New Years Eve Morning.

I can not believe it. I am on ourblog! I got here with just a little help from the tall , handsome grandson that happens to be here in India also!! Also, I got money from an ATM, and all by myself.

Well, we arrived by Air India in Chennai last night about 10:30. We are at Hotel Palava, which is an old hotel, and felt that way last night. We had dinner on the plane, yes, Indian airplanes still serve food, and pretty good food at that. We were magically met at the airport with van and driver. It is wonderful what money can buy. The south feels different from the north. This morning I was up early as usual, I went out on the street, found an ATM and used, first time. And the hotel fells good and not so old this morning, here I am on ourblog.

Ajanta and Ellora were up to expectation. Fantastic. Things that have changed: crowds of people, really big crowds. For me, Ajanta was a major athletic event. Stairs, hills. I am grateful to all grandchildren, daughter, and especially s.i.l. for helping me down all of the stairs, and most of the going up. Our guide was very good. It is good to have a guide, he gave us lots of good stories and information.

Driving to both Ajanta and Ellora, were adventurous. We trusted our driver after awhile that he really did know he could pass on what looked like a curve. He was a good driver.

We are having a good time. It feels as if we have been here longer than we have as we have seen so much. At 11 this morninig a driver will pick us up and we will take the train to Trichy.

I am taking lots of pictures, as you may expect.

HAPPY NEW YEAR DEAR FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

This Space Available

Hello, India! Any bloggers out there?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHANDRAN

Hope the car problem is solved!! There are a lot nicer ways to spend a day or two! Anyway, enjoy your day!

Party

Emma and Laura

We had our annual Christmas party. It went very well. It’s a good time to get in touch with old friends and reconnect with people we have not seen all year. Chiara’s friend Allison came, she is a lovely girl who we only see twice a year for these parties and Chiara’s birthday. Nelida, Jens and their daughter Emma came and of course the McCann’s minus Colum who is traveling. We had a surprise visit from Anita and Nikhil and their children. They were supposed to be going to Florida today but their flight was canceled because of the snow. We had some new friends this year from Chiara’s school, and some friends from the twins preschool days, one of which is in Nicky’s class this year. The good news for you all is that I now have a large supply of prosecco. Not only had I bought some for the party, but everyone that came brought at least one bottle.

Rotecastello

Rotecastello
Originally uploaded by casagreppo

this a one of Piero's photos from his flkr site. Rotecastello is that little town you can see from Cristina's B & B.

Aurora

We just saw the aurora borealis driving home from dinner. I love that.

Yesterdays storm

The major storm passed North or South of us, but we got enough to give some 'white out' driving conditions yesterday. This morning there is still snow on rte. 19 because of blowing snow.

The 1169 Tree

It seems strange , just Susi in front of the tree. Well, Popop had gone to get the owner of the tree farm to come with his tractor trailer and power saw to cut it down. I love the colors in the room at night with the lights on.

And we also are looking forward to Christmas in NY!

Makeshift Tree

This year we decided not to get a Christmas tree because we would not be here for the days leading up to Christmas. I didn't feel in the Christmas spirit without a tree, so i decided to hang up some lights to replace our tree this year. I think it helps.

One step down

I finally got my cast off, but now I am on a brace for 4 more weeks. It feels great to have that cast off. In other news we had our first snow fall and put up the Christmas tree and creche. Can't wait till you all come.

The tree

Merry Christmas

In spirit of the holiday season, my friends and I stole this tree.

Happy Holidays.