Just a 'local' guy -

is this week's Friday Feature.

On Sunday, Ronnie and I had the pleasure of meeting Joe Ham.

He was actually in Virginia, not far over the state line, performing at one of the largest vineyards in the state - Breaux

We sat at a table right next to where he was playing and soon connected with him, listening to some "local" music. He sang about Ranson which made us laugh. Then he sang a song that really hit home.

Those of you that have been in the county as long as me (and even longer), will remember this story:

Well-known Charles Town regular found dead at train station 
By DAVE McMILLION | September 28, 2007 CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. - 


He could be seen just about anywhere in town, munching on a snack on a street corner or basking in the sun on a downtown bench. And Willie Diggs had an unmistakable walk, dipping his body in a slow motion walk that some described as a swagger. "Everybody knew Willie. If you didn't know him by name, you knew him by sight," said Roger Ramey, spokesman for Charles Town Races & Slots. Diggs' presence in town sadly came to an end when police found him dead Wednesday night in an old railroad building along Summit Point Road on the western edge of town.


Yep, his song was about "Diggs"!  We shared stories about the famous guy and then Joe told me he had a picture.  Of course, I just had to have a copy =)

Diggs Loved his ice cream....and could be seen at Dairy Queen often but this cone was from downtown Charles Town.

But, back to the featured guy, Joe is an outstanding musician.  He can be heard in Harpers Ferry at the Canal House Cafe as well as many wineries.  Click here to find out where you can find Joe!

You can also follow him on Facebook.  


It's great to see such "local" talent!  I am sure you will agree.

Today is.....

Fat Tuesday! That means ALL the pancakes we can eat.

Cuz we gotta get filled up before LENT starts tomorrow!l Yeehaa!

So we headed to the local fire company just like we used to do when I was a kid with my Grandaddy Walker, waiting in a line like I've never seen before and chatted with people we haven't seen in a while. And it was soooo worth it!

What will you be giving up for LENT?!

The "boys" names are.....

(drum roll please) -----

Bow and Arrow!  That's right.  They were born the day before Valentine's Day so Cierra was determined to find 'catchy' names associated with the holiday.  Her first lamb 5 years ago was born on this special day so ended up with the name "Cupid".

Bow was born first....he's all black.  Arrow was second and last, struggling a little after birth and the next morning.  With a little help from Dr. Shawna =)  Within 48 hours he was well on his way and is now bigger than his brother.

I'm thinking Arrow will be Cierra's market lamb and today she already tried the harness on.  Looks like a little 'sissy' with the pink so I'm thinkin' she needs to dig out some other colors, ha!

It's WINTER....

but somehow it's feelin' like Spring 'round here! 

Can it be because it was 55 degrees at 6:00 last night?

Or because we've gotten the baseball schedule?

Or because Granny took Cierra shopping for shorts?!

Or just maybe because it's time for DAYTONA, baby =) We decided not to go again this year but I peeked at the 10 day forecast. Hmmmm.....lookin' pretty sweet!

But that's ok, because it's just as nice to watch it right here in the comfort of our own 'bar' AND, it's a lot cheaper. And cheaper?! Well, that's good these days.

I know there's still 30 days till Spring officially is here but.....happy 'early' Spring y'all!

February 18, 2011

National Drink Wine Day!

so CHEERS!

Friday's feature -

Speaking of "LOCAL" - This week I am featuring -

click HERE to learn more about this great resource.  Eric Chrisman (who just happens to be our friend =) has everything available in just a click from medical to schools, events, restaurants, you name it and he's got information for you.

You can also 'like' them on Facebook.  And, if you're already a local with suggestions or events, just let him know, he'll be sure to get your event on the board.

Today WAS the day!

That's right! Reba gave birth to the sweetest set of twin lambs we have ever seen =)

Ronnie just missed the actual birthing by a few minutes but quickly saw that Reba is a wonderful 'Mommy'. From what we can tell (lol) they are both boys so names are still being decided.

Cierra's very first ever, lamb was born on Valentines' day so she's leaning toward something to do with the holiday AND a rhyme. If you have suggestions, feel free to let us know!

February - - - 12 on the 12th

It's already been a month, geez! Here's my twelve photos on the 12th of the month -

Shhhh.....

I'm trying to listen -

Are you wondering why we dug these out with no baby in the house?!  Well...it's because this Momma is  ready to lamb any time now, yippee!

So just in case we're home and hear her, I want to be ready to witness this event.  Can you tell we're just a little excited?!

Oh and did I mention that it's another beautiful day in the neighborhood?!  Just enough snow to make a very pretty landscape -

Friday's Feature -

This is the first of my "Friday's Feature" which will highlight local businesses.  I'm excited to be able to share what we know about the locals however if there's a place you'd like to know more about, feel free to send me a note and we'll go check it out.

And....this week's feature is....(drum roll please)
Bloomery Plantation Distillery

Last weekend we visited this quaint place and enjoyed spending a few hours with Linda and Rob -

They are open Friday and Saturday 11 am - 8 pm with live music from 6 - 8. This guy, Dan Cronin was doubly talented =)  harmonica and guitar.

They are known for their limoncello - with different flavors.

The lemon and rasberry were tasty and perfect for a cold, snowy night.

But........ this story kinda reminds me of the saying 'you can't judge a book by it's cover'.

You see, this quaint place is a fun place. It's a place to go hang out among friends. It's a place where for just a little while, the world stops.

But inside this book there's totally more. You see Linda (from above) is more than a Cello maker. She's more than one who welcomes you in on a cold winter night. She's more than the lady that hugs you good-bye and says "I hope to see you soon".  There's more to her story. And if you have a while and are interested, click HERE.

Once I did, I was hooked.  I spent hours becoming more acquainted with Linda and once again knew that God always puts us in the right place at the right time.  To me, Linda qualifies as 'an angel among us'.  She has so much to offer and her journey is definitely something to read about and the video of her Journey is a MUST!  So grab a cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy!

And don't forget, if you happen to be out and about on Friday or Saturday, you too can meet Linda!

School days -

These days there's really not much happenin' on the school front.  With our mild winter, they haven't missed any 'snow' days which means there's a possibility that they will get out earlier.

Luckily both Cierra and Chase like school..  They get up without a battle, eat breakfast and off they go.

When I try to figure out why it's so easy, here's a few things contributing factors.....

I mean who wouldn't be happy to see their bff and a favorite teacher EVERY day?!

And this guy?!

Well, wouldn't you be happy if your classmates picked you as the "Best Dressed 8th Grade Boy"?!  Way to go =)  (of course Cierra is taking FULL credit for this one!)

Just because they like school doesn't mean they aren't counting down til Spring Break.  Fifty eight days and we'll be heading some place warm, sunny (hopefully) and relaxing.......NONE of us can wait!

Tomorrow kicks off the weekend - I hope you all are having a great week so far.

GOOD food -

 Yummy veggie soup =)

'catchy' commercials - Doritos, ha!

competitive football -

and then there's Madonna!

Loved her way back when

and love her still!

I'll admit I'm not a football fan: don't really understand the game but LOVED the festivities!

But....Ya know what my favorite thing about Superbowl Sunday was?!

You got it!  The season premier of The Voice!  LOVE it!

Noah's Ark -

Many, many years ago when it rained for 40 days and 40 nights Noah's Ark was built on Mount Ararat.  What does that have to do with this place?

Well, it kinda is a trick question.  Can you figure it out?

Ok, probably not.  So here's the story:

Last Saturday we visited Tarara Winery.  This winery sits on a huge piece of land.

Once inside,

we were greeted by Jordan -

who seemed like just an ordinary guy.

We spent over an hour tasting the wines and LOVED them all.

and heard the story of this beautiful vineyard.  The property is over 400 acres.  It seems that many years ago Whitie Strong bought this property as a surprise for his wife.  She loved the beach so wasn't quite sure about 'here' vs. the beach.  But...fear not, he fixed that by creating a sandy beach area by the man made lake.  Just for her.  Now that's LOVE =)

When they came to see the property, there was a major flood underway.  (it sits on the Potomac River)  And the grandkids thought they should build the house on the highest point just like Noah's Ark.  Now Ararat wasn't a very catchy name so they spelled it backwards and got TARARA!  And now they can honestly say they are just a little backwards, lol!

There are eight farm hands that live on the property including the winemaker, Jordan!  Yep, that's the Jordan that greeted us.  Guess he's not 'so ordinary', huh?!

Whitie died back suddenly back in 2007.  His wife is now 83 and lives above the tasting room.  We were able to go 'back stage' and see her home. Everything is just perfect.  She has a green house -

Paintings are throughout with a nice cozy sitting area with a fireplace.  And on Sunday's they open her home up to Members of the Winery.  How cool!

So ya see?!  Every winery really does have a story.

I dream every day that one day we will be able to tell our story, doing what we love.