Hair-Raising Family Fun

Massive storm hits D.C.

I dedicate this post to my one and only younger sister.

Yesterday the D.C. area was hit by several tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flooding, and power outages. A passenger in an SUV was killed by a falling tree (shown in the top photo). The home shown in the bottom photo dates from the 1890s.

The weather in the immediate area was limited to heavy thunderstorms. I stayed inside and watched Monsterquest on the History Channel (I have no idea why a series investigating the truth of legendary monster sightings around the world is broadcast on the History Channel, but then again, very little on that channel relates to history).

Last night's episode featured an investigation into the Vampire Beast, the subject of reports coming out of North Carolina about a bloodthirsty beast feeding on dogs and livestock. An hour later I learned it was probably nothing more than a cougar. Rather disappointing, I must say. I was hoping for a North Carolina species of El Chupacabra, which feasts on goats, chickens, cows, horses, dogs, cats, and ducks, at the very least (see photo below). No such luck.

A Very Happy Un-Birthday

Tess and I have been having a grand ol' time here with Dipsy, Baba and all the Murdock aunts, uncles & cousins. Tess got over her stranger fears pretty quickly and has warmed up to everyone.

Tess has been getting lots of loves here!

Today Maureen threw Tess the biggest bash of her life, in celebration of her 1/2 birthday. Reen tried to make up for 6 mos. of celebration in one party, and it was a spectacular event!

We had a tea party a la Alice in Wonderland, complete with vintage tea cups & saucers, lemonade & mini gourmet cupcakes.

Maur even made matching napkins monogrammed with Tessie's initials. Everyone had a grand time, even though Kenzie informed us that boys don't understand tea parties.

Tess got several sweet 1/2 birthday presents, including a handmade card from Kenzie personally inscribed with all the things K wants to do with Tess; some stylin' sunglasses, a cute polo dress, and a sweet headband.

What a lucky girl my Tessie is to have so many people so happy she's here!

1. 

C-ville Escape

We're just back from a super-fun long weekend in Charlottesville! We packed up the Mazda5 and snugged the shnug in her carseat for her first road trip. The weather was insanely beautiful, and so was Charlottesville.

Though, for some reason C-ville seems a lot smaller and more quaint than when we lived there 6 years ago. I was struck with the realization of just how young I was (23--a mere baby!) when Mom and I made the cross-country trip to visit C-ville and check out the law school for the first time. Mom, you'll be relieved to know that they've remodeled the Budget Inn!

Anyway, it was a great trip. We visited some of our favorite spots; toured the city to see what was the same and what has changed; went for a trail walk on the mountain leading up to Monticello; visited book store after used book store; and we hung out on the Downtown Mall.

And, of course, we ate and ate and ate! Locals claim that C-ville has more restaurants per capita than Paris or New York. It is a definitely a "foodie's" paradise!

With careful planning, we managed to revisit some favorites (Continental Divide, Bodo's Bagels [a C-ville classic] and Bellair Market [the best of C-ville's "gourmet" gas stations]) and try some new places, too (Bluegrass Grill & Bakery & Zo-ca-lo). My favorite: Splendora's Cucumber Gelato (think cucumber ice cream--light, fresh and heavenly!)

Tess did really well on the trip. I think she slept better at the hotel than she does at home! Still, it's good to be home. Tess and I have to rest up for our next adventure--we fly out to Idaho on Saturday!