Category Archives: Friends

Unknown's avatar

Motorcycle, Bicycle, and River, Oh My!

by

As I sat in the river yesterday, I thought of all the items on my “to do” list.  Yes, I was actually sitting in the Little River, and I was oh so happy.

_MG_5323-2

I looked up to see the smoke from the grill caught in the sunlight streaming through the trees, and in addition to my “to do” list, I thought about how fortunate I was.

_MG_5335-2

Surrounded by friends, on a gorgeous September afternoon, with laughter and the sound of flowing water providing amazing background music.

_MG_5308-2

The only thing that I could have wanted was more time to take care of that “to do” list.  Thankfully, I had an extra day off for that, and today is that extra day.  I’ve spent the last 8 hours scatching items off of that list, and that means it is finally time for WordPress, a chance to relive the weekend, and a visit to all of you.

After getting off work on Friday, I stopped by Rising Silo Brewery.

IMG_5226-2

Part of a ground-up movement, “the purpose of the brewery is to create fermented beverages from the best ingredients, overflowing with thought and authenticity in taste”.

IMG_5220-2

Rising Silo is a farm brewery, the foundation of which is Glade Road Growing, a farm located on a conservation easement, which means that it will permanently remain open space._MG_5213-2_MG_5211-2

How can you not love their mission: to create “an evolving space that community members near and far may gather to connect, dream, celebrate and relax. We believe in fresh food, true brews, and good people”.

IMG_5225-2

Saturday morning started with a solo, 17 mile ride on the bicycle, partly along the New River,

20160903_085800-3

followed by a 200 mile group ride on the motorcycle.

IMG_5263-2 20160903_163618-3

In my quest to improve my health, I even managed to run 2.5 miles!

_MG_5316-2

And all this fabulousness brings me back to today.

If being able to run, ride both bikes, and spend time on the water wasn’t enough, I’ve been gifted with this extra day, Labor Day, to get caught up.  It is so satisfying to see the “to do” list get shorter.

 Labor Day, a creation of the labor movement over 100 years ago, “is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country”.

While I know that I work hard every day, how is it that I still feel a twinge of guilt for being off today?

_MG_5285-2

One more great thing about this weekend?  The Hokies won, too.

Sam Rogers (45) carries the American flag to lead the Hokies into Lane Stadium for the first time this year.

Photo Credit: thekeyplay.com

Yes, College Football season is here, and I’ll be watching the FSU – Ole Miss game tonight while visiting all of you.

Unknown's avatar

Morning Prayers

by

Have you met Jim, a poet and runner over at rite2run? You’ll not regret reading this post and making a visit over to his place!

Unknown's avatar

Life

by

As you view these images, I am off to see my parents for some Mother’s Day / Father’s Day celebrating.

_MG_2013-2

Following that, I’ll participate in a Saturday Board Meeting for the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners.

IMG_2023-2

Then I’ll get to spend the evening with a long time friend and fellow photographer.

_MG_2002-2

And hopefully, all of that work and play will be followed by a belated birthday celebration with my sister.

_MG_2022-2

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.

Unknown's avatar

Polished

by

My friend Crystal, over at Conscious Engagement is a woman of many talents.

_MG_1682-2

She is a hard working, home owning, keeper of chickens, and is also an incredible Mom, a passionate hiker and traveler, and a lover of photography and music.

And even though we’ve never met in the physical sense, I am oh so happy to call her my friend.   When I admired the mailbox that she and Tara had renovated with leftover nail polish, it wasn’t long before my very own unique and colorful mailbox arrived.

_MG_1677-2

Thanks to my nephew Sam, who installed it yesterday, I now have the best looking box on the street!

Thank you, Crystal! Thank you, Tara!

You can read about their creativity here.

Unknown's avatar

One Year Ago

by

We Interrupt the posts about 3 Days in Florida to remember an incredible time.

One year ago, a group of intrepid WordPress Bloggers met in Washington, DC.

IMG_2142-2

Oh, what a time we had!  And although most of us had never met in person, within moments we knew we were sisters of the heart.

The next day, we were joined by three more WP Bloggers, and the happiness grew.

IMG_2185-2

And later that day, we met with another!

IMG_2247-2

Oh what a time we had!

Stories were told, adventures were shared, laughter bubbled up and out, and love was abundant.

We traveled around in the big red truck,

2015040895073634-2

and when we said goodbye at the train station in Lynchburg, the rain was a perfect metaphor.

Tears as we said goodbye, but many, many more tears of joy!

(Edit: this post was supposed to publish on the one year anniversary of the gathering, which will be April 3rd.  Sigh … ALSO, the last photo was taken by either Pauline or Boomdee, yet it has my watermark.  I apologize for both errors)

**************************************************************************************************************

Boomdeeada – Blogging About Life, Art, & Other Bits

Gardening Nirvana – Sharing My Life In and Out of the Garden

The Contented Crafter – A blog containing random thoughts, bits of life, creations from my art room and tales of a cat named Orlando and a puppy named Siddy

Defeat Despair

Peak Perspective

Arlingwords – Gardens, Food, and Local Pleasures

Visual Venturing – Because Everyone Likes Pictures

Displaced Beachbums – Exploring Washington, DC and Beyond

Unknown's avatar

Springtime in Florida

by

For the past 3 years, I’ve had the good fortune to travel to Florida in March.  The snow and cold temperatures are left behind, and I am greeted by springtime on the gulf coast.  Tons of color, cooling breezes, gorgeous horizons, and dear friends.  The trip is never long enough, but 3 full days offers a welcome break from the routine.

I’m even getting comfortable with flying. Yes, as odd as it seems, the woman who rides a motorcycle has a tendency to be a bit nervous on a plane.

_MG_0822-3

The first day in Florida found us enjoying delicious food at Columbia Restaurant, followed by a bit of shopping and walking.

_MG_0827-3

_MG_0831-2 _MG_0835-2

The next morning, after coffee, yogurt, and fresh fruit by the pool (aka hot tub), we were walking Lido Beach.

_MG_0870-3

_MG_0944-3

20160310_171708-4 _MG_0846-3 _MG_0884-2

The camera was rarely out of my hand!!

_MG_0899-3 _MG_0943-2

_MG_0901-2

And thank goodness for that!

_MG_0905-2 - Copy _MG_0906-2 _MG_0933-2

This little guy was hunkered down in a footprint.

_MG_0891-2

And this guy seemed to be saying “what are you looking at?”

_MG_0935-2

After a couple hours of walking, it was time to find lunch and to explore some local history.

20160311_115825-2

Next Post: Spanish Point

Unknown's avatar

Hiking Surprised Me

by

My friend Karen has joined WordPress! Karen was present at the blogger gathering last April, so a few of you will remember meeting her. Karen will be sharing her hiking adventures in a new blog called The Unassuming Hiker. Pay her a visit if you have a moment to spare.

theunassuminghiker's avatarThe Unassuming Hiker

I used to avoid the outdoors at all costs.  I don’t like bugs and crawly things and was not too crazy about walking in the woods.  Also, having knee issues, I doubted that I could actually climb mountains.  When I had my 59th birthday, I decided to try something new. First I had to lose some weight to take pressure off my knee and then I was motivated to try hiking after looking at pictures of my husband and daughter on top of McAfee’s Knob – probably the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Trail.

That first hike hurt.  My entire body was exhausted after the almost 8 mile adventure. But the feeling I got when I finally dragged myself to the top of that mountain was worth the pain.  I did it!

DSCN0471

McAfee’s Knob

DSCN0470

It was amazing!  Since then, I have become a regular hiker and I love every new adventure.

View original post

Unknown's avatar

Feeding The Senses

by

It was just 24 hours, maybe a few more, but it was 24 hours of joy for the senses.  All five of them.

After taking care of a few errands, I packed up the truck and hit the road for Richmond.  On the way out of town, I couldn’t help but stop to capture the Sight of Glencoe.  Built in 1870, Glencoe was the home of a Civil War General, and currently houses a museum and art gallery.

2016-01-29 10.05.44-2

Soon enough, I was on the way to see the Girls Of August.  Some of you may remember that the GOAs are the women I attended the Medical College of Virginia with over 20 years ago.  We meet every August for a summer getaway and we also meet for what we call our Mid Winter Sanity Check in February.

_MG_0393-2

What a Weekend!  The Sound of laughter, of stories being told, and of the neighbor’s laundry flapping in the breeze. (okay, okay, I couldn’t really hear it but I liked this image and wanted to include it).

_MG_0369-2

The Smell and Taste of a delicious meal (thank you, Becky; you are a master in the kitchen!),

IMG_0385-2

and of several yummy beverages, including this glass of wine, showcasing a neat reflection of Jan.

20160130_141016-2

There was beauty,

_MG_0365-3

and opportunities for photography.

20160130_150648-1-2

Do you think it’s better in monochrome or color?

20160130_150620-2

And finally, there was the feel of the cold snow on my feet as I took this picture.  So yes, Touch was there this past weekend, too.  The B&W version of this will be my contribution to Monochromia soon.

_MG_0373 - Copy-2

A feast for the senses, and for the heart and the spirit, as well.

And oh yes, the bike started up just fine today!  The battery tender did it’s job though the frigid temps (so far).  Maybe the weekend will offer a ride!

Unknown's avatar

Carrying Me Along

by

In the same way that this little leaf got carried along by this big leaf during the storms and flooding yesterday, I feel carried by you.

_MG_8298-2

My WP journey has lasted over 3 years and a big part of my happiness here has been getting to know you through visits to your blogs.  It is truly my intention to spend a lot more time virtually hanging out with you … in 35 days!  I can’t wait!

Thank you for your support and encouragement!

Unknown's avatar

Another Sign That Fall is on the Way!

by

_MG_8027-3

Some of you are college football fans, and if you are a devoted one like I am, the anticipation of the season and that first game is crazy fun!

_MG_8034-3

Even when the outcome is not great (like when your quarterback gets injured and it all goes down hill from there).

_MG_8039-3

This game offered time to campaign, to visit with friends, and to pull out the camera.

_MG_8041-3

The colors of Virginia Tech are the colors of fall, and are perfect for football season.

_MG_8048-3

The best part was hanging out with the very enthusiastic, oh so much fun Virginia Tech Young Democrats.

11149572_10207135981015550_1709699182391277760_n

Our quarterback is pending surgery and the team suffered a loss, yet the season stretches out before us.  There are 11 more games in this season, and 56 days until Election Day!!