Necessary Getaways

There is a requirement to living in Lynchburg and that is the necessity of getting out of Lynchburg every so often. It's a must. Our survival depends on a little fresh scenery from time to time! 

So this past Saturday we pointed to a spot on a map, packed a lunch and hit the road! We rarely have Saturdays together, so the urgency to make the most of the day was sky high. Where did we end up? Lexington, Virginia! (And only two days later Romney showed up to speak to Virginia Military Institute in Lexington! So close, yet so far. If only we'd known!) 

I don't know how we hadn't ever been through this adorable preppy town (nearly every guy we saw sported a blazer and khakis, with the girls collectively wearing sundresses and boots. Um, I could live there!) but we enjoyed playing the role of tourists for the afternoon! 

Strom's been working on his camera skills. He's not too shabby! :)

Happy Tuesday to ya! 

Autumn Love

Have I ever confessed my love of fall to you? Oh, I have? Well, I probably didn't explain it to the full extent. I love fall. Most of my family is less than thrilled with the season due to the nearness of winter, but I haven't ever let that take away from the loveliness of it all. Cider, apples, pumpkins, apple crisp, boots, scarves, hot coffees, cool mornings, blue skies, changing leaves, crunching leaves, falling leaves, that delightful smoked air aroma... Can I get a happy sigh? ;) It all reminds me of the sweetness and faithfulness of the Lord to once again bring about a perfect changing of seasons... And His mercy on all of us southern folk!  

Unfortunately, the only day Strom and I had to autumn-it-up happened to be 88 degrees. Maybe even warmer. Despite the hot flashes, it was nothing short of wonderful to have a surprise afternoon together!  

I hope y'all are enjoying this lovely season - however warm or cool your weather is!

Happy Thursday! 

So long, 41!

Well, this is it. The day before Strom leaves for a month of training, our last day in our little townhouse and the official launch of probably the craziest summer in our marriage (ya know, all two years of it!). 

It has been an indescribably overwhelming few weeks (okay, months!) moving ourselves in the middle of a crazy summer, but God has been ever full of grace and mercy and we're so grateful to be loading up the last of our belongings as I type.   

We have a list a foot long of everything we're looking forward to after Strom returns from training. Time is going to fly and life is going to be grand!!

The last two years in this house have been amazing. It's where we had our start! Where I learned to be a little less controlling and a little more patient! ;) It's been a great ride, but we can't wait to see all the Lord has in store for us from here on out!

A Birthday Celebration

There comes a day when birthdays cease to include countdown to party time. While I have personally experienced the death of the countdown, it would be a lie to say I don't enjoy birthdays! I mean come on, who doesn't love ice cream cake and a little love and attention?? ;)

This year was a first for me - my first birthday without my family around. It was all on Strom to make my birthday memorable! And he didn't disappoint. I think I might appoint him lead party planner for all future celebratory occasions - he hit this one out of the park! It meant so much to see all the time and work he put into making my birthday special. (I love you, Babe!)

After attending the commissioning ceremony for a dear friend of ours (more to come on that soon!), we hopped in the car and took off for Charlottesville. What awaited us there was pretty much the most beautiful vineyard you could imagine. I hope you enjoy a peek into my day as much as I enjoyed living it! 

First stop, the amazing Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyard!

Pippin Hill is gorgeous, y'all!! F'real!!

It's like Restoration Hardware on overdrive!

And then it was off to downtown Charlottesville for a little perusing, iced coffees and in all honesty, a few smelly hippies here and there...

And topped off with an awesome dinner at The Local! (It was insanely delicious, btw! Anyone looking for a good atmospheric restaurant in Charlottesville should check it out!). 

And because I love to brag about my sweet hubby, he surprised me with the loveliest lilies I have ever seen! He's kind of wonderful! :)

Here's to hoping this year doesn't fly by as fast as all the others!!

Happy Wednesday to ya!