Yesterday

We loaded up the van yesterday (Erin, it's the same van we've had since 2005) and hit the road by 9:00.  After dropping Holly off with Nana and Pop, we got underway.  Brien and I, as I have mentioned, have a thing about traveling roads other than the Interstate.  Yes, we'll take the big roads if we have an agenda and are in a hurry, but if not, B will pull out the road map (I'm the driver, he's the navigator) and plan our route.  Yesterday, it was Rt. 6 to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and from there to 81 and the 'burg (the neighbor boy is taking care of the puddies and the buns and his parents are keeping an eye on things for us).

The trouble with taking the roads less traveled is that they are less traveled, meaning there is a dearth of rest areas and food stops.  We had thought to eat prior to getting on the Parkway, but oops, didn't.  We were feeling more than a wee smidge peckish when we came upon the Wild Wolf Brewing Company right by Wintergreen.

YES!  Pub grub is friendly grub, and B happens to like a good microbrew.  The food was awesome, and B enjoyed a flight of the brewery's offerings. :o)

It was a fun little place (really cool history if you check out the link) and had a couple of nifty stores on its compound.

We could see this koi pond from our seat in the restaurant.  The girls were a bit squirrelly (imagine that) after their long car ride so we went out to the gazebo to enjoy the view and the weather.

I saw our food being served so we headed back in to dine.

Here's the compound.  Check out that sky!

The girls were enchanted with the water wheel.

That little pond with the water wheel was filled with tadpoles!  There are going to be heap big bunches of froggies within a few weeks!

We hit the road again and I had a difficult time stopping myself from pulling off at every overlook to snap photos.

It was still pretty barren green-wise in the higher elevations.  As moved lower, though, there was green and flowers everywhere.  :o)

This was taken at the Peaks of Otter parking lot.  I think B and I should go there some time.  :o)

 After a seven hour trip (which is typically 4.5 or 5), we made it to Lissie's.  The girls were beat, B and I were whipped, but boy was the trip worth it. 

We had Macado's for dinner, and B and I had to stop by CVS for a couple of things.  While we were there, I found this:

Now, for those of you unschooled in the rivalry that is Virginia Tech/University of Virginia, let me give you a rundown.  Tech's colors are Chicago Maroon and Burnt Orange.  Our shirts say "Virginia Tech" or "Hokies".  UVA's colors are Orange and Navy and their shirts say, "Virginia". 

So, the shirt above is rather confused.  Is it a Hokie shirt?  Is it a 'Hoo's shirt?  We have maroon sleeves with an orange body and navy writing that is merely "Virginia".  Yup, all kinds of messed up.  :shakes head:

B and I visited St. Mary for church this morning and now I need to try to figure out how to shape a palm frond into a cross.  Anyone have any ideas? 

Tomorrow we'll breakfast at Gillie's (YUM!) and then Liss, Lily and I will go off to have a bit of a girls' morning out while B plays with Ellie downtown.  Then, tomorrow afternoon and evening we're off to visit with GG and Bill.  Yay! :o)

**************************
Sparklies:

1.  See above!

No milestones.

***************************
My relative continues to be critically ill.  Please continue to pray and send up positive thoughts for them.