Blonde Moments

It's Impossible to Ignore the Cute

Cuteness from Victoria on Vimeo.

Here's What Sucks

Amanda and Ella are here to visit, and Chris came in last night with his new puppy (more on that later).  I took the majority of the week off to spend with them, and of course, it's been raining non-stop.  So, here we are, stuck in the house with an 18-month old and trying to find something to do.  I'm not complaining - I just feel bad for them.  There really isn't much to do with small kids in Alexandria when it's crappy outside.  Sure, there are lots of nice playgrounds and parks in the area, but there doesn't seem to be any indoor places!  Maybe I've discovered a new business!

For now, I suppose we'll color, watch Spongebob and play indoor golf.  It could be worse - they could be in California and I wouldn't be spending time with them!

A Bright Little Smile

Amanda and Ella are here for a few days, and I couldn't be more thrilled.  It's been about three years since Amanda has been here, and it's Ella's first visit.  I'm looking forward to a few fun days!

Oh, Crap!

Well, not exactly ....  What do you say when a friend calls you and tells you that there are bubbles strangely rising out of her toilet and she doesn't know what to do?  Tell her to take a picture, of course!  Apparently, whatever was causing has magically repaired itself and the bubbles are now gone.   I'm not sure what caused this strange phenomenon, but I have the photographic evidence:

Let's Have a Moment of Silence

Today I learned that my favorite animal at the National Zoo is no longer with us, dying after complications from surgery.  The sloth bear was always fun to watch - he seemed like he was really cool and didn't have a care in the world.  He looked so friendly and cuddly, much like the polar bear when he swims up to the glass.  Like he and I could have hung out near the bamboo.  He would have pointed out the cute female, and I would have commented that yeah, she's hot.  We would have shared a laugh and maybe an apple.  Okay, I know that he was probably deadly and would rather have had me for dinner than a bunch of fruit, but hey, I have a good imagination. 

I realize that there are more important things going on in the world, but just taking a moment to think about a creature that didn't have to worry about the war, taxes, health care, unemployment or any of the other messes this world is in gives me a little solace.   I hope he's in a happier place.

Halloween Cuties

It's All Fun and Games Until Someone Takes a Shortcut in a Corn Maize

Halloween weekend!  To the Winchester, then?  We started our weekend off early with our second annual Shawn of the Dead party at Allen's house on Thursday night.  This year, we had added a pumpkin carving contest - all the pumpkins were so awesome, it was declared a tie!  Here are the submissions:

Except for Lara's - her pumpkin was disqualified because she didn't follow the rules.

Friday, I packed up Mr. Louis and headed out to Purcellville to spend the weekend at Martha's farm.  It was a fabulously relaxing evening ... except for the sleeping part.  It's impossible to put five people and three dogs in the same room and expect any sleep to take place!

Saturday, we got up and had a great breakfast, then headed out to Fabbioli Winery.  I wasn't impressed with the tasting room.  It's located in the basement of the house, and looks like it.  But, the wine was really good.  In fact, I bought a great dessert wine to keep for Thanksgiving.  Yummy! 

We then headed over to a park in Leesburg where they were holding a Fall Festival, of sorts, including a corn maize, pumpkin chunkin', pig races and most importantly, corn dogs.  First stop - the bounce:  sort of like  moon bounce, but adults are allowed!   The quote of the day took place here: "Who gave you a dollar for doing what?"  You had to be there. 

The entire group then headed into the corn maize.  I have to say - not a big fan.  It was my first, and probably the last, corn maize.  I mean, what's the point?  We were wandering around a big maize and I was tired and hungry.  Trust me when I tell you that it was not a pretty picture. 

Next we headed to watch the pig races, which was sort of anticlimactic.  But, right next door was the corn shoot (with awesome air guns) and <sound cherubs> pumpkin chunkin.  Through grenade launchers.  Yeah, you read that right.  Grenade launchers and pumpkins.  It was really awesome! Check out all the pics in the Fall Weekend folder.

All in all, it was a very good weekend. Much appreciation to Nancy and her parents for  their hospitality!  I got some country air and Louis ran his little legs off.  We need to do this sort of thing more often.