Wine and Family

We kicked May off with a visit from Judy and Grammy. They came to visit for the weekend to celebrate Ian's birthday a little early and to just enjoy getting a way from home for a while. We even talked Tim and Janet into coming in from Richmond to hang out with us while Judy and Grammy were here. The main event was the first annual Fork and Cork festival happening here in Hokieville. It was actually really nice. I think there were fourteen different wineries from around the area were represented, plus food and art was available to enjoy as well. I really enjoyed the wine, but the funnel cake we had before we left stands out in my mind as well :) Ian also got some early birthday shopping in while the family was in town, and we went out to eat for breakfast TWICE. I couldn't have been happier. We are looking forward to repeating the again this weekend, only this time it will be the Huff's, and we are going to a beer festival instead of a wine festival. Cheers!

Here is a good picture if Ian weren't making a stupid face. Grammy, Judy, and Ian at the Fork and Cork festival

And here is a good picture if I weren't making a stupid face. Me, Grammy, Judy, Tim and Janet at the Fork and Cork festival

We had big plans to go hiking on Sunday, but the weather washed us out. In fact, it is still raining. Let's hope things get better by next Saturday!

Motorcycle Madness

When Ian is dead set on something, its pretty near impossible to talk him out of it. Take this motorcycle for instance...

Last weekend we took our Intrigue, which was on its last leg, and drove it up to Indy to trade it for a motorcycle. Ian is now the proud owner of his own motorcycle, and I'm glad we bought it off of his dad rather than some stranger. The downside of this transaction was the fact that we were trading in the car, meaning the only way home for me was on the back of the motorcycle. My first big trip was less than comfortable. It was a beautiful sunny day to ride and we didn't have any major incidents. All I am saying is, I'll never do it again.

Here is Ian suiting up before we start the big trip.

This is essentially what I did all day last Sunday.

Ian posing on his dad's bike at one of our many stops along the way. Keep dreaming Ian.

Expect a motorcycle post

I have been very very busy with end of the semester paper writing, but I promise a post with excellent pictures within the next 24 hours. Promise!

A hoosier return

I made a trip home this weekend. No reason really, just wanted to see the family. Highlights of the trip include meeting Vernie Verndog-Millionaire Madeoff Huff, visiting Klayton and Molly's apartment and school studios and such, hanging out with Dad at his work, filling in the right-center field position for Kalow's beer league softball game, hanging out with Mom and getting my hair done, visiting Renae, hanging out with Mozie and Lumpy Lucy, the list could just keep going on and on so I will stop it. I'm glad I got to visit and sorry I couldn't stay longer. Ian and Neit managed to survive without me, mostly on frozen pizzas I believe. I returned to Hokieville and am back in the swing of things again. Now we get to look forward to all of YOU coming to visit us the summer.

High above the clouds. I thought it was a neat picture

Visiting Klayton at his workshop. Klayton and a kiln for ceremics and such

I snuck a picture of Dad when he was working hard at work

Playtime for Mozie and Vernie

It was a good day for an oil change

Trying to get both Susie and Vernie to look at the camera was no easy task...here no one is looking

Susie is looking but not Vernie

Vernie is looking but not Susie

This could have gone on all day, you guys. I finally just gave up.

Kalow and Vernie leaving. Adious! See you next time!

Dragons Tooth

My apologies for not posting on our adventures a few weekends back. We went to a little hiking trail called Dragon's Tooth when the weather was nice a few Saturday's ago. This is probably the toughest trail we have done in the area. It meets up with the Appalachian Trail about a mile into it, so this was our first hike on the AT (I'm sure it won't be the last). It is pretty tame for the first 3/4 of the ascent, and then you hit the rocky area. It is necessary that you use both hands and feet to hoist yourself up and over quite a few areas and even do a tiny bit of climbing. It was actually a LOT of fun and worth the work when we saw the view from the top. I don't know if we regret taking Neit with us this time or not, especially since we had to hoist him up to get over some of the rockier terrain, but I think we would do it again. And now...the pictures...

What the Appalachian Trail looks like

What signs on the Appalachian Trail looks like

What Ian and Neit look like on the Appalachian Trail

After all the work, a view from the top

Ian enjoying the view

Very good. I also need to post my stuff from my visit home this weekend. Get excited, I am posting another one immediately.

Hug a Hokie

Today is a tough day for a lot of Hokies and others as well. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Today would be a good day to take a moment and reflect on your blessings.

More Hoosiers in Hokieville

We had some guest Hoosiers stop by on their way to North Carolina. Joann, Eric, Fiona and Garrett made a quick stop to take us out to lunch and take a quick nature hike to stretch their legs. We appreciate visitors and had fun socializing with family for a few hours. Here are the pictures!

Ladies and gentleman...The Smith's...

Eric took a picture so Ian and I could be in the pic

Viewing the wildlife. Here's a turtle

Fiona and Garrett sat on this stump and posed, so naturally I took a picture of them.

Garrett running with the Big dog.