I read a book!

I don't know if this is the most pathetic post, because I haven't read a book in about three years, or if this is a great post because I finally read something again.

American Sniper by Chris Kyle

Amercan hero U.S. Navy Seal Chris Kyle is credited with more lethal enemy kills than any soldier in U.S. history, with that number ranging from 160 to 225. Kyle's autobiography recounts his sniper training days, his romance with his wife, his love for God, country, and family (in that order), and his incredible details of fighting four tours in Iraq.

Following his Navy retirement, Kyle was active on the behalf of troubled veterans. In 2012, he was shot and killed by one suffering from PTSD on a shooting range.

If I'm going to read one book in three years, I'm glad this was it.

Day in DC

Holly was invited back to a second interview. As Robert took her up for the first one on Tuesday, I took her Friday.

Gorgeous day to be out in DC. We parked at Vienna and took the Metro to Farrugut Square. I sat in the park while she did her thing.

It was wonderful with her knowing this route. I didn't have to do any thinking at all, just followed her in and around the train stations.

And in a silly, kind of "us" move, we brought salami sandwiches at the last minute, kind of a perfect car comfort food, stopping only for McDonald's coffee the whole time we were out.

We'll see what the trip brings. But it was fun to be making that drive after not doing it for 3-1/2 months!

Solar eclipse!

Bought our solar glasses online several weeks ago from a NASA-approved vendor. I planned to take the afternoon off of work.

It was also Trevor's first day back at Virginia Western. He invited Jason over over at the last minute, as we had an extra pair of glasses.

Planned ahead with banana bread pina coladas (sans alcohol!).

We were not disappointed!

 As the sun began to move behind the moon

 Complete with flamingo straws that Mollie gave me for my birthday!

 The eclipse is eclipsed!

 Whew! Just in time!

 Star gazer

Photo cred to Trevor!

Tubing on the James River

The James River. I love the idea that we live so close to it. After 10 years, it still gives me a thrill when I drive up I-81 and cross it. I think of the history, of Jamestown, of John Smith, and all of that. It's thrilling to be so close to that history ("so close" being relative, as we're at the other end of the state, but still!).

Last summer, Holly, Trevor, and I went tubing here, and we've been looking forward to doing it again this year.

Gorgeous day

Outside temp at 91, water temp in the mid 80s

Last time, Trevor happily floated ahead of us. He had planned to do the same this time and then abruptly changed his mind.

So the three of us tethered together, and when we did a second run, we stayed together again. It was SO wonderful to just float down the river, no outside distractions, just happily chatting about stuff.

After watching Holly and I flail the first time at getting on our tubes, Trevor took charge on the second run. He held our stuff while we boarded, and when we were ready, he pushed us off. Took us about ten minutes less, haha.

The river seemed a bit slower this year than last--not a complaint at all, just an observation. Gosh, it was a great time. When we were done, we walked a block away to the swinging bridge, apparently a big attraction in Buchanan*. It holds a max of three people at a time, and we walked across. Nothing spectacular, but a nice way to see the James from a different perspective.

*Buchanan. One of those Virginia oddities, with the unexpected pronunciation of "Buh-cannon." No, it's not a southern drawl, that's just how it's said, and you can Google it. Haha.