Saturday

Two years ago, a $66million museum opened in Roanoke. People either love or hate the design. I like it, but it does look somewhat like a ship rising out of the middle of our otherwise quaint and picturesque downtown.


Attendance has not been as high as planners anticipated, and to stir interest in the museum, they have occasional free days. Today was one of them; a regular day would have cost us about $40 to get in.


Gorgeous first floor; all exhibits are on the second floor.


Our stand out favorite was the stunning corrugated cardboard sculpture.



The artist was at the museum today, giving demonstrations to children, who could make their own 3D fish replicating his method. I tried to talk Trevor into doing it, but even he's getting a bit old for this stuff. It just hurts this momma's heart a little that my babies really are growing up. He did admire this fish though . . .


Another interesting piece--made of spools of thread, and then viewed through the lens which turned the piece right-side up (upside down?).


And that was about it. There were a half dozen or so rooms, each with small exhibits inside (some had one piece each). And of course some of the "art" had Trevor joking that he could do the same thing with Legos or toilet paper rolls. (He could.) Actually, overall it was rather a disappointment.

We then meandered into the gift shop, usually a place we avoid. But this was different. We laughed about spending more time admiring the various displays here than we did in the exhibit halls. There was a variety of art books, knick-knacks for kids, and many offerings by local artists, along with a mish-mash of other interesting merchandise. Robert bought each of the kids a pair of chopsticks. (Trevor adores eating with chopsticks, and I suppose Holly would do it for fun.) Ironically, the gift shop was the saving grace of the museum, and I'm glad we saved it for last!



Our next stop was Maggie Moo's, our first visit here since moving to Virginia three years ago. Oh, decisions, decisions! It was something to sit outside eating ice cream a week before Thanksgiving. (This means it was warm!)


We headed home, and I begged Robert to get a picture of the moon rising over the hills.


It seems that everyone is burning leaves today, we passed four burn fires in the five minutes between the highway and home. The smoky haze made a lovely sky.

And there's that moon again.


. . . the moon and stars to rule by night,
for His mercy endures forever.
Ps. 136:9

Sunrise today

My voice You shall hear in the morning,
O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You,
and I will look up.
Ps. 5:3

First college tour!

Holly and I planned a quick shopping trip over to Charlottesville, and Holly decided to take a tour of UVA while we were there.

It's just under two hours away, a nice drive made even nicer since our new governor raised the speed limits back up to 70. I have no idea how Holly took this picture. We were neither underneath nor directly in front of the sign. It appears she threw herself waaaaaay out the window, hanging on to the car with just her toes, but she didn't even roll down the window.


I got lost on the way to the mall, which really wasn't such a big deal, since the mall wasn't such a big deal. Happily, though, Holly bought a few shirts, and I bought makeup (original reason for the trip, haha).


We drove over to the school and lunched at Q-Doba (other reason for trip). Oh my goodness, how I love Q-Doba. Or Chipotle. Or either. Or both.


UVA is so pretty, and the history behind it fascinates me. I've posted about the school in the past; we've visited a half dozen times. Trivia for the day: Jefferson built the school on land previously owned by James Monroe. Living in California and Colorado, I've never experienced this kind of history.

We had plenty of time to make our way to the Rotunda, where the tour was to meet.


Someone noticed that you could see Monticello through the trees. We visited Monticello last month; although it looks much closer in this photo, it's about five miles away as the crow flies. (Hey! While at Monticello, I took a picture of the Rotunda, and it looks really, super far away.)


Typically, two school tours per day are offered. There are also info sessions, which were already full. Our group was large enough to split into three smaller groups, with five families on our tour.

Holly waiting.

It was a good tour (I guess, as I have nothing to compare). We walked for what seemed like miles, visiting the Amphitheater, an engineering building, a chemistry building and lecture, dorm lawn, and perhaps a few other places I've forgotten. The guide talked about different activities, her experiences, professors, campus life, and so much more.

Holly found it all interesting, and it was a great first place to visit, a fun day.

(And I learned that the street parking regulations are not strictly enforced, as I parked for almost an hour longer than permitted and was very grateful to not get a parking ticket.)

End of soccer and more soccer pics

The end of October is the end of fall soccer season. Following tradition, we had our banquest at Bellacino's, a favorite local pizzeria, which was attended by 65 of our players and families.


It's a great time for picture-taking, even when I get caught for secretly snapping shots of someone.

We eat and visit, and coaches recognize each player individually, passing out various awards for the season.


Holly's and Trevor's teams both ended up in fifth place (out of eight teams). While it was not the best season in that respect, both teams had several new players, and it was without a doubt a winning season when considering the hearts of the teams.


In contrast the past few seasons have been very challenging in other ways. I was so grateful this time around to not have to head out to every practice and game with a knot in my stomach, wondering which player or parent will say something that undermines the team/league.



So fall season is over.


And we're waiting for spring.

Math by Holly

Question in math book: Explain one of the drawbacks of solving a system of equations graphically.

Holly's answer: They're annoying.

Robert saves big bucks

He's been playing with coupons lately. He's not been saving them up for a special trip, just clipping what we'll use. He came back from the store Sunday quite pleased with himself. I'm pretty happy with him too.


After cutting $69.87 off the total, he spent just $66.11--a total savings of 52%!

Woo-hoooo!

Halloween

Long gone are the years when pumpkin carving was an hours-long process.

1998

Trevor and Holly whipped these out in about 15 minutes. I didn't even have time to get my camera.


The pumpkins sat outside for a couple of several hours before coming inside. Our neighbor said there were three trick or treaters last year. This year, we had about 15; it was good to have a few more than we expected. (I should have asked them about that corn maze . . .)

Mini-update

Update on the job interview: As I suspected, it was for a full time job. From the beginning, I figured it would be good practice for me. The phone conversation went very well, and I saw where I needed to improve one specific area. The woman called me back a few days later, and I was able to ask her for feedback (yay, me, I'm so brave!), which was all very positive and encouraging. If my schedule had meshed with theirs, I would have had a face to face interview. So--all things considered, it was very successful!

Soccer banquet--pictures to follow this week.

I took Trevor and a friend to homeschool roller skating. Between the drive and timing, we've never been able to go. The place was practically deserted, but Trevor and Kurt didn't care one bit. They spent the entire time talking about Zelda, Legos, and more Zelda.



My work schedule surrounding (and including) this weekend has been awful. On the plus side, at least it's been rather quiet and work, and the weather's been pretty nice.

We went to a new church today--in Lynchburg--an HOUR away. Whatever. It's not like we've never done that before. (eyes rolling) But it was familiar, comfortable. We're looking forward to going back when the regular pastor will be teaching. It was good.

Longer update than I'd thought. :D

The Corn Maze--that wasn't

I've had plans all week to drag my family to a nearby 4-acre haunted corn maze tonight. It's right around the corner, and the maze is only open ONE evening each Halloween. I worked yesterday, worked today, but my plan was SET.

Until we got there. Apparently the ONE night was last night.

Holly and Trevor were not horribly disappointed. In the least. They were hugely relieved, although they felt a little bad for me.

Robert decided we should get ice cream. I think he was thinking in a celebratory way, but that's just a guess.

We headed toward ColdStone Creamery over by the mall, kind of a long drive. (Funny how 20 minutes now seems loooooong.) Where are you supposed to eat ice cream at ColdStone? The dinky little tables for two inside? It was too cold outside.

We ended up at Red Robin. They have great milkshakes. And bottomless root beer floats. And onion rings.



It was a fair trade. No one was cold. No one was scared. And best of all, no one was lost.

School update . . .

sort of.

We are through with six weeks of school. Everything is going smoothly, and WOW, I just realized, INCREDIBLY, that NOTHING has fallen by the wayside, ALL of our curriculum choices are working the way we envisioned.

Not that it's easy. We move from the kitchen table, to the family room, to the living room, and sometimes outside, depending on what we are doing and who is where in the house. This is my view in the living room. It makes concentrating on school a bit of a challenge.



But I'll struggle through somehow. LOL.

A few pics from Chris Tomlin!

The last concert I went to was in 1986, Bob Dylan and Tom Petty at Red Rocks. (Believe me, I went to see Tom Petty, not Dylan.) Fast forward twenty-cough, cough (oh my goodness) years.

It was a gorgeous evening, spent with my friend Barb from Stickville.


I was happy with our seats, first row right off the floor, about a third of the way back from the stage.

Kristian Stanfill opened. I don't know a lot of hymns, but I love his version of Jesus Paid It All.



There was a brief intermission, and we fought the crowds to buy a few things. I ended up with a girly t-shirt, yay.


Chris Tomlin writes such beautiful songs. I had a great time; and I Will Rise always makes me cry . . .

We haven't been to church in months--I have really missed this.

It was just part of an interesting week in which God is really working on my heart . . . and what else is there really to say about that? It's good, but I'm not totally enjoying all of that (but I definitely enjoyed the concert!!!!!).

Holly

and her sweet cat.

Trevor's art

While I was running crazy on Monday, Trevor sketched this during his art time. He's using Artistic Pursuits.



He never fails to amaze me.

Monday, Monday

1. Filled up with 3 cups of coffee.

2. Went to the library early, so they wouldn't send my "hold" books back to the originating branches.

3. Gave a concert (or two) in my car.

4. Began school with kids.

5. Followed up on a fingerprinting kit order from last week from an "evil website" (their words) that didn't accept my credit card.

6. Fourth cup of coffee.

7. Practiced lion-taming skills with a chair and two whining children. (I should clarify: I was the lion.)

8. Made egg salad for lunch.

9. Dug a splinter out of my husband's hand. Well, I tried.

10. Got bogged down in Tom Sawyer (ugh, poor Trevor) and algebra tutoring.

11. Called Proctor & Gamble to find out why Powerball dishwasher tabs are not dissolving in dishwasher.

12. Returned call for phone interview and thankfully just have to leave message.

13. Fifth cup of coffee.

14. Science lab with Trevor. It involved butane gas, so he now knows how to use a lighter. Is this really a wise choice???

15. Played Castle Keep with Trevor.

16. Spent an hour discussing the finer points of essay writing with Holly (as if I have any clue).

17. Still working on that 5th cup of coffee.

18. Fixed dinner (PW's Chicken and Pineapple Quesadillas, which were absolutely wonderful).

Everything is done that needed to be done. I think. Early bedtime for me. Could I please have one more day added to the week? Pretty please?

Weekly menu

Bertolli Shrimp Scampi and Linguine (don't get too excited, it's from the freezer case, but it is good); bread; salad
Grilled Chicken & Pineapple Quesadillas; guacamole; artichokes (someone's gotta eat them)
Greek soup, bread
Fiesta Tuna Salad Sandwiches

miscellaneous:
Cake of the Week: frosted brownies
egg salad sandwiches

On the back burner:
breakfast burritos
Amanda's Vegetarian Taco Salad
Grilled Pineapple Pork Chops

Alpaca Show

Trevor and I took a nice drive up to Lexington. I was thrilled that it's now less than an hour away; I continue to find joy in the convenience of living close to what seems like everything.

We have friends who own an alpaca farm. The alpacas are adorable. Trevor spends time with them. He knows their names and their personalities. I know nothing (seriously).



Trevor spent time on the floor with his friends, waiting for their turns in the ring.



Instead of being rated on the alpacas, the kids are rated for their own showmanship ability.



In a second event, they lead their alpacas through an obstacle course and place based on how well they work with their animal. I was impressed with the length of time the judges spent with the different groups, giving brief, private encouragements to each competitor on how to improve their skills.



I took the boys to lunch--Country Cooking. I'm glad we've tried it, and now I can never go back(!). The boys loved it, choosing their own salads, sides, desserts at the salad bar.

We missed the costume show. I'm not sure if it would have been the funniest event to watch, or the most humiliating, haha.



With Trevor on the floor, I spent most of the time chatting with another friend in the bleachers. The absolute highlight of Trev's day was hanging onto Jango's lead for an hour or so. There was a lot of waiting around, but he was THRILLED!

Today . . .

we saw one of the best license plates we've seen in a while. From Maryland, it references I-495, also known as "the Beltway," encircling Washington, DC. Earlier this summer, we had our own not-so-lovely experience on the Beltway, so I knew instantly what this license plate meant.



Yes, a little rude for a license plate, but it WAS funny!

Soccer and more soccer

Pushing boys and keeping her eyes ahead.



Trevor boots the ball and small children duck.



Holly and Rachel.

Recipe - Man Eggs

I found this Alton Brown recipe a few weeks ago. The fact that I'm posting such a simple recipe is a testament to my lack of rudimentary cooking skills. Eggs are kind of like Minute Rice--they've always challenged me.

MAN EGGS

2 eggs
1 t. butter
salt, pepper

Place an 8" nonstick skillet over low heat for 2 minutes. Crack the eggs into a custard cup. Melt the butter in the pan, and once it foams, gently slip in the eggs. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover and cook for 3 minutes for slightly runny yolks, and 5-6 minutes for set yolks. Serve immediately.

My eggs took about 5 minutes, and the yolks were perfectly runny, just the way the men in my family like them. I thought it was a nice change from scrambled; not surprisingly, Holly opted out completely. :D

Recipe - Mushroom and Provolone Patty Melts

Unbelievable that I found this recipe in a recent issue of Cooking Light magazine. There's nothing "light" about it. It was quick to fix. Trevor was concerned about the beer, but after tasting the mushrooms, didn't think it tasted funny at all. Holly wanted the sauce, but there wasn't any sauce by itself, so she picked out the mushrooms.

Mushroom & Provolone Patty Melts

1 lb. ground sirloin (you could use any kind of hamburger)
1 T. oil *
1/4 c. thinly sliced onion *
salt and pepper
8 oz. mushrooms, sliced *
1-1/2 t. flour *
1/4 c. dark beer *
8 slices rye bread
4 - 6 slices provolone cheese

*These are original measurements; next time, I'm doubling these.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, salt and pepper to taste, and mushrooms, stirring until coated. Saute a few minutes until done; sprinkle flour over mushroom mixture. Cook one minute, stirring. Stir in beer; cook a few minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Shape meat into 4 patties--make sure they're the right size to fit the bread, and allow for shrinkage of the meat. They'll be pretty thin. Wipe pan with paper towel and place back on medium-high heat. Add patties and cook about 4 mins. on each side or until done.

Toast bread. While still hot from toaster, place on plate and top with cheese. Top with meat patty, and top with 1/4 c. mushroom filling (I quickly reheated filling in microwave before putting on sandwich). Top with second piece of toast, smoosh down a little bit and cut in half.

I varied this a bit from the original recipe. We ate it with sweet potato fries and sliced mango.

Weekly menu

Yes, I've been looking at loads of new recipes. It's not the menu for the week, but it's a start!

Mushroom and Provolone Patty Melts, sweet potato fries, mango
ravioli, garlic bread, Caesar salad
Crispy-Skinned Chicken ala Orange, Perfect Crispy Potatoes



On the back burner:
Amanda's Vegetarian Taco Salad
Grilled Pineapple Pork Chops
Grilled Chicken & Pineapple Quesadillas
Fiesta Tuna Salad Sandwiches

County Employee Appreciation

The small county I work for treats its employees wonderfully. Sure, there are a few annoying policies, but in general, it really stands out. For example, it provides part time employees with sick, vacation, and holiday pay--unlike other larger counties in the area (Roanoke). It also holds an annual appreciation day.

This year's event was held at the new county administration building. (And really, with the recent economy, how many counties have new buildings, built with foresight and significant fiscal responsibility?)



The weather was fabulous. Our first stop was the ice cream truck from a well-known local dairy. I chose Almond Joy ice cream, never had it before, and it was delicious.



Against the brick wall, we waited in line for about 45 minutes. No complaints from me--the sun was so warm, everyone enjoying running into people they haven't seen in a while. (Okay, so I didn't really know anyone, but my co-workers knew lots of people!)

There really was quite a long line, it's hidden here!

The food choices were two hot dogs with assorted toppings: chili, sauerkraut, and slaw. Slaw? Apparently, it's a southern thing. I went for it, and they asked what I wanted with the slaw. I was baffled, and they suggested mayo and mustard. Great choice. I'm not so wild about cole slaw, but on hot dogs, it was perfect. Oh yeah, we also had chips, pop, and cheese. I'm not sure what the cheese was all about, maybe also made locally--but I wasn't going to turn that down either.



It was a great break for the afternoon, pleasant to spend time with a few of my co-workers, and I really did feel appreciated by my county. :)

Monday #2: Holly turns 16!

My mom and Mike's visit coincided with Holly's birthday. Robert and I had wrapped up 16 packages, and numbered them for Holly to open.



After visiting Monticello, we went for a late lunch/early dinner to Chili's. This was Holly's choice--there are no Chili's near home, so this is an unusual treat.

Holly opened presents when we came back. She had to begin with number 16, which was a package of Sweet 16 powdered sugar donuts. Number 15 was a $15 Hot Topic gift card, 14 hairbands, and on down . . . 6 pairs of socks, 5 packs of gum, 4 t-shirts, 3 notebooks, 2 earrings, 1 $50 bill. Trevor got her a $16 gift card too. She loved it, smiling all the way through.


At her request to replicate a cake my Aunt Barb made for us two years ago, I baked a chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting. YUM!

Would ye both eat your cake and
have your cake?
--John Heywood

Um, YES!!!!!!!

...super nice family day, super nice birthday.