Williamsburg Anniversary trip 2007

Twenty Six Years. Wow!
How has she put up with me for that many years?
Grace and patience, and some would say Queen Felicia has raised two boys!

We were fortunate to spend the weekend in Colonial Williamsburg, one of our favorite places.
It was the first time we were able to go during the Christmas season.
History, Christmas and Virginia charm made for some great memories.

Our weekend started with our first road trip in her new vehicle, the first I've been able to buy for almost twenty years.
A Saturn Vue, with 1,000 miles not technically 'new', a fact that saved me over 4 thousand.
I am impressed with the engine and drive train, safety features such as side air bags, overall styling, and the great sound system including OnStar and XM radio.

The Queen loves the heated leather seats! Each to their own item of importance.
No more mini-vans for us! This vehicle should be the last one I have to buy for her for many years, if not ever.

Friday night we attended the "Groaning Board" dinner at the Williamsburg Lodge where we stayed.
A historical dinner theatre including period musicians and host, with a multi-course colonial dinner.

Seated communally, the couple to our left were from Pennsylvania.
The wife was originally from England.
We enjoyed hearing of her memories and customs from the 'Mother Country'

I slipped out in order to visit the facilities, but also to get a game update from Ariel, who was at the championship game involving his team in Chattanooga TN.

Upon my return, I noticed the absence of the Queen from the table.
"They took your wife" Larry informed me, and pointed towards the stage.

It seems the period dancers immediately recognized her affinity for dance, and had her on stage for their demonstration of waltzes and reels from the year 1775.
She was truly in her glory!



The pictures will show the wonder of Colonial Williamsburg at Christmas.
Highlights included walking the streets, shopping, and the Yule Log Ceremony back at the Lodge.

The Yule log is paraded into the great room in front of a roaring fire. Everyone would touch a sprig of Holly to the log as it passed (provided by the Lodge), a toast was given by the host and wine thrown onto the fire, and then we all were invited to toss our sprigs onto the fire.
Our ancestors believed that the cares and woes of the past year would then go up with the smoke, forever to be forgotten.

Dinner that night was at the Kings Arm tavern, by candle and lamp light.
We finished the weekend with another round of shopping in the village, finishing up our Christmas list.

We highly recommend a Yule time visit, and look forward to doing it again some day.

Happy Anniversary my Queen, with many more to follow!

VIctory! And a Threepeat at that!

On December 14th, Ariel traveled to Chattanooga for the second straight year to watch his team, Appalachian State


(Remember them, Michigan fans? You all know where Boone is now, right?)
play for the National Championship in 1AA football.
App was going for their third straight title, a feat never before accomplished.
Accompanying him were two of his oldest friends from High School, Eric and Stephen.
A buddie from Army Reserves met them at the game, Smith.

Ariel, getting star Quarterback Armante Edwards to sign his jersey, along with Senior tailback Keven Richardson.


Look for Kevin to get a shot at the NFL.
And don't be surprised if Edwards is on the list for the Heisman trophy next fall.















The Scoreboard says it all, triple zeros, ASU 49, Delaware 21!
Steven, Scott, Ariel and Eric celebrate on the field with the team and other App fans.

Some action shots of App driving down the field.
Great seats on row three right behind the Mountaineer bench benefited in memorable photography.

En route to the game, our intrepid lads discovered the hard way that his gas guage was not functioning properly.
Running out of gas twice left some funny (now anyhow!) memories.

Three years at App, three National Championships.
Somewhat awkward, but what do you call four in a row?
Get ready for next year!

Pictures from 21st birthday/Thanksgiving

Soldier boy always thought Thanksgiving was set aside to give thanks for his presence on earth.

Especially when his birthday falls on the Holiday.
His mom and I are very greatful for being privileged to raise him.













Twenty one candles, call the fire marshall!

















The baker outdid herself with his cake.