Happy Birthday & Memorial Day

Turning 44

Summer Bouquet from the Charlottesville City Market

I'm not sure why this number is a challenge. "40's are great" as I tell all my friends yet to arrive in that decade. But today 44 feels as though there's much left to do, to say, to experience. I decided as an "ode to 44" I'd recognize some of the great things I've already experienced & hold dear, and commit to do more in the years to come ....

* climbed the highest peak in NYS (elev. 5,344)
* traveled to Alaska
* flown the Concorde (it traveled twice the speed of sound!)
* hugged Oprah
* celebrated the sunset at Key West
* touched the Coliseum in Rome
* had a drink in the oldest pub in London
* returned to college and earned my degree at age 37
* watched Ray Bourque hoist the Stanley Cup
* visited 3 MLB parks, 3 NFL stadiums and saw my 1st NHL game in 2008 (Nassau Colisseum - Islanders)
* have great friends, teachers, mentors and confidantes far and near
* family that mean so much - some who share my name, some who share the memories
* an amazing husband who makes me laugh and feel safe everyday
* a miracle daughter who changed my life when she arrived, and every day since!

For the years to come I will continue to celebrate the great people, places and experiences I encounter. As I'm reminded as I turn another page in the birthday book, it's the legacy you leave behind that counts.

Memorial Day weekend celebration

Saturday morning we were off the the Charlottesville City Market. The trick is going early before the place is packed. Although there was a threat of rain today, lots of people were already milling around. We found some homemade ravioli (spinach and cheese), fresh bread from Balkan Bakery, of course a balloon animal for Ellie. We met several people originally from NY. At the first bakery stand, they were originally from Rochester and their daughter had an Adirondacks t-shirt on. They've been here 10 years. Standing at that stand was a family originally from Albany with two small kids who've been here 14 years. We've come to realize Charlottesville is a melting pot of New Yorkers!



We began the weekend with a 3D movie (Polar Express) on Friday night. As many of you know, Friday night is movie night for Ellie and when she found 4 sets of 3D glasses in the Polar Express case, that was the choice for the night.

Saturday @ Barnes&Noble

Ellie and I gave Bill some 'study space' this morning and took off early to get our errands done. Along with the recycle plant and Rite Aid we stopped at Barnes &Noble to catch the story time with Little Critter (also known as Mercer Meyer to Ellie) and Curious George.

Ellie had a ball. She met other kids, found a great seat up front, knew how to get in line for a picture and really enjoyed herself. She's really growing up!!

Khionna's 4th Birthday Party

Ellie's friend from school, Khoinna had her fourth birthday party today with her sister Kamdyn (2). It was a tea party .. with 'apple juice' tea and 'cranberry' tea that accompanied little turkey & cheese and PB&J sandwiches in the shape of stars and hearts. The little ladies donned tieras and boas while feasting on mini-cupcakes that surrounded the Barbie cake. It was a nice afternoon for the girls on the deck!

Happy Mother's Day

What a gorgeous girl with a handful of STRAWBERRIES!


Packing 'em up to take home


Ellie and her Daddy making their way to the fields


Ellie & me on Mother's Day


PICK of the litter


Strawberry Fields Forever


Ellie mowing the front yard!


Blowing Bubbles in the afternoon sun

Today we had a wonderful Mother's Day celebration. Fresh ground coffee and Bodo's Bagels for breakfast. And then we were off to pick strawberries! The sister orchard of our favorite place Carter Mountain Orchard, is called Chiles Peach Orchard in Crozet, Virginia (about 30 minutes from our house). What a perfect day .. we arrived early and filled a big box. That became part of the evening menu. After a quick stop at Whole Foods for fresh tomatoes, garlic and a roasted tomato foccacia to bring home for lunch we settled in for the day.

Dinner was wonderful grilled rib-eye steaks, Bill's famous shrimp scampi and fresh picked strawberries with whipped cream for dessert. It was a wonderful day!

Charlottesville 2010 Heart Ball

Bill & I all dressed up in front of our house .. ready for 'the ball'


Jude & Peggy (big VP here at State Farm Charlottesville)


The Dining Room at The Boar's Head Inn


Bill & Walter (owner of The Shebeen Restaurant)


Bill & I were invited to attend the Charlottesville Heart Ball on behalf of State Farm Insurance. We were honored to be asked, and excited to have an occassion to go to the Boars Head Inn. Cocktails and silent auction, followed by dinner, live auction and dancing. Of course the meal was organic, locally grown and 'heart health'.

Ellie among the flowers ...

The Batchelor Buttons!


When the Batchelor Buttons were tiny little sprouts



Yellow Irises in front of the house


Pink tea roses in back of the house

Derby Weekend