Day of Wineries

So we were able to spend the day going to wineries with our friends Ruth and Jeff.

Instead of one big blog I'm breaking into wineries.

It was a fun, but long day and we managed to cover six wineries in one day. Whew! It made for a long day!

A Weekend Discovery

I know I've been lax on the blog. There's no excuse other than I've been lazy. So prepare for random posts!

So during October, I believe it was the weekend of the seventh, Jim and I were taking a Sunday drive when we came across the Military Aviation Museum out near Pungo. We decided that it was time to go and check it out. We're crazy like that sometimes.

All of these photos were taken with my iPhone. Seriously, I must start bringing my camera with me! Had to get a photo of the 'Fighter Factory'. Many planes are in here.

As luck would have it there was an event going on that very day. So we decided to check it out. They were having the WWI Bi-Planes and Tri-Planes Airshow. Planes, as you can see, were not the only thing there. They had re-en actors there and cars. And of course numerous planes.

I HAD to get a shot of this sexy little Jag. So pretty!!

This is inside the Fighter Factory. My phone could not do it justice. It's much wider.

All the planes in here are flyable. I think that's probably one of the coolest things about it. That they are all functional. Doesn't matter if they're replicas or not.

Jim laughingly called it the hangar of sex. Guess you have to really be into planes to get that one. LOL

The rest of these are photos of just a few of the planes that were there. I'm not the one who knows about this stuff. That's Jim's department, but he's been really busy as of late.

This is an amphibious car. First vehicle we actually came across during our time there.

And yes it does as the name implies. It goes in the water!

I had to get a picture of this remote control plane. October is breast cancer awareness month. Save the ta-tas!!!

And what better way to end this blog than with a picture of my sweetie with his favorite plane, the Corsair. Man I'm jealous of that plane.

If you're ever in the area, I definitely recommend checking it out. You can learn a lot.

General's Ridge

So on the 5th of this month we went to the Northern Neck in Virginia and tried out some wineries.

Our destination of choice was General's Ridge Vineyard. Originally General's Ridge started out as a B & B with a fabulous view of the vineyards. The grapes were sold to other wineries up until recently.

After driving up through the vineyard you come to the lovely tasting room.

It's warm and inviting. A lovely place to sit while sipping a glass of one of their wines while catching up with friends. They also have a lovely menu of appetizer type snacks. My only regret is that we arrived so late that we didn't get to try the tempting treats listed on the menu.

The staff is helpful and ever so knowledgeable.

Shout out to Gary for the awesome tasting!

We tried eight different wines!

Which really tickled me. Since they just opened this year!

The GRV White, which has a touch of sweetness to it. But I could so see it as a summer wine for many people.

The Chardonnay, which was nice since it was 50% steel and 50% neutral French Oak. Which pleased me because I don't care for oaky Chardonnays, because I always feel like a hamster chewing on a wood chip.

The GRV Viognier, which we both enjoyed. Which is really saying something because we don't really care for Viogniers. We ended up taking 2 bottles of this home. I know you're shocked right?

The GRV Rose, which I felt was a bit too sweet for my taste. But still I can see this as a really nice summer sipping wine.

The GRV Red that was quite nice. It's a beautiful blend of Chambourcin and Merlot. We had to have 2 bottles of this as well.

The Westmoreland Red, which has Cabernet Franc in it. I'm not a big fan of Cabernet Franc, but that's okay as I'm sure other's can truly appreciate it.

The Merlot was truly nice. And I'm not really a Merlot person. And no it's not because of the stupid movie Sideways. Merlot tends to give me a headache for some reason. That didn't stop us from taking home 2 bottles though!

And last but not least was the Pinot Noir. It's quite young, so I'm not sure I can make too much of a judgement about it.

All in all we were very pleased with our experience. And I had to take a close up of the bar. I love how it's made of old doors and wine barrels.

I would DEFINITELY recommend wines from here. And if you're ever in the area, do make sure to stop by and do a tasting. I think you'll be pleased.

Vault Field Vineyards

So on Friday we decided to head to the Northern Neck to hit some of our favorite wineries.

Our first stop was Vault Field Vineyards (as the title implies). At the moment they only have 3 wines to try, but they were all good. It saddens me when there's not more on the tasting list, but it's also a good thing. It means that the wines are selling. So that is good.

They are gearing up for bottling very soon, so I had to get a shot of all the barrels and prep work that was going on.

We were lucky, because while we were there we got to try the Conundrum before it was bottled. I believe we were told that it was going to be filtered one more time before bottling. Both of us agreed that it is quite good and can't wait for it's release.


Of course we got to see our favorite artist, Phil McKenney, because he was pouring the wine. All in all it was a GREAT experience.

New Family Member!

Hi! My name is Darby. And let me tell you that I think this is the GREATEST day of my life.

As of today I found my forever family. And I really think I can get the hang of this. I'm enjoying all the room I have now and you should see my big back yard! I love the bed and the couch is awesome! When my new parents noticed me shivering, they found me a perfect sized blanket. Now I can doze while we watch True Grit.

I really don't want to sleep though, because I'm afraid this is just one amazing dream. But they keep saying it's okay and they will be there when I wake up. Maybe I'll just rest my eyes a bit.

We were able to bring Darby home today! They say she's a chihuahua short hair mix. I don't know that I see it, but it's in her record. She's a darling one year old. A bit timid, but I'm sure with time she will get over that. She has a few minor issues that we will be clearing up soon, but other than that she's perfectly fine.

She loves cuddles and hugs. She's gobbling up the attention. I know she enjoys laying on the couch and the bed is intriguing. There are tons of sniffs for to investigate. The cats are unimpressed and she has no true interest in them other than the occasional sniff.

You can tell that she's just so happy to be here. And that makes me love her all the more.

In Memory of Kaiser

On June 1st our 14 year old dog, Kaiser, passed away. It's the hardest decision that a pet owner can make, but we promised ourselves that if his quality of life was not what it should be then we would do what we had to. An excruciating decision.

A few days later we got a sympathy card from our vet's office with a poem enclosed. It was very true and really struck home for me. So as a tribute to my companion, friend, protector and furry child I will share some photos and the poem. You may want to get a hanky handy. I'm just warning you.

If you never met Kaiser, then you truly missed out. Although he was leery of men, he was an extremely lovable boy. He smiled often and loved to hug. Oh and he was truly a ladies man.

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this — the last bat tle — can’t be won.

You will be sad I under stand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend,

Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kind ness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffer ing I have been saved.
Don’t grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We’ve been so close — we two — these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
– Author unknown

And we did.

Goodbye most beloved boy!

A Wish From Us To You...

We would like to send out best wishes to all the mom's out there.

Happy Mother's Day!