Blogs from Reston, Virginia, United States, North America

As Aussies, we have heard so much about the preparations and celebrations for Halloween, but actually being a part of it all was incredible. It all started well in advance, with our visit to Hollins Farm two weeks before the big day, to gather and pay for a selection of pumpkins for display at home. The children gathered their wagon and with Poppy's help pulling the wagon uphill, they began choosing which pumpkins would be best. When this task was complete, we also picked fresh apples from the Farm's orchard, filling several bags. The children ran throughout the many rows of trees gathering their apples delightedly, before moving down hill to dig for potatoes and peanuts. On Wednesday, prior to Halloween, Denise and I attended Charlie's preschool Halloween morning, sharing in the activities and chidren's costume ... read more

A collection of snaps from our time with the family, Trent, Denise, Eva, Matilda, Charlie and Max. Though we are very sad to say farewell, we take with us unforgetable memories. Thank you for such a memorable time together. xxxxx... read more

DC Visit: Eventually, nearly two weeks after leaving home, we reach our gorgeous family in Reston, Virginia just outside Washington DC. The overwhelmingly warm welcome extended to us by Denise, Eva, Tilly, Charlie and Max the dog, was truly wonderful. In no time at all, the long months since we last saw them all, seemed a distant memory. As very tired senior travellers, we thought we'd never keep up with the energy of these beautiful young children, but, it's amazing just what such happiness and excitement can do to keep you going! Trent was still overseas for business and we knew we'd have to wait another three days to see him, when we would re-unite in Boston. We arrived on the Thursday afternoon, with Friday a designated public holiday. Our day ended after a lovely leisurely ... read more

hello friends, i love getting feedback on this thing and encouragement. i have been scanning the web for jobs and "linking-in". yeh, yeh. talking to my friend Rachelle whom i know from Knoxville. very sweet girl. i married her to her husband Aaron a few years back. they now have a child by the name of Henry who will turn one soon. i am going to see them today. had a great day yesterday. walked the dogs, cleaned up poo, walked the dogs, cleaned up poo, etc. the weather is fine as i said yesterday and the weather is still fine today. i hope you are all doing well. i like this format of writing because i feel like i am talking to to someone. even if no one reads it i can still use it ... read more

July 19, Sunday Happy Birthday Debby ! Today consisted of an easy wake up, a slow pack up, then getting the pick-ups and trailers back to the respective donors. Once all this was accomplished, Deb and I headed for Johnson City and a motel to take it easy and to get some laundry done. We now are heading for New England and the Maritime Provinces of Canada. July 20, Monday We left Tennessee via the Blue Ridge Parkway and rolled on into Virginia. This road is nicely built, rides the ridges with amazing views on both sides, and can drive one crazy with the 45 mph speed limit. Once I was in "cruiser" mode though, it was very enjoyable. We found a cool little campground, cabin and motel spot just over the border near a place ... read more