Shockingly...

I've lived in VA for nearly 8 and a half years and have traveled pretty extensively throughout the state. But, today was the first time I saw tobacco actually growing. (this is in Brunswick Co.).

Slow Progress

Seeing these all together is now funny. Notice Marilyn is always staring at the kitten, while he's just happy to be there.

The Remaining Monuments

As promised, here are the other two Monuments on the far western side of Monument Avenue that I missed in my last post about them.

Maury Monument: I knew nothing of Matthew Fontaine Maury. After a brief amount of reading, it seems he was quite the guy. Although I'm sure being Commander of the Confederate Navy is what landed him on Monument Avenue, that seems to have been a minor accomplishment in his life. However misguided, I appreciate this thirst for science and knowledge and desire to use his mind to benefit his country. Not a bad example.

Arthur Ashe Memorial - The final and furthest west memorial is to tennis great and humanitarian, Arthur Ashe. This one was completed in 1996 after much debate. The Maury Monument had been finished in 1929. That means a full 67 years passed to solidify city impressions on what Monument Avenue stood for. My own opinion is that this is an odd placement for Ashe. He was undoubtedly a GREAT man, and Richmond would be foolish to not celebrate their native son loudly, proudly and prominently. That being said, I don't know that placing him in line with Confederate greats makes the statement that might be intended. I tend to agree with the thought that this spot might have been better served by a Monument to African American Civil War soldiers. It reminds me of the constant debates in DC when a new addition to the National Mall is proposed. I suppose, ultimately, we all have different opinions on what deserves commemoration and how it relates to what has been celebrated in the past and what will be honored in the future.

The Craziest Walk Ever

The nearly autumn air of the last couple days has been too much to resist. After a seminary inservice this morning and then grocery shopping, laundry and putting together enchiladas for tomorrow's Branch potluck - I set out for a walk to enjoy the weather.

I didn't have a route planned when I walked out the door, so I began on what was a normal stroll and decided to extend it. I ended up deciding to try to make it to a certain building and back before dark. (Incidentally, after getting home, I checked my route on Google Maps. Holy cow, it was 6 miles!). Anyway... this was new walking ground for me and the first dramatically interesting thing I came upon was this:

When I left my home, I had not anticipated having to decide whether or not to test how aggressive geese could be tonight. Just didn't even cross my mind. I admit, I was stumped for a few minutes. Even if they didn't chase me, I risked scaring them into the road. I ultimately decided to play it safe, take a picture, and then walk FAR outside of the geese occupied area. Crisis averted.

I reached the building I had set as a goal and turned around to head back on the opposite side of the street my outbound trip had been. Within two blocks I came upon this:

I know what you're thinking and the answer is, "No. I didn't find him asleep on my computer table". I actually found him trying to run and scale trees before he followed me for roughly 33 blocks home. At first, I ignored him. But he kept jogging right along side me and meowing when he got behind. I wanted him to just turn around and head home. When it became clear this was not going to happen, I picked him up during the last few blocks that have heavy traffic and brought him home for the night for some food, water and safety. Tomorrow, we'll find out if someone has reported him missing. He's a very cuddly and affectionate little guy. I think it's clear he's been loved. I hope to reunite him with his family asap.

Marilyn agrees. This is where she's been since he came in the door.

How Did I Miss This One?

Fan Club

I'm very opinionated on political issues, but have tried to keep this site more personal and separate from my work, but I couldn't help but share this one. I liked it too much.

Cucumber Mint Popsicles

I saw this while looking for guidebooks for Minneapolis/St. Paul. One of the local magazines there, The Rake, had it posted. Anyone know where I can find fresh mint? I've been craving julips for a while too! (non-alcoholic ones).


Minty Cucumber Popsicles

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 pound seedless cucumber
3/4 cup freshly chopped mint
2 Tbsp. freshly grated ginger
1 lime, juiced
Pinch salt

Boil sugar and water in small saucepan until dissolved, creating simple syrup. Set aside to cool. Peel cucumbers and chop into chunks. Purée in a blender, adding mint and ginger. Blend until smooth. Add simple syrup and mix until combined, then stir in lime juice and pinch of salt. Pour mix into popsicle mold. Paper cups can also be used, but take care to cover them with plastic wrap before poking through handles or sticks—this will provide stability, ensuring that handles remain upright. Freeze for several hours until hard-set.

To Cheryl

To Cheryl and other friends of mine who are going through the monotonous phase of being a mom to one or more young kids. Diapers, food, dishes, laundry, pick up toys - repeat.

In case you ever doubt the validity of the same day-to-day taks you might have. Please read this article. Do you want to see what life would be like if you ceased to exist to your family? You do more good, every single day, than you know. It not monotony. It's just very slow progress. Go hug your kids.

This is a heartwrenching story.

http://www.tampabay.com/features/humaninterest/article750838.ece

The New Facebook

My opinion?

A few additions, but nothing TOO drastic... I do like the layout better, though.

Monuments on the Avenue

In this installment of "My Richmond Neighborhood Wanderings", I bring you Monuments from Monument Ave. This is only street in the country that is a National Historical Landmark and it's a part of my neighborhood. I don't know that I'll ever get tired of walking it and admiring the houses.

I also want to give the caveat that I didn't get pictures of the Maury and Arthur Ashe monuments. I will do another post with them another time. The evening I took these, I was competing with a setting sun and the two I missed are farther away.

The Robert E. Lee Monument - First to be built (1890). The neighborhood began to grow out from it along the avenue. Lee was, of course, the General of the Army of Northern Virginia and the South's main hero during the Civil War. A West Point grad and accomplished soldier, he turned down offers from the Federal Government to head it's forces because he couldn't raise sword or rifle against his own family and lands of Virginia. I tried to include the trees so you could get an idea of the scale and size of these pieces, although the trees are about 30-40 yards behind the monument.


J.E.B. Stuart Monument - 2nd one erected and the furthest east. I love the evening light cast on the Churches in the background. This is actually the back of the statue. I liked the scenery better this way. Stuart led a cavalry division for the Confederacy and did a lot of intelligence work and sabotage of Northern supply routes.Incidentally, I've been wanting to learn more about JEB since moving here. Not only was he my age when he died, but the place of his death is about 50 feet away from our Church building. I'm feeling a new bond (not a dismal one.. just that I'm more aware of him)



Jefferson Davis Monument - This was the 3rd finished and is directly in front of the Virginia Center for Architecture. This is a closer shot, but the whole monument is semi-circular with a tall column in the middle. It goes without saying, but Davis was the "President" of the Confederacy.

Stonewall Jackson Monument - 4th to be completed and the most major intersection of the 6 total monuments. Jackson is novelly famous for having his arm buried apart from the rest of him. He is also one I'd like to learn more about. He was highly religious, opposed to slavery, a brillant strategist, wonderful familyman and revered by his troops. I will always think of A.T. when I think of Jackson. I'm glad we got to see what's left of the packet boat that carried his body from Richmond to Lexington in Lynchburg together.

I also feel I need to state that, were I alive during the 1860's, I'm sure I would have sided with the Union. I'm not a Southern apologist and I believe things ended the way they were supposed to. But, I also think there are some neat personalities coming out of the Civil War, and it's hard not to get caught up in it living here. I love history!

Day 16

Before moving to my new place, I contemplated satellite vs. traditional cable and regularly checked online to see which companies had the best deals running. I ultimately decided to wait until I got here to make a choice. Magically, upon arrival, when my TV cable was plugged in, sweet entertainment poured directly onto my screen. I decided to see how long it would last, not so much because I was "stealing" cable, but because I assumed the past contact had just not run out yet. I would, therefore, enjoy the tail end of it.

And end it did. 16 days ago. It was a rough Sunday night when I first discovered the situation. I should add that my DVD player had not yet made the move. My next decision was to wait till the first of the month before adding cable again, but this filled me with a certain extent of anxiety. I would miss the 2nd episode of Project Runway. I would miss finding out what adventures the Goselin family had been on with Jon & Kate + 8. I'd miss Glenn Beck and Tucker Carlson and my other favorites for news. Could I do it?

Here's how I survived the last two+ weeks.

1. Movies. Since that fateful Sunday night, I've watched A Beautiful Mind, What About Bob, The Holiday, all installments of Anne of Green Gables, Gods & Generals, Gettysburg, The Jane Austen Book Club, the complete HBO special John Adams, Amazing Grace, Fool's Gold and Definitely, Maybe. (and about 1/2 way through the 16 days, my DVD player got to Richmond)
2. TV Online - I caught up with the episodes of The Office I had missed on the campaign trail and have watched a few shows on BYU TV.
3. Books - A whole book and a half so far (Anything for a Vote and Richmond Burning)

And, you know what I've noticed about myself? After a solid week of withdrawals and struggles, I began to feel a difference. The movies were loaded mostly toward the beginning of these last days, as I couldn't adjust to things be quiet. Heaven knows I've been able to throw away a few late night hours just flipping channels and finding things to entertain me. When that option was gone and I began to purposefully choose my entertainment, the quality drastically improved and I feel much more uplifted. I've learned much.

I've even gotten to the point that I'm seriously considering not signing up for cable. There are two very strong reasons why I still would, though. 1. Olympics and 2. Presidential debates. I don't know that the online option will ever be the same for those.

Agree?

To the ladies -

I'm hoping some of you share my sentiment. Matthew McConaughey in Fool's Gold... not as attractive? I wasn't digging the hair, and I felt like I finally got how typecasted he is. This is a tragedy to me. How could I NOT like him?

Please tell me I'm not crazy.