December 2021 - Thanksgiving to Christmas

We finish out November with Thanksgiving in Alexandria, VA with Jesse.  Her apartment is now settled from the move and we get to enjoy it and the beautiful view she has from her balcony!  We spend one day traveling into DC to see the mall and some Christmas exhibits.  It is always a favorite of ours to visit our nations capital.

On Thanksgiving day we took a long walk from East Potomac Park and ended up along the Wharf in Washington, DC.  An area we had not explored and enjoyed.  Jesse was excited to find a new area she could continue to explore.  Three people and so many thanksgiving favorites so we had it across three meals.  This was the big Thanksgiving day meal with sweet potato pudding for each meal!  Before heading back to Journey we helped Jesse get into the Christmas spirit by decorating her tree and her apartment.

As soon as we were back Willys needed to be worked on so Dee dropped her off and rode his bike to Crema Brew in New Bern.  It was a cold windy day, but the coffee hit the spot.  We went back several times to enjoy this coffee shop.  

Dec 1 arrives and it is time to fix that leak that has been a thorn in our side since Savannah, GA.  back in May   along with some other that requires Journey to be out of the water.  We head out early on a beautiful still morning and head up the Neuse toward New Bern and Bridgeton.  It was a stunningly calm morning on the water.  For the Nicholas Sparks fans, If you read the book, The Return, which is set in New Bern, NC then this is Green Srings Swimming area which is now closed to the public, but I got some great shots from Journey.

We arrive in Bridgeton at Bridgeton Boatworks across from New Bern and prepared for our haulout.  Always a scary time!  Right behind us for haul out was another 44 Endeavour.  Efferevescence - owners Glenn and Debbie.  We were excited to get to know some more endeavors owners and share stories about our past and futures.  They are headed to the Bahamas this winter.  Although the view was beautiful from the boat yard there was work to be done.  A little set back was finding the one shaft - the leaking shaft was pitted.  The boatyard was able to find a guy to build it up and turn it down and voila like new again.  While doing all this much needed boatwork and maintenance such as touching up the bottom paint and cleaning Shelby.   we were able to get in some much needed grand baby love.

This is the time of year for the Christmas Mouse Calendar and Christmas pictures.  We were able to  watch our little Christmas angel pose for her Christmas / 3 month pics.  And of course some baby sitting for mom and dad.  Super exciting times watching this little one grow and watching the puppies.  We love our grand dogs!  Finally, Journey is ready to go back in the water and we can head back to the marina.  Get Willys back home and get ready for Christmas.  Our time is coming to an end here in NC.

Christmas has arrived and so has Harley and Jesse.  Dee and I can not believe that our time with Lilia is coming to an end so soon.  But it was a memorable and different Christmas this year with a little one in the house.  We enjoyed our family time which included Fire pit time all afternoon and Jesus Birthday Cake to wrap up Christmas Day.  

Dee and Closed out our time in New Bern with our final glass of wine at the Brown Pelican which is also being forced to close and hopefully move to a new location.  If in New Bern try to find this great little bar where local musicians play their tunes.  Our final day brings Rick and Bill out to New Bern for a visit.  And some much needed paperwork from the Coast Guard.  We are now set to head South.  Thanks for the the paperwork and the visit.  Cheers to our departure and Good Bye NC.