Anticipation!

April 5, 2017 by LB

I’m anxiously awaiting this coming weekend.

On Friday evening I’ll pick up Alys at Dulles International Airport, and we’ll head into DC to meet up with Boomdee.

The next day, we’ll get to spend time with Julia and Lisa, and maybe even Stacy. What fun this will be! It’ll be a quick 36 hours for me, but well worth the drive.

This past weekend though, I was in Roanoke to photograph a political event. When that task was completed, I was able to spend a few moments outside enjoying the grounds of the Hotel Roanoke. First built in 1882, renovated in the 1930s, and finally restored, remodeled, and re-opened in 1995, the Hotel Roanoke is now a gorgeous and historic destination for both vacation and business.

The Market Square Pedestrian Walkway allows guests to walk from the hotel, over the train tracks, and down to the many shops and restaurants in the downtown market square.

I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to visit any of you this past weekend. I’ll look forward to catching up when I get back home.

And I can’t wait to share photos of the Old Town Alexandria blogger gathering!

300 Miles for a Beer

March 27, 2017 by LB

The text came in on Friday: Meet Saturday morning, 10:30am for the first long ride of the season.

Well, it would be the first long ride for me, anyway. Lots of travel, civic events, and weather have kept me off the bike for other than short trips, and I was determined to devote at least one day of the weekend to riding.

It was a beautiful day for the bike, and our destination was Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company in Lexington, Va. We rode through multiple counties and across several mountain passes. Lots of curves and twisties which made for fun riding. We didn’t stop for photo opportunities along the way, so I’m sharing this photo from a similar ride in 2011.

I was able to pull out the camera at the brewery, though.

I crawled underneath the tower to capture this one.

And a friend took these as I climbed part way up the tower. I was nervous about going further, not because of the height but because I didn’t want to get fussed at.

Devil’s Backbone Brewery has 2 locations and the one in Lexington is called the Outpost. According to the website, the Outpost “houses our custom built brewery featuring a 120bbl Rolec Brewing system, SBC bottling and canning lines and Tap Room” (I have no idea what those brewery terms mean). “You can belly up to the bar in the Tap Room for a pint or sampler flight seven days a week”

“or bring some of your favorite local food and have a picnic in our bier garden out back”.

It was a great day on the bike AND I got to wear my new Women’s March hoodie. Yep! I’m a feminist bike chick and proud of it.

300 miles later, I was home in time to watch my Gonzaga Bulldogs win their Elite Eight match up with West Virginia, which sent them to their first Final Four in school history!

The riding season has officially begun.

It’s also March Madness and this basketball loving biker is happy.

Williamsburg Gate Weight

March 23, 2017 by LB

A few weeks ago, I posted an image of a water well seen during a midday stroll through the historic district in Williamsburg, VA. That same property was bordered by this algae covered fence. While I thought the green color really added to the look of the white fence, I’m not sure that the caretakers of the historic property agree.

I was also drawn to this gate weight which allows the garden gate to swing gently closed by gravity.

I wasn’t able to find much history about these 18th century gate weights.

Can any of you gardeners or historians offer any information?

Monochromia: Rocker

March 23, 2017 by LB

My contribution to Monochomia last Saturday was another image taken while in Williamsburg, VA for a Nurse Practitioner conference.

Monochromia

Sunset: almost looks like camera flash, doesn’t it?

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Celebration

March 19, 2017 by LB

Event planning as a volunteer, not a professional, is motivated by passion for a cause. It requires alot of work, but the drive to succeed is great. Event planning for a friend is motivated by love and the desire to create fun and happiness.

We celebrated a friend’s 50th Birthday this past weekend, and not only was it a lot of fun, it gave me an opportunity to play with photography.

You’ve heard me lament (whine?) about the lack of time spent with my camera in hand.

This event allowed me to find some time, AND enjoy a cocktail.

A lovely way to spend an evening.

Water Well

March 11, 2017 by LB

While attending a Nurse Practitioner Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia this week, I was able to take a brief walk through the historic district. Heading back home later today.

International Women’s Day #BeBoldForChange

March 8, 2017 by LB

Today is International Women’s Day (IWD) and the 2017 theme is Be Bold For Change.

The IWD website offers suggestions about how we can all Take Action to make the world a more inclusive, gender equal place. My friends and I are hosting a gathering where we’ll enjoy coffee, conversation, collaboration, and celebration. It will be a simple affair, designed so that already busy women can learn strategies to #beboldforchange.

You can be a part of this day, too. Visit this resource link, invite a friend, and Take Action! Be Bold!

To all the Bold Women out there, and to all the men that love them: Thank You!

Richmond

March 4, 2017 by LB

A 48 hour trip to Richmond, VA – also known as RVA – was packed with appointments, visits with family and friends, and good food and drink. Founded in 1607, Richmond is Virginia’s working capital. History, arts, entertainment, and dining are just a few of the amenities of this city that I called home for seven years while attending the Medical College of Virginia.

Every moment was filled, and as I ran from place to place, I often had nothing but my cell phone in my hand. I didn’t come away with many photos, but the memories will sustain me.

I managed to find parking along E Franklin St and walked the block over to Perly’s Restaurant, a creative jewish deli where “bites & dinners are served in this funky, retro eatery hung with family photos”. Oh my goodness, the potato latkes as an appetizer and the pototo and duck pierogies in mushroom and onion sauce were just divine!