Dear arrived in North Carolina 5 days after Katie and me. We met up with him in Raleigh last Saturday and spent the night before we headed back to Camp Lejeune. On our way we took the scenic route so we could stop at the state Capitol. It seemed small compared to other Capitols we’ve visited. We noticed that there were churches on most corners across all sides of the Capitol.

This was our suite at the Marriott Residence Inn, Crabtree. We were happy for the comforts here after a very long Saturday filled with adventures we weren’t expecting.

The Dec. 7, 1941, bombing of Pearl Harbor and those who lost their lives that day are being remembered Wednesday on the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack that brought the U.S. into World War II. Dear’s father and several uncles served during World War II.

Today (Wednesday) we are making a round trip to Raleigh to pick up Andrew and Katie’s used car that ended up needing a couple recall issues fixed. Yesterday their couch, loveseat, washer, dryer, and mattresses were delivered. We now have comfortable seating that we’ve been looking forward to for 2 days. Dear installed the garage door opener and it’s working like a charm. Katie and I didn’t realize when we ordered the washer and dryer that we would need extra installation parts like hoses, etc., so Dear will be making one more trip to Home Depot or Lowe’s.

So…are you done with your Christmas shopping? I’m not done. I’ve hardly started and my house is not decorated. Hope that makes someone feel better out there.