Family Day -

Saturday of OC Bikefest was spent with family -  It was a beautiful day (well except for the little shower we ran into =)

After the 'bench blessing' we headed over the bridge 

and into Chincoteague - 

LOVE this little town.....Ronnie has so many memories from this water town and we brought the kids here a few times for the annual pony swim.  We were on a mission to get to the Assateague Lighthouse.  Ronnie had heard that you can now walk up (the last time we were here you couldn't).  And there it is - off in the distance.

And we made it -

We parked our bikes and met up with Saylor and Orly then quickly realized the lighthouse actually closed at 2:30.  It was 2:35 =(

But we walked up the trail with high hopes -

And what a beauty!

We couldn't go in - just missed the last group but we took some selfies -

Then rode to the beach, stopping to check out the ponies along the way -

Such a beautiful place -

We found a great place for lunch -

An oyster sandwich for Ronnie -

And homemade chicken salad for me - the proof was in the mix....my own little wishbone ;)

And even though we really weren't hungry, we had to have Mr. Whippies icecream before we left the island -

Some of us even had two (j/k)

Such a fun day with my sister and bro-in-law and this cute couple -

And last but certainly not least we had to stop at one of Ronnie's all time fav kid stops -

All he wanted was a cherry coke so I had to run in just to make sure they still made them.  Sure enough this special lady said "YEP"

before I saw the menu, ha!

Ronnie talked to her for a while and reminisced about old time then requested 7 straws to share his dream drink -

I think all of us tried a sip but he was able to enjoy most of it -

I mean who could really take any amount from this happy kid?!

Then back over the bridge and away from the sunset -

We were hurrying to make it to our balcony before it was completely gone -  YES!!

A quick run later for some subs (another biker friendly joint)

And before we knew it the night was gone.  With the dreaded facing us in the morning......having to leave the sand and sea.  I hate to leave but there's always a part I leave there.  Just so I have to go back. xoxo

WARNING.....

This is yet another post about a winery (actually TWO wineries), ha!  Yes, we are that population that 'goes to wineries' and get bad rap BUT....we do have friends and acquaintances that like our reviews on wineries we visit so I chose to opt out of the negative nellies and post for the positive patties LOL

So one Sunday afternoon a month or so ago we decided to search for a new winery - living so close to Virginia, that's a pretty easy task.  And sure enough I found this one -

It was up in the woods, just a little =) and the road was a little steep...

But we made it!

And once inside could clearly see it was a combination of art and wine -

The owners are husband and wife.  They designed the entire building and grounds.  She is an artist.  Beautiful!

And the wines - didn't disappoint either.  Seems as if they have that 'art' down pat, too.

We definitely agreed Arterra was a 'good find' and one we will visit again.  It is located in Delaplane just off 17 (yes, the road you have to go 45 mph or else).  There are several in that area so make a day of it!

Just a few miles away is one that we have visited once and loved everything about it.  The view -

The wine -

The two sisters that kept things cleaned up (and the owners were super friendly too)

A lovely building to hang out when it's too hot or too cold -

The music -

Even Jill -  She's a beauty.

I think one of the requirements for a winery is that it has to have a perfect spot to see the sunset.  Ah ha!

We even finished up having dinner at one of our favorite locals -

That about covers our day last month.  Fun times.  Good people.  Good food.  Yep - two great wineries.

Hesitant....

I'm always hesitant to say much about a 17 year old and a 'new'/used car but when I looked back through the pictures, I could see the excitement.  AND...we have to keep Nanny up to date =)

So this is Chases' 3rd car.  But after a few inconveniences, we decided to bite the bullet and look into a dependable car with a warranty.  I found one a little less sporty and cheaper than this but it all worked out (in Chase's benefit =).  And the day finally came to sign the papers and pick it up.  I have to say that Shockley is awesome to deal with.  We have purchased 3 cars from them.

Now every day I just pray for safety, for peace, for an uneventful 17th year (and 18th and 19th....)

Hot Dogs -

Not good for babies.....they can choke.
Not made from the 'best' ingredients.
Not one of my 'go to' or favorite foods.
Not my pick when hamburgers are an option.

But...I love these buns -

so that means I have to eat hot dogs - but I can make them special!

Who wouldn't think it is easier to eat hot dogs with all the toppings when they are sliced on the top?  Seriously....

We first found these in Cooperstown, NY.  We were gathering all the rolls possible for a cook-out.  They were an 'off' brand but I fell in love.  That was May.....four months ago!  And now that I know Pepperidge Farm makes them we won't have hotdogs without buns sliced on top, ha!

The Bench -

At the Beach - Where you can sit and chat with my Dad =)

The Bench - that faces the ocean.  It's close to Thrashers and a few other places he used to enjoy.    Wayyyy back in the day, while we soaked up the sun.

On Sunday Pastor Joanna 'blessed his bench'.  It was a perfect little service where she wrote/read a poem just for Dad -

In a sunny spot resides a new bench,

It would be a perfect place to sit on the boardwalk

with children sitting at your feet teaching them all that

you know about animals, about the great outdoors,

from a time when they experienced in person

not on the Discovery Channel, not on TV.

You could read a book to them there too

you could sit quietly in the sunshine 

and nurse an unfortunate animal back to health.

You could just sit, your coffee in hand and take it all in

or let it all out, your choice.

But you will never do any of these things on this bench

in the sunny spot among the planks and concrete and

smooth river rocks painted in your honor by the children 

to whom you are missed because the bench is dedicated 

with your name on it in memory of you.

It was a heart warming day.  Every summer at least once he took me there.  Because of that, a part of my heart will always be by the sea.  And now, I can sit and chat with hm each time we visit......praying that he hears me and wishing so he could talk back.  

Once the dedication was complete, Pastor Joanna passed out rocks - river rocks - painted with his favorite words.  PERFECT!

Equation

I can't remember the name of the game show but I used to LOVE it!  Basically you put pictures together to make a phrase.  So....I'm gonna play that little game =)

What does this

Plus this

Plus this

Equal?  It equals Bella with a cone recuperating from surgery to spay her and microchip.  Poor Bella....

But since she is being 'supervised', I saved her -

And I think she is 'resting comfortably'!  Yep, this is gonna be fun.