Lazy days wine festival on Saturday was a success. At least in my mind. We tried a number of different wines from a bunch of different wineries. Lots that were way too sweet, but some were really good. Along with the wine there was music, food, fire dancers, a petting zoo with a baby camel, hedgehogs, the cutest kids, snakes, a giant Flemish rabbit, and a Patagonian cavy. I bought some chocolate and a bottle of wine for my co-worker that was watching Maddog for the weekend.
The Outback being used to its full potential. Full hackback, and stuff loaded on top.
Unfortunately, it seems I've come down with a cold or bug of some sort. Sat. morning I woke up and had a bit of scratchy throat. Stuffy/runny nose to go with it and a mild headache. Can't let it hold you back though. We camped out Saturday night at James River state park. Cooked up some amazing dinner, followed by an equally amazing breakfast. We rented some tubes and floated a couple miles down the river where a van picked us up. Great weekend.
camp fire in the morning
breakfast: fried plantains, chicken sausage, scrambled eggs with salmon and veggies, french press coffee; devoured.
It's really hard to believe that it's the middle of June in VA. With low to mid 70's and super low humidity, you'd think we were in Colorado. We used this fantastic day to go rafting on the James river through the city. And most people think, "really!?" because it doesn't look like there is anything really fun about rafting through the city. They are wrong. Get a fun group of friends, a great guide, and the river running a little high, and it's great fun. Hollywood rapids and Pipeline rapids had us forgetting we were in the middle of Richmond.
Bar-b-queing some farm fresh veggies and burgers after rafting was a great way to end the night. The hosts were so thoughtful, getting gluten free buns for those of us trying to get off the wheat train. Much appreciated.
I finished my first class! After a fubar on the computer, I got things settled and done. I learned a good bit of "traditional" food knowledge and was still able to get a good grade. Class two starts on Monday, so this weekend was like my spring break or something.
After the farmer's market on Saturday where I got some duck eggs, I attended my first children's' dance recital. They were 3-5 yr olds and it was awesome! It was nothing like I was expecting. Other than being insanely crowded, it was great. The kids were hilarious! They had obviously been practicing, but at that age, I don't think even know what rhythm is, and don't have very good proprioception. Some kids were better than others of course, the oldest ones being the best. They were crazy cute, and some obviously liked being in the lime light.
Check out the little girl in the middle who's jumping and waving at the end. And yes, that's who we were there to see. So great.
Dinner at Carytown sushi was good afterwards. And dessert in the form of different flavored chocolate bars was sweet. Almond, coconut, cardamon, cinnamon, ginger... good stuff. Giant fist bump good.
Slept in on Sunday and then went riding. Great weather again. Felt good during. Definitely tired after. Sunday was father's day, and while I couldn't hang out with mine, we talked for a bit, and was excited for my friend Kirk and his first father's day! Sunday funday with Kaz for some dinner and a movie was the best way to round out the weekend.
If you've made it this far, check out the video below. What a great song!
Friday afternoon I went for a mtn bike ride on the usual, yet still amazing Buttermilk/Northbank loop trails, with the Forest Hill loop mostly included. Dinner with Kaz after, and then we tried to watch a movie but I mistakenly brought the wrong disc and so we watched some old SNL best of Will Ferrell.
I did a bit of school work stuff on Saturday. Reading, studying, quiz taking. Laundry and some clean up and prep for a cookout gathering. My deviled eggs were the best yet, and along with the largest salmon you've ever seen, and a bunch of other goodies including Farmers market quash and veggies, and a giant salad, we had a feast. Dessert was some fried plantains with chocolate (amazing!). Everything was excellent. Thanks to Kaz for hosting and everyone for bringing great food!
Sunday was nice and slow getting started, but then Kaz and I headed out to Hanover to go for a road ride. I borrowed a road bike from my boss, and we headed out for a 22 mile ride. We figured we see how we were feeling and if we were feeling really good, we'd opt for the 32 mile loop at the decision point. Well, there were some arrows on the street for biking directing us in a different direction than the map originally said, and we decided to follow the arrows. That was probably our first mistake. Then there were others, and then we were really tired and just ready to be done riding. That was around 35 miles. And we had 8 more to go to get back to the car. The weather was hot, but low humidity so it could've been worse, but we collectively put away 8+ liters of liquid and still weren't peeing. Dehydrated anyone? It's Wednesday and my legs are still fatigued. We did get to see a foal and its dam and ride through some picturesque countryside. I'd do it again, but a bit fewer miles would be preferred.
I'm almost done with class number 1. The diet analysis project is due today, and my final is tomorrow. And then class number 2 starts Monday. I'm also going to start volunteering at Appomattox Health and Wellness center doing some diabetes nutrition counseling to gain some experience and log some volunteer hours for school. I'm looking forward to it. Along with softball tonight, my schedule feels full, but full of good stuff!
Kaz!
foal
Here's the much less intense mountain bike ride on Friday afternoon with Carter. The new skills park on Belle Isle is pretty cool too! We timed it perfectly (unknowingly) and ran into Kaz on Belle isle who was out with the mutts on a run. Awesome!
Played softball Friday for about 20 min until it got rained out. Got some dinner at The Mill, and bought some g-free beer at Once Upon a Vine. Went to the farmers market Saturday morning and got some amazing food. Bike riding Saturday and Sunday, school work, cooking and the Body Worlds exhibit at the Science museum took up most of the rest of the weekend. Unbeatable weather and the best company!
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