First ride of the year

Happy New Year!

Holding up one finger on right hand, two on left (1/2 = Jan. 2!)

I got out for my first ride of the new year today, January 2.  Not a perfect day for it as it was misty and overcast, but we needed some things at the food co-op, and the Chapel Hill bus system was shut down for the holiday weekend.  I have to say it was a lot of fun.  We saw a lot of runners and walkers out, plus a few cyclists.  Everyone seemed to be taking advantage of the last warm day in awhile.  It was 63-64 degrees when we left the apartment.

By the time we got home with our groceries, the cold front had started coming through, it was raining a bit harder, and the temperature had dropped to 54.  Barry ran upstairs for the camera so we could document the fact that we did indeed ride today!

Barry carried the groceries

(White) Christmas at the Beach

Once again, Barry and I met Mom, Dal, and Adam at The Winds in Ocean Isle Beach to celebrate Christmas.  As is customary, silliness and general frivolity ensued, tempered only a little by Barry's bad cold.  He still managed to join in on the festivities, and I am sure being around my zany family helped him feel a little better than he would have otherwise.  Mom thinks it was the negative ions from the ocean; but whatever it was, it worked!

Here are some photos of our little holiday vacation & celebration.  Adam took a lot more, so I may be able to add a few more when he sends them to me, if only to prove that I was actually there!  I couldn't let Barry touch our camera - germs.  :)

Adam

Seagulls

Sunset

The bounty before the "opes"

Adam & Mom engaging in some silly behavior (nothing new there!)

Barry with the new digital camera I got him -- hey, the box matches his outfit! 

Very tame birds outside the rooms, waiting for another cheese doodle handout

Christmas dinner - the table was not very elegant but the food was tasty: turkey, dressing, green beans, sweet potatoes

Deserted beach

A lone seabird

Almost impossible to see, but it's snowing!  First time I've ever seen snow at the beach.

Can see it a bit better here.  Yep, that's snow!

Snowing on our cars

Adam's car the next morning, along with a little missive Barry left him as we departed

After turning inland a bit on our trip home, there was a lot more snow at this rest stop.

Barry at the rest stop

Paisley likes "Puppy", her gift from my mom.  She's already figured out that it's all hers, so hands' off!

Happy Birthday Vicki!

Emily & Vicki at her birthday bash - a great time was had by all!