Thursday, April 28, 2011
The Bloom Looms...
The 84th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival will be in full effect starting tomorrow. The whole town will basically shut down and transform itself into a full on carnival. Not just a part of town... THE WHOLE TOWN. Patrick and I considered getting the hell out of dodge, but apparently it is not uncommon for people to block you in by pulling in behind your car in your driveway! So, I guess we'll be sticking it out! Pictures to come...
Sunday, April 24, 2011
so this is Easter / D.C. recap
Today is a day I have sort of been dreading. My first major holiday away from home. I had big plans to go to Pittsburgh this weekend and spend it with family, but it didn't work out. We went to Washington D.C. yesterday for a fun outing, which kept my mind off of the family celebrations I will be missing. It sucks. There's really no other word for it. So, rather than dwell on that and get all teary and mopey, I will instead share some details and pictures from our D.C. trip. No sense being a downer on a beautiful (and I mean BEAUTIFUL!) Sunday morning.
So, yesterday we drove to the Western-most edge of the Washington Metro's Orange Line and went to spend the day on the National Mall. Hazen was super excited to ride on a train. We got to our destination and headed for the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.
That place. It was huge and completely crowded. We barely scratched the surface. We basically walked through every exhibit with little time to stop and read the plaques before we were compelled to hustle along by the shifting tide of the crowd. After a few hours of this, the menfolk were getting restless. So, I compromised by getting tickets for the butterfly exhibit for a later time and we ventured back out to the Mall.
There is a serious lack of food on the Mall. You're pretty much relegated to carts. Now, I am not one to turn my nose up at street food, so we chose one of the ubiquitous hot dog stands surrounding the Mall. I bought some dogs and some drinks from a very angry Asian woman and we went to find a bench and relax for a little while.
This little sojourn may have been Hazen's favorite part of the day. He got to run and chase birds and squirrels. He was having such a blast. After he ate and got some running out of his system, he was a new man.
sleepy man
who's watching who?
where'd that squirrel go?
All fed and stretched out, we headed back to the museum to see some butterflies. The exhibit was nice. The butterflies were fluttering around like crazy. That had a giant Atlas moth, first one I've ever seen NOT dead. I love butterfly exhibits and have been to many. This one was well done considering the limited size they were working with. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely worth the cost of admission.
So, after I got my fill of fluttering insects, we headed out to see the monuments. This was my favorite part of the day. It shaped up to be a fabulous day weather-wise. Sunny and warm and gorgeous. We wandered from the Smithsonian to the Washington Monument down to the Lincoln Memorial.
Walking back up to the Smithsonian Metro station, we found what i had hoped to find all day! The Tulip Library!! Tulips are my favorite and the stunning variety they exhibit just keeps me hooked. I was so glad to catch them at the time of day did.
All and all, it was a fabulous day. I can't wait to go back! I can't say that I felt all that more patriotic or proud to be an American, but I can say that I had a lovely day with my family looking at beautiful sights and that's really all that matters.
Happy Easter!
So, yesterday we drove to the Western-most edge of the Washington Metro's Orange Line and went to spend the day on the National Mall. Hazen was super excited to ride on a train. We got to our destination and headed for the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.
That place. It was huge and completely crowded. We barely scratched the surface. We basically walked through every exhibit with little time to stop and read the plaques before we were compelled to hustle along by the shifting tide of the crowd. After a few hours of this, the menfolk were getting restless. So, I compromised by getting tickets for the butterfly exhibit for a later time and we ventured back out to the Mall.
There is a serious lack of food on the Mall. You're pretty much relegated to carts. Now, I am not one to turn my nose up at street food, so we chose one of the ubiquitous hot dog stands surrounding the Mall. I bought some dogs and some drinks from a very angry Asian woman and we went to find a bench and relax for a little while.
This little sojourn may have been Hazen's favorite part of the day. He got to run and chase birds and squirrels. He was having such a blast. After he ate and got some running out of his system, he was a new man.
All fed and stretched out, we headed back to the museum to see some butterflies. The exhibit was nice. The butterflies were fluttering around like crazy. That had a giant Atlas moth, first one I've ever seen NOT dead. I love butterfly exhibits and have been to many. This one was well done considering the limited size they were working with. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely worth the cost of admission.
So, after I got my fill of fluttering insects, we headed out to see the monuments. This was my favorite part of the day. It shaped up to be a fabulous day weather-wise. Sunny and warm and gorgeous. We wandered from the Smithsonian to the Washington Monument down to the Lincoln Memorial.
Walking back up to the Smithsonian Metro station, we found what i had hoped to find all day! The Tulip Library!! Tulips are my favorite and the stunning variety they exhibit just keeps me hooked. I was so glad to catch them at the time of day did.
All and all, it was a fabulous day. I can't wait to go back! I can't say that I felt all that more patriotic or proud to be an American, but I can say that I had a lovely day with my family looking at beautiful sights and that's really all that matters.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
April showers...
...bring depression!
Can I just say that seasons are over-rated? No really, I've been thinking it over. Winter? Snow. Ick. Spring? Sure, there are pretty flowers and the occasional sunny sky under which these fleeting beauties can be enjoyed, but primarily it is grey and rainy. Ick with a side of tease. Autumn? Again, there is a wealth of beauty in autumn leaves, but primarily it's gray with the knowledge of snow just around the corner. Ick. Then there is summer, that glorious time when it is warm and sunny almost daily. It's also the time when you get heat stroke.
Upon hearing of my move to Virginia from Florida, people are quick to gush about The Seasons as if these cyclical events are some kind of Bieberish heartthrob shooting them come-hither glances and flirty winks. To all of these people, I would like to take this opportunity to say, "Hey buddy! Florida has seasons too!!"
the allergic reaction is worth it
Florida Spring: Florida spring takes place from about February to May. It is marked by the return of robins (sound familiar, you northern season enthusiasts??), peaks with the blooming of jasmine and orange blossoms, and ends with temperatures in the 90s. It is a fantastic season, even though it contains the hated Spring Break tourist invasion.
ok, so yeah. it's a little intense.
Florida Summer: Florida summers are intense. I won't deny that. And they're long. Ranging from May (and some years April) through October, it is marked by intense sun and heat broken up by intense rain and intensely humid nights. Temperatures rarely drop much below 80. I know that even natives complain about the relentlessly sweltering conditions, but hear me out. Florida summers are awesome. They weed out the weak. They offer awesome moments of reprieve, like walking into cold air conditioning, or sitting in the shade of a tiki bar with a frozen drink. Since you're never too far from a beach, you have breezes and water and the excuse to wear very little clothing and look at others wearing very little clothing (for better or worse). AND! There's always the threat of a hurricane coming and with it the hopes of a good hurricane party! Florida summer isn't for the weak, but it rocks my socks!
empty beach?! yes please!
Florida Fall: This one is oft overlooked, but anyone who has lived in Florida for any length of time knows what I'm talking about here. The Florida autumn starts in October and ends in December. The fever of summer breaks and the humidity wanes if the heat doesn't. The most spectacular part of this season is, for a few brief weeks, the tourists go home and the snow birds have yet to arrive. The beaches are quiet and traffic is noticeably less stupid. I think this may be my favorite of the Florida seasons.
florida winter
Florida Winter: January makes up the whole of the Florida winter. However, this is a bit of misinformation since typically winter lasts about a week or so. Temperatures dip down below freezing for a few minutes in the wee hours of the morning before jumping back up to the 60s or even 70s. Sometimes, there is an odd couple days when the temperatures stay very low during the day, but years can go by without that ever happening. The good thing about Florida winters is they are short enough and mild enough to be appreciated by the shivering locals. The memory of heat is never far from the Floridian's mind, so even at its most bitter, the Florida Winter is a welcomed reprieve from the ever increasing tropical scorching to come.
* * *
As I look out the window at the low slung grey ripples of cloud and the patches of intermittent white where sunbeams taunt but never permeate, I remember what the little neighbor girl said the other day while observing similar conditions... "WOW! It's REALLY sunny out!" With one grey, chilly, rainy day after another, I find myself missing my Florida home all the more. At least I have the flowers, making their showy, if not vulgar display of vibrant color to add a little zazz to my day, even if it is only through the window.
Can I just say that seasons are over-rated? No really, I've been thinking it over. Winter? Snow. Ick. Spring? Sure, there are pretty flowers and the occasional sunny sky under which these fleeting beauties can be enjoyed, but primarily it is grey and rainy. Ick with a side of tease. Autumn? Again, there is a wealth of beauty in autumn leaves, but primarily it's gray with the knowledge of snow just around the corner. Ick. Then there is summer, that glorious time when it is warm and sunny almost daily. It's also the time when you get heat stroke.
Upon hearing of my move to Virginia from Florida, people are quick to gush about The Seasons as if these cyclical events are some kind of Bieberish heartthrob shooting them come-hither glances and flirty winks. To all of these people, I would like to take this opportunity to say, "Hey buddy! Florida has seasons too!!"
Florida Spring: Florida spring takes place from about February to May. It is marked by the return of robins (sound familiar, you northern season enthusiasts??), peaks with the blooming of jasmine and orange blossoms, and ends with temperatures in the 90s. It is a fantastic season, even though it contains the hated Spring Break tourist invasion.
Florida Summer: Florida summers are intense. I won't deny that. And they're long. Ranging from May (and some years April) through October, it is marked by intense sun and heat broken up by intense rain and intensely humid nights. Temperatures rarely drop much below 80. I know that even natives complain about the relentlessly sweltering conditions, but hear me out. Florida summers are awesome. They weed out the weak. They offer awesome moments of reprieve, like walking into cold air conditioning, or sitting in the shade of a tiki bar with a frozen drink. Since you're never too far from a beach, you have breezes and water and the excuse to wear very little clothing and look at others wearing very little clothing (for better or worse). AND! There's always the threat of a hurricane coming and with it the hopes of a good hurricane party! Florida summer isn't for the weak, but it rocks my socks!
Florida Fall: This one is oft overlooked, but anyone who has lived in Florida for any length of time knows what I'm talking about here. The Florida autumn starts in October and ends in December. The fever of summer breaks and the humidity wanes if the heat doesn't. The most spectacular part of this season is, for a few brief weeks, the tourists go home and the snow birds have yet to arrive. The beaches are quiet and traffic is noticeably less stupid. I think this may be my favorite of the Florida seasons.
Florida Winter: January makes up the whole of the Florida winter. However, this is a bit of misinformation since typically winter lasts about a week or so. Temperatures dip down below freezing for a few minutes in the wee hours of the morning before jumping back up to the 60s or even 70s. Sometimes, there is an odd couple days when the temperatures stay very low during the day, but years can go by without that ever happening. The good thing about Florida winters is they are short enough and mild enough to be appreciated by the shivering locals. The memory of heat is never far from the Floridian's mind, so even at its most bitter, the Florida Winter is a welcomed reprieve from the ever increasing tropical scorching to come.
As I look out the window at the low slung grey ripples of cloud and the patches of intermittent white where sunbeams taunt but never permeate, I remember what the little neighbor girl said the other day while observing similar conditions... "WOW! It's REALLY sunny out!" With one grey, chilly, rainy day after another, I find myself missing my Florida home all the more. At least I have the flowers, making their showy, if not vulgar display of vibrant color to add a little zazz to my day, even if it is only through the window.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Get outta town!
The beauty of living in NoVa is its close proximity to other places. For instance, it's about an hour and a half drive to a DC metro station. It's a mere 3 hours to Pittsburgh, where I was born and still have family. Richmond is only 2 hours away. Charlottesville is even closer. So, lots of cool places with lots of things to offer are all just a day trip away. Not that we don't still have plenty to explore here in Winchester, but I have a very deep, very strong case of wanderlust. Unfortunately, the wanderlust is incompatible with a 3 year old child, but there is always compromise. Enter, The Weekend Getaway!
Patrick and I are big fans of the weekend getaway. Our compatibility shines in this arena. I am a super freak when it comes to planning. I make lists and charts and investigate where to go, what to do, things to see, stuff to eat, and every single minute detail in between. Patrick prefers to wing it and go with the flow. We learned years ago that the best course of action is for me to nerd out on my planning and basically drag Pat along for the ride.
So, while it is only Tuesday, I am planning for our first weekend getaway! Just a day trip on Saturday, since our Easter Weekend Pittsburgh Trip has fallen through. Pat suggested a Railroad Museum for Hazen, but I am thinking the National Zoo in DC may be a better choice all around. Either way, it'll be nice to go to a new place I've never been with my two favorite people. I love getaways!
Patrick and I are big fans of the weekend getaway. Our compatibility shines in this arena. I am a super freak when it comes to planning. I make lists and charts and investigate where to go, what to do, things to see, stuff to eat, and every single minute detail in between. Patrick prefers to wing it and go with the flow. We learned years ago that the best course of action is for me to nerd out on my planning and basically drag Pat along for the ride.
So, while it is only Tuesday, I am planning for our first weekend getaway! Just a day trip on Saturday, since our Easter Weekend Pittsburgh Trip has fallen through. Pat suggested a Railroad Museum for Hazen, but I am thinking the National Zoo in DC may be a better choice all around. Either way, it'll be nice to go to a new place I've never been with my two favorite people. I love getaways!
Monday, April 18, 2011
One Week In...
So, it's been a week. Hardly enough time to come to know a place intimately, but certainly long enough to form an opinion. When considering my new home, one word comes to mind.
Nice.
The people here? Nice. The scenery? Nice. The parks, the downtown, the grocery store? Nice, nice nice.
Winchester is simply a nice place. I know that sounds like a glass of milk sort of opinion, but it is nice! It's the kind of place you can let your kids play outside without hovering over them. The kind of place where neighbors bring you welcoming gifts (wine in our case!!!). A place where the mailman refers to you by name without looking at your mail first. It's a nice place to live.
OK, so... maybe I undersold the scenery. Just a few miles outside of town it is some of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever laid my eyes on. And the spring blooms are in full effect. It is nice (there's that word again) to be in the midst of a full-fledged season.
Since I haven't done it yet, I suppose I should post some photos to show off the elements of living here that blow nice out of the water.
the sun peaking out
verdant, ain't it?
bleeding hearts
cherry blossoms
apple blossoms
Nice.
The people here? Nice. The scenery? Nice. The parks, the downtown, the grocery store? Nice, nice nice.
Winchester is simply a nice place. I know that sounds like a glass of milk sort of opinion, but it is nice! It's the kind of place you can let your kids play outside without hovering over them. The kind of place where neighbors bring you welcoming gifts (wine in our case!!!). A place where the mailman refers to you by name without looking at your mail first. It's a nice place to live.
OK, so... maybe I undersold the scenery. Just a few miles outside of town it is some of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever laid my eyes on. And the spring blooms are in full effect. It is nice (there's that word again) to be in the midst of a full-fledged season.
Since I haven't done it yet, I suppose I should post some photos to show off the elements of living here that blow nice out of the water.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Virginians.
So, we're now living in Virginia. Slowly yet surely getting the house in order and trying to wrap my brain around the fact that I no longer live in Florida. Luckily, Virginia is the prettiest place I've ever seen, so the constant state of awe helps a lot.
Hazen has taken to the move nicely. There is a little girl next door with whom he has become friends. He has a nice big bedroom, a nice big yard and tons of space to run around. All good.
Our first 2 days here were spent without Patrick. I dreaded being alone with Hazen in a new town with no one to turn to, but we got along swimmingly. We picked up Patrick in Richmond yesterday and it was just fantastic having our little family all together again.
All in all, I think we're adjusting well. Winchester is an awesome little town. I can't wait to get our house all settled and start exploring it more.
Hazen has taken to the move nicely. There is a little girl next door with whom he has become friends. He has a nice big bedroom, a nice big yard and tons of space to run around. All good.
Our first 2 days here were spent without Patrick. I dreaded being alone with Hazen in a new town with no one to turn to, but we got along swimmingly. We picked up Patrick in Richmond yesterday and it was just fantastic having our little family all together again.
All in all, I think we're adjusting well. Winchester is an awesome little town. I can't wait to get our house all settled and start exploring it more.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
the first of the goodbyes
Yesterday started the saying goodbyes before we leave. It's starting to hit me and it's really making me sad. Last night we had a get together at the Dog & Bone pub, and it was so nice to see so many people and hug them and savor the moments with them. I have been more or less a social recluse since having Hazen (hard to keep up with non-parents when you have a little kid), but I realized just how much I am going to miss everyone, even though I rarely get to hang out with them. Today, Brevard is rocking it weather-wise. Going to a park with The Husband's family. Glad that Hazen get's to spend a beautiful day with his cousins.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Cha-Cha-Cha-Changes
It's been a long time since I posted and a lot of things have changed. The Husband got a new job which will have us moving about 900 miles away from the place we've called home for most of our lives. I have a lot of mixed emotions about this. Leaving friends and family and familiarity is a frightening prospect. However, I am excited about what the future holds in a new place. We'll be moving to Winchester, Virginia. We visited the town last weekend and it is a pretty swell place. We found an awesome house and I really do think things will be great there. If nothing else, it'll be an adventure. I get to be a stay-at-home-mom now, which is something I am looking forward to. I have playgrounds all scoped out and have applied to be a member of a "mom's group" up there. Hopefully, the move and the new environment will inspire me to blog more often! :P
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