1. I flew from Charleston, South Carolina, via Washington Dulles Airport to Bangor, Maine. There I rented a car to drive to Saint John and back to Bangor again.
2. I flew to Buffalo from Bangor, once again via Dulles Airport; then, I took a taxi across the border and back.
3. I flew from Buffalo to Charleston, South Carolina, via Dulles Airport again.

Of course, I had to do the obligatory Covid test three days in advance. Since stormy weather threatened my flight, I scheduled a second test in the event of me having to fly a day later. All went well, however, and I had a beautiful drive through Fall landscapes. Finally, I reached the Canadian border in my rental car.

The border officer informed me that the machine randomly selected me for a drive-through Covid test. Well, that was quite an experience. Two guys in uniform directed me to drive into a tent where two other officials dressed in white, complete with long overcoat gloves and theater caps, waited for me. The one in charge directed me to open my window, ensured that I had my mask on, and handed me a tray from which I had to take the testing kit. He gave me very explicit details, carefully monitoring every move. I had to wipe the container with a disinfectant after closing it and placing it back on the extended tray.

My youngest daughter, Georgina, and I were so glad to be reunited in person. Granddaughter, Donella, was a little shy, not having seen me for such a long time. Husband Al jokingly kept singing “Oh, no!” when I arrived but proceeded to spoil us with delicious dinners and breakfasts. 

 

 

 

 

We had a wonderful family time. It was such fun catching up with the little one’s activities and sharing in her 7th birthday party! Georgina baked and decorated a beautiful cake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Al provided the disco lights for the dance party. 

Unfortunately, there was a strike during this time, and as a result, no Covid testing.

 After an intense search for a place where I could get the results in time, I finally came upon Buffalo Airport, where I had to pay $260 for the required rapid test. The company was so efficient and could not have been more helpful.

 

 

 

 

 Not even an hour after landing, I was on my way across the Canadian border again, this time to visit my 3rd daughter in Niagara. It was heartwarming to see my tall grandsons, daughter Genie, and her husband. Visiting Niagara warranted a quick visit to the Falls. The sheer power of the cascading water was breathtaking, while the autumn colors contrasted beautifully with the white waters.

Doug had built a very impressive man-cave where he and the boys could hang out. It was great to be part of family activities. I bundled up to brace myself for the cold winter night to watch my grandson play football. 

 

 

 

 

Genie and I enjoyed a delicious lunch at The Twisted Pig. We munched on fried shrimp, baked brie dip, and herb bread. I also had minestrone, and of course, a glass of white wine. The restaurant stands on the river edge at Port Dalhousie, where the Olympic rowing teams compete.

Returning to the USA was a piece of pie.

The flights were effortless, and I got home without any problem. Now I must plow through all my mail, get my music lessons going again, as well as finalize the arrangements for my South African tour in April. I am also looking forward to visiting my family in London for Christmas and New Year.