where I travel

Alright, I'll put up some pictures of the places that I travel, live, exist -- just give me a moment.  I don't always remember to bring my camera with me.  And when I do bring it, I forget I have it.  Oops!!

On my way to work this AM I realized I could take very daring shots of the roads I travel.  I go up and down hills, alot.  And most days, I don't come upon anyone for about 20 minutes.  I love driving these roads.  The endless lining of trees creates a feeling of wonderment -- could this be the turn which brings me to my next road?  Not generally, but I can hope!  Or, could there be a little store that I might want to visit?  Ok, so while on the way to work, this doesn't happen.  While traveling from the farmer's market - where I can purchase locally raised organic meat! - it happened.

I had visited the library - got the book club read "All Creatures Great and Small" even though they are meeting on Friday.  I stopped at 3 markets for food and was traveling home.  I knew the road I was going to take brought me past Carolyn Orchards that had to die for Ranier Cherries.  I sadly had forgotten that it also past by Hoffman's Ice Cream.  I whipped right into the parking lot upon seeing their sign.  As an ice cream maker, I get a little picky -- this was awesome!!!  Smooth, creamy, going to melt fast without any preservatives.  I had Peach.  Delish!!!  When you visit me, we'll have to make a trip!  Check them out here:  www.hoffmansicecream.com

Here's another photo of roads much travelled these days.  Just think what they'll look like in the fall.  I can't wait.  

Will get photos of my cottage up once I get it situated. I'm a little bit prideful regardless of what Lauren Winner says in Mudhouse Sabbath.

DC - reasons to visit

On my first Sunday here I made plans to join my friends the C's in Washington, DC. Of course, I had to scoot out from church without talking to anyone. I figured I have 100's of Sundays left to talk with them. I ventured down 95 to the closest Metro I could find and hopped on for a ride to the Mall/Air & Space Museum. Now, one would think that taking the Train into DC on a Sunday wouldn't be so bad. And it shouldn't. But this Sunday had a particularly high number of events occurring.

1. The Folk Life Festival -- where they were celebrating life in Mongolia, Asian American influences on Texas, and NASA. Yes, the folklife that is experienced in Space is very impacting.

2. The Baltimore Orioles vs. DC Nationals -- the fans up here are die hard -- and a bit miffed that Tampa Bay is actually beating them (and now the Red Soxs, too). But, who would have ever thought that could happen!??! Oriole fans still traveled the little bit South to see their team.

3. LA Galaxy vs. DC United -- Beckham was coming. Why not go?!? My friend did.

4. Spain vs. Germany in the World Playoffs of Soccer -- at the Austrian Embassy -- they were hosting 850 people to watch this game on the big, big screens. I know this doesn't seem major, but there were Germans on my train ride into town. Some were normal soccer fans. But, there was this one girl -- she had on a tight-black wife beater, a red belt, and gold polyester legging pants. It was going to be 95 degrees out there. What was she thinking?!?! Oh, and a German flag to set off the whole outfit!

Even with the majorly crowded train ride, made it into town to see M, A & A at the Air & Space Museum.


We crossed the mall and went to the National Museum of Art. I don't know if you could imagine this, but I get into museums. I love them. I especially love free ones -- like the ones in DC. It was awesome to drag M around the museum and make her and the boys check out artwork. We saw Monet, Vermeer, Renoir, Cassett - like the one here. It was great. The bigger kid was so impressed that he recognized some of the art work and would be able to tell his teacher about it next year at school. See, it is educational!


There is little that does my heart more to soar with pride for America than to be in the Capitol. It is just spectacular. I love it. And to see it with great friends just tops it off.

Some of the people that I've met from Maryland have never traveled into DC by themself. I couldn't imagine it and hope that I do it more and more. And if you'd like to come to DC -- I'll meet you there. I know which Metro stop to use. But, I might need to check the overall status of things in the city before I agree to ride again!

Fruit stands -- more than one variety

I have always loved going to fruit stands.  If there is one on the side of the road, it just pulls me towards it.  The smell of the fresh air, the beauty of the sweet treats, the desire to have that sugary natural syrup drip down my arm makes me purchase probably way more than I should.  But, I can't help it.

More enticing than a fruit stand is a you-pick farm.  For a city girl, it brings out the inner farmer from my soul and causes me to think about those days long ago when everyone picked their own fruits and veggies.  I might need to invest in a Little House on the Prairie!  The pull is so great that I'm going tomorrow to pick blueberries.  Nothing says 4th of July than a fresh blueberry crisp.  Seriously.

Yesterday, I went to a different kind of fruit stand.  I went to The Mall -- that's what it's called.  Don't pull one over on Maryland.  No, no -- it only has the best.  Your mall might think it's cool, but "The Mall" is up here.  Sorry to inform you of that limitation your current shopping center has.  I digress.  I went shopping at the mall and found a bright shining type of fruit stand.  There were things on the walls, in the middle of the stand and these odd people in orange or teal shirts.  And to shop at this stand, I needed an appointment.  

Not sure if you could guess it yet, but I got to purchase a MacBook yesterday for work!!  And I got them to throw in a free iPod.  That's right, I totally have refused to fall into the trap of paying for a miniature boombox and have acquired one for free!!!  Take that Madison Avenue. 

I do love fruits stands and fresh veggies.  Yesterday, my neighbor had harvested potatoes and onions from her garden and generously shared some new potatoes with me.  MmmmmmMmm.  Good!  Roasted them with some red onions and generous Italian seasonings.  Nothing tastes better than truly fresh delicacies.  And a brand new computer!  HeeHee!

Must tell you tomorrow about my fun trip to DC and hanging out with the Cardinali's!