Has anyone else inherited a dog when the kids left home? We thought we were finally free of pets when Cherise, our middle daughter, returned home from Australia and moved to Washington, DC taking the dogs with her. After raising three girls (and 13 of those years with two dogs), it was wonderful to have the house to ourselves … for about seven months. I had really gotten used to that peace and quiet, too – no pets to have to get back home in time to feed or loud barking when neighbors walked down the street.
That peace and quiet was short-lived, though, as another move brought Cherise back to Georgia for a bit, but the tug to return to Australia couldn’t be ignored. She was determined to go back, but what to do about Greta? (Sadly, it was only Greta by then as Tippy went to pet heaven in June.)
Meredith with Greta
Greta enjoying tea time
So, our oldest daughter agreed to have her for a couple of months as we already had an extended trip planned, and said she would take her until she came home for Christmas. So, as happy as we were to see Meredith arrive December 22, getting back into the pet care routine has been an adjustment! However, it should be relatively short-lived. Meredith has a trip herself to Jordan and Ethiopia but said she will take her back in the spring after she returns.
But that wasn’t the only Christmas surprise we had. We had some talented young girls come and carol our house – complete with violin accompaniment! Then on Christmas Eve we heard from some dear friends that their newlywed daughter and son-in-law were stranded at the Atlanta airport. With no flights to Colorado until after Christmas, they wondered if there was any “room at the inn”?
So Meredith went to the airport and quickly scooped up Noël and Liam and took them to get some emergency clothes (Can you believe their bags were able to make the flight to Colorado, but there wasn’t room on the plane for them?!)
We ended up having a wonderful time borrowing a couple of extra young people and sharing our Christmas traditions.
Christmas with our surprise guests, Noël and Liam
Their flights were scheduled to leave the Monday after Christmas, so off to the airport they went, well in advance of the projected flight time. They waited … and waited. They were finally told that flight was also cancelled and the next one wasn’t leaving three days later. Since that was when they were supposed to return to Virginia, they just flew home, so their Christmas vacation consisted of a round-trip ticket to Atlanta and back.
So, while they were sad not to have the Christmas they expected, we were both glad they didn’t have to spend their holidays in the Holiday Inn, too.
So, now we're back to no girls and a dog...at least for the next few months. (Some Christmas gifts just keep on giving!)
Greta yawning after a long & tiring Christmas
Viking World Cruise for 2024-2025 Is Now Open!
It’s amazing how fast the World Cruise fills up. Likely part of that is due to it being the best value Viking offers, as it includes:
Free Business Class Airfare (First class on domestic flights)
Ground transfers to/from the ship
$2,000 per person Shore Excursion Credit
$1,000 per person Shipboard Credit
An additional $1,000 per person Shipboard Credit for Viking Explore Society Members
Carol is a Viking Master Cruise Expert and Group Travel Specialist, and she loves getting people together to enjoy the intimacy and hospitality unique to small ship cruising.
Consequently, our clients benefit from the “inside information” we have as a result of the great relationships we have developed over the years. They don't have to call an 800-number hoping to get a knowledgeable professional to answer their questions, and are also on the “first-to-know” list for specials and bonuses, all while receiving the signature TLC we put into every trip.
Vacations are the highlight reels of the year, and each one needs to be truly memorable.
Great Vacations Matter, Because Great Memories Matter Most
P.S. Whether you have questions about your upcoming cruise, or you have a Future Cruise Voucher you're trying to put to the best use, feel free to contact me at 770-421-9627 or email Carol@ImagineGoingThere.com. I'll be happy to answer all of your questions and give you the best advice for your Viking dollars.
P.S.S. If you've booked direct with Viking in the last 60 days, call 770-421-9627 to get an additional $200 shipboard credit to your reservation!
Imagine Going There Travel, 3600 Dallas Hwy, Suite 230-215, Marietta, GA 30064, (770) 421-9627
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