Tornados, flight delays, turbulence, presentations, fire evacuations.

The big chill hit the U.S. so we continued further south to the warmer weather. The resort was homely, friendly and perfect for us. An absolute highlight was visiting the Turtle Rescue Hospital and the next day rescuing two Hawksbill Turtles from the sea grass at our resort. The water temp had dropped and turtles along the western side of the keys were freezing. The hospital staff called these patients "Macayle" and "Dylan".

An opportunity came to us to spend a fortnight on the east coast of the U.S. New York City, 7pm New Years Eve, no accommodation booked. No problems. Well it was the Big Apple so of course we found accommodation; nothing to rave about but suitable. Weather was cold; midnight was 5am Ireland time and Time Square had a million revelers in minus 2 so we celebrated in our room. Rory from work had suggested the Hotel Belleclaire in the upper west and it was perfect an...