Forgive me, WordPress Friends, but it has been 5 Weeks since my last confession … er, I mean, post!
In the almost 6 years that I have been blogging, that may just be a record. So! Where have I been?
Inauguration
In early January, we traveled to Richmond, Virginia’s Capital City, to see the Inauguration of our new Governor.
It was a cold, but beautiful winter day and we were all so excited to be there!
As you might guess, I took a ton of photos. Sadly, I just haven’t had time to work through them yet. This image, though, shows the impressive sight of all 1600 Virginia Military Institute Cadets march by in the Inaugural Parade. Our new Govenor, Ralph Northam, is a VMI Grad.
The Women’s March in Roanoke
One week later, I hit the streets of Roanoke for the Women’s March.
From the Women’s March to the Swearing-in of Delegate Hurst
We left the Women’s March a bit early and drove straight to the swearing-in of our new Delegate, Chris Hurst.
I loved catching this image of the Delegate in concentration,
and of course, enjoyed a quick visit in his office.
It was a long, exciting day and I’m so glad to have had this man to share it with.
Puzzle Time with Family
I enjoyed a quick run to Williamsburg to spend time with some of my family,
followed by a brief stop in Richmond on the way back home.
8 weekends in a row of travel, with work in between, and suddenly blog posts take a back seat. As much as I have loved all the road trips, some of which I didn’t include here, I was grateful to be home this past weekend. Why? So I might be able to plan the BIG TRIP:
New Zealand and Australia!!
I am the luckiest gal to be leaving in just 12 days for the Southern Hemisphere! Even better, I’ll be spending time with dear blogging friends: Pauline from The Contented Crafter, (and her awesome daughters), Alys from Gardening Nirvana, and Boomdee from Boodeeadda.
I anticipate lots of laughter and love, good food and drink, gorgeous scenery and many, many photo ops. I’ll be traveling on foot, and by car, plane, train and hopefully motorcycle, and I simply cannot wait to share it with all of you!
What better way to celebrate my mother’s birthday than at the Williamsburg Winery.
My parents live in Williamsburg, Virginia, a place that many people visit for the shopping.
I visit for family. And history. And the food and wine, of course.
We started with a visit to the tasting room where Calvin, the young but knowledgeable wine steward, not only introduced the wines but offered the history behind the labels and names.
This bottle of Acte 12 of 1619 was named after the Act that was passed by the 1619 House of Burgesses requiring all male households in Virginia to grow ten vines of the imported vinifera grapes from Europe.
How’s that for encouraging the growth of the wine industry in the new country?
How fortunate am I to have such incredible parents?
Once done with our tasting, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Gabriel Archer Tavern.
Gabriel Archer was one of the first settlers to set foot on land near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay in late April 1607, moving on to Jamestown in August that same year.
We were having so much fun that I barely pulled out the camera, and the images in this post are a mix of camera and phone.
I wish I’d had more time to shoot the scene,
but really, I was just glad to have been able to spend the day with my parents and celebrate my mother.
Happy Birthday, Mom!
As I sit here on New Years Eve, enjoying a wee dram (or two) of single malt whiskey and writing this blog post, I think how differently I now spend the final hours of the year. Between the fullness of life and an overly packed schedule, it is a joy to spend a quieter evening at home, catching up, relaxing, and oh yes, watching college football. Whereas I used to stay up until midnight, I am now content to meet with friends on New Years Day.
The past three years have found me recovering from a motorcycle wreck, running for state delegate, starting a new business, and just two months ago, starting another. Even my time on WP the past few months has been limited. No wonder I’m content to be still.
Many people will ponder 2016, and put into beautiful words what the year has meant. Others will plan for the coming year and all that they hope to accomplish. Me? I’m about a week behind and am still glowing after a wonderful 48 hour trip to Atlanta to see my son and his family.
We enjoyed an incredible tapas style Christmas Eve meal at the Iberian Pig. Oh my goodness, the food and drinks were incredible! This was our effort to take a selfie afterwards.
I awoke the next morning to this lovely site. What is it about a lighted tree that brings such a sense of peace?
We spent the day opening gifts, enjoying our traditional breakfast souffle and Bloody Marys, and playing games. My granddogs, Wilson and Tela, were never far from the action, or the food.
Oh my gosh, I love these dogs!
The cheese plate was almost to pretty to eat.
Another family tradition is the Cracker, and I was glad to have it continue in Atlanta.
What a joyful visit!
On a personal level this coming year, I’d like to think that I will make an effort to volunteer a little less (doubtful) and exercise a little more (probable). I also hope to spend more time with family and friends, and of course with my camera, and riding the bike.
What I definitely know is that I will do all that I can to join the resistance against bigotry, misogyny, racism, and hatred.
Despite the fact that national and international politics have me entering 2017 with caution, I do know that there is much good in this world and I believe that goodness WILL prevail.
Welcome to 2017! Thank you for the light you bring to my life, and for your friendships.
That’s what Thanksgiving is to me. The Best Holiday of the Year.
Family. Friends. Food. Football.
Enjoying the traditional Bloody Mary and Mom’s braided bread while watching the Macy’s Parade, and the National Dog Show.
No Gifts. No Shopping. No fighting over Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas.
Just the colors and beauty of the season.
Remembering the blessing of good health, and the opportunity to give to those less fortunate.
Cheers, and Go Hokies!
What is it about sunflowers that make us happy?
My sister and I spent a few hours in downtown Roanoke this past Saturday while waiting on my motorcycle to get it’s 10,000 mile check.
Breakfast. Exploring the Farmers Market. Just being silly.
In addition to all that goodness, I found out that it was the Voltage Regulator that was draining my bike battery. Problem Solved!
It was a beautiful ride home! Next time I’ll bring the camera!
Beach
Family
Storms
Food
Drink
Exercise
Photography
Fun
It all adds up to a fantastic family vacation at the beach, one where I used the cell phone more than the camera (but you already picked up on that, huh). Blessed beyond measure!
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I spent a total of two non-consective weeks in North Carolina, a state I have boycotted since the passage of HB2. What do you do when plans have been made for over a year, and deposits were paid before North Carolina decided to pass such a controversial law? You keep your plans and contribute to Equality NC. From here on out, like the NBA, lots of musicians and corporations, I will continue to avoid spending money in NC.
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And now, I’m off to visit all of you!
As you view these images, I am off to see my parents for some Mother’s Day / Father’s Day celebrating.
Following that, I’ll participate in a Saturday Board Meeting for the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners.
Then I’ll get to spend the evening with a long time friend and fellow photographer.
And hopefully, all of that work and play will be followed by a belated birthday celebration with my sister.
These images were taken during an evening with friends last week. Life, and all it’s gifts and challenges, has prevented this group of women from gathering lately. On Friday, we finally got to sit around the fire, enjoy delicious food and drink, and the company of folks who know you well and love you despite your, shall we call them, less attractive, traits.
Enjoy the weekend, everyone! I’ll catch up with you when I get back.
It was a long time coming, but I finally had the chance to say thank you to everyone that helped me out after my motorcycle wreck. Bad things happen, but good things can come of them. For months I was showered with love and care and it has been a goal of mine ever since, to say thanks.
Family and friends gathered on the new porch this past weekend, and Tim captured the scene beautifully.
Friends and family came from far and near. For once it didn’t rain, and the sound of laughter was the only music we needed.
Thank You. Two simple words with a whole bunch of love all wrapped up in them.
February is American Heart Month and my practice, Summit Women’s Health, is raising awareness about the #1 Killer of Women.
1 in 3 women die of heart disease and stroke each year.
We’ll be celebrating National Wear Red Day with Go Red For Women on Friday, Feb. 6, 2015. Why don’t you wear some red, too!
A favorite local bakery and bistro prepares the most beautiful cookies for the holidays and I couldn’t resist taking a picture!
It’s been an exciting 3 weeks on the campaign trail! This weekend though I’m taking a break to visit with friends and family in Richmond and Williamsburg! See you when I get back!
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 