Not the best photo, but I can't really snap one while we are shopping together, right?
One of these days (okay, years), I will invite one or two home with me, feed them, and offer my shower. My family would just die, wouldn't they?!
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Hikers on the AT
This is the time of year that we see so many through hikers from the Appalachian Trail. The trail runs along the ridge of the "mountain" just west of our house, and it crosses our main road that we travel daily. The hikers often stop off at the local Kroger. They are pretty easy to spot.
Not the best photo, but I can't really snap one while we are shopping together, right?
One of these days (okay, years), I will invite one or two home with me, feed them, and offer my shower. My family would just die, wouldn't they?!
Not the best photo, but I can't really snap one while we are shopping together, right?
One of these days (okay, years), I will invite one or two home with me, feed them, and offer my shower. My family would just die, wouldn't they?!
Friday, June 28, 2013
Mason orientation
Holly and I spent several days earlier in the week at her orientation for George Mason. We drove up to Fairfax on Sunday afternoon, as the program began early Monday morning.
Parents and students each had separate tracks to follow, a few of them together with our kids. Holly stayed on campus in the upperclassmen dorms (which are pretty new and very nice). The parents' program ended Tuesday at noon, and I was on my own.
Boring!!
Meanwhile, Holly finally got a few hours of much needed down time. In the evening, the students went to a Washington Nationals baseball game. Holly snapped this at the game. You have to know where to look, but you can see the Washington Monument poking up behind the stadium. Look along the overhang at the top of the photo; at the end, drop your eye down to see the Monument. Such an awesome (although a bit hot), beautiful night, and so exciting to be right in our nation's capital!
On Wednesday morning, the students left the campus to do a service project. I can't imagine trying to coordinate 250 kids, but the group managed just fine.
Overall--good stuff. Complete information overload for everyone.
Holly commented that these things are planned by extroverts, for extroverts. A very spot on statement. Several of the kids I spoke to were overwhelmed and burned out by the end of the first day. Holly had the option of skipping the baseball game and/or the volunteer work, but she chose to stay put.
At one of the parent sessions, we were given pipecleaners and told to use them to create something that showed how we were feeling. I grabbed the blue one and left it alone. I explained that I was still going with the idea that nothing was changing, and that I functioned well in denial, that this was no different for me. The pipecleaner would also be unchanged. My table laughed, not in a mean way, but I think they thought I was just choosing not to really participate.
When we left a short time later, some parents took their pipecleaners, some didn't. I did, and one of my tablemates expressed surprise that I'd take it. I told her, definitely, that I was taking it, that I wasn't kidding when I explained what it meant to me! (I later brought it home and hung it on my bathroom mirror, where I expect it to remain permanently, as in, until the day I die.) Anyway, it was not a pleasant exercise. I can worry about this stuff in two months, no need to be thinking much about it now.
While the programs were well run, the kids were not given nearly enough food, food choices, or drinks (including water). I made a food and drink run for Holly early on, kids were buying lots of food at the baseball game, and I ran into several buying food at one of the dining halls instead of choosing the lunch that was laid out for them downstairs. Fortunately, I know this is not the norm for the course of the regular school year.
Holly and her roommate-to-be spent quite a bit of time together, and they were in prearranged smaller group that included several of the students in their pod. I wish I'd thought to get a picture of the two girls together.
We are looking forward to all of the fun prep--as in shopping--that we'll get to do between now and the move in date of August 22!
Parents and students each had separate tracks to follow, a few of them together with our kids. Holly stayed on campus in the upperclassmen dorms (which are pretty new and very nice). The parents' program ended Tuesday at noon, and I was on my own.
Boring!!
Meanwhile, Holly finally got a few hours of much needed down time. In the evening, the students went to a Washington Nationals baseball game. Holly snapped this at the game. You have to know where to look, but you can see the Washington Monument poking up behind the stadium. Look along the overhang at the top of the photo; at the end, drop your eye down to see the Monument. Such an awesome (although a bit hot), beautiful night, and so exciting to be right in our nation's capital!
On Wednesday morning, the students left the campus to do a service project. I can't imagine trying to coordinate 250 kids, but the group managed just fine.
Overall--good stuff. Complete information overload for everyone.
Holly commented that these things are planned by extroverts, for extroverts. A very spot on statement. Several of the kids I spoke to were overwhelmed and burned out by the end of the first day. Holly had the option of skipping the baseball game and/or the volunteer work, but she chose to stay put.
Breakfast on the second day
At one of the parent sessions, we were given pipecleaners and told to use them to create something that showed how we were feeling. I grabbed the blue one and left it alone. I explained that I was still going with the idea that nothing was changing, and that I functioned well in denial, that this was no different for me. The pipecleaner would also be unchanged. My table laughed, not in a mean way, but I think they thought I was just choosing not to really participate.
When we left a short time later, some parents took their pipecleaners, some didn't. I did, and one of my tablemates expressed surprise that I'd take it. I told her, definitely, that I was taking it, that I wasn't kidding when I explained what it meant to me! (I later brought it home and hung it on my bathroom mirror, where I expect it to remain permanently, as in, until the day I die.) Anyway, it was not a pleasant exercise. I can worry about this stuff in two months, no need to be thinking much about it now.
One of many gorgeous wooded paths,
just a short walk from my parking lot to the center of campus.
While the programs were well run, the kids were not given nearly enough food, food choices, or drinks (including water). I made a food and drink run for Holly early on, kids were buying lots of food at the baseball game, and I ran into several buying food at one of the dining halls instead of choosing the lunch that was laid out for them downstairs. Fortunately, I know this is not the norm for the course of the regular school year.
Holly and her roommate-to-be spent quite a bit of time together, and they were in prearranged smaller group that included several of the students in their pod. I wish I'd thought to get a picture of the two girls together.
We are looking forward to all of the fun prep--as in shopping--that we'll get to do between now and the move in date of August 22!
Holly's name, near the middle of the photo,
just above the right side of the serif.
Ha, I just noticed that the first picture I took of this sign did not yet have this group's signatures on it. How funny (and how odd that I would notice). I guess it will be totally covered by the time all of the orientation groups go through.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Horse Show!
Holly and I went to the Horse Show again this year. It's been a bit of a tradition of ours, as we've been going for the past five or six years.
This time was a bit different. I wonder how many more of these she'll be here to share with me.
The evening always starts with the saddle horses, not the most exciting stuff for us to watch. This night, they went on for literally hours--three! All I kept thinking (worrying) was that we'd be at the show until 1 a.m., and I need to get up early in the morning! (We were driving up to DC the following day for Holly's orientation on Monday.)
Finally the hunter/jumpers began. Last year, there were 24. It went on for a really long time. They all complete the course once, and then those that make the cut compete for the big prize money. The total purse is $50,000. It usually goes on for a while.
Holly's always taken stunning photos. This year, worried about batteries and no spares, and carrying the larger case, I grabbed her camera instead of my own. Big mistake. She's totally familiar with taking action shots with my camera; doesn't give it a second thought. The photos did not turn out nearly as well. She was disappointed, and I blame myself.
Tonight there were just 14 entries, and six made the finals. It was a very, very exciting ending. A 16 year old Venezuelan prodigy was the first one to run in the finals, with an incredible score of 34.77 seconds.
None of the other competitors were coming close, but the show favorite was the last run of the night. It literally came down to the last jump, and the 16 year old won by one second.
A truly memorable and exciting night, and we weren't complaining that there weren't as many horses as in years past. An excellent show, and you can read more about it here.
This time was a bit different. I wonder how many more of these she'll be here to share with me.
The evening always starts with the saddle horses, not the most exciting stuff for us to watch. This night, they went on for literally hours--three! All I kept thinking (worrying) was that we'd be at the show until 1 a.m., and I need to get up early in the morning! (We were driving up to DC the following day for Holly's orientation on Monday.)
Finally the hunter/jumpers began. Last year, there were 24. It went on for a really long time. They all complete the course once, and then those that make the cut compete for the big prize money. The total purse is $50,000. It usually goes on for a while.
Holly's always taken stunning photos. This year, worried about batteries and no spares, and carrying the larger case, I grabbed her camera instead of my own. Big mistake. She's totally familiar with taking action shots with my camera; doesn't give it a second thought. The photos did not turn out nearly as well. She was disappointed, and I blame myself.
Tonight there were just 14 entries, and six made the finals. It was a very, very exciting ending. A 16 year old Venezuelan prodigy was the first one to run in the finals, with an incredible score of 34.77 seconds.
None of the other competitors were coming close, but the show favorite was the last run of the night. It literally came down to the last jump, and the 16 year old won by one second.
A truly memorable and exciting night, and we weren't complaining that there weren't as many horses as in years past. An excellent show, and you can read more about it here.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Maker Faire
Continuing our Summer of Long Road Trips--
After hearing about the Maker Faire from a friend on Facebook, I found that there was a mini-Faire three hours away in Raleigh, NC. I'd planned this trip for a couple of months, dragging Robert along with me and Trevor, and inviting Trevor's friend Kurt at the last minute.
With all of the crazy weather we've been having lately, we were blessed with perfect weather for a beautiful drive.
The Faire took place in a building at the NC Fairgrounds. This trebuchet is what we saw when we entered the hall.
Robert looked around for a few minutes and mentioned something about the gun show sign he saw, also taking place on the fairgrounds. He was gone!
I grabbed Holly's little camera on the way out the door. I didn't want to lug my big camera, and I knew my phone wouldn't work well indoors.
Most fascinating to me were the 3D printers. I'd been hearing about these for the past few months but didn't really get it until I saw them. Mindblowing when you consider the possibilities--one is limited only by one's imagination.
The point of the Maker Faire is for people to show what they've made. I encouraged the boys to talk to these people, to ask questions. They want to share--that's why they are here!
And Trevor did it again. He saw someone he knew. This happens everywhere we go. This time, it was someone he met while at NC last month in TN.
Trevor's favorites were the steampunk weapons.
As we walked around, it stuck me that I'd never before seen such a variety of cool t-shirts. When Holly and Trevor were little, we passed on free tickets to Elitches/Six Flags for several years, because I couldn't stand the bizarre piercings and tattoos hanging out of everything (mind you, this was 10 years ago). The Maker Faire was different--piercings and tats, yes, but at least these people had shirts on. And some donned unusual costumes.
Cannons armed with BBs.
Stormtroopers costuming! I spent quite a bit of time talking to these two. They put their helmets on just for the photo. So very wonderful, this began 15 years ago with a small group of people showing up at Star Wars conventions. The 501st Legion is now 5000 strong, with groups in more than 40 countries. They are made up of volunteers who contribute to the community by fundraising and visiting children's hospitals. Trevor's ready to sign up. (Well, he would if there were a local group, so he'll have to wait on that . . . )
Kurt's favorite was the High Voltage at Home exhibit, as he's been learning quite a bit about electricity lately.
I forced both boys to visit the Learn to Solder table. They were not particularly impressed, but I felt it was a skill with which to have at least basic familiarity.
A 3D printer modified to play chess--either by itself or with a human player.
The boys tried their hands at lock picking.
All in all, a hit and worth the six hour, round trip drive. With more than 5000 attending today, this Faire broke all of its previous attendance records and will be looking for a larger location next year.
We found a shady bench close by while we waited for Robert. The boys read their (free!) Make magazines.
While I was waiting, I tracked down the nearest Qdoba, just two miles away. We packed back into the car and made the short drive. As soon as we saw the shopping center, Robert exclaimed, "Hey, we've been here before!" Sure enough--he's only been to Raleigh twice before, when we picked up Holly and Mackenzie from the Raleigh-Durham airport late at night. Robert, Trevor, and I had checked in to our hotel and stopped at this Qdoba for dinner. Later that night, after picking up the girls, I brought them to the grocery store next door for them to find something eat to take back to the hotel.
HILARIOUS to me that we ended up at the same place and had absolutely no clue how close we were.
We got home a little after 6. Kurt stayed for awhile, and Judy and Erich came to pick him up, and stayed to visit for awhile.
----------------
To learn more about the Maker Faire, and to find one near you, click here. Be sure to check out the list of exhibitors. There was a Faire closer to home, but the exhibitor list was small and included mostly woodworking and jewelry, not anything that we were hoping to see.
After hearing about the Maker Faire from a friend on Facebook, I found that there was a mini-Faire three hours away in Raleigh, NC. I'd planned this trip for a couple of months, dragging Robert along with me and Trevor, and inviting Trevor's friend Kurt at the last minute.
With all of the crazy weather we've been having lately, we were blessed with perfect weather for a beautiful drive.
The Faire took place in a building at the NC Fairgrounds. This trebuchet is what we saw when we entered the hall.
Robert looked around for a few minutes and mentioned something about the gun show sign he saw, also taking place on the fairgrounds. He was gone!
I grabbed Holly's little camera on the way out the door. I didn't want to lug my big camera, and I knew my phone wouldn't work well indoors.
Most fascinating to me were the 3D printers. I'd been hearing about these for the past few months but didn't really get it until I saw them. Mindblowing when you consider the possibilities--one is limited only by one's imagination.
The point of the Maker Faire is for people to show what they've made. I encouraged the boys to talk to these people, to ask questions. They want to share--that's why they are here!
A robotic hand
And Trevor did it again. He saw someone he knew. This happens everywhere we go. This time, it was someone he met while at NC last month in TN.
Trevor's favorites were the steampunk weapons.
As we walked around, it stuck me that I'd never before seen such a variety of cool t-shirts. When Holly and Trevor were little, we passed on free tickets to Elitches/Six Flags for several years, because I couldn't stand the bizarre piercings and tattoos hanging out of everything (mind you, this was 10 years ago). The Maker Faire was different--piercings and tats, yes, but at least these people had shirts on. And some donned unusual costumes.
A stoplight in front that changed from red to yellow to green--
and a flashing red DON'T WALK/green WALK sign on the back.
Cannons armed with BBs.
Stormtroopers costuming! I spent quite a bit of time talking to these two. They put their helmets on just for the photo. So very wonderful, this began 15 years ago with a small group of people showing up at Star Wars conventions. The 501st Legion is now 5000 strong, with groups in more than 40 countries. They are made up of volunteers who contribute to the community by fundraising and visiting children's hospitals. Trevor's ready to sign up. (Well, he would if there were a local group, so he'll have to wait on that . . . )
Kurt's favorite was the High Voltage at Home exhibit, as he's been learning quite a bit about electricity lately.
I forced both boys to visit the Learn to Solder table. They were not particularly impressed, but I felt it was a skill with which to have at least basic familiarity.
A 3D printer modified to play chess--either by itself or with a human player.
The boys tried their hands at lock picking.
All in all, a hit and worth the six hour, round trip drive. With more than 5000 attending today, this Faire broke all of its previous attendance records and will be looking for a larger location next year.
We found a shady bench close by while we waited for Robert. The boys read their (free!) Make magazines.
While I was waiting, I tracked down the nearest Qdoba, just two miles away. We packed back into the car and made the short drive. As soon as we saw the shopping center, Robert exclaimed, "Hey, we've been here before!" Sure enough--he's only been to Raleigh twice before, when we picked up Holly and Mackenzie from the Raleigh-Durham airport late at night. Robert, Trevor, and I had checked in to our hotel and stopped at this Qdoba for dinner. Later that night, after picking up the girls, I brought them to the grocery store next door for them to find something eat to take back to the hotel.
HILARIOUS to me that we ended up at the same place and had absolutely no clue how close we were.
We got home a little after 6. Kurt stayed for awhile, and Judy and Erich came to pick him up, and stayed to visit for awhile.
----------------
To learn more about the Maker Faire, and to find one near you, click here. Be sure to check out the list of exhibitors. There was a Faire closer to home, but the exhibitor list was small and included mostly woodworking and jewelry, not anything that we were hoping to see.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Soccer banquet
A mom from the younger division of our team volunteered to pull together this year's banquet. AWESOME! I've done the organizing for the past couple of years, and I welcomed and appreciated her offer. A typical turnout is about 70 people between the three teams.
As usual, the younger teams go first, and ours goes last.
It's very nice, with each player being called up and spoken about individually.
We had four players who graduate this year and received special recognition.
This is killin' me. I obviously took two photos very close together, and I asked Trevor to make this .gif for me.
Robert keeps smacking Paul, Mike on the left is getting ready to fight, Dylan and (half of) Colman are dancing, and Holly's shaking her head at the madness.
As usual, the younger teams go first, and ours goes last.
It's very nice, with each player being called up and spoken about individually.
We had four players who graduate this year and received special recognition.
This is killin' me. I obviously took two photos very close together, and I asked Trevor to make this .gif for me.
Robert keeps smacking Paul, Mike on the left is getting ready to fight, Dylan and (half of) Colman are dancing, and Holly's shaking her head at the madness.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
And Mother's Day
And a little late, but wanted to post my Mother's Day flowers and gifts. I wanted something very low key and was quite delighted to receive a gift card to our favorite family restaurant and a couple of different kinds of candy (orange sticks, and raspberry chocolate!).
I don't remember many specifics, other than I had a very nice family day, and part of our celebration including going up to the Natural History Museum in DC the next day (which I already posted back in May).
I don't remember many specifics, other than I had a very nice family day, and part of our celebration including going up to the Natural History Museum in DC the next day (which I already posted back in May).
Monday, June 17, 2013
National Convention (TeenPact camp)
Beautiful day to drive to make the 350-mile drive to Dayton.
The smokestacks at the Kingston Fossil Plant always take my breath away.
There's a two hour window when all campers are supposed to leave. They are all packed and ready to go. I got this last shot of Trevor's room. It is a bit (to say the least!) more sparse than Holly's room, but he enjoyed it. Although he started out by choosing a top bunk, before the first day ended, he moved to a bottom bunk and was very happy there.
We'd been to the overlook two years ago. Trevor had not had a chance to go yet, so we walked back over.
The spectacular view of the Tennessee River Valley.
I'm not sure where Holly was standing when she took this, but it's quite a drop off!
It was a really good week. Two years ago, when Holly first went, there were just over 500 kids. This year, 750 campers came. That's quite a jump, considering that these are all homeschooled kids who must first attend a week long state class before they are eligible to come to NC. It's also quite a testimony to how families value the program, as these events are expensive (to me, anyway). It was such a blessing that Holly and Trevor had the opportunity to go to share this experience. They'd been planning and looking forward to this for the past year, and we've been considering it their last big together thing before Holly heads off to college.
The smokestacks at the Kingston Fossil Plant always take my breath away.
There's a two hour window when all campers are supposed to leave. They are all packed and ready to go. I got this last shot of Trevor's room. It is a bit (to say the least!) more sparse than Holly's room, but he enjoyed it. Although he started out by choosing a top bunk, before the first day ended, he moved to a bottom bunk and was very happy there.
We'd been to the overlook two years ago. Trevor had not had a chance to go yet, so we walked back over.
Poor kid had spent a few of the days sick with a cold, but thankfully there was a terrific medical staff that disbursed all kinds of miracle meds. (What I truly appreciate is that not a big deal was made of it; other than giving a general permission while registering him online, they didn't make a big deal out of any of this, no phone calls to me or additional permissions required.)
Needless to say, he was back to his regular self!
The spectacular view of the Tennessee River Valley.
It was a cooler and rainier week than in the past. Holly also took this stunning photo of the camp in the mist one morning.
It was a really good week. Two years ago, when Holly first went, there were just over 500 kids. This year, 750 campers came. That's quite a jump, considering that these are all homeschooled kids who must first attend a week long state class before they are eligible to come to NC. It's also quite a testimony to how families value the program, as these events are expensive (to me, anyway). It was such a blessing that Holly and Trevor had the opportunity to go to share this experience. They'd been planning and looking forward to this for the past year, and we've been considering it their last big together thing before Holly heads off to college.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Catch up from May--while the kids were gone
Time flew.
I got this beautiful shot of Tinker Mountain. This is from the grocery store parking lot(!). We live much closer to the side of the hill, back on the right side (not visible in the photo). The Appalachian Trail runs along the crest. Such a pretty view to appreciate!
Robert and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary . . .
with a dinner out to our favorite restaurant.
My camera did not give justice to the sun shining spectacularly through the clouds, but we saw this when leaving the mall after dinner. Unforgettable!
I got this beautiful shot of Tinker Mountain. This is from the grocery store parking lot(!). We live much closer to the side of the hill, back on the right side (not visible in the photo). The Appalachian Trail runs along the crest. Such a pretty view to appreciate!
Robert and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary . . .
with a dinner out to our favorite restaurant.
My camera did not give justice to the sun shining spectacularly through the clouds, but we saw this when leaving the mall after dinner. Unforgettable!
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