Wandering

I was on my way to the dump one recent Saturday. Hauling trash and recycling is one of the most least glamorous chores I perform regularly--without the benefit of the almost-mandatory pickup truck that would make the job so much easier. I'm one of the very few Mathews County residents who pulls in to the Mathews Convenience Center (the fancy name for The Dump) in a Kia Forte named Sandy (she's a sandy color) with sixteen bags of recycling, even though recycling is optional in Mathews.

 Before I continue galloping down this tangent 

about the dump, recycling, and my Kia Forte named Sandy, 
which really is unrelated to these pictures,

let's go back to the beginning and try again.

One Saturday on the way to the dump, I had to pull over because one of Sandy's my doors wasn't closed all the way. I glanced over at this delightful old building, which I pass at least twice a day going to and from work, and admired the sun shining on it just so. Luckily, I was able to locate my camera amongst the sixteen bags of recycling that was practically suffocating me in my non-pick-up truck Kia Forte.

Since it is abundantly clear I can't focus on the most important part of this story, i.e. this gorgeous old building, I'll stop trying to explain the circumstances which caused me to pull over a half a mile from my home and rather haphazardly glance up to see this beautiful old building talking to me.

But I was definitely on my way to the dump.

Boats and Other Good Things

These boats out of water caught my eye

as I was driving to Bethel Beach a while back.

This one in particular seems slightly out of place.

In other news, this past week has really been a whirlwind of good things, not the least of which is reconnecting with someone I haven't seen in 35 years. There will be plenty more to tell about that in the weeks to come, as usual I have enough swirling in my head to write a book. And when my daughter goes away to college, I'm going to do just that.

Speaking of my daughter, she traveled to Tappahannock yesterday to interview for a scholarship that would pay $6,000 per year if she wins it. Even if she doesn't win it, I'm very proud of her for taking the time and effort to drive the hour for the interview on her precious day off from school.

Friday I reconnected with one of my very scarce first cousins, Mary, whose son was undergoing a risky surgery in Georgetown to help correct a situation caused by a very rare genetic disorder. He came through the surgery just fine, and we had a marvelous time catching up with each other. That night I visited my friend Iris, who lives in McLean. Our 30-year college reunion is in June.

I cannot believe I just typed that number. I've been out of college 30 years?

Another nice surprise was receiving an email from two readers in Vermont.

Who knew I had two readers anywhere, much less in Vermont?

I always enjoy hearing from anyone out there, it makes me feel there is a purpose for continuing on with this silly website. I do it mostly for my own entertainment, but if it brings a smile to someone else, all the better Anyway, that was a nice surprise.

So, for now, I'm venturing to say that in spite of the awful year that was 2015, which included major upheaval and a near-death experience, 2016 is going to be my year.

So far, we're getting along famously.

Resting

Here are a few more shots from my favorite public landing.

This old boat has a perfect resting spot.

Much like the remnants of the dock in the background, the boat looks like it's seen better days.

Still, I find them both photogenic.

Speaking of resting, I did a whole lot of that this weekend.  With the exception of Saturday night when we had a nice family gathering to celebrate Son's return home for spring break, I did a whole lot of lollygagging and napping.

The next two weekends I'll be out of town, and lots of driving will be involved.  So I took advantage of Saturday's and Sunday's kind invitation to do nothing and thoroughly relaxed.

It's hard to believe spring is just about here.  

Time continues to fly by at break-neck pace.

I hope all is well in your world.