Best Life

 Today's goal - remove the old bed and bureau, pick up the new furniture and assemble.  Maddie helped with every task.                                                             Moving the desk chair into the hallway -                                                              perfect spot for Maddie to perch.                                                            Taking the old frame apart - Maddie is keeping       ...

 Rainy, cold and a boring to do list.  But we did purchase a new bedroom set.  The bed we are currently using was the "kids' bed".  Designated as such because though it is a queen, it is low to the floor. It also does not fit the frame causing bruised shins.  The headboard is not pretty and I have no desire to clean between all the decorative curlicues.  So tomorrow we will bring home the new furniture - a solid headboard (quick to clean) and drawers underneath (more storage always a plus).   Today is... Mr Potato Head Day!  So many hours he entertained the kids.  Though they had a plastic potato with holes already available for arms, legs and facial features.  Unlike the real potatoes we used as kids. Roger Williams Park in Providence has a life size potato head thanks to Hasbro.                                       ...

 Still loving having a full kitchen and every gadget!  Today was fresh homemade guac and taco salad along with homemade tortilla chips.  Yum! Word of the day - Meraki - doing something with creativity, soul and love.  That's how cooking feels to me. While Paul spent the day helping Scott, I managed to finally finish unpacking.  No need for bathing suits and shorts here.  😔 Maddy is enjoying quiet time.  Me not so much!  Her head is very heavy!  And she doesn't really stay "quiet".  She is constantly shifting and "talking" in my ear.

  Our goal today - pull out Kevin and Isis' bikes, clean them and get them functioning.  (Isis' was previously Papa's that was a well used gift.)  First trip around the block - failure.  We had to turn around and fix the rear wheel on Kevin's.  While Paul straightened out the wheel, I managed a cat nap in the warm sun.  Our second trip - successful!  Riding around this block is a bit different than riding in Florida.  There are hills and only occasional sidewalks.  But it was glorious! A new recipe tonight - Corn Dog Muffins.  Super easy and way more yummy than plain hot dogs in a bun.  A definite keeper.  It was a joy to cook in a kitchen that is fully stocked and organized.  Automatic ice!  Pot holders!  Sharp knives! Biking and cooking - simple joys that so much more appreciated now after having to abandon our bikes in Vero Beach and the varying kitchen amenities at each destination.

  This morning's early departure from Carlisle occurred during the rising of the fog through the valley.  A beautiful sunny day with unfortunately too many commuters.  With minimal stops we made it to Lincoln by mid- afternoon.   After Paul emptied the car, I spent the next three hours sorting through the remains.  I have established "travel boxes".  The essential items - small frying pan, spatulas, can opener and a small coffee pot.  Each air BNB is different.  Some have everything imaginable while others do not even have pot holders or kitchen towels.  So I have a couple bags of "cannot do without" for the next time we travel.  It was nice to have dinner with Kevin and catch up (and review the new "If you want TO DO....list").   After almost 4300 miles with 11 different hotels/air BNBs over 25 nights, I am ready to sleep in my own bed! Maddy was very happy to snuggle with us on the couch! Word of the day - kuscheldecke -...

 Despite an early night we awakened later than usual.  That plus yesterday's extended park visit - I had to choose wisely with our stops today.  Our goal to arrive in RI sometime on Monday meant we had needed to cover at least 400 miles.   My choice - Draper's Valley in Pulaski, Virginia.  Gorgeous.  Not too far from the highway, a great place to wander and stretch.  And it was the last bit of sunshine until early evening! The remainder of the Sunday drive - agonizing.  So many trucks and people, all attempting to arrive somewhere fast. We landed for the night in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.    A brand new hotel - Microtel - that fits our needs perfectly.  A cute little, historic town that had great BBQ.  We managed a few more steps after dinner strolling around the nearly empty downtown. The plan - early departure and afternoon arrival in RI!