Beautiful Fall Day

After a gloomy, rainy, cool week we weren't sure what to expect when we drove to Norfolk yesterday to visit son, DIL and granddaughters. We had a little rain when we first got there and went out to the boats our son now is assigned to but by the time we left the sun was popping out and it turned out to be a beautiful day. We came home to rain again last night, but that was okay. Here are a couple of pictures of the L-CAC's our son is assigned to. They carry tanks, trucks, equipment and marines from ship to shore when out at sea.

One of our reasons for going was to take B a flute. She is a new 6th grader and playing flute in band and one of my co-workers (thanks Peggy) has twin girls who played flute and just happened to have a flute to sell. We couldn't forget N - she got a new trike! I got this at the etoys sale last week and planned for it to be a birthday or Christmas present, but decided this time of year was much better for a riding toy. Her feet don't quite reach the pedals yet, but she can scoot it, push it, or her favorite, open the seat and put toys in and out of the storage area underneath. She loved that part.

B demonstrating her new flute for us.

After our trip to the Navy base, we drove to Virginia Beach and ate a great barbecue lunch at Beach Bully's (apparently a local favorite). Now, what should I order today?

Then we went to the VA Beach Farmer's Market and visited the pumpkin patch.

You can see here the clouds are still hanging around.

If you could guess a pumpkin's weight within 1/4 lb. you got it free. One of the ones we bought was 17.5 lbs and son had guessed it at 17.8. How close!

We ended the day with ice cream at a local dairy which has a store at the farmer's market and declicious hand made ice cream. Miss N just plopped herself in the middle of the table and was fed by everybody. A great day!

Friday Night Random Thoughts

So many random thoughts tonight. Lots of people on my mind for some reason. I just read a blog written by Kim, who lost her two teenage daughters last November in a terrible car accident. How do you get through that? She and her 8 year old daughter seem to be coping very well, but it hurt my heart.


My cute-as-a-button nephew Travis, who I can't believe is old enough, is now in Iraq. I can hardly even hear the word Iraq now.

This is Travis and his equally cute-as-a-button sister - Lindsay, who thankfully is still safe at home!










Also, my brother-in-law, (DH's wonderful sister's wonderful husband) - is in the hospital with heart problems which are worrisome. He went to doctor for another problem, found out he had a carotid artery blockage in his neck and six heart blockages. They scheduled the carotid artery surgery this week and then planned the heart surgery in a couple of weeks. He has had a hard time since the first surgery though, and a minor heart attack, so he is scheduled now for his open heart surgery Monday.

On a lighter note - the surveyors left work today - and the building is still standing! It seemed to go pretty well, and the best part is - they won't be back till next year!

On a knitting note - I just started my first adult sweater. I have knitted a few simple baby sweaters, but decided to try one for me. I am making the Bamboozle Bobble Sampler Pullover with Cascade Pima Tencel. It's a short sleeve summer sweater. I'll post pictures later, after I get a little more done.

Some good news - you may have heard of this blog, if not check it out. Nate & Tricia are a young couple in North Carolina. She has cystic fibrosis and in January had a premature baby and then a double lung transplant. They have both been in Duke University Hospital since January. Last week Tricia was able to go home and this week the baby was also discharged. It is a very inspiring story.