A Wonderfully Satisfying Saturday

I ran the Coventry Commonwealth Games 5k today - the course was the Wiley Drive -Smith- Wasena Park Greenway. The weather was breezy and comfortable for morning running. I found myself at the back of the pack (no surprise!) and had a good conversation with a young woman who was running her first 5k. We helped each other get to the finish line....at least I was not dead last! I headed downtown to pick up some wonderful vegan handmade soap from Rebecca. The fragrant lavender soap is presently resting in a ceramic dish providing just the right amount of soothing lavender scent as I fall asleep. I also picked up four more basil plants so I can make oodles of pesto to freeze for the wintertime.


This small park is between two buildings across the street from the old fire station. The benches, tables and planters are made locally by Twists and Turns.

I headed north for about an hour to visit Orchardside Yarn Shop and take in their annual festival. I purchased some great yarn from the 50% off shelf and of course picked up another ball of sock yarn. I admired the alpacas but am still trying to not buy any more animal fiber yarn. This friendly poodle seemed to enjoy all the attention...

A view from the front of the shop...

Next stop - Buffalo Springs Herb Farm - wow! I'll be back to visit in the spring and pick up plants for my herb collection.

In several places I spotted succulents peeking out from the stone walks....

Unlike the poodle at Orchardside Yarn Shop, I think this cat was rather dismayed at all the commotion... Following are various buildings and gardens on the property - I particularly enjoyed the lavender garden. I plan to plant lavender outside our bedroom window....what a wonderful scent to lull one to sleep.

I stopped by Rockbridge Vineyard (well,it was right there) and tasted several good wines and picked up several bottles. Virginia is becoming quite known for the wine produced here. I particularly enjoyed the St. Mary's Blanc - a dry, barrel fermented Vidal/Chardonnay.

Driving back home I avoided the interstate and took a less traveled road to Lexington. Stopped in for lunch at The Palms and plan to have a day trip to Lexington to browse the downtown shops and the historic areas. I'll try lunch at the Blue Sky Bakery next time.
Relaxing and knitting on our patio I heard this piece on NPR about Nancy Cunard. I must learn more about this intriguing woman. Running, knitting, wine tasting and listening to NPR...what a satisfying day!

Lurking Loveliness During a Trying Day....

A book left by a Bookcrossing friend.....

Another batch of fresh green beans plucked from my garden....

A brilliant sunset outside my front door...

Yesterday and Today...

Road trip with a dear friend to Charlotte - on the way we stopped to view some beautiful land she has inherited. I hope she and her soon to be husband settle here and I'll visit - promise! The family cemetery is over 100 years old...


I spotted this fun neon sign after we exited the Discovery Place and the thought provoking exhibition BodyWorlds...

The contrast of the old church and the new city buildings intrigued me... Today I ran/walked 5 miles along the Roanoke Horse Trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway...

Put together a quick delicious lunch of tabbouli, baba ghanoush and pita bread...

And I have finally completed the Bookcrossing afghan ! This was the first and last project I will ever do with so many small, individual squares. Short of blocking every square, the afghan has an uneven, amateurish quality I just couldn't overcome...the individual squares were all lovely and unique.

Oh, I dug up wonderful little organically grown Yukon Gold potatoes from my backyard garden...

Work the next two days...

Parking Lot Plants

Seen growing along the parking lot at my workplace...

Backyard crop

Picked another batch of green beans from my backyard garden.....no comparison to canned ones...another 12 hour work shift today..

oh and found a hostage in the hosta...

Thursday...

I walked 11,373 steps at work today - the American Heart Association goal is at least 10,000 daily - no problem there! Home by 4:30 (this was an extra shift) and worked on yet another baby blanket



while admiring this bright hibicus growing on my back patio.



I have found knitting with vintage Susan Bates nylon circular needles such a pleasant experience. They are seamless and lightweight....I have purchased two lots of them on ebay recently. Not sure what sort of circulars I'll use for my two sweater projects - I'm thinking the nylon ones if I can find the correct size. We'll see...

Day off....

Started the day off (after an early morning call asking me to come in to work extra) watching Knitty Gritty and working on the Bookcrossing afghan. I have finished sewing together the squares and am working on the crochet trim ......wow... almost done!

Meet my running buddy for a brisk 5.4 mile trail walk. Chestnut Ridge trail is part of the Roanoke Valley horse trail and much horse fertilizer is evident along the trail. I enjoyed the brisk hike and the opportunity to catch up with a good friend. We also startled a mother turkey with at least one baby - I didn't know that turkeys could fly so well.



I've spotted these wild strawberries several times this summer but have yet to take a good picture of them. I remember picking these as a child and daring each other to eat them. Someone ( I don't remember who) told us these berries were 'snake berries' and were poisonous so I don't recall ever eating them.




I made a quick run downtown for a 2 cheese veggie sub at On the Rise and picked up some peaches and tomatoes. Back home for a second episode of Knitty Gritty with one of my favorite knitters, Annie Modesitt....Off to work tomorrow for four in a row....