North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 1/30/2014

JANUARY 30, 2014 (Thursday)

Still icy and cold. Didn’t want to go out but Lexi had a doctor’s appointment and we wanted to go look for some cold weather stuff as we head North.

We left around 1:00 PM and headed to the rec center for our workout. We didn’t stay very long because there were so many people. Most of the machines we wanted to use were occupied. We left and went to the registration building to see if our package of mail has finally arrived. It was supposed to arrive on Tuesday (FedEx), but was delayed because of the storm. Package still hadn’t arrived.

Two nice people, one from New Jersey and one from Canada loaned us ice scrapers. — Two nice people, one from New Jersey and one from Canada, loaned us ice scrapers.

The freezing rain was so thick, the rear wiper was surrounded in solid ice.

We started out with Edie and I in the car and Lex with a key card trying to clear the ice.

We drove to Coccadotts to get dessert for tonight. We got a nice selection of some fun looking cupcakes – mint, maple bacon, lemon, chocolate covered strawberry, Boston cream pie, and one other that I can’t remember.

After Coccadotts, we went to lunch at Ruby Tuesday. Lexi had wanted to eat at Waffle House (very close to Ruby Tuesday) but when we walked in, the smell of smoke was very heavy. When we looked around we were surprised to see people smoking inside the restaurant. We were told the non-smoking section was in the back – but the smell was so strong we left and went to Ruby Tuesday. Lexi and I split a pretzel burger and Michael had the salad bar. The server was excellent and did things with drinks that would magically appear. Fun.

Ruby Tuesday Salad Bar. — Ruby Tuesday salad bar.

After lunch, we still had time before Lexi’s appointment so as we were driving we saw a Tanger Outlet Mall with a Columbia store. We knew they had cold weather stuff so we went inside and discovered they were having a great sale. Michael got a really nice jacket and some gloves. I got some snow boots (Sorel). Michael said Sorel were the best. Anyway, I got the boots for $40.00, and they were regular $180.00. They are comfortable and warm and will work in the snow. I did discover rather quickly that they don’t work so well on ice (I slipped and fell within five minutes of putting them on).

Edie's new boots, not ice proof! — Edie’s new boots, not ice proof!

Went to Lexi’s doctor’s appointment and just hung out for about the hour it took. After the appointment we all went back to the Tanger Outlet Mall but didn’t find any decent thermals or pants. Will continue the search. Also, we wanted to kill some time before heading over to Jan and Caron’s timeshare for dinner.

We got to Jan and Caron’s a little early. It’s about twenty miles from our resort, but was closer to the outlets we were visiting. Their front walk was totally iced in so Lexi kinda slid me along so I wouldn’t fall again. It was so funny.

Wood burning fireplace, feed by Skinner with Edie and Gary watching. — Wood burning fireplace, fed by Skinner, with Edie and Gary watching.

Gary sitting on his fold out couch which he reported was actually comfortable. — Gary sitting on his fold out couch- which he reported was actually comfortable.

Ham, scalloped potatoes, steamed vegetables, and coleslaw, all excellent. — Ham, scalloped potatoes, steamed vegetables, and coleslaw – all excellent.

High ceiling with fan in the master, Jan was the tour guide.

So wonderful to see Jan and Caron again. Such amazing and lovely people. They are at their resort, The Links Golf and Racquet Club, with three other people from Canada. We got to meet Peggy, Skinner, and Gary. They are neighbors and close friends of Jan and Caron. They also do a dinner club together. What a fun evening we all had – visiting, sharing, laughing, eating. Jan and Caron had made a delicious dinner of ham, scalloped potatoes, salad, vegetables, and lots of wine. I know we left way too late but we were having such a good time. Their timeshare was very nice and homey. I loved the fire going the whole time we were there. Sure enjoyed our visit and are looking forward to seeing them again (hopefully in August for the Victoria Splash). Thank you Canadian friends for everything.

Post dinner fun, Peggy and Caron listening to Lex, talking up a storm. — Post dinner fun, Peggy and Caron listening to Lex talking up a storm.

Jan, looking, making sure everyone had everything they needed or wanted!

Lin, aka Skinner, a very well traveled Canadian and resident fire chief.

Saying goodnight and thanks, we resolved to join this fun crowd in Canada for a dinner club outing at Peggy's. — Saying goodnight and thanks, we resolved to join this fun crowd in Canada for a dinner club outing at Peggy’s.

Skinner with a dueling photo, Lex saying goodbye to Peggy. Excellent night.

Michael drove home very carefully. We noticed at several intersections that they had police cars with their lights flashing. Not sure why but we figured it was due to the ice conditions.

We went by the office again to see about our package, but the office was closed. That was our day. Hope yours was great!