail and shared an appetizer of delicious fried oysters.  The staff there are very sweet and allow Zuma in; she is very well-behaved and just lays down and watches all the activity.  People asked to meet her and she rose to the occasion, greeting everyone who approached her like old friends and getting her picture taken again and again. 

pic of fried oysters



While walking to A.J.'s, a woman stopped us when driving by and asked us if we knew anyone who would be interested in taking two Great Danes in need of homes.  She gave us her contact info and within minutes of arriving at A.J.'s, a waitress there expressed sincere interest in taking one.  She has been looking for one for a long time.  I hope it works out.  Anyone out there looking for a Great Dane?

We sat on the deck and watched a spectacular sunset.  On our way home one of our Dog Park friends was driving by and stopped to chat.  We are starting to feel like locals.  
We love being on Island time.  

pic of D and Z with sunset.

When we got home to the cottage, we enjoyed a delicious meal of Belgian Beef Bourginion that Doug made last night.  It was fantastic!  I seriously have to get out walking more.


January 17th, 2016

Today I took Doug to Savannah Airport and he flew to Portland to catch up on work in Thomaston for the week.

It's cool here (53 degrees in the daytime today) and colder at night but we are cozy in this little Crabby Pirate cottage.  

pic of CP. sign

Emma had a problem at the farm with water heaters yesterday; Doug is heading home so he'll fix the situation.  She's doing a great job keeping up with the chores and we really appreciate her support, especially since she is holding down two day jobs.  They have snow in Maine and it's cold.  I would be crippled up if I were there.  My knee is really doing well with all the warmth and activity.  I basically can walk anywhere here and that's the best situation for my leg; if I'm active my leg works normally.  Zuma keeps me active as she needs a lot of exercise.  I'm so thankful not to be in the cold weather.    

pic of Zuma walking



  

Tybee Island

January 13th, 2016

The approach to Tybee Island is nothing less than impressive and feels like a true escape from the harshness of reality.  Wrapped in a salt marsh, the island joins the mainland with bridges; the road is landscaped with natural vegetation and rows of palm trees.  Great White Herons wade in the marsh beside the road and flock overhead, along with great Blue Herons and other birds.  Doug (Bless His Heart) installed an App on my 'phone so I can identify the many different types of birds. I will need to have him massage my neck from oogling all the migratory birds.  Anything for an excuse.  Pretend to take up bird watching girls, always good for a neck massage, hee hee.  

We checked into The Crabby Pirate yesterday and we absolutely love it here.  It is charming, simple and peaceful.  Everything we need to relax and put the real world behind us, if only for a week or two. 

If I could have a dream cottage, this would be it.  Quaint, clean and located on a quiet residential street with friendly neighbors, this is all I need.  The rooms are nicely decorated with beachy themes and cute signs that make me smile and, best of all, there is a white picket fence all along the front of the property.  Sunsets are gorgeous here and there is a lovely patio area in the front yard (perfect for cocktail hour) and a bbq out back so we are able to purchase fresh local shrimp and grill our dinners.  Fresh shrimp is available daily at dockside places.  And it is INCREDIBLE, so fresh, right off the boat.

Live Oaks here host Spanish Moss, dripping hauntingly from the branches.  Orange and grapefruit trees display their produce and azaleas and other plants are blooming.  I love the sounds of the breeze rustling in the palms, the creaking screen door, the flap flap of the heron's wings, the sou-filled tunes of the songbirds.

pic of live oaks

This lighthouse on Tybee is charming and supposedly haunted:

pic of lighthouse

On our way home from the Dog Park and Lighthouse today we met three 30-something Canadian guys who live in Ottawa and New Brunswick.  It's their first trip here and they love it.  Like us, they are escaping the cold weather up north.  They were just plodding along on a walk, they said "We're on Island Time"!  Yeh, we get that.  Life is slower here, it's great.

Sadly, the morning after we moved in, Doug received the horrible news that his friend Jeff had passed away (cancer).  A few weeks prior to Christmas, Doug lost another friend, Daryl (heart attack). Both men lived long and productive lives, they traveled and did what they loved.  It makes you think about your own life, you have to slow down and accomplish now what you are able to do, while you can still do it.

I will be forever grateful for this opportunity to travel with Doug and Zuma, I only wish Emma could join us, hopefully she will be able to catch up with us when her work schedule slows down.  She is busy now (with her mobile pet grooming service and another project she has on the go). She would love it here and we would love to be with her here, but we also need her to manage the farm during our absence.  Thank You, Em, for taking care of the horses and cats and the farm.  we couldn't do this without you.

Middle of The Night TV:

After I watched ads for blenders and other outrageous cooking gadgets (call now, the offer ends in 15 minutes, get your credit card ready) I scrolled down to:

Peter Popoff

Well, if you are sleepless in the south, you can always watch Peter Popoff on tv in the middle of the night.  OMG.  What I have missed by not having cable tv.  This dude has a tv show and apparently heals people by yelling in their faces.  Who knewwww?  He sells a spray that does "divine surgery" and apparently people are buying it.  Go ahead, Peter Popoff, sue me.  I'm promoting you and your ability to send ailments "back to the pits of hell where they belong". So now you know.  Just send $$$ to Peter and you'll be cured of everything. 

You're Welcome.

We must be entering The Bible Belt (?).  We'd better stock up on cocktail material before we get too far into the south.  OR we can just get healed by Peter Popoff and buy some of his "Miracle Spring Water".  Jesus.  

Moving right along, after watchng (for a few seconds) how to sue people for any ailment you can imagine, I scrolled around and found a tv show about eating raw snakes in the desert (chew their head off first, lots of rehydrating properties in there, the guy says). Who needs Gatorade?   It's incredible that these shows exist.  This guy is totally serious. Who watches these shows?  Oh yeh, that would be me. 

Nah, I have to switch channels.  Gawd, I have really been missing out of all this stuff.  My life has been sheltered, thank Gawd. AMEN Peter Popoff. 

Polar Plunge

December 30 through January 7, 2016

Wilmington is a very attractive city with a beautiful historic district.  Reconnoitering the first day, we saw beautiful homes and buildings in the Historic District.  

Nearby, Wrightsville Beach is a small seaside town with charming shops and restaurants; it has a really "beachy" feel with colorful houses, surfers and surf shops, a large marina and active sailing school.  I took a spin around the town ass its only 5 miles from the hotel in Wilmington and got a really good feel from the whole place.

Upon arrival in Wilmington, I heard on the news there was going to be a Polar Plunge into the Atlantic on New Years Day.  Yeh, let's do that, I told myself.  Never having done such a thing, it appealed to me to run into the waves with a bunch of other crazies, all for a good cause.  The money raised goes to at risk youth. Totally the trip I am on.  

The day before (New Year's Eve) Zuma and I had spent my birthday walking and relaxing in Wilmington so I had plenty of energy after a low-key day.  Doug was back in Thomaston finalizing year-end business.  

Waiting in the soft sand for the 11 a.m. call to get wet, the crowd was eager and pumped up by great music (Beach Boys, etc.) there were free drinks and snacks, provided by the associations organizing the event.  It was a feel good win-win event.

On the beach, I met a man about my age (Sam) who was on his own also; we were both newbies to such a sporting event (if one may generously label it that) and encouraged each other to go for it, so we ran in together.  Surprisingly, the water wasn't very cold.  A few bold leaps into the sea and I saw it coming; a huge wave bowled most of us 250 (approximately) participants over and it felt terrific! A good mouthful of salt water is always invigorating and clears the palate of that nasty first coffee of the morning taste, haha!  It was a moment in time I will never forget and I wanted to go back in for a swim.  An excellent start to 2016!

Our plan was to spend another week in the area, walking and exploring.  I was very impressed that the city welcomed the eviction of Christmas trees from homes to line the dunes as protective barriers.  What a brilliant idea.  No waste and a natural "green" way to support the sand from being washed away in strong currents and winds.

I neglected to mention that we had a bit of an issue at the hotel. The first night I watched a person digging in the dumpster behind the hotel, nearby the designated doggie toilet area.  Initially unnerved, I asked the clerk at the desk to escort us to the area which he willingly did. The lighting was dim (and so was I); the hotel was undergoing renovations and he told me they sometimes have people out in the dumpsters picking for furniture, etc.  The next day I learned from a fellow hotel guest that there are no security cameras behind the hotel.  Then I felt more vulnerable.  

We had rain for a couple of days and Zuma was wiggly and excited to get out and prance her 5 - 10 miles a day.  I was getting her things ready one afternoon when she bowled me over and I fell and hit my nose and face; the result was a black eye and very swollen nose.  Doug says it's not broken but I sure as hell have a bump at the bridge and wearing glasses hurts.  It throbs all the time.  

If this had happened to the dog, I would have rushed her to the vet but I toughed it up with ice packs on my nose and right eye and gobbled Advil.  The next day my eye was nearly swollen shut and I felt embarrassed to leave the hotel room, looking like a beaten wife ("I fell over the dog"), so I hunkered down for the next couple of days and only went out to walk Zuma with sunglasses on.  
How. Low. Life.  But there was no other solution.  I thought I would just walk Zuma at night in the city.  However, during this time, I met a woman whose family live locally (and have for the past 27 years) and she told me that Wilmington has a high crime rate and advised me not to go into the city at night.  Great.  

Within a few days, I was feeling much better and ready to get back on the road.  Then I heard on the news that there was a huge heroin bust (hooray) and 50 people from Wilmington were arrested and charged.  Then, within a day, 2 people were shot just blocks from our hotel and there was a robbery in a parking lot at a nearby hotel. Yikes.  Time to get out of here.  This is a nice area and well-lit but with security holes, I didn't feel 100% safe.  

I expected there would be times I would be fearful but this was out of my league.  

Then I got a high fever and realized after a night with my head in the bathroom sink it was the 'flu.  Man, was I sick for two days. The weather was rainy and it really was all I could do to get up to take Zuma outside.  Something happened to my laptop en route and the keyboard was sticking so I couldn't write.  TV was my friend. Zuma snuggled beside me on the bed and tolerated the sudden exits I had to make to the bathroom to throw up.  (Sorry, ya'll).  This went on for two solid days.

Doug called and said he wanted to come down and, although I felt we could continue on our own, I was very glad to have him by my side and he really wanted to be with us.  

Doug arrived the next day and we stayed one more night to visit Wrightsville Beach and the area and then drove on to Savannah. Blanca is running really well.  She is a reliable vehicle and we laugh a lot when people drive by and give us the thumbs up sign for driving this 2001 VW van.  Gotta love it.