The Mill Pond

There was a slice of heaven the weather gods sent Dec. 29 and 30 so Jay suggested we take a run to the Mill Pond for an overnighter. The skies were blue and the air just a little crisp with no wind. We had the whole place virtually to ourselves both days. We found Lassiter creek/swamp and paddled in there a bit. A relaxing way to shut the lid on 2008.

Photo album on Snapfish (account needed but it is easy to create)

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=275831497/a=134794933_134794933/t_=134794933

HEY, ALL YOU SHUTTERBUGS!

Does any one have any pictures to post of the fantabulous Christmas Party and Brunch? I feel so lost without my camera! All I know is we had a great time but want to see some pics, please!

NY NY

As some may know I took a trip on the cheap to NY City this week. I rode the "China" bus and stayed at the Carlton Arms Hotel (http://www.carltonarms.com/) located in the center of Manhattan. When I arrived at the hotel I had my choice between 1-B and 15-D...I chose 1-B. Visit the website and click the "rooms" tab - you can see photos of all 58 rooms and several of the hallways. Art as you've never seen it! Total price for transportation and two nights lodging was $237. I walked most places but did take the #1 subway north to Central Park and then south to catch the Staten Island Ferry. I like the city more than I expected. People were friendly and every turn brought new sights and sounds. The park was pretty incredible and seeing the city from 70 stories up on Rockerfeller Center was an awsome sight at sunset. I've posted 36 photos (with captions) on Snapfish. You'll need an account but it takes less than a minute to set that up: http://www2.snapfish.com/share/p=999141229297016489/l=455189477/g=134794933/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

Cherry Knoll Rain Chain

Though few would argue that downspouts effectively direct water from the gutter to the collecting tank, would we agree that they add to the aesthetic appeal of a landscape? Probably not. Fortunately, for people who wish to transcend function for form, there is another option.
Rain chains ('Kusari doi' in Japanese) offer a highly attractive and unique alternative to traditional downspouts. They are hung from the corners of your roof or canale to guide the flow of water into large barrels to catch the water from the roof for household purposes and gardening. They have been used for hundreds of years in Japan, and are a perfect expression of the Japanese knack for combining aesthetics and practicality. I had a major problem with water drainage from my upper deck onto my lower deck and came across this fascinating solution to the problem. With the help of my friend, Reed, we installed a gutter along the upper deck of my house and then added a copper rain chain to direct the water down into a beautiful ceramic pot. The water is then drained under my deck to a nearby flowerbed. A perfect solution to a very annoying problem! You'll have to check it out the next time you visit, and hopefully it will be raining so you can get the complete effect. It's absolutely mesmerizing, and I love it! Now I can't wait for rainy days, and the harder the downpour, the more beautiful the effect!

Richmond Christmas Parade

Last Saturday was a cold day for a parade, but it was loads of fun and laughter. We all got a big laugh over Odie licking the pavement as his handlers lowered him under streetlights. Typical of a dog! Jim got some great shots with his new SLR digital camera...

Carly and Jason's Thanksgiving Dinner

Here are some pics from Carly and Jason's Thanksgiving Dinner. Jason's sister, Holly, and her boyfriend Jeremiah came over and some of Jason's other friends did too. The food preparation was a family affair. The turkey grease dripping spill was also a family affair, ending with Jeremiah's paper towel grease dance. Everything was delicious, fun, and memorable.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I am so thankful for all of my Friends of Jay friends and family and for all the momentous times we have shared together through the years. We are so blessed to have each other and the opportunities to do the amazing adventures and the fun times that we have shared. May we have many, many more in the years ahead! Love you all!

And to Frank, a very happy Franksgiving to you! LOL! There's a story that goes with that that I'll share with you all soon.

Hokie MADNESS at its best!!

If you have never had the Hokie experience, you have to try it once. It is like a cult following! It doesn't matter the age or anything for that matter. It is all about the TAILGATE!

We had our FOJ outdoor adventure on the coldest night on earth (Sat night, in the mtns) and it was glorious! These people are serious party folk. We were welcomed as Adam's parents to a Hokie nation tailgate party. We did not have to pay for food or drink and were wined and dined by his friends!

Yes it was cold.... the room was expensive.... (but Adam chose to stay with us so we had him all to ourselves..... )

memories?

PRICELESS! Yes we DID have an outdoor adventure... ten hour's worth but worth every memory!

Regina, Carroll and Adam

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIMMY!!!

I AM SO SORRY for not posting it yesterday or calling. Happy Belated B-day Jimmy! I hope you had a fantastic one :)
Luv,
Vickie.

The Ghost of Jerry

Some of Jimmy's Pics

Jimmy took TONS of really cool pics with his new camera! I'm afraid to say he took more than I did... Obviously, it's impossible to post them all but I'll post a few! I can only wonder where Lauren and Seth disappeared when we took the group photo... :)

Merchants Mill Pond 2008 Edition

We had a bit of rain on Saturday which cleared up within 4 hours so can't complain! The pros got a bunch of tarp up for shelter and the party never stopped or changed anyone's good mood! We had some great paddling expeditions and the annual toast at Pete's memorial. We also had an awesome announcement: Jay and Mary-Beth are getting married next summer!!! CONGRATULATIONS! That's a perfect match :)
So here is a sample of pictures. Thank you all for sharing your delicious foods!
Luv,
Vickie.