Virginia: Part I

Last week Stephen and I went to visit my sister, Shelby, in Virginia.  It was fun to get away while Stephen was temporarily unemployed.  

Here is Shelby and I at a restaurant called J. Brians.

We even got to see Drew!  Bless his heart...he drove through the crappy DC traffic to meet us for dinner.  Dinner was delicious and we enjoyed a lot of laughs!

The next morning Stephen and I went out for an early lunch where I enjoyed some tea and walked around Fredericksburg while Shelby was at work.

Stephen outside the Fredericksburg museum.  

Handlebar Steve

As most of you know, the newspaper business isn't so good.

I'm mean think about it, how many of you subscribed to a newspaper?

As a result, I'm on furlough, a weeklong layoff. 

All people employed by Gannett, which is many, had to participate.

So, I'm officially on unemployment for a week's time.

Naturally, I decided to sport a mustache, shown above.

So far, I like it.

Happy Birthday Linsey.

27 years old

I love you madly.

Pistons v. Celtics

A few weekends ago I got to have a fun girls night out with Kristen and Heather.  I've known Kristen for 13 years, which seems crazy and the two of us met Heather our first year of college. It had been over three years since the three of us had had an opportunity to hang out...weddings not included.  Anyway, we went to the Piston's game...and they played the Celtics which was especially fun for me!  Although Detroit usually kept the score close they ended up loosing.  After the game we all spent the night and Kristen's new house in Allen Park, which is probably only a mile away from Hank's childhood home.  It was a fun night!  Hope to see you ladies again soon!

 

An warm, icy day

A creme filled "First Mate," the name of this donut at the Great Lakes Maritime Center in Port Huron, Mich.

Mid-February golf -- Stephen is hitting a golf ball into the St. Clair River.

The St. Clair River and Canada.

Some ice on a sidewalk and a cigarette butt.

This is where the Black River meets the St. Clair River. The Black River, which is much smaller, freezes over in the winter and people often ride snow mobiles on it. The St. Clair River, which is a major freighter route on the Great Lakes, does not freeze over -- at least anymore. But U.S. Coast Guard cutters, specifically ice breakers, have to clear a route in the deep of winter to ensure the large ships can pass through. 

Stump.

This dog is named Stump. He is a Sussex spaniel

He is also the oldest dog, at 10 (70 in dog years), to win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club's annual event.

I like the look of him.

Yo, Nelsons

Happy Birthday J. Michael Nelson. And happy anniversary John and Danielle.

Hope this day is filled with magical memories.