Lunch in Leesburg, Virginia

Lunching in historic Leesburg at Lightfoot Restaurant couldn't have been better.

I love these antebellum homes that are now upscale trendy shops, taverns and resturants. They are reminders of a grand society of days gone by. I enjoy seeing what has been so elegantly preserved and loved.

Only the company and conversation topped the food.
So~ What did we talk about? FOOD!

One of the girls asked if we get the instant oatmeal. Of course, one of my favorite quick breakfasts.

"Have you ever substituted apple juice for the water?"
NO!
Who would ever think of that? She leaned over her Ruben Sandwich and declared oatmeal cooked in apple juice is fabulous!
Going to try it. If you do, let us know what you think.

I so enjoy lunching with the bold and beautiful young professionals. They are all so in the know about everything...even talk about something I know ...oatmeal.

Summer 2009

Where are the lazy days of summer? Mine are filled with one activity after the other.

Saturday we took four of the little ones to my brother's Airport where he complied with their wishes to go flying.

You can click on the two photos below to see the photos become a video.
They are off...Madison was up front with Tommy. They are to tap him on the shoulder if they wanted to land. They NEVER do and protest returning to the field. A low level flight takes them over farms which are picturesque from above. I think we have a bunch of little aviators here.
Once on the ground, they were ready to "take off" in the golf cart.
We had a great time visiting with my brother and little the little ones enjoy the wide open spaces.

Inspiration Hits to Capture Scenes to Share

A two-lane road leads us through the heart of Bull Run Battlefield Park near Manassas, Virginia. This is a short-cut to a daughter's house.

What a beautiful trip~

Early morning light touches white mist hovering in low areas over tall grass that now graces the rolling hills. It will soon be bailed making the fields ready for another year.

Trees here and there, many along the creek called "Bull Run'"

The area near Bull Run is the location of the famous battle which was fought July 21, 1861, near Manassas, Virginia. It was the first major land battle of the American Civil War..

Today, it is peaceful and beautiful.

All is under blue, blue sky...filled with puffy white clouds.

The scene catches one's breathe.

One wonders if our Civil War Soldiers saw the same sight on the last morning of their lives.

Am sure they didn't see the herds of deer that now graze near the tree lines...They sleep in the tall grass, making and leaving tell tell circles. When we find one, I always wonder if they return to sleep there again and again.

I want my camera, but alas, no time to stop and on a mission to baby-sit this day.

The following day, my daughter and I went to near-by Leesburg.

WHY don't I travel with camera? Ahh...but today was with friends and no camera.

Leesburg ~ always make me think of when I first knew of Leesburg.

I remember an old TV show sponsored by Lipton Tea.

I was a little girl and he was seen in black and white on a small TV in our living room.

Are you old enough to remember Arther Godfrey?

He was Mr. TV in the 1950's and as I remember, there was not much else to watch.

I remember he talked extensively about his farm in Leesburg. Virginia with an airstrip for his plane. He took the cameras there to share. He knew he lived in a little piece of heaven.

It would be fun to make a trip to the Court House and find which of the beautiful old houses belonged to him. Why? I don't know. Do I have this kind of time?

HUMMMM

Am going back alone to these places for photos.

4th of July in Washington

Forth of July 09
We enter the Grand Hallway of the Kennedy Center
to spend the evening with friends to enjoy the Culinary Arts of D. C. before the National Fireworks.

We are greeted by the bronze bust of President Kennedy which is at the entrance of the Grand Opera House within the Center

What's playing at the Opera House right now?
~The gift shop is filled with marvelous books and great gift ideas~

We go to the top level about 7 PM for dinner before the fireworks.

The event is for Members of the Kennedy Center and their guests.

We overlook the beautiful Lincoln Memorial
The sun is escaping to the west...and notice
Boaters gathering on the Potomac River

We look back to see the famous Watergate Hotel with the circular balcony's.

Hello Mr. Lincoln~

and...Uncle Sam~

Children strike their own pose~

Statue of Liberty gives up her torch

Lady, can you spear a dime?

UNCLE SAM NEEDS YOU!

Night falls over the crowd...people move to the ledge for front row viewing. The flag waving crowd is awed by Big Name and Electrifying Entertainment Aretha Franklin takes the Grand Stage ~ her FANTASTIC voice is heard throughout the City carried by big screens with wonderful speakers singing to flag waving and screaming, standing room only crowds.
She is one of my favorites!

Is there any ice cream left?

Can you reach it?

OH! We enjoyed Dungeness Crab for dinner.

They are the BIG ones that are available on the Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco ~ they come from Alaska and Washington State ~Northern Pacific waters.

Dessert~ watermelon, strawberry short cake with lots and lots of strawberries topped with whipped cream.,

and KEY LIME PIE. FABULOUS 4TH!

West Virginia

The neighboring state to our West is West Virginia.
West Viriginia is such a unique state. I feel close to the people as one of my most beloved friends was
born in West Virginia. She has traveled the world and has accomplished more than most people ever dream of...she has lived in many stares and today, makes her home
in North Carolina .

I met her when we both lived in Key West, Florida. She was one of three who rode bikes most evenings on a little long deserted stip of land off Trumbo Point. We rode amongst the Palm trees and ocean spray ...an experience never to be recreated.

One thing we learned about her is that...her heart is forever in West Virginia.

Seems this is true for all sons and daughters of that state...memories of happy, down to earth simple life...amongst the beautiful natural beauty and abundant feelings of security and belonging.

Please ENJOY this "youtube" posting of the unique music of West Virginia.
Note the difference in voices and music from what is known as "Country Music."
This is true West Virginia...enjoy~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHvWvOsrMuo

Click the above link or cut and copy to open.

Summer of Parties

Summer isn't complete without at least one Crab Fest

Two bushels of Chesapeake Blue Crab graced the table

along with boiled corn and potatoes, etc.



Our immediate neighbors are among our best friends.

Together, we plan to build a permanent fire pit for our Fall events.

Fun, fun group~ we feel so, so lucky to live in our tight little cul-de-sac.

Toddlers, college kids, grown kids to grandparents~ we have it all. Great group indeed.

The guys quickly put up tents as light rain joined our neighborhood group.

Make it cozy.

We have a great sense of belonging.

Summer Birthday Parties

Pirate Parties

were popular this year~

Seventy-five gallon water spills at the Pool Park were lots of fun~

OH NO~ Another year gone already?

"WHAT IS THIS?? I want back in the pool!"

For sure, all the adults enjoy the parties much more than the B'day Kids.

Can you believe this is a homemade cake?
I have one more cake to show...Jimmy turned 5..
His cake was homemade with a cake airplane on top of a cake cloud.
Amazing what parents and grandparents do today.
I remember when no one made a big deal out of B'days.
Do you?