October 26, 2011 - Dinner at the Markleys

Today is the day we leave for Vermont for the gathering of our family.  My brother Jim [who had major surgery today] and his lovely wife Sue, live in Waterbury Center and that's our destination.

Vicki and I left earlier than anticipated and after a quick stop at UPS to send a package home to Dallas, and another stop at Joann's to get yarn for me to have something to do on the trip [don't tell Laura I'm making her a Movie Wrap], we headed north to Vermont.

The day started out with an abundance of cloud cover and a time or two Vicki had to turn on the windshield wipers.  When we got to Rutland, Vermont we were pelted with sleet but after several miles that diminished and finally stopped,

If you remember, Hurricane Irene inundated Vermont with flooding and we drove through areas that literally looked like a war zone.  Roads and bridges had been wiped out; homes were completely destroyed; and other structures were swept off their foundations.  I would have taken photos but it was still raining and you've actually seen these scenes on TV.  The one bright spot was that mile after mile there were signs:  Thank you Volunteers.  So many signs of thanks to those who've helped.

And on another note, Vicki drove all the way without falling asleep one single time.  She didn't stop for a nap either, which is a personal best in the last several years!  GREAT JOB, Vicki!

So even though we spent a miserable night at the Worst Western in Dewey Beach, DE, we LOVE the Best Western in Waterbury/Stowe.  After checking in and resting for a bit, we headed up the mountain to our brother's home on Shaw Mansion Road.

Sue is a wonderful cook and planned a lovely dinner for just the four of us.  And even though my brother Jim had major surgery today, he chopped an onion or two and then prepped the bruthelth thrpouth.  Sue is a wonder in the kitchen . . .

 having prepared this delicious chicken, apple and cranberry dish.  I can tell you, one and all, I had two large helpings.  And here's the Master Sue!

 Brother Jim, who'd had major surgery today, was able to rise to the task of pouring the wine.  He's such a trooper.

But since my brother Jim had MAJOR SURGERY today, we left at a reasonable hour and headed back to our hotel.  Hopefully, after a good rest, he'll be able to join us on Thursday at The Wandering Moose for dinner and Game Six and the Rangers' FIRST World Series Championship.

Snow is predicted at altitude and that's where we are so I might be purchasing some warmer attire.

'Til the morrow!

xo