Wednesday - June 10

 Hello from 2 tired nomads in Port Clinton.    We had planned to stop somewhere after 6 hours or so, but traffic and weather were good and we kept switching the driving.

We left Lake James at 8:35 and arrived here 11 1/2 hours later with several short stops - lunch in Big Stone Gap, VA and supper in Marengo, OH.

Now to get our kiddos home.    Michael and Brooke had no issues flying yesterday from Budapest to London to Charlotte.    Ryan was in Madrid last night and had a direct flight to Charlotte today but there was a lightning strike and then they were diverted to London and major delays.    Tonight he's at a hotel in London.   

 Philip and Annette flew from Budapest to Philadelphia to Charlotte to Moline and then a 1-hour drive to Annette/s parents in Princeton.    They will be zombies for sure and are still enroute.  Luke and Maeve will be happy to see them and they'll be staying till the 16th,

So glad we are here - it was 90 and very windy,    We went for a walk to stretch the legs and get Catrina cooled down.

Till tomorrow.....Good night!

Tuesday - June 9

 Mark and I were up early and left for Old Fort at 6:45.    We were on a mission...

Yesterday when Erin and I were there, she told me about "Go Go s" cinnamon rolls?    Had never heard of this place but darn, they are closed Sundays and Mondays.    They have several flavors, so we decided to make the trip back and get everyone's favorites (Erin, Brady, Blair and us).

We also stopped at Seeker Coffee Shop for lattes for Erin and me.    Back home with our dozen assorted rolls - the only thing they sell and apparently go fast.    We got 6 original +1 apple pie, 1 cookies and cream, 1 chocolate, 1 birthday cake and 1 maple bacon.    They are delicious, but too much icing (which we scraped most off).   Popular place and $5 each or $33 for a dozen - what a deal!     We did a breakfast delivery to Erin - latte and maple bacon/.

Cinnamon rolls from Go Go's (named after the owner's Grandma)

Finished the laundry.    We had some heavy rain earlier and ended up with over an inch.   Blair spent the afternoon with her friends, Olivia and Aria.   Brady left to get his parents from the Charlotte airport.    Erin came over around 6, the travelers arrived a short time later and we all had dinner (sweet 'n sour meatloaf, baked potatoes, green bean casserole and caesar salad.)

All are tired tonight......Ryan, Philip and Annette arrive home tomorrow.

Nighty night!!!     Tomorrow, we start the trek back to Catrina.

Monday - June 8

 I picked Erin up at 9 and we were off to "Seeker" coffee shop in Old Fort 30 minutes west of Lake James.    I had never been but a favorite of Erin's and it was a winner.!    Cute little town with some cute little shops and eateries.    We sat and yakked away over our vanilla lattes and pastries.   

Erin

Our lattes + an almond croissant for Erin and a cherry/almond buckwheat cake for me

I sure enjoyed getting to know Erin better....we have a lot in common (our love of coffee shops, reading, same kind of shopping - home decor, stationery, cute boutique shops,  cinnamon rolls, all desserts, etc.) and of course, RYAN......ha!!!

Erin has a new business - real estate photography which is just getting started but she is excited and has her 1st client coming up later this week.

Back to Lake James, dropped Erin off (we were texting with Ryan in Budapest).   Today is the kiddos last day on their ship and long day of travel tomorrow.

Had lunch with Blair (Chinese leftovers), Brady was mowing a lawn and Mark, doing this 'n that outside.    I did more laundry in the afternoon.

Michael called from Budapest - what a treat and he sounded like he was right beside me - we had a good chat and heard all about their cruise.

Blair is happy to be back with her lake friends (she kept in touch with "school" and "lake" friends while on the boat) - love hearing all the chatter and giggles.

We left for Morganton at 5:25 and took Blair to Tumblemania for her cheer practice.    We went to Olive Garden and met Bob and Judy for dinner.    Good food and chatter,    Mark and I then went to Food Lion for a few groceries and to Bob and Judy's for dessert (cherry cheesecake - delish).   Picked Blair up at 8:30 and on home!    Big day!

Brady went to the movie "Michael" with a friend.    It's the biographical story of Michael Jackson's early life - Brady said it was very good!

Judy and Bob (Brooke's parents)

Sunday - June 7

 Beautiful day for traveling.....we all slept well in Wytheville and after breakfast in the hotel dining room, we were on the road by 9.

Arrived at Lake James before noon and Brady helped bring all our stuff in.    Had lunch and I started the wash.   He had a good week - house looked great!  😀

Brady left to mow a lawn, Grandpa and I took a power nap and then he left with Blair around 2 for Morganton and her gymnastic practice.

Liam finished his olympic triathlon today in Buffalo, Minnesota.    AWESOME!

Mark picked Blair up at 5 and on home.    Brady and I went to the camp to bring home pizzas for supper.    Went to online mass at Immaculate Conception with Father Jonathan.     He is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood this weekend.    Congratulations to Father Jonathan!

Zoom tonight had 7 siblings with a variety of topics.    Several of the family are at McCormick's Creek in Spencer, IN for 1-2 weeks.

Have a great week ahead and stay COOL and DRY !!!

Saturday - June 6

 Mark and I went for a walk and said good bye to Bob and Donna.   We probably won't see them till August when we return from our Lake Michigan.trip.   

Bob and Donna

Boat sisters

Pat and Donna

A long day of travel - we got Ruby loaded up with all our stuff as the first drops of rain were coming down.    Mark dropped we girls off at Coffee Express and went to get gas.    Busy busy place for coffee and other goodies, but Blair and I got our lattes (her 3rd and final "Butter Bliss")    And away we went as the rain came down.   

Mark drove thru the brunt of all the heavy rain about 30 miles shy of going from far north to far south of state of Ohio.    We had lunch in Canton and ate in the car - pouring down, along with thunder and lightning.    Blair had wanted to stop at "Raising Cane's".    There were none in the areas we were (around Port Clinton) but this was close to the interstate, so.....1st-time visit for all of us.    They only serve chicken fingers, but we enjoyed our lunch and then back on the road.    I drove for 2 hours - no rain!     REALLY appreciate Mark dealing with the heavy downpours.    Rest of the afternoon was nice and sunny!

1st time for Blair and us

A favorite of Liam and Connor

We had good chats with Liam and Connor today - Liam told us all about his 1st week at his internship in MN, the nice family he's living with this summer and all the great recreational areas close by for his running, biking and swimming.

Congratulations Connor - #1 in his age group

Connor did a sprint triathlon today and Anne was there to cheer him on.    He placed 1st in his age group and 16th overall.   Awesome!!!    Tomorrow, Liam is doing an Olympic triathlon.

 Tonight we are in Wytheville, VA and had a yummy dinner at a Chinese restaurant just behind our hotel.     Plenty of leftovers.

Long day but only 2 hrs. 20 minutes to Lake James tomorrow!!!