Some of you may be wondering....what is a shopka and why is it in a garden. Others may be wondering how I am referencing a garden at all seeing as I no longer live close to the Simmons family garden or my Auntie's garden....
This was a special request from my dad. He wanted to be in his beloved garden...wearing a shopka. That is russian for big, fuzzy, fluffy hat.
Dad, here is your wish.
Happy Birthday dad! I know its snowing in Siberia (its raining here in VA) but, I want you to have a little sunshine on your day! Love you!!
Mom, since you also enjoy these "mash-ups" consider my Sunflower picture your birthday present...a little cheer and brightness amid all the grey and white!
Laray Caverns. A beautiful underground fairy land built from thousands of years of natural evolution. Breathtaking.
What a lovely day! Today was filled with pure happiness. I spent the first part of the morning hand picking my produce at the Eastern Market in the district. YUM! Lots of fresh produce to be had - all from the hands of local farmers. Basil, potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, carrots, zuccini, cucumber, bell pepper, and even some late growing peaches!
After my little "shopping trip" it was off to a beautiful place called Crooked Run Orchard. Sitting about an hour outside of Arlington (where I live) is this charming family owned and operated orchard. There was a lovely apple orchard, pumpkin patch and sunflower patch. The weather held up and there was sunshine all afternoon. And...anytime that I get to frolic in the flowers is a pretty good day!
Enjoy some pictures:
Recently when I was in the district, I passed by a group outside the Veterans Affairs office. It was a small, peaceful group; just wanting to remind everyone about our service men. There was patriotic music playing on a boombox, men and women dressed up in red, white and blue and postcards to sign & send to our current troops.
While I live in the nations capitol and politics, patriotism and publicity are all around me - somehow this small scene touched my heart. I think the picture below says it all.
Every year since I can remember our family household watching conference (you know, back in the day when cable was new and that bulky brown box was fantastical technology) we have had a tradition.
That tradition was cinnamon rolls. There were other treats (fresh fruit, eggs, etc) but, the rolls and hot chocolate always marked the morning of conference in my mind. Most years I would get to go with mom to Ettore's- our neighborhood bakery. Even now, I can smell the crisp fall air and feel the specialness of the "cinnamon roll" car ride.
As an adult, I try to incorporate this tradition in my conference weekend. Although I am far away from Ettore's bakery, I still maintain the cinnamon goodness. This year I tempted fate and made them from scratch. Yes, Trish, you heard me right. And, I have photographic evidence for any doubting Thomas's out there...
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