soul food

This past weekend Rachel came up to visit and we had quite the fun time.  Friday was spent hanging out with my friends here in D.C. for Lauren's 24th birthday where Carrie cooked a fabulous meal...followed by heading out to listen to an 80's cover band.

However - around 1 a.m. after exiting Re-Ra...we come to discover that both mine & Eric's cars had been towed - awesome, right?  So after about an 1.5 hours of getting to the tow lot and then having to wait for the tow truck to come and move the 5 cars blocking me in, Rachel and I finally made it back home around 2:30.  Definitely a later night than we were both intending for!

Saturday was a rainy day...therefore we headed to the Leesburg Outlets.  While it wasn't the "touristy" thing to do...it was really great just to get to hang out with each other in a relaxed setting.  Recently when we've been together there has been a lot of people - so it's not as easy to actually talk and catch up on each other's lives.

Sunday - our day of fun.  We went to church at the National Cathedral and then headed to Annapolis, M.D. for a 2.5 hour cruise along the Chesapeake Bay - which was absolutely beautiful.  The weather was perfect and the 'fall foliage' was just so colorful.  We also got to see three old lighthouses which proved to have a lot of history as well as a U.S. Nuclear Submarine (way cool!!!).

EDIT!: I left out a crucial part of this story.  MONDAY MORNING.  We had reservations to go up to the top of the Washington Monument at 9:30 a.m.   We should have left the house at 8:30, however, due to other circumstances didn't make it out until 8:45 and lost a crucial 15 minutes.  Already running a little behind, I decided to park where I was certain there were spaces - this was about 9:10.  So we had 20 minutes to run from the Potomac to the Washington Monument...and when I say run, we power-walked and ran occasionally - needless to say, I was exhausted by the time we got there - though we made it, and obviously - the views were just wonderful as depicted in the picture below!!

I'm so thankful she got to come to and visit again...even if this time was a little more low key than her previous trip up in March.  Admittedly, I wasn't too excited about her coming to visit the week before she arrived - mainly because I wasn't excited about anything...just part of what I was dealing with.  I wanted to be excited, but couldn't find it in me.  However, thankfully - she did come on this exact weekend....because here again, the Lord is faithful...and I truly needed this weekend with a great friend.

• a sweet friendship refreshes the soul ~ proverbs 27:9

Chesapeake Bay Bridge

U.S. Nuclear Submarine

Thomas Point Lighthouse

Lincoln Monument & Memorial Bridge (from top of Washington Monument)

oh the pretty trees!!

Maine-iac Updated

A few weekends ago...October 10-12 Lauren and I took a weekend trip to Maine and it turned out to be quite the wonderful time.

Since I have lived in Texas all my life (until now obviously) I have never really experienced "Fall."  The leaves were just beautiful and driving along Hwy 1 just bending and winding with the Atlantic Ocean was absolutely beautiful.

We flew in to Manchester, N.H. and then rented a car and drove into Maine.  Our B&B was actually located in Georgetown, M.E. just outside of Bath.   Renting the car and driving was definitely the way to do it because we got to take in all the beauty that we would have otherwise just flown over.

Our B&B turned out to be just beautiful, right on the Atlantic Ocean.  I got up for sunrise on Sunday morning (see pictures on my shutterfly site) and the colors that came through were just incredible and unbelievable.

Here again, the Lord definitely gives us what we need, when we need it.  I'm thankful I had that weekend to be busy and marvel in His creation rather to just sit and be idle.

Our B&B

Sunrise!! Amazing.

Updates Shmupdates...

Yes, I realize I have a lot to update on (if there are any readers out there)...

-Maine
-Being in Texas this past weekend
-and as of tomorrow, I have a visitor -so there is another post.

It's hard to sit down and put thoughts together currently.  Time will pass and things will become better...but until then, this roller-coaster is off the tracks.

I leave you with these photos from Maine:

our first sighting of the Atlantic!

pretty fall scenery!

George H.W. Bush's home in Kennebunkport, ME

Five Islands, ME

No photo edits done AT ALL...it was just that beautiful

Lauren & I at Mt. Battie (overlooking Camden, ME)

Mimi's Obituary

MARY FRANCES BELK DWYER, age 88, beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, Mimi and friend, passed away on Tuesday, the 6th of October 2009.She was born on the 15th of January 1921, in Houston. She graduated from Reagan High School in 1938, where she was assistant drum lieutenant for the Reagan Redcoats.She loved to volunteer at her children's schools and was President of the PTA at Garden Oaks Elementary in 1958-1959. As a child she was a member of the Woodland Baptist Church and as an adult was a member of Spring Woods Methodist Church.Mary married Wellborn Jack Dwyer on the 24th of July 1942, during WWII in San Francisco, California and they enjoyed 66 wonderful years together.A native Houstonian, she loved her family and friends, was an avid reader, loved history, dancing and working crossword & number puzzles. She was a wonderful person with a beautiful smile and laugh. Mary was a beautiful ray of sunshine to everyone who knew her and she faced her illness with her faith, a strong spirit and a positive attitude.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, "the love of her life", Wellborn Jack Dwyer, infant son, Wellborn Jack Dwyer, Jr., parents, Helen Shine and James Eugene Belk, Sr., brother, J.E. "Gene" Belk, Jr., father-in-law & mothers-in-law, C. A. & Minnie Gaston Dwyer & Roberta Powell Dwyer, brother-in-law, C. A. "Red" Dwyer, Jr, sister-in-law, Gwen Dwyer Pingrey, & nephew, David Alan Dwyer.She is survived by her children Jim & Judy Dwyer, of Frankston, Judy & Art Coen of Katy, grandchildren, Michael Dwyer of Casper Wyoming, Robert & Sarah Dwyer, of Katy, Jason & Noelle Coen of Cypress, Jonathan & Kristina Coen of Houston, Jennifer & Eric Bryla of Fredericksburg, & Ashley Dwyer of Falls Church,Virginia; great-grandchildren Matthew, Zachary, & Hannah Dwyer of Houston, Avery, Jack, Brett & Mallory Dwyer of Katy, Grant & Andrew Coen of Cypress, Nora Coen of Houston, Will Bryla of Fredericksburg, sister, Helen Belk Ledbetter; brother-in-law, William G. "Billy" Dwyer & wife, Margaret Ann; nieces & nephews, Carol Ledbetter Wilson, Craig & Janice Ledbetter, Chuck & Karen Dwyer, Sally & Bill Herrmann and Sherrie Dwyer.The family would like to thank her longtime friend and caregiver, Susie Sanchez Kaess. Also, loving caregivers: Amelia Cruz , Maria Gonzales, Tina Olugboji, Comfort Olaonipekun, Houston Hospice nurse Svanhaniel Crim & Dr. Cindy Zinner.

The funeral service is to be conducted at one o'clock in the afternoon on Monday, the 19th of October, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. During the noon hour, prior to the funeral, the family will receive guests during a catered reception in the adjacent Pavilion.The interment will immediately follow the service, via an escorted cortege, at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.Honored to serve as pallbearers during the services are her grandchildren, Michael Dwyer, Robert Dwyer, Jason Coen, Jonathan Coen, Jennifer Dwyer Bryla and Ashley Dwyer.

In lieu of the usual remembrances, memorial contributions in Mary's name may be directed to The Houston Ballet,1921 West Bell St., Houston, 77019; or to Houston Hospice,1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, 77030.

Mary Frances Belk Dwyer

Maine -iac

So this weekend Lauren & I are heading to Maine. And that is actually the place we're staying (thanks to one of Lauren's co-workers...)

This trip really couldn't have come at a more perfect time...the Lord is so faithful.  The times I find hardest are those where I'm just idling along, sitting there.  I pray there is much rejoicing this weekend as I have so much to be thankful for.

There is a time for everything.  A time for laughing and for crying and I have a feeling this weekend is going to provide healthy amounts of both (although I'm certain most will be laughter)...and I couldn't be more excited.

I can just imagine...sitting out on the porch, listening to the ocean, thinking about my dear sweet Mimi and all the wonderful times we shared. 
 

Mimi: she had style, she had grace.

Mary Frances Belk Dwyer
 January 15, 1921 - October 6, 2009

 

and now they're re-united. 

 

There was magic in her touch,
And sunshine in her smile.
There was love in everything she did
To make our lives worthwhile.

We could find both hope and courage
Just by looking in her eyes.
Her laughter was a source of joy,
Her words were warm and wise.

There was a kindness and compassion
To be found in her embrace,
And we could see the light of heaven
Shining from her face.

 --------------

Miss you forever, love you for always.

Bike Riding along the Potomac...

Yes, that is how I spent my Sunday afternoon, and it was beautiful.  One more day just marveling at this place.  This place that for now, is my home - something I'm still shocked by at least weekly.

Lauren & I decided we were gonna take a bike ride. Sounded like an excellent idea to me.  We started out first in Georgetown, where we ended up just eating Subway on the banks of the Potomac and getting air in some tires.

We headed back to Crystal City to her place to park and ride from there...we thought that might be a little smarter.

We took off on the Mount Vernon trail, headed for Old Town Alexandria - and the path we took was just incredible.  Biking through forests, over marshes, on cute little wooden bridges with ropes as the 'safety net,' passing runners, bikers, rollerbladers, walkers...and getting passed ourselves. 

We made it to Old Town, stopped for a cookie on King Street and ate it along the river.  We decided to be a bit more venturous and head farther south...so far south that we were going UNDER 495, that my friends is what they call the 'outer loop' and 395 is the 'inner loop.'  We pretty much started at 395.

We saw a sign for Hwy 1 and decided to follow it...only to find out we were going the wrong direction and were coming upon exits for Fort Belvoir...not the direction we needed to go.  After turning around, biking back through Alexandria we headed for Gravelly Point.

Gravelly Point was the perfect place to end our 15 mile bike ride.  We laid in the grass, somewhat in pain, but also enjoying the perfect beauty of the day...and the fact that planes were taking off 400 feet in front of us...and flying straight over our pretty little faces as low as 100 ft above us.

Yesterday brought back a lot of memories.  Mainly of when I used to cycle all the time in college. Road & Mountain - I miss it.  I miss it a lot.  My goal is to go at least 10 miles 3 days a week on the bike...there is something relaxing about it. 

But let's face it.  If it weren't so dad gum hilly around here, I'd be in my rollerblades in a heartbeat...because that my friends - is my favorite.

 

 

Under the Virginian Sun

So yesterday...Lauren, Carrie & I ventured out into the Virginian Wine Country to do a little wine tasting and sight seeing.

It was just beautiful.

The rolling hills, the changing leaves, the "oldness" of it all.

I'm intrigued by these people who own these vineyards.

Who are farmers... who are just amazing.

We had lunch at the cutest little place, overlooking the beauty and majesty of God's creation.

I was just stunned and amazed. 

I could not have imagined a more perfect day with more perfect girls.

The Lord definitely gives us what we need, when we need it and yesterday (and today) was just what I needed.

The touch of the His hand is all around us. We see it in the order, beauty, and dazzling variety in creation. The great expanse of space with its billions of planets and the incredible world of the microscopic are all testimony to an Orderer of great creativity. God has left his fingerprints all over his world so we can know he is here.

Since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities --his eternal power and divine nature -- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. --Romans 1:20

William John Bry-Bry

...that's what he'll say when I coach him through saying his full name. It's adorable. 

So, a week ago today, I arrived back from Texas (yes, again) from another week of being there...this time in Fredericksburg spent with Jennifer, Eric & Will (my youngest nephew).  (I do realize it's a late post).

It was a week of fun
of laughing,
of Cowboy Cookies,
of realizing how thankful I am for them,
of realizing how thankful I am for family.

We did a lot in that week. Shopped of course, because that's what we do best.

We stayed home too.

We went to Round Top/Warrenton - a trip that is now going to become tradition.  Ate at Royers - where Dad met us...and the PIES ARE AMAZING.

The job I have now allows me a lot of freedom and freedom I though I had when in college, when in actuality, I have more now.  And because of that I've been able to go to Texas 3 times in the past month and a half for 9 days each trip....that's 27 days.

And 27 days of thankfulness.

Will is at such a fun age...
I love that with him I am a clear association with an airplane
That I can ride on his yoshi car (see youtube video) and his 4wheeler
That I can fit in his fort
That I can buy him Pink Piggies
That he is the cutest Will I know
but most importantly, that I get to love him - and love him for the rest of his life.

all I know is that I love all my nieces and nephews a whole lot.
I can't imagine how much I'm going to love my own children one day.