Well we are back in sunny warm Florida although I must say the 50's here feel like the 30's in the mountains. It was rather chilly after the sun set last evening after we left daughter Amy's house where she had prepared one of our favorite suppers for us.
The day started with a 3 AM roll out of course I never sleep the night before we travel to or from the cabin. I just can not sleep but I did rest for a couple hours forcing myself to keep my eyes closed. I was awake when the alarm clock went off at 3 AM and then for me I went into action as I had lots to do before leaving at 4 AM which is always my goal. It was cold outside with a skiff of snow on the back of the truck and on the window shield and a few snow flakes still swirling as I loaded the last of our things. Nancy as always has to look her best so she spent 45 minutes on make up and hair while I winterized the cabin. It was 31 degrees and felt even colder with the snow and ice on the truck.
I cut the heat and covered up the outside unit and then starting draining the pipes once the water pump was turned off. It takes a few minutes for all the water to drain down to the basement so then I could pour anti freeze in all the traps and drains and I leave the spigots open. Next I drained the water heater and then it was time to cut the power off to the cabin. We were away at 4 AM and headed out to the main road. We did see a group of 3-4 deer as we exited out our drive onto the hard top but other than those who were alive the rest we saw were dead and laying along the highways.
The trip thankfully was uneventful. We made a total of 6 stops, to walk, gas up and eat along the way. We reached the Florida line at 11 AM which was good considering we still had 3 plus hours to go to Seminole. There is a by pass on 301 around some of the small towns and we made up nearly an hour or so using this route. The traffic got heavy when we reached the Ocala area but was able to still maintain a constant flow with no back ups until we reached Tampa. It was just before rush hour and it seems as if every snow bird in the country was in the Bay Area. We saw more vehicles than we saw the last two weeks in the mountains.
Well the winter Christmas adventure was a success. The grand kiddos loved the ambiance with the cold and snow and of course being together with cousins. I too love the ambiance but I'm not a big fan of the cold and the damp conditions brought on by the snow and cold rain of which we had plenty, however on those sunny bright days which made the area more pleasing as the trees are bare and stark. It was great to be back in the warmth and I know at times stifling heat but I can always cool off but when your cold, your nose running and your hands and feet numb from the cold it's not my cup of tea. The cabin stayed plenty comfortable with the electric heat but one of the concerns is if we lose power, oh well. So far we haven't been faced with that issue.
The garden looks fantastic as friend Patrick hand watered it daily using my shallow well. I have so much to harvest and put on the table. I did water it when I got in after unloading the truck and of course the weeds and unwanted grasses have a head start. I'll cure them later this week in no time as the soil here is easily worked over. The kids think we should do this every other year and I'm on board as long as I'm healthy and still able to work. I must say its a job preparing the cabin for them and then again after they go. Nancy and I worked hard to make it a place they could enjoy and hopefully for years to come. We are blessed with good health thus far and a willingness to make this come true for them, LATER
Just a few last day pics before leaving the mountains. The huge house is dried in and the workers are starting the inside work as the weather is cold. They have a great view from their front porch. I'm just a speck which gives you an idea how large this single story house will be.
