My Walk This Morning....

the Mother of All Libraries

When we moved to VA, almost the first thing we did, after unloading the truck, was to find the local library and to get ourselves library cards.

There is just something about libraries, they make me feel at home no matter where I am. I think it's all the time I spent at Grandma Barbara's library growing up. Among the stacks, I just feel like me. I love knowing I can go somewhere and find books and new things and check them out to my heart's content.

I actually spent a lot of time at the library the first few weeks. Without internet at home (gasp), I would run down almost daily to use the net and to check out books.

This last weekend, Heber and I went into the city to tour the mother of all libraries, the Library of Congress.

They have a copy of every book published in the U.S. What makes it even better (if that's possible) is the beautiful architecture of the main building, the Jefferson Library. This is the library with the iconic round reading room. It is on my list of life goals to get a card there and spend an afternoon reading.

The neatest exhibit of all was the collection of Thomas Jefferson's book. It was his book collection that started the Library of Congress. Thank goodness for the foresight to recognize the need for libraries and open access to anyone! Almost all of the books in his collection are on display in round shelves. This picture does not even do it justice.

And the architecture, Oh my. This was one beautiful building. It could rival anything in Europe.

The Best

You know there is one really great thing about living in VA. Since we've been out here, I've been seeing a lot more of Heb. He's home at 5 almost every night. Totally unheard of and I am one happy camper.

It hasn't brought anything big, we just get to spend time together. We get to laugh while cooking dinner together. We make trips to home depot and work on hanging pictures together. We talk about our new baby and what he's going to look like. It's all just small things.

I guess we really are the only people ever to move to DC to slow down. So, so glad it worked.

Glass and Dreams

I had a crazy dream last night. I was here in VA and Heber came home from work saying that he was going to be transferred for his job to California. I did not want to move again. I did not want to leave. I kept saying that I never got to visit the glass studio (YES, there is a flamework studio that is 5 minutes from my house - heaven! I can go there an use an oxygen torch. And they are soon to get a full glass blowing studio. LOVE!)

Hmm..I must be settling in here or perhaps I just know what a hassle it is to move and I don't want to do it again for a while. I take it as a sign that I'm liking it here. As with anything new, it took some time to get used to but we are finally moved in and starting to have friends.

Speaking of torch studios, I had a private session this last week. This studio uses a slightly different torch than I'm used to and I needed a bit of a lesson to get me up to speed. It's more powerful and I can work more glass at one time. I came home so inspired last week.

Here's something I learned - COOL!

Upcoming

In just a couple short weeks, I'm making the trek back west. I'm so excited! For what? Well, to see my nephews and to be called "Ya-ya." For snowcones, to see friends and family (we were so busy finishing school, I feel like we left in a whirlwind), and to have a fabulous baby shower - it's going to be epic.

Why so soon? Didn't you just move? Well, I'm heading back for work for a couple of weeks but I sure hope to fit in some fun. I'll be spending some time in Logan, SLC and Park City (which is where the conference is).

The only rain cloud on this whole adventure? Well, Hebs will be holding down the fort in Virginia. He'll be working in D.C. and keeping everything going. What are we going to do without each other for two whole weeks? It will totally take us back to our long distance dating days - except this time, he's the one in D.C., weird.

I'm looking forward to it. I feel like Heb and I are finally settling in here and getting into the groove. It might almost feel weird to be back.

Fireworks and Fourths

It was the 4th of July just a few days ago but it seems so long ago. Why is that? It hasn't been particularly busy, I guess life just moves on. But, the 4th of July was great here!

We threw a BBQ at our house and invited several families to make it feel more like a holiday. I succeeded in cooking my first pot of Lawrence Baked Beans, and they were delicious.

We laid out the spread of 7 layer dip, macaroni salad and watermelon.

After we recovered from our food coma, we made our way down to see the fireworks. A 4th is just not complete without fireworks and how could we be so close and not go?

One of the best parts of waiting was spending the evening waiting for fireworks with the family of this little darling. I can't say how nice it is to have some family in the area. We are so thankful to be able to spend time with them. And mooching off their great fireworks viewing spot was not too bad either.

We saw some of the most incredible fireworks I have ever seen. Check this picture. You see how small the Washington Monument looks? The fireworks were huge!!!

Fireworks

We just watched the fireworks over the National Mall and let me tell you, they put on a show. We had some great seats and good company and only had to wait for 3 hours, which is pretty good for out here.

Fireworks always make me feel like a kid. There is no way that I can look up into the sky and not feel the excitement of a 5 year old. I hope it's a feeling that continues on.

I guess you could say that I'm somewhat of a firework traditionalist. I don't mind just watching fireworks. I don't really need them to be choreographed to music because you know they always choose the cheesy Neil Diamond hits. I just like to watch them.

Whenever I think of the 4th, I think of Grantsville. I have so many good memories of 4th's in Grantsville where we would watch the fireworks out on the back lawn or even earlier when we would watch at the back of Grandpa Dave's field. We would munch on the traditional homemade pineapple ice cream while wrapped up in blankets.

There is just something so special and magical about celebrating the 4th of July. Back in the day, we would decorate our bikes to ride in the parade. My parents would help us go all out and we would proudly pedal our way down Main Street with red, white and blue streamers woven through our tires and sparkles waving in the wind. It's one of those holidays that is fun, no matter how old you are (come on, halloween is not that fun as an adult).

There is even more to say about our day and our first holiday here but I'm sure ready to sleep tonight. Another post will follow.

Moving East

This last week, Loni, Wren-babe, Juddie and her husband Steve moved into their new home in Wisconsin.

I know this is kind of selfish, but I'm happy they're moving out East. Wisconsin, though far away, is still closer than SLC.

We've had some really good times over the years and we're hoping to be able to see them more.



Cheers to moving East!