Virginia is for Lovers

Over the last few months, we have had some great adventures in Virginia....

December: Williamsburg

My favorite memory from this trip was marching behind the fife and drum group.  It was such a patriotic moment!

Valentine's Day: more Williamsburg & Jamestown

We returned in February for a COLD weekend!

We drove around beautiful Jamestown Island...

...and visited the Jamestown glasshouse, the perfect place to warm up (they heat the oven to 2,000+ degrees).

Then to Colonial Willimsburg, which was nearly empty on account of the freezing weather.  We visited the dress maker, silversmith, apothecary, and Shields Tavern.  I LOVE the taverns - hot apple cider, traditional colonial food, and great performers.

March: Charlottsville and Richmond

First stop - Michie Tavern, est. 1794.  It's a cute place with great fried chicken that's worth exploring for a few hours. 

Our best Virginia experience to date is definitely Monticello!  It's at the top of a mountain with stunning views, and the estate is beautifully preserved.

Although we were not able to take pictures inside, we learned a few cool things...

--The foyer served as Jefferson's museum: elk antlers and Native American gifts from the Lewis and Clarke expedition, mastodon bones, and originals of the two most famous Jefferson portraits.

--James and Dolly Madison had their own room at Monticello.  Even though they lived only 30 miles away, they would come and stay a month at a time.  

--Immediately after waking up each morning, TJ would soak his feet in ice water for 15 minutes to promote good health.

--Jefferson went to great lengths to enhance natural light in his house, including creating an octagonal room (that has no dark corners), installing the first known skylights in America, and painting his dining room bright yellow (Ralph Lauren purchased the rights to "Monticello Yellow").

--Monticello originally had around 6,500 books, but Jefferson sold them to the Library of Congress (for $24,000!) after it had burned down, and they are still in that collection today.  He built his personal collection back up to about 1,000 books before he died

Last stop, Richmond.  Sorry Richmond, we only love you for your Cafe Rio.

Kitty Hawk

Last weekend, we spent a few days in Kitty Hawk.  I love the Outer Banks!

We went to the Wright Brothers Memorial, which we both loved!

We wandered around the island, did some shopping, found a few great restaurants, and enjoyed a beautiful sunset.

Most especially, we found Duck Donuts.  The bar for breakfast food has been raised.  They make the donuts AFTER you order them, and they melt in your mouth.

I loved watching a wedding from our room, especially when drama ensued over the woman who could not seem to find another place to swim while the bridal party took pictures.  At least her swimsuit matched the bridesmaids,

On our way out of town, we stopped at the Bodie Island lighthouse.

A Strong Woman

Earlier this year, after a series of frustrating interactions with a colleague, I learned something about myself: I have a very strong bias against women who I perceive to be weak.  In fact, there are few things that frustrate me more.  I think this stems from, at least in part, the fact that I was raised by the strongest of women.

This week was a masterclass in physical, mental, and spiritual strength.  My Mom faced great physical pain, extremely difficult news, and a life-altering situation, and she did it all with the class and fortitude of a woman who has been through the refiner's fire many times and always come out stronger.  I was blessed to be by her side for the past several days.  I slept in the hospital and stayed near her bedside in the hopes of serving her, offering her comfort, and tending to her needs.  However, she provided the bigger service by reminding me how strong women like her face life's greatest challenges: with grace, humor, and trust in the Lord.

Atlanta

A few weeks ago, Isaac and I drove to Atlanta to see Lucas and Shannon's sealing.  We went a day early so that we could see the world-famous Georgia Aquarium.  It was SOOOO hot and crowded, but I loved their exhibits.

They have two whale sharks

Belugas

Japanese spider crabs (Isaac's favorite)

HUGE manta rays

And these two sweet creatures :)

We planned to tour the Coca Cola factory afterward (it is basically next door), but because of the heat, we did not make it past the store.  Coke from the actual Coke store is much tastier.

On Saturday, Lucas, Shannon, and Levi were sealed in the Atlanta temple!  It was a beautiful ceremony and a very special day for the family.

I loved taking pics of this forever family!

The Adventures of Bubble Girl

I have felt absolutely horrible for the past 3 months.  I have had a wide array of symptoms leaving me feeling depressed and miserable.  A few weeks ago, I went to see a new doctor, and she sent me to an allergist.  After multiple rounds of testing, I learned that I am allergic to almost 60 environmental and food allergens. The results changed my life in a big way.  

I cannot eat casein (dairy), cashews, corn, crab, hops, lobster, peanuts, pistachios, potatoes, rye, salmon, strawberries, string beans, or watermelon.  No more Bonefish crab and corn chowder for me! Dairy and corn are the two most difficult to avoid (corn syrup or corn starch are in nearly everything!).  Also, I started allergy shots today, and I will continue my regimen of 6 shots a week for about 2 years.

Through all of this, I am VERY blessed, and here's why:

--I have been reminded (yet again) that I married the best man on this planet.  He has picked up the slack when I have slept 10 to 12 hours a night and not had the energy to handle household tasks, and he has done it out of love, without complaint. 

--I have increased my love for the scriptures.  Without the energy to do much else, I have immersed myself in the Book of Mormon, and for a few months now, I have not missed a single day of study.  I have started a sketchnotes book that I write/doodle in daily.  I know I will not always have this much time to study scriptures, so I am enjoying it!

--My family and friends are wonderful!  My sister has called regularly to check on me, given me tons of encouragement, and even started a Pinterest board that she has filled with recipes for me to try.  My Mom and Dad are amazing...as always. My friends have given me great meal ideas and cooked special dairy-free, corn-free food for me.  (One friend also reminded of what a blessing it is that I have already been to France, now that I cannot have butter and cream).  It serves as another reminder that God has blessed me with great people around me.

--I feel so empowered!  In the short time that I have been avoiding my 14 allergy foods, I have noticed a difference in my energy level and a few other symptoms.  It is great to feel like I can control my destiny.  I needed a wake-up call to push me in the direction of more mindful eating.  

Now, I need one of these for the summer...

The Homestead Resort

This weekend, we celebrated our 11th anniversary at the Homestead Resort.  It is a gorgeous place in the Allegheny Mountains of western Virginia.  

When we arrived, we tried our hand at archery, and we loved it!  I'm not ready for the Hunger Games quite yet, but I enjoyed it, and the scenery was beautiful at the base of a ski hill.

We had a fancy dinner in their dining room and enjoyed live music and amazing food.  This must be love; he dressed up for me.

We had plenty of time to rock on the porch, and Isaac booked me a pedicure at the spa.  More importantly, Isaac won the Erickson Phase 10 championship, and I became Skipbo champion.

Have I mentioned how great the food was there?  My favorite was the fresh local trout.  Yes, I am that person who takes pictures of the food I like.  I am resigned to that fact now.

On Saturday, we tried falconry...also amazing! We met a lovely hawk named Ruger.  When we let her go, she spotted a father and daughter walking on a trail in the woods.  The girl had a small stuffed duck, which the hawk went after.  We were a little worried when we heard the dad yelling from the woods, but everyone was OK.  When the stuffed duck didn't pan out for Ruger, we watched her attack and eat a chipmunk.  I love nature.

The drive home through the mountains was amazing.  It was a perfect weekend 

This was one of the best weekend trips we have ever taken, and we didn't even scratch the surface of the activities they offer.  We would like to go back at Christmas time for snow tubing, ice skating, and all the winter stuff.