But Luke sure enjoyed the slide.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Saturday at the pool
But Luke sure enjoyed the slide.
Weekend in Virginia
We headed out last Saturday for a weekend trip to Charlottesville to enjoy some history and wine. We were accompanied by Patrick and Tina who were celebrating their first wedding anniversary. It is hard to believe that it was just one year ago that they were married--but it is true.
The ride to Charlottesville was slower than usual, and it took three hours to get to Monticello where we started our day. But despite the ever present threat of storms, the weather held and we had a great time exploring Jefferson's house and grounds. I always learn something more on return trips.
And then, about 3pm it was off to a couple of wineries. Being close, we chose Jefferson winery and Blenheim Winery. We also spent some time looking for another winery, but never could find it. Funny how lack of a data signal on AT&T can really mess up plans.
Jefferson continues to be a body factory where people are moved through as quickly as possible. The wines are OK but not really of the quality that their pricing would suggest. The whites are better than the reds. The tasting room really needs a major overhaul to be able to accommodate the hoards of people. I did purchase some viognier, vin rouge, and a couple bottles of the meritage.
Then it was off to Blenheim. Not for the wines, but for the view. This winery offers perhaps the best views of any in the region. The wines are fairly simple and not complex. I bought a red, their best and passed on everything else. I found that they were serving their whites too cold, and so they were showing up in my glass with no nose and in my mouth with no taste. I do enjoy their tasting room and the spectacular views of the vineyards and the hills.
From there we spent an hour trying to find another place, but gave up. Then it was off to the hotel and then dinner at the Bonefish Grill, which was very nice and enjoyable.
All in all, it was a great day. Sunday, was equally as great and we made a great discovery, which I will write about later.
Happy anniversary P&T... And many more.
The ride to Charlottesville was slower than usual, and it took three hours to get to Monticello where we started our day. But despite the ever present threat of storms, the weather held and we had a great time exploring Jefferson's house and grounds. I always learn something more on return trips.
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| Chris and Patrick at Horton Winery |
Jefferson continues to be a body factory where people are moved through as quickly as possible. The wines are OK but not really of the quality that their pricing would suggest. The whites are better than the reds. The tasting room really needs a major overhaul to be able to accommodate the hoards of people. I did purchase some viognier, vin rouge, and a couple bottles of the meritage.
Then it was off to Blenheim. Not for the wines, but for the view. This winery offers perhaps the best views of any in the region. The wines are fairly simple and not complex. I bought a red, their best and passed on everything else. I found that they were serving their whites too cold, and so they were showing up in my glass with no nose and in my mouth with no taste. I do enjoy their tasting room and the spectacular views of the vineyards and the hills.
From there we spent an hour trying to find another place, but gave up. Then it was off to the hotel and then dinner at the Bonefish Grill, which was very nice and enjoyable.
All in all, it was a great day. Sunday, was equally as great and we made a great discovery, which I will write about later.
Happy anniversary P&T... And many more.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Early Morning Around the Pool
I was outside early Wednesday morning--working around the pool just after 5AM getting it ready for the afternoon End of the School; Year Party--depending of course on the thunderstorms which while forecast never materialized. And the party was a smashing success. Although I was late getting there because Ethan broke his arm and needed some Pop-pop help.
The light was just beginning to grace the eastern sky as I was out there working and I could see bats chasing their meals above me in the twilight sky.
The automatic pool cleaner needed to come out of the pool as I had let it run overnight to get everything as ready as possible for the day ahead. Work, party, and sleep. What a combination.
I remember the morning--it was humid, with some rain falling during the night and the temperature staying in the 70's. The smells hanging in the air were familiar summer smells of mown grass and decaying plant matter. I considered, for a moment, jumping into the pool for an early morning swim--but for some reason thought better of it and decided to stay dry. I think the thought of going inside to the air conditioned house and being cold was the primary reason, and I didn't have enough time to stay outside and dry off.
Chris did a day trip to NYC with Jodie and Troy yesterday. I am glad that she is not only able to hit the road now that school is over, but that her attendance with them is wanted. There are some big decisions that are going to need to be made--and she has a way of helping to cut through the noise and get to the root of the issue at hand.
It was too bad the O's had a day off last night because it would have been a good evening to sojurn to the ballpark for a game--but there is always next week. I am going to a game tonight AND they are in town next week while Chris is planned to be away again.
Maybe I should jump into the pool next time I'm out there early in the morning. Why? Just because.
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| After the Party |
The automatic pool cleaner needed to come out of the pool as I had let it run overnight to get everything as ready as possible for the day ahead. Work, party, and sleep. What a combination.
I remember the morning--it was humid, with some rain falling during the night and the temperature staying in the 70's. The smells hanging in the air were familiar summer smells of mown grass and decaying plant matter. I considered, for a moment, jumping into the pool for an early morning swim--but for some reason thought better of it and decided to stay dry. I think the thought of going inside to the air conditioned house and being cold was the primary reason, and I didn't have enough time to stay outside and dry off.
Chris did a day trip to NYC with Jodie and Troy yesterday. I am glad that she is not only able to hit the road now that school is over, but that her attendance with them is wanted. There are some big decisions that are going to need to be made--and she has a way of helping to cut through the noise and get to the root of the issue at hand.
It was too bad the O's had a day off last night because it would have been a good evening to sojurn to the ballpark for a game--but there is always next week. I am going to a game tonight AND they are in town next week while Chris is planned to be away again.
Maybe I should jump into the pool next time I'm out there early in the morning. Why? Just because.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Last Northern Goshawk Killed
I read an article yesterday in the Baltimore Sun which really made me sad and outraged.
It was about a bird--but it shows that people are still really ignorant about some things--and among those things are wildlife, ecology, being green , and preserving life.
The article was about the last northern goshawk in the state of Maryland being killed. Actually, the headline was incorrect--because actually the last four were killed if you count the three dead chicks in the nest.
Why would someone shoot a bird--just because?
I guess because people shoot people, just because.
And it makes me sad that we, as a species, are so short-sighted and ignorant.
I love birds--and especially raptors. They bring a lot of joy to my heart as I watch them do something magnificent that I cannot do--and that is fly. God blessed them with flight.
The loss of this bird and her chicks is something that will likely become a mere footnote in the history books of extinct species some day. I remember reading about passenger pigeons and how they darkened the skies, until they were hunted to extinction.
And now, I 've had to read about the last northern goshawk.
We must change or we will follow in their now silent footsteps.
It was about a bird--but it shows that people are still really ignorant about some things--and among those things are wildlife, ecology, being green , and preserving life.
The article was about the last northern goshawk in the state of Maryland being killed. Actually, the headline was incorrect--because actually the last four were killed if you count the three dead chicks in the nest.
Why would someone shoot a bird--just because?
I guess because people shoot people, just because.
And it makes me sad that we, as a species, are so short-sighted and ignorant.
I love birds--and especially raptors. They bring a lot of joy to my heart as I watch them do something magnificent that I cannot do--and that is fly. God blessed them with flight.
The loss of this bird and her chicks is something that will likely become a mere footnote in the history books of extinct species some day. I remember reading about passenger pigeons and how they darkened the skies, until they were hunted to extinction.
And now, I 've had to read about the last northern goshawk.
We must change or we will follow in their now silent footsteps.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Ethan starts summer with a break
 |
| The Cast is Put On |
I was even there to provide moral support.
So much for summer.
Travel, Hotels, and Water
Of course, they really do go together. In a perfect world, I would be traveling to a hotel on the water in some tropical place.
Oh--I am going to be doing that in less than three weeks.
But really, last weekend's trip to Charlottesville was exciting because I had the opportunity to play with the camera again and attempt to take some interesting images--and not just of buildings. I tried to get one of a bee on a flower--I wanted to get it just with the bee either landing or taking off. Lesson learned: those guys are faster than my finger is on the shutter!
Who knew bees were that quick--OK, I did as I have been stung a lot when I thought I could brush them off.
'Tis but a flesh wound!
So the travel season is upon us and I am planning to travel a bit, although, it dawned upon me yesterday that my wife is traveling more and enjoying it more than I am. Between bus trips to New York City and flying to Ithaca, I can hardly keep up with her.
And as for water--I love vacations with water involved. I know that next year I am going to have to bite the bullet and go to the big ditch (Grand Canyon) but hey, who knows maybe we can do some rafting on the Colorado River.
YeeHaa!!
Oh--I am going to be doing that in less than three weeks.
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| Flowers at Monticello |
But really, last weekend's trip to Charlottesville was exciting because I had the opportunity to play with the camera again and attempt to take some interesting images--and not just of buildings. I tried to get one of a bee on a flower--I wanted to get it just with the bee either landing or taking off. Lesson learned: those guys are faster than my finger is on the shutter!
Who knew bees were that quick--OK, I did as I have been stung a lot when I thought I could brush them off.
'Tis but a flesh wound!
So the travel season is upon us and I am planning to travel a bit, although, it dawned upon me yesterday that my wife is traveling more and enjoying it more than I am. Between bus trips to New York City and flying to Ithaca, I can hardly keep up with her.
And as for water--I love vacations with water involved. I know that next year I am going to have to bite the bullet and go to the big ditch (Grand Canyon) but hey, who knows maybe we can do some rafting on the Colorado River.
YeeHaa!!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Summer Begins
It is much like a movie--and so it begins. At 1:13pm EDT officially summer begins.
Yay.
As most of you know I have been waiting for this day since September of last year.
The pool is open. The lawns are mowed. The heat is slowly being turned up outside and the trees and grass are green.
I am already enjoying the summer, even though it has barely begun. But last evening as I was cleaning the pool, I enjoyed the idea that the clear water possessed the capability to provide so much enjoyment and fun. And yes, I did take a quick dip even though the temperatures were only in the 70's.
But July and August are ahead.
And so is the heat and the ever oppressive dog days.
The next up holiday is the 4th of July.
And then, shortly after that it is off to to St Lucia and a much needed vacation.
The fireflies were out again last evening, too. Truly summertime is with us despite the slowness of the calendar.
Th first pool party of the summer is tomorrow. Bring it on.
And it all begins early this afternoon.
Yay.
As most of you know I have been waiting for this day since September of last year.
The pool is open. The lawns are mowed. The heat is slowly being turned up outside and the trees and grass are green.
I am already enjoying the summer, even though it has barely begun. But last evening as I was cleaning the pool, I enjoyed the idea that the clear water possessed the capability to provide so much enjoyment and fun. And yes, I did take a quick dip even though the temperatures were only in the 70's.
But July and August are ahead.
And so is the heat and the ever oppressive dog days.
The next up holiday is the 4th of July.
And then, shortly after that it is off to to St Lucia and a much needed vacation.
The fireflies were out again last evening, too. Truly summertime is with us despite the slowness of the calendar.
Th first pool party of the summer is tomorrow. Bring it on.
And it all begins early this afternoon.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Monday Musings - June 20, 2011
1. I am amazed how much history is within such a short drive of our home. Battlefields, decisive happenings, and the homes of four of the first five Presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe. We really owe a lot to the Virginians.
2. Wine brings people together for conversation, laughter, and fun.
3. Chris was a trooper this weekend, she rode in the backseat all weekend as we traveled around.
4. Be wary of the GPS, they are not as smart as they would have you believe.
5. Rain is a game changer. Embrace it.
6. Organizational picnics, softball, and dunk tanks go together, so don't be surprised when you, too get wet.
7. Makayla loves to go for rides in the car. One word, road-trip and she is all about getting into the car for a ride. I don't know why she gets so excited, but it may have something to do with not being left behind. I don't like being lef behind, either.
8. I suffered through a pop quiz this weekend at Monticello and only got partial credit for my answer to the question: How tall was Thomas Jefferson? I said six foot two inches. The correct answer was six foot two and a half inches.
9. This is now my second blog entry from my new iPad. I'm still getting used to it, but it works not all that bad, although pictures are a problem that I still need to address.
10. Thank you to my family for a wonderful Father's Day. I'm sorry that many of you couldn't spend time with me, but knowing that you wanted to really warmed my heart. Thanks for calling and making me feel loved and for loving me enough to allow me to go off on a wine/history weekend and miss spending some all-too-short time with you.
11. And so another week begins as the year slides into half gone and the sun climbs to it's most northerly position in the sky tomorrow. Summer is upon us and it is all downhill from here.
2. Wine brings people together for conversation, laughter, and fun.
3. Chris was a trooper this weekend, she rode in the backseat all weekend as we traveled around.
4. Be wary of the GPS, they are not as smart as they would have you believe.
5. Rain is a game changer. Embrace it.
6. Organizational picnics, softball, and dunk tanks go together, so don't be surprised when you, too get wet.
7. Makayla loves to go for rides in the car. One word, road-trip and she is all about getting into the car for a ride. I don't know why she gets so excited, but it may have something to do with not being left behind. I don't like being lef behind, either.
8. I suffered through a pop quiz this weekend at Monticello and only got partial credit for my answer to the question: How tall was Thomas Jefferson? I said six foot two inches. The correct answer was six foot two and a half inches.
9. This is now my second blog entry from my new iPad. I'm still getting used to it, but it works not all that bad, although pictures are a problem that I still need to address.
10. Thank you to my family for a wonderful Father's Day. I'm sorry that many of you couldn't spend time with me, but knowing that you wanted to really warmed my heart. Thanks for calling and making me feel loved and for loving me enough to allow me to go off on a wine/history weekend and miss spending some all-too-short time with you.
11. And so another week begins as the year slides into half gone and the sun climbs to it's most northerly position in the sky tomorrow. Summer is upon us and it is all downhill from here.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Out the hotel window -Charlottesville
It was a great day yesterday. We decided to take a weekend away and used some travel points I had to get a hotel and zipped, more like slogged our way in heavy traffic, to Charlottesville, VA for an infusion of history and some wine.
Out my hotel window is pretty boring a sight, but at least we do not face another building directly. And the sky is visible. I can see the humidity hanging in the air this morning and I know it is going to be a very humid day.
Yesterday we enjoyed Monticello again. I continue to be fascinated by Jefferson and I learn something more every time I visit. The last time I was here, it seemed they focused upon Jefferson the intellectual. This time, they were very apologetic for Jefferson the slave owner.
We did manage three wineries yesterday and bought a few bottles to share.
Today, more wine and some time with James and Dolley Madison.
Happy Fathers Day to all the fathers out there!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Winnebago or Bust
There was a time, not too many years ago, when my dream of retirement was wrapped up in a huge motor home towing my car behind me on the open road headed to wherever my heart desired.
I would see those big RVs on the highway and begin salivating in my mind about how to acquire one to experience the freedom they represented.
Ah, the thought of the open road--by the way, have you seen an open road lately? Mine are all jammed with traffic and patrolled by police looking to supplement the state coffers by writing as many nuisance tickets as they possibly can. The other day, I saw three of them patrolling a five-mile stretch of Route 100. Ugh!
Now though, the dream is gone. I do not see these behemoths of the highway as being any fun at all. Slow, gas guzzling, hard to park, huge to drive RVs that lumber along and surely cannot be any fun at all in city driving areas.
It all just doesn't seem to be any fun to me now.
Big vehicles, lumbering along and congested highways.
Maybe a couple decades ago--but now, I'd rather fly, get to my destination and enjoy time not on the road.
I guess I've lost the dream. Maybe I just realize that the roads are not getting any less congested.
And then, I haven't listened to Willie Nelson sing "On the Road Again" in a really long while.
I would see those big RVs on the highway and begin salivating in my mind about how to acquire one to experience the freedom they represented.
Ah, the thought of the open road--by the way, have you seen an open road lately? Mine are all jammed with traffic and patrolled by police looking to supplement the state coffers by writing as many nuisance tickets as they possibly can. The other day, I saw three of them patrolling a five-mile stretch of Route 100. Ugh!
Now though, the dream is gone. I do not see these behemoths of the highway as being any fun at all. Slow, gas guzzling, hard to park, huge to drive RVs that lumber along and surely cannot be any fun at all in city driving areas.
It all just doesn't seem to be any fun to me now.
Big vehicles, lumbering along and congested highways.
Maybe a couple decades ago--but now, I'd rather fly, get to my destination and enjoy time not on the road.
I guess I've lost the dream. Maybe I just realize that the roads are not getting any less congested.
And then, I haven't listened to Willie Nelson sing "On the Road Again" in a really long while.
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