We are back home in VA. As much as I would rather live in NY, I am happy to be home. The road trip was uneventful. I had felt bad not heeding the warnings about traveling for Christmas. It was very obvious that we weren’t the only ones as the roads, specifically 95N, were just as busy as usual. The traffic in Northern Virginia is terrible, but heading North, there were no tie-ups. We hit traffic approaching the George Washington Bridge and on the Long Island Expressway. We tested for Covid before leaving and we were both negative, and we’re being tested on Sunday again.
My daughter called crying two days before we were leaving. I had previously called her and left message for her to call me. She said that she wouldn’t be coming, her car wouldn’t make it, even to Virginia. We offered for her to drive here and then drive up North with us. I suggested the train and she said she would check and call me back. Never called, but texted that the train took 24 hours and she wouldn’t be here in time and the airline rates were supposed to go down the following day. They didn’t and she stayed in Florida. This is the first Christmas that I haven’t spent with her. We did facetime a few times and she ended up spending Christmas with her father and her cousin and his family. I was happy she was not alone.
We stayed with my mother-in-law for 3 nights. She brought up politics, (she’s a Trumper) and so I had to set her straight. I told my husband I will not bring up politics but if someone else does, I won’t be quiet!
Christmas Eve was actually very nice. My sister-in-law and family put up a big tent, (reception size) we brought a heater and they had 2, plus a firepit. The day wasn’t as much cold but very very windy. We had it earlier than usual, and tent was down and cleaned up by 7:30! Nobody wore masks except when going inside to make plates for dinner. My nephews are all college age and I was a little nervous because they are very social.
On to Westchester on Christmas morning. We went straight to my sons and opened presents. They made lasagna, which was delicious! It was so nice to spend time with them and especially my beautiful granddaughter! Again, no one was being careful about washing hands and wearing masks, and constantly having people stop by. My grandson came and that made everything perfect! The hotel was great, followed all the rules for safety. Maggie stayed with my son, she isn’t doing too well.
We did go out to Kohl’s and a couple of stores after Christmas to see if we could find lights half price. No luck. As a side note, in Kohl’s I went to use the bathroom and there were 2 handicapped stalls, both of which were locked from the inside. I asked several employees about it and after being ignored by two of them, a young girl actually crawled under the stalls to open and found they were both out of order. I told them she should get an award for crawling under the stalls! Anyway, no bathrooms I could use.
Speaking of bathrooms. again, stopping at a rest stop, heading in, there are 10 stalls and one handicapped stall and guess what, it was occupied! I watched women come and go while I waited and waited. Finally a lady, not handicapped, came out. She offered to hold the door and help me inside, which I didn’t need any help so I gave her a dirty look, said no and entered the stall. This continually pisses me off. I am not nice about it, that should probably be something I should work on but my natural reaction is to be a bitch.
Today is New Years Eve. I have a friend, from high school, coming down with her boyfriend. They are spending the night in Richmond and we are going out to dinner and a drive thru light show. I’m looking forward to seeing her and catching up. We do talk on the phone occasionally. She’s on Facebook, I’m not anymore. It should be fun!