Imagine the Possibilities

I am participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Thanks to the co-authors of              Two Writing Teachers for creating this  supportive community.

There’s a lovely park behind our hotel where we walk Cyrus – lots of birds, fish, and places to sit and observe. It’s always fun to find birds that you don’t normally see at home. I noticed the usual swallows, gulls, and ducks, but also terns and an egret.

Then there was this fellow outside our restaurant last night.

It looked to me like a cross between a turkey and a duck, and I wondered if this was perhaps a living turducken, that Thanksgiving delicacy many people are fond of cooking. He was still there when we were leaving, this time accompanied by his mate who was actually a little aggressive. There was a dog dish of water nearby. Were these birds someone’s pets?

Later I identified the bird as a Muscovy Duck, fairly common in Florida. Some are feral and some are raised as pets. So yes, this pair might have been pets, but I still wondered why they were hanging out in a parking lot.

You never know what you might discover when you’re away from home.

I am participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Thanks to the co-authors of              Two Writing Teachers for creating this  supportive community.

Today’s post comes to you from Cyrus. I was inspired to tell something about our trip from his point of view after reading other slices from a pet’s POV and encouragement from fellow slicer arjeha. Thanks, Bob!

Hi, all! Cyrus here.

I knew something was up. They put my bed in the car. ROAD TRIP!!!!

Where are we going? When will we get there? Can I have a treat? What’s in this bag? Is that for me? Can I have a treat? Are we there yet?

You gotta love a road trip. Extra treats. New bushes and trees to…um…you know…tell everyone CYRUS WAS HERE. Everything’s going great. Except for that first night.

We got to the place we were going to stay. They brought me in. Then they took me into a box. Uh, oh…not for me. I tried to escape. They pulled me back in. It started to move!! I crouched down. When will it stop? Thank goodness it was over quickly. We all got out. Got to the room. Can I have a treat?

After that, we went up and down the stairs to get to the room. But I had to sneak by the evil machine every time.

Crouch low. Go slow. Crouch low. Go slow. Can I have a treat?

Windows down…new smells…warm air. Gotta love a road trip. Can I have a treat?

I am participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Thanks to the co-authors of              Two Writing Teachers for creating this  supportive community.

There is a chill in the air this morning, but warmer temps are just down the road. Well, a few hours down the road, anyway. This morning we say goodbye to Charleston as we make our way to Florida. Yesterday we toured the city, learned some history, shopped, ate barbeque, and of course had pie (for pi day). Here is my attempt to sum up our day in six words:

Historical mansions and Charleston charm. Merci!

I am participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Thanks to the co-authors of              Two Writing Teachers for creating this  supportive community.

Greetings from Charleston, SC!

You know you’ve left Pennsylvania and are in the south when…

• Grits replace scrapple as a breakfast menu item
• The price of gas drops significantly (at least 30 cents a gallon)
• Most females, regardless of age or circumstance, are referred to as ma’am
• Pine trees start to resemble large stalks of broccoli
• You are offered boiled peanuts and/or hush puppies with most meals
• You feel just a little bit closer to the sun

Last night we ate at a seafood restaurant. I love fresh seafood so I ordered the yellow snapper, the catch of the day. I think someone went out and snagged this guy while we were waiting!

It was delicious!

I am participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Thanks to the co-authors of              Two Writing Teachers for creating this  supportive community.

Good morning from Rocky Mount, NC!

Are you a heavy packer or a light packer? A roller? A just-throw-it-in, or a more organized packer? Do you use tissue paper? Depending on the size of the suitcase, where I’m going, and the mode of transportation, I have been all of those types of packers.

Several years ago when Allan and I were planning a trip to Italy, I knew I would have to learn the art of packing. That’s when I learned to roll. If you don’t know what I mean, just go to You Tube where you’ll find lots of help. I managed to fit everything I needed for a ten day trip to Italy in a carry-on size bag. I even had room to bring back some souvenirs! I also learned how to consolidate outfits – mix and matching tops and bottoms so it looks like you have more clothes with you. I was able to manage the same task last year when we traveled to Ireland (although experiencing the wind on the Cliffs of Moher made me wish I had rolled a few warmer pieces.)

Since we are driving on this trip, we have a little more room and can plan for the fluctuation in weather. In addition to two suitcases we have golf clubs, a dog bed, a bag of dog supplies, a bag of snacks (with supplies for martinis), a bag with my computer and writing materials, and a few loose jackets and wraps thrown in just in case. But with all that, as we made our way to the diner across the street last night in the snow and sleet and slush, I wished I had thrown in some boots!

Next stop, Charleston, SC!