We arrange some family time for the holidays.
December 12-15 we rent an Airbnb in Charlotte for an early East Coast Christmas. We take our time driving to Charlotte, using two full days. No need to make a mad dash!
The Airbnb home is about 15 minutes from Paul and Kara, and easy walking distance to at least six restaurants. Mary and George drive down from Richmond and arrive an hour or so before William and I roll in. The three bedroom home has been modestly updated since it was built in the 1950’s. Some of the floors sag a bit, but the place is clean and comfortable - perfect for our needs.
On Saturday we are able to meet up with Kara’s Mom and Step-Dad at a local brewery for their annual Christmas market. It’s a sunny 55-degree afternoon which makes it pleasant to sit outside, talk, drink a few beers and walk through the booths selling goods and foods.
December 12-15 we rent an Airbnb in Charlotte for an early East Coast Christmas. We take our time driving to Charlotte, using two full days. No need to make a mad dash!
The Airbnb home is about 15 minutes from Paul and Kara, and easy walking distance to at least six restaurants. Mary and George drive down from Richmond and arrive an hour or so before William and I roll in. The three bedroom home has been modestly updated since it was built in the 1950’s. Some of the floors sag a bit, but the place is clean and comfortable - perfect for our needs.
On Saturday we are able to meet up with Kara’s Mom and Step-Dad at a local brewery for their annual Christmas market. It’s a sunny 55-degree afternoon which makes it pleasant to sit outside, talk, drink a few beers and walk through the booths selling goods and foods.
Saturday evening we host a dinner party at the Airbnb with Mary, George, Paul, Kara and two of our nieces and the men in their lives. William has prepared his classic lasagna along with Italian sausages, salad, peas, and garlic bread to round out the meal. A highlight is the Christmas cookies which Mary baked for dessert. Delicious!We talk and laugh late into the evening.
Monday William and I are back on the road. We linger in Knoxville to get a feel for their downtown area and stop in Indianapolis for another night before returning to the Airbnb we have been using in Cary, Illinois.
December 22nd William and I have an early morning flight to Phoenix. We are spending five nights in Mesa with my Mom. It’s a good time, seeing Mom and William once again volunteers to make the meals at home. Mom and I get a couple of trips to the pool or exercise room while he is slaving away. Christmas Day we are all invited to my Cousin’s Randy and Sally for dinner. This gives us an opportunity to see their new home as well as catch up on their activities since they moved in June. The meal is outstanding - Randy is becoming quite the chef since retiring, and Sally is no slouch either.
December 27th we hug and kiss Mom then take a Lyft to Sky Harbor Airport for the short flight to Colorado Springs to meet us with our son James. William and I Airbnb a cute 2 bedroom just five minutes from where James lives. As is typical, we hang out a lot and eat well over the four days. We also manage some time exploring sights in the area including snow-capped mountain scenery and Bishop's Castle, which is being built by one family over the years. A highlight of the trip is meeting James’ friends Dave and Desi.
Over the years we’ve taken numerous trips to see family over the holidays, this one feels a little different. Everyone is supportive and inquisitive of our new homeless, vagabond life.
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