Horse Show

Lovely, lovely weekend with Holly.  Our usual Roanoke Valley Horse Show was cancelled this past summer. Holly found another large one in DC for last weekend.  I bought the tickets back in August!

I drove up early (well, relatively) Saturday. We ate Indian food on campus and checked out a new order ahead app at the new Starbucks on campus.

Parked next to this Prius in the parking garage! 

 MAYB 2DY and JS2DAY

As we headed out, we quickly stopped at the mall.

 Macy's already had Christmas decorations

We parked at the Vienna Metro Station, the furthest station out on the line and Metroed into DC.  We planned plenty of extra time, to be familiar with our return trip late at night, and to sightsee.  The Metro station is right on the same block as Verizon Center, the horse show location.  It was really perfect!

Came out of the station to see tons of police activity on the corner.  They were there for an hour or so, and we never figured out what was going on.

We walked across the street to view the exhibits at both the American Art Museum and the National Portrait Museum.  Loved it--the portrait museum has been on my list of destinations for a few years, and the art museum was a lovely added bonus!

Back to the arena.  Note to self:  When door security asks if you to put your cellphone in the basket before passing through the metal detector, don't forget you have it in your back pocket and then be perplexed when they have to wand you.  Loooool!!!!

Dozens of horse pics in my other camera; haven't downloaded them yet!  Loved it, great time, and definitely going back next year!

We successfully navigated our train transfers, ending up back to the car around 12:30.  Holly really, really wanted pizza, but our searches for unsuccessful (and that's all I'm going to say about that!).  We watched tv, and I crashed on the nice little bed I made up on Holly's floor.  (She offered me her bed, but I had an air mattress, sleeping bag and a couple of blankets.)  

On Sunday, we made her grocery store run, ate Q-Doba for lunch, and went to H-Mart to buy Asian food/ingredients for Trevor before I headed for home.

Super fun weekend!!!!!

Cacophony

It is NOT pronounced CACK uh fawn ee. 

No matter how many years I've been saying it that way. 

When I laugh because Robert knew it and I didn't, I'm only pretending to be amused.

Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings

For two and a half decades, Robert has talked about his love for chicken and dumplings. He remembers the soft dumplings in his mom's pot roast as a kid. It's always been his usual dinner order at Cracker Barrel.  He's long suggested I try to make dumplings.

I've never had a dumpling. I don't know what they are.  Cracker Barrel's are curious flat squares, not the puffy softness he's described. So I've never made the attempt.

Nicole at work doesn't cook--except for chicken and dumplings.  I told her of my fascination with this mysterious food, and after sending me a picture of her dinner, she shared her recipe.

And it worked!  If it were up to me, I'd make the broth without the cream soup, but hey, if it were up to me, I've already proven it wouldn't happen.

Robert was happy.  Very happy. Trevor called it soup. He liked it much better the second day. Leftovers, including dumplings, somehow work in this magical comfort food.

NICOLE'S CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS

3 boneless chicken breasts
4 c. of chicken broth
10.5 oz. can of cream of chicken (I've only had cream of mushroom on hand)
+ 2 soup cans of water
1/2 c. milk
2 T. cornstarch
pepper

Dumplings:
2 c. Bisquick
2/3 c. milk



Stir broth, soup and water together well in pan.  Add chicken.  Bring to boil, then cover and simmer for 8 minutes until cooked through.  Remove from heat, let cool for a few minutes, remove chicken, and shred. Return chicken to pot. 

Mix a little of the milk into the cornstarch, and then stir into the pot. Add the rest of the milk.

Prepare the dumplings according to the box directions. It's really important to get the broth hot enough before adding the dumplings.

And it's done. Magic in a pot. To your table. In your grateful husband.  And they lived happily ever after.

September was a great month --

and I don't want to forget it, so I'm backtracking the whole month.

Spent more time on the back deck, the weather is just perfect outside. Some of our trees have been cleared out to open a bit more of the view.

 

Trevor and I had lunch downtown at Wasabi's.  Instead of sharing sashimi as an appetizer, I ordered it for my lunch.  So, so DEE-LEE-SHUSH!!!!!

 
 The Taubman Art Museum now has free admission, so Trevor and I spent a bit of time there.  The balcony was open to the public (which really meant us, because I think we were the only patrons in the building!), and we took some fun photos.

Trev's been reffing games when he can. Fall season is less busy, and the schedule has worked out pretty well for him. We had quite a bit of rain, so some games were damp, some have been cancelled.

A local Salem business was the location of an amazing sculpture created from two Twin Towers beams that had melted together.  The business fell into bankruptcy, and the city(?) was able to get the sculpture. On September 11, it was erected and dedicated at a local fire station a block from my work.  I went by later in the afternoon. 

Words can't express how moving it was.  Being in Denver for 9/11 was different than what people experienced here.  A friend's cousin was killed that day; it just hit people here closer to home.  There were a handful of others taking photos, a family or two bringing their children by.  A fireman was outside chatting with anyone about the memorial.  There was also a large photo on display showing the original location of the beams.

Very emotional for me.

Soccer (playing) was pretty much a washout.  HAHAHAHA!  Three of five games this season have rained out. However, we are now solidly in first place, so there's some good!

Perfect night for visiting and catching up. I brought this little one along. She's been stuck at home too much, and she actually behaved really, really well. 

Grabbed a shot of this cutie running by, post win.

Celebrating and wrapping up under the lights. Despite the awful grass conditions and challenging parking, it's always fun to play at this field, just because of the location.

 Some fun hacking into Robert's iPad.  It took Trevor all of about 3 seconds to get through the passcode.  Then he changed Robert's wallpaper.  :D Hahaha!!!

Pretty trails on one of the clear mornings.

Ongoing skirmishes with the ice maker, resulting in this battle.  I'm not sure if I won or lost, but it was pretty entertaining at 6:30 a.m.

There were a couple of food runs up to Holly, including visits to Petsmart, Roti (my new favorite), an H-Mart shopping trip for Trevor (with Holly and him furiously texting to be sure we bought the right stuff), and stringing Holly's white lights around her bedroom.

 Holly's Rice Plate with steak, couscous, 

olives and feta, served with a pita on the side

Holly and I have been watching Parenthood most nights.  Were not on a set time, but we will arrange to press PLAY together, and then we text comments back and forth about the show.  In response to one of the storylines, I got this. 

I took the plunge and decided to start getting gel manicures.  I am going to a place right around the corner from work on my lunch hour. The gel sets instantly and lasts a good two weeks.  I hate the expense, which is a very reasonable $17, but the convenience!!  I used to love painting my nails but stopped sometime after Holly was born (or maybe after Trev was).  This is a true luxury for me!  Not the best picture, but the only one I have!

A couple of movie dates with Trevor, quite unusual in that I go to the movies once every two or three years.  We did two in three days, seeing War Room and then Everest.

We (and I use that term very loosely) have been working on a 2000 piece puzzle for almost two months.  I finally got the rest of the village in, the rocks, the walls.  All that was left were about 200 pieces of solid blues and dark green pieces of sky and water.  I gave up, boxed it up, and gave it away. I enjoy doing the puzzles, but I'm sticking to 1000 pieces, and not giving in to the pressure from other people here who abandon my project, lol.

This wet rat, after her shower.  Robert calls it her Spa Day.  She can sense when it's coming, and it's hilarious to watch her walk quickly after he calls her, then try to hang with me for safety. As if!!

 Ladies Coffee and Crochet continues on. Such an amazing group of ladies, usually with 6-8 out of the group of about 18 showing up on Tuesday nights.  They also meet every Thursday, but I don't go to that.  Sometimes Tuesdays are at a local coffee shop, sometimes at someone's home.  Incredible to see this come together, something Judy's wanted for eight years but couldn't get details to mesh, and then watch what happens under God's PERFECT timing! Love, love, love these ladies!

 Judy, me, Sarah, Starla, Tammy, Kathy, Linda, Westleyan, Carole

and no idea who took the photo!

More rains, fog. Mostly wet, wet, but gentle and warm, not windy and cold, which I appreciate. A great September, summed up by this outside.

Labor Day weekend

Thursday

Trevor reffed his first soccer games of the season.  This season is rec league games, easy and often entertaining.  He said he'd have done one game for free, because it was hilarious to watch the coach interact with the players.

Friday

My work team's "Annual Day Out," where we prepared race packets for the Commonwealth Catholic Charities race coming up this weekend and went to lunch.  Nice to get a good start on the holiday weekend!

First soccer game of the season for Trevor and Robert.  Amid thunderstorms rolling through the valley, the league director refused to call games for the night.  Driving to the downtown fields (where the fall games are played), we hit torrential rains. Still the director refused. When the lightning continued, Robert told me to turn around, and he called each of his players to tell them we would not play, regardless of whether the game was called or not.  SO GLAD!!  The game was eventually called, but it's just a continuation of poor mismanagement. There will be no tears shed here when we are through with this league--but that's sad too, because it's been such an integral part of our life for seven years.

Saturday

Took the rest of Holly's stuff up to her.

Gas @ $2/gallon, less than $20 to fill my tank, which gets me there and back home.

Traffic was light, considering the holiday weekend. The traffic was faster than usual, fewer trucks, less police presence (surprisingly).

Got a 30 minute parking spot right in front of her building (SCORE!!!!), unpacked everything.

Lunch at Chipotle.  I bumped into Holly, knocking her just filled drink out of her hand, and it fell on the floor, popped open and went everywhere.  Ooops!!

To the odd little Walmart for a few things.  Returning the cart to the cart corral, I came THISCLOSE to someone backing into me--as in my body. Scared the crap out of me.  And he was driving down the traffic lane and then unpredictably threw his car into reverse. I waited for him to park and did nicely talk to him, saying that I hoped we both learned something that would prevent something bad happening in the future.

To the Peruvian chicken place to pick up half a chicken for her to take home.

Back at school, the formerly $3/hour parking garage is now charging $8 for the weekend. No more hourly rates.  Whatever! I found their parking app that hadn't been updated and paid my usual fee, yay, me.

We organized and put up a lot of Holly's decorations, a couple of framed posters, the door mirror. We hung out in the living room.

We went downstairs and got Starbucks, walked across campus to find a distant classroom that Holly hadn't been to yet. We went to the JC where I bought this.

On our way out, I carried empty boxes, and Holly carried the empty cooler.  She took a nasty stumble into a hole on the dirt path.  I can't believe she didn't hurt herself worse, although she's got some nasty bruising, she didn't injure her ankle.  Definitely our day of spills and near misses!


Timed my leaving so I would miss JMU football traffic, and I got home just as it got dark.  Perfect day, and I even more appreciate the longer daylight hours so I can stay longer when visiting!  Perfect, perfect!

Sunday

A nothing day, which we passed on a couple of invitations for a bbq and a bonfire.  Lazies!!

Post Moving Day

Robert and I had a good drive back.  There was the almost usual accident at a straight and boring spot near New Market. I don't get the high number of accidents there, maybe it seems like such a simple stretch that people doze off?

It was great to have company. I convinced him to listen to an old Pastor Brian (CCR) teaching on CD, and he was into enough that he kept turning it up.  We talked about politics and other such things where we disagree, good conversations like I've been having with the kids, not trying to convince of anything, just sharing views.  And I didn't have to worry about getting sleepy, haha.

Trevor had earlier arranged to be at Kurt's for the day, and Judy invited us over for pizza for dinner.  We even had to stop at the gas station two miles from home just to get home--we were well past empty and holding our breath that we'd make it!  We let Kota out (poor girl had been crated for 12 hours), threw the cats behind locked doors so Kota could have the run of the house while we left again, and we took the truck to the Schroes'.  Even that was a fun drive!

Judy had margaritas waiting. (I love my turquoise blue toenails!!)

And homemade pizza!!

More great conversation, as Judy and I talked about the crochet group, and the guys talked soccer.  Kurt was beat, Trevor was patiently waiting to go home.  I think we got home close to midnight.

Exchanged texts with Holly at 2 a.m. (yes, I was still up), who said she'd had a great night, felt like she'd never left school.  A truly great Moving Day.

Moving Day

A great move in day!!

Robert worked his usual magic with the car, and we actually left within a few minutes of our target time!

 

This was the spot saved for Holly.  She carried her computer on her lap, and Robert had her tv between his legs. Unfortunately for her, it meant she couldn't bury her face in a pillow and sleep during the ride!

We each wondered how in the world everything fit last year when Trevor came along. Maybe because Holly didn't have a bookcase and several other household items? But she brought very little clothing, leaving a lot of things at home that I was already planning to bring up next week for a second trip.

Unloading took place in the covered parking garage, a nice relief from the heat! We unloaded almost two full bins (remember that the bookshelf capped the top of the first bin).

Holly's new building, fourth floor on the left.  The long window is her living room; the short window to the right is her dining area. She's again in an apartment with three other girls.

Holly's room is at the very end of the hallway, right next to the stairs.  Great location! And in the building that houses Starbucks!

Her room is even bigger than last year, and just as nice and bright.  The closet is also bigger, plus the main apartment has a hall closet (!!), and the shower room is bigger.

Robert and Holly discussed the furniture arrangement, based on the cable tv outlet.

Her desk and dresser in a sweet little alcove.

The apartment's living area--bright, natural light.

The kitchen has less counter and storage space, and we've already talked about the possibility of buying a rolling cart to give more space.

We got everything moved in, met her roommates, and went to Chipotle for lunch. The last stop was a quick run to Walmart for fresh fruit and to replace a coffee pot that was a casualty of the move.  ;)

On our way back through campus, we realized that the building she reallllly wanted, the one she had last year, has loads of new construction going on across from it. Her usual walkway to her classes is blocked. That was quite a shock, as even a few days ago, she was considering making a room swap to get back into that building. So far, the current building and room is even better than expected, with a good location, and a pretty good view.

It was a pretty fun day, and I like looking back at previous move in days.  It does get easier each year, and in many ways I know she already feels at home.  :D  It will be weird here, though, after three months, to go back to having just the three of us here.  Back to the routine!

Weekend, Part Two

Trevor is 17.  What an unforgettable day in 1998, when our family was wonderfully altered forever with the addition of one little person  . . .  

Robert and I skipped church at the last minute, choosing instead of go out and buy donuts for breakfast.  Not that the two are equal, haha!

We bought donuts outside with coffee, sat on the deck and listened to Troy's live teaching from Lynchburg.  What a great way to start the day!

Trevor had planned out his birthday a couple of weeks ago. He wanted to spend some time clothes shopping at the mall and have his birthday dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings. He opened a cash gift from up, along with his birthday cards from other family, and we hit the mall.

Sisterly fashion advice!

He also checked some things out at Barnes & Noble and decided he'd save some money by shopping online.  The waiting is the hardest part.

BWW is newly remodeled, reopening just three days before.  We opted for the outdoor patio.  It was lovely. Even when it began sprinkling, we were well covered. I'd sit out there again any day!

He came home to open he rest of his presents, a throwing knife, and kitana stand and cleaning kit.  And cake, kahlua cake with a witcher medallion silhouette per request.

17 years ago . . .

Monday morning

Heavy fog.

After drinking iced coffee all summer, I went back to the hot coffee this morning.

And today is Trevor's first dual enrollment class. Chinese is online, offered through another community college so anyone in the state can enroll.

Summer is ending. 

Weekend, Part One

Holly and I went to the Wing Fest downtown.  We found our way to the new Dr. Pepper Park, which isn't even on Google Maps yet, and stumbled into a perfect parking place.  We paid the entrance fee and walked around.  I don't do well with stuff like this.  I guess I should have known that, but sometimes it's hard to see your own shortcomings.  There were about six wing booths, and the rest were advertisers: realtor, basement refinisher, etc.  Two of the stands had very long lines.  It was hard to see prices and menus. There was no easy decision for me.  I hate making decisions like this. Holly had no specific input.

So we decided instead to leave and go to the new Starbucks we'd just passed.  That was an easy decision for both of us!

It was in a gorgeous old building, exposed brick, high ceilings. Holly said it was the best one she's been in.  We chilled out, caffeined up, and then made our way back to the car.

We were already at the base of Mill Mountain, so I took a quick turn and headed up.  We don't go up there often, although Trevor hiked it with Jason just a few weeks ago (something I want to do!).  Holly realized she hadn't been up since Mackenzie was out six or seven years ago! We also reminisced about our first visit out to Virginia, and how I was so determined to get to the top, even though she was not feeling good.  :)

  Tinker Mountain, that long mountain on the right--

we live just behind the right side of it.

We stopped at the mall, hoping to find a replacement pair of shorts for Trevor. His favorite pair is brand new, and he got stickers ALL over the shorts a week or two ago while frisbee golfing with Jason's family.  Trevor long ago gave up picking them out, Robert and I never even tried, but Holly worked diligently the night before to get them out. 

Magnified about 50x on my laptop screen, they are the size of the tip of a just sharpened pencil. I had no idea they had these horrible little "legs" until seeing them on the screen.

Running your hand on the outside of the shorts, you can still feel invisible pieces, But they don't hurt your hand, and the inside of the shorts are smooth.  Good thing, because we couldn't find another pair.

Good to get one more day out before Holly goes back to school.

More coffee and crochet

Oh, this group has been such a blessing to me.  Judy has wanted to lead some sort of crochet lessons for literally years--I can remember her talking about this when we met eight years ago. It's never come together until now.

In the beginning, we were meeting at the coffee shop on Tuesdays, and often ladies will get together at another restaurant (okay, bar) on Thursdays.  Some of the women have been occasionally hosting in their homes, with dinner beforehand, which has just been so lovely. 

Last week, we travelled quite a way and went to Tammy's. She lives out in Catawba in the middle of nowhere, kind of like when we were in Callaway.  That didn't stop anyone, as there were 8 of us there for dinner!  She served a lovely vegan(!) meal, followed with pineapple for dessert. She offered her son's "favorite new thing," Tajin, a Mexican spice of ground chili powder, salt, and dehydrated lime.

Oh. my. gosh. Amazing deliciousness. I literally went out the next day, searching a couple of stores until I found my very own jar, plus I bought one for a friend.

After dinner, they crocheted.  I am more than happy to sit and do NOTHING. However, several weeks ago, I commented that I'm really good at taking out knots, so now I am the unofficial yarn ball maker of the group.

I did see an adorable cupcake stitch and decided I may take up crocheting.  Next fall.  And Peggy's blanket is absolutely gorgeous, I could try that too.

Hostess Tammy, Starla from church, 

and Carole (they met Carole in the bar, and now she's a part of the group)

Anyway, this group has been wonderful. People come when they can. It's perfect for me right now, as I have Trevor home for just one more year, and then I'll be left with not much to do during the week!  Even if this group doesn't last that long (and I can't imagine that it could disappear), it's filling my need now, keeping me from worrying about what in the world I will do with no kids in my house.  SO very, very grateful to my friend Judy and these wonderful Godly women and the bonds we've made!