Three Things

Kelly N., Ellie G., Kate van E., Kaitlyn T., and Maria S.
(Teammate Kristen F. is not seen in this particular shot. Emily B. was sick.)

Thursday is here, so that means it's time to share three things.  These three things are usually just fleeting thoughts, whatever happens to be on your mind at the moment.

I'll begin.

1. Daughter Maria, who was an alternate for the post-season cross country meets (i.e. district, regional and state meets), found herself in the starting lineup of yesterday's district meet due to her good friend Logan's injury. Another teammate was absent due to illness. Daughter beat her personal record and even had a sprint at the finish.  The girls and boys teams are conference champions and advance to next week's regional meet. I can't wait!

2.  What I can wait for is the half marathon in a little over a week.  Yesterday I ran 6.6 miles with an aching back, and it was no picnic.  Let me tell you.

3.  The Urbanna Oyster Festival is this weekend. So is another gathering of teenagers in my basement.

4.  (Because three is only a suggestion.)  On second thought, I can't wait for the half marathon in a little over a week.  It will take me to the Outer Banks of North Carolina far, far away from teenagers and whatever festivals they may or may not be throwing in my basement.

5.  I just realized tomorrow's Halloween, and I have no candy for the two (2) trick or treaters who will stop by. So I'll dash out and purchase chocolate that we'll be eating up until Christmas, when a new stash of candy arrives.  Believe it or not, candy seems to last a long time in this household.  Strange.

6.  Referring back to #3 above:  serenity now. And pass the chocolate.

Now it's your turn to share three or more things.  Whatever you want.  Anything at all.

Kelly N., Logan H. and Daughter Maria

Old

Thursday I was the substitute deliverer for the Cobbs Creek route of the county's Meals on Wheels. The route actually started in Hallieford, where these first three shots were taken. It's been forever since I've driven down to Hallieford even though I see it every day of my life by water. (It's right across the creek from me.)

Since I am a rarely-called-upon substitute driver and since I usually get a different route every time I am called, I do not get to know the people I'm delivering food to.  So when my first customer told me she wasn't feeling so hot after my salutatory "How are you?" I didn't know if that was normal or cause for concern.  After talking with her for a while and asking lots of questions, I became convinced it was normal, but even so I told her I'd carry her to the doctor if she needed to go.  She took my cell phone number but never called. Not So Hot is unfortunately her norm.

Another part of the route took me down Morgan's Branch Road.

I'd never been down here before, ever, although I've passed the road a million times.

Waaaay down the road was this school bus graveyard.

I love old vehicles...

And several old houses.

...just as much as I love old houses.

I thought this one was full of character.

Some of the people I spoke with on my route were characters too.

They're elderly and disabled or sick but still full of spark 

and eager for some conversation and a little attention.
Just a little bit of human contact is all they need.

I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to volunteer for Mathews Meals on Wheels, even if it's only a few times a year as a substitute driver. If you're local and have a couple of hours a month I encourage you to sign up with the Mathews Active Lifestyle Center.  For more info call them at (804) 725-7850.

In other news, I'm hoping to make it over to Urbanna for the Oyster Festival at some point this weekend.

Hope your weekend is a great one.

West Point Crab Carnival II

One of the highlights of Saturday's 

West Point Crab Carnival was the parade.

Grand Marshal.  Nice car.

This fellow (and the propeller on his cap)
certainly made me laugh caught my attention.

As did this painting which was in the booth just
over the clown's shoulder (above).
The colors sort of match the clown's attire.
(Also, it looks like she's staring at him,
thinking, "What the......?") 

There were lots of really cute kids.

Some were waving.

(Others were picking.)

I want to know what I have to do to get one of these outfits.

Must. Have. 

I wonder if this place works on crabby people too?
I might need an extended stay.

Y indeed.

There were lots and lots of cars in the parade.

(I just love the older cars.)

Smokey and the Bandit, anyone?
( Jackie Gleason's was my favorite character in that movie.)

This car was one of my favorites.

She color coordinated her outfit with the vehicle.
(I love that hat.)

There were a few horses.

And at least one pig hat.
(Evidently I'm obsessed with hats.)
(Yes, I did bring my crab hat but 
only wore it briefly, towards the end.)

The West Point Crab Carnival was more fun than a bushel basket of crabs and a barrel of monkeys.

I highly recommend if you've never been.

I highly recommend even if you have been.

I highly recommend it.

The End.