Mitch's b'day, driving - Day 552 (Yr 2, Day 171)

Durham, NC

Yes, you read that right - not Asheville!  But no, we're not staying here.  Mitch's company needed some extra hands in the Raleigh/Durham area to finish up the work by the end of year, so they are bringing almost all of their NC workers here to help out. But I think I already mentioned that, as well as the plans for driving 5 hours back and forth, twice.

The highlight of the week was Mitch's birthday, which was on Saturday.  After Shabbat, we went to Bonefish Grill for dinner, and then saw Star Wars: The Force Reawakens.  Other than my accidentally breaking my wine glass (for which the manager not only comped a new glass, but comped our appetizers of $17 sushi), it was a very enjoyable evening.

When we arrived in Raleigh, we hung out at Jessica & Griffin's home for a few hours, and then went out to dinner with them (again, a sushi restaurant!)

The hotel we're staying at is very nice.  It's a La Quinta.  Ok, not a Hyatt or the Ritz, but compared to the places we stay at within our own budget (Super 8, Red Roof Inn), it's luxurious!  Even has an indoor pool and nice fitness center, which I hope to have a chance to use.  Unfortunately, I have a very overloaded work schedule Monday and Tuesday, but I'm hoping perhaps I can at least work poolside.

Update on travel plans - still Day 546 (Yr 2, Day 168)

Asheville, NC

As you know from my last post from this morning, Mitch needs to work during the business days next week and the week after in Raleigh (that's Mon-Tues-Wed of next week and Mon-Tues-Wed-Thurs the following week).  He does not feel confident that we'll have enough time to do all the prep work necessary to get the rig road ready (it will take a good deal of the day just getting the tires inflated).  We also can't afford to pay for the hotel for the non-work days that the company won't cover.  So the plan is that we'll drive back and forth each week.  We will leave here on Sunday and return on Thursday, then leave again the following Sunday and return on New Years day.

Sigh.

Finally some news - Day 546 (Yr 2, Day 168)

Asheville, NC

Finally some news about our next steps, as Mitch's work in Asheville is winding down (may even be finished by the end of this week).

First, they need some extra hands in the Raleigh area, so they are sending us back there next week through the end of the year.  That's for about 2 weeks, so if we can figure out how to make the time to get the rig road ready after sitting for 4 months, it makes the most sense to take our home with us.  Boss suggested we leave the rig here and they'd pay for a hotel (excluding the Xmas, day after, and the weekend -- that would have to come out of our pockets:  no, Jess can't accommodate us) so as not to lose our space.  That's not really a concern though.  We may lose our exact spot on the river, but it's not busy season so I'm confident there will be a space for us somewhere in the park.  Question is whether we really want to move (not to mention that horrible mountain grade again).  We'll need to give this some serious thought tonight.

Anyway, Mitch was told that they really don't have a great deal of work for travelers at the beginning of the year, so rather than relocate us, they want us to stay in this area where they still have some work withinin a 50 mile radius (Hendersonville, Tryon, Mills River, Flat Rock, and so forth).  So we will definitely be here through January.

Amazing weather! - Day 545 (Yr 2, Day 167)

Asheville, NC

No unusual events or exciting adventures to report since Wednesday, other than some amazing weather.  It's supposed to be in the 30's to 40s this time of year, but it has been in the high 60's, with yesterday reaching 72!!!  Today is expected to be about 70.  Many folks around here back to shorts and t-shirts!  It was really lovely yesterday (Shabbat) being able read out back by the river, wearing a t-shirt.  (It's expected to be in the mid to high 60s all week, with rain tomorrow and Thursday).

In fact, the weather was so lovely that we decided to have a campfire after Shabbat.  We met several new folks who arrived within the last few days, and invited them all to party with us.  Unfortunately, they all had plans so we were alone, enjoying each others company.

This morning, Mitch has been spending under the truck, filling the tires.  He also went up on the roof to investigate, as it's been a while and we wanted to make sure it wasn't loaded with leaves (it wasn't).  When he's done with the tires, we'll be heading out shopping -- he needs to pick up some things at Lowes, Harbor Freight and Walmart.  Maybe if we get back from shopping early enough, we can take the urb-es out for a ride to the park.

Mitch's day at work - Day 541 (Yr 2, Day 163)

Asheville, NC

Most of the week had been spent doing surveys (checking for gas leaks) in subdivisions (new housing developments).  Today, he is in the middle of a field, with a beautiful view (he's in Mill River, about 25 miles south).

To get there, he had to pick his way through a forest of brambles:

Beautiful view, nice hike.  That white speck in the background is the truck.

Chanukkah - Day 539 (Yr 2, Day 161)

Asheville, NC

We did indeed have a really nice time at the Chanukkah party sponsored by "our" Chabad (of Asheville), although it was an event open to the entire community.  There were well over 500 people in attendance.  There were so many fun things for the kids to do -- I wish they had something like this when our kids were young!

The event was held at the Crowne Plaza Expo Center, so it was a huge facility.  There were about 5 different inflatable jump houses and tunnels (like an indoor playground), and a lot of crafts tables: painting, sketching, build a dreidel out of legos (plus just a lego play station), play dreidel against Judah Maccabee (with a person dressed as him, and a table full of chocolate gelt (money)).  There was a face painter, gift boutique, and various tables representing the area synagogues and Jewish organizations such as Jewish Family Services and Asheville Jewish Business Organization.

The decor was very nice as well, with lovely centerpieces, balloons and tiny silver and blue stars on each table.

There was a large stage, where they had a nice band playing throughout the event (which was 3-6 pm).  At one point, the kids from the Hebrew school put on a short singing performance.

And, of course, there was the food area. Mitch and I volunteered to help, and we were put to work as food servers (it would have been too chaotic for so many people to be helping themselves).  There were 10 stations in total; 2 identical ones on either side of the area.  The foods were: greek salad, green beans w/mushrooms, latkes (of course!), eggplant parm, cheese lasagna, and sushi, plus dessert of fruit, babka and donuts.  I was in charge of serving the green beans, and Mitch served the latkes.

Of course, the highlight of the day was the lighting of the menorah, which was quite an amazing piece.  Each stem was made of a clear pipe filled with pennies collected by Chabad during the year.  At the end of the holiday, it will all be donated to a local charity.

I took a video of the candle lighting ceremony but unfortunately, it's over 2 minutes long and too large to post here.  If you're interested in seeing it, send me a message and I'll be happy to send you a link to download (which will take a bit of time as it's about 44 MB.

When the event was over, we went home and had our own little candle lighting ceremony.  First, I decorated my kitchen (putting up the holiday pot holders and towel) and we lit the electric menorah for the window:

We then lit the regular candles and opened an awesome gift from Jessica (assorted chocolates in really clever packaging):

And now starts another work week!

Thanksgiving (a bit late) - Day 535 (Yr 2, Day 157)

Asheville, NC

I can't believe it has been a week since we left for Raleigh, NC to spend Thanksgiving with our dear daughter, her husband, my super sister-in-law Doris, and a few friends (Shana & Jared--newly married and Shannon, with Jason dropping by), and, of course, our favorite grandpup Ellie.  Reason for not posting:  up to my eyeballs in alligators with work.  Not that it's a bad thing, but being that November was very slow, it's like everyone was making up for it by bombarding me with a lot of stuff to do this week.  I am finally finding a few minutes to post.

So... the drive to Raleigh wasn't bad.  We left Asheville on Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) at 8:00am and arrived around 1:00pm, having stopped for an hour for breakfast at a Cracker Barrel.  We didn't take the CoW as there was no time to do all the prep work for towing, so we stayed at the Red Roof Inn in Cary.

Dinner, of course, was amazing.  I just can't believe I didn't take any pictures of the food or people. :(  This year I wanted to partake of the delicious side dishes made with dairy, so I had the Tofurkey.  Plus, since Jess was expecting a large crowd (which turned out not to be the case), a kosher bird wouldn't have worked as she needed at least 25 lbs and I can never find one larger than about 13.

Friday we hung around the house until later in the afternoon, then Jess, me and Doris went to Lowes Foods (to show off the store), and World Market.  We all love that store!

Saturday, Mitch and I went to our favorite home away from home - Chabad of Cary.  It was great to see all our friends there.  Then we hung around the house, and had a nice sushi dinner.  We met for breakfast on Sunday morning (8:15) and then hit the road.

As I said, the rest of the week has been spent on the computer from dawn until dusk all week, and Mitch working on his gas line stuff.

Channukah starts on Sunday.  Hopefully I will post about the event we'll be attending then.

POST SCRIPT:   When we left Asheville, we wore 4 layers of clothes as it was 30 degrees.  By the time we arrived in Raleigh, it was 70!!!  We had absolutely amazing weather all weekend.  Of course, when we returned to Asheville, we had nothing but rain.  In fact, by Wednesday, we were under a flood warning again, watching the river come within inches of the bank and being prepared to evacuate to the other side of the campground.  Fortunately, the rain stopped in time and we were safe.  Last night, the furnace kicked on as the temps dropped below 30, although the next few days will be sunny and in the low to mid 50s.  I really want to move someplace warmer!!!