Made It Home

Friday evening, we stayed at a hotel in Glen Allen - not to far from Brian's house. A horrible storm came through and the hotel lost power. Our room was on the 4th floor and I watched it from the window. The flagpoles and trees were  whipping around and I couldn't believe they were still standing in the morning. The sky lit up like the 4th of July with lightning. 

Yesterday's trip back home from Virginia was a little eventful. We ate breakfast with Eryn, Brian, and Miss B and left Virginia around 9:00 AM. The GPS estimated we'd be home a little before 5:00 PM. Well,that didn't happen.

We traveled I-64 West out of Richmond, VA heading towards West Virginia. The gas tank was approaching empty and we pulled off in Covington. We tried three gas stations - all were closed - no power. We got back on the highway and pulled off a little farther down the road. There was a Marathon station with a line extending out from the tanks in both directions. They were running off of a generator and letting each person pump $40.00 worth of gas. We sat in the line for an hour and a half and got our $40.00 worth. 

Once back on the road, we took note of the fallen and broken trees and damaged road signs. The damage was very widespread. 

Next, we stopped in Beckley, WV for lunch and more gas. That station had just turned their pumps on about an hour before we arrived. An attendant said that people in the area  had been told they may be without power for 7-10 days.

On Highway 35 near Washington Courthouse, OH, we ran into a hail storm. Andy pulled over to try and prevent the hail from damaging my car and windshield. The hail varied in size - some the size or quarters, some golfball size, and other baseball size. 

We finally arrived home and Earl Gray and Gracie were thrilled to see me.

Last night, another storm blew through. Lots of wind and rain. Didn't last too long but was fierce.

Now, back to our visit in Richmond. Saturday, Rachael
and Landen made it in and joined us for dinner at 525. What did I have? Starters were Havarti Fondue with Almonds and Blueberries and Edamame Dip served with Focaccia Breadsticks.  Then, I dined on Fried Green Tomatoes stuffed with Crabmeat with a Corn Salsa. YUMMMMY! I also tasted Andy's beef and Succotash which were delicious, too. Dessert was Peach Strudel and Coffee Ice Cream. 

Here's Landen trying out his little four-wheeler we brought for his birthday.

Then, we went back to Eryn and Brian's and played with Landen until another storm threatened. That caused Rachael to hurry and leave to get back to the restaurant and Taylor's apartment. Miss B was asleep and missed Landen's visit but they'll see each other this week as Rachael and baby are staying in Richmond until Thursday. I wish I could've seen the two babies together. It's going to be so much fun having them so close in age. 

Here you see Little Man walking! He is going to be one very busy boy!

And, a picture of the three boys - Brian, Taylor, and Landen.

Today is Brian's birthday!!! It is a milestone and he is celebrating by doing what he loves best - fishing!

I wish I could show off Miss B but due to her parents' wishes, I can't. Just imagine that she's even cuter than last time I saw her! She's getting so animated and we were able to spend more time with her so she warmed up to us more. 

I have no idea when I'll see everyone again which bothers me more and more. It's hard. I never in a million years thought I'd be this far away from my family. Could be worse, I know. But, it's still hard.

Today, it was back to the grind. Traffic was horrible on the highway today. I was expecting it to be lighter. What aren't these people on vacation??

Comments

[kathy b]

wow, lots to be learned from your trip. Ill have my family read your post today. Happy birthday to Brian!
THe baby boy is so adorable......
Sorry you are away from family...
that's going to be my predicament in a week...

[Anne]

Our electricity came back on last night after being out for 3 days. Neighbors tree came down and big limb landed on our deck just missing the corner of our kitchen. Our yard and my beautiful flowers are pretty much a mess. Lost many of my beautiful flowers but they will come back next year. And more importantly...nobody hurt. Thank you God!!

[emmy]

That little Landon is a cutie patootie!! He is adorable and so very handsome. I know you are bursting with pride about Taylor and how well 525 seems to be doing!! I am thrilled for them. Sorry I couldn't join you in Richmond but I was heading west into the storm Friday night. The most stressful drive of my life!!

Glad you are home safe and sound.

[Lindy]

Robin
we just got our electricity back on, it was horrible! When I left work Friday night we were in the thick of it! Damage to our house, could have been worse!

[Merry Thornsburg]

Glad you're home Robin...safe and sound...sounds like you had a wonderful time!
Love u,
Merry ♥