Saturday, September 10, 2016

Almost Heaven, West Virginia

#EmptyNestAdventures is the new soundtrack in this household, despite the fact that, even though we are indeed empty nesters, we still have responsibilities here at home and traveling is a side item.  But that doesn't stop us from dreaming of new trips and reminiscing of the old ones.

Once we dropped 3# son off at Tech, ate the enormous hamburger, we headed up the road a bit to Pipestem State Park.  Years ago, when I was pregnant with #3 son, we stayed in the lodge there and the following summer when 3# son was cruising the furniture, we rented a rustic (very rustic) cabin for a week.  So, my husband suggested we return and kind of close a circle.

I have to say I was sorely disappointed at the state of the lodge.  Our room was ok, the view was spectacular, but the lodge itself was run down and in a state of aging disrepair.  In some ways it was sweet since the game room had the SAME GAMES that were in place 18 years ago and I could look back over the years and remember how much the boys enjoyed playing there.  But seriously...it needs an update.

After the big lunch we had, we weren't all that interested in dinner but checked out the facilities and the prices anyway, just for the info.  29$$ for the buffet.  No way, no how was I spending that so we made other plans and went for a walk on the golf course.  It had been raining....pouring actually, but it had stopped leaving the air cool and misty.  No one was about, just us, the deer, and a lone turkey which Ramblin Man tried to cozy up to.  I have video somewhere.

I'm glad we went.  I can't imagine going again but the hills are always beautiful and the sunset after the rain was one of the most incredible sights I've beheld.  Here are a few shots although they, in no way, can capture the true beauty of God's creation.






A Quick Stop in Blacksburg

I love to eat out.  True confessions time.  I've been cooking since about age 8 and I enjoy it, but I seriously love trying new restaurants in places we visit.

After dropping off #3 son at VA Tech, we stopped by the Blacksburg Taphouse.  Our first meal on our grand journey, a journey designed to help me deal.  I didn't think I would have problems with all of my guys out of the house, but you never know.  Our adventure started with a hamburger the size of my husband's head and some delicious sweet potato fries.  The outside deck was lovely, the rain held off, and our server, Anna, was very helpful and patient.  (I've been married 28 years but I never realized it takes Rambling Man eons to decide what he wants to eat.)

I would highly recommend the Taphouse.  We've got 4 years of Tech visits ahead of us. Next time maybe we'll SHARE the enormous hamburger.


Here's the link to the Taphouse.
http://www.blacksburg-taphouse.com/home


Resurrecting The Blog

I haven't posted here in years...mostly been living life and doing other things.  We've traveled and seen lots of things but just haven't taken the time to write about them.

Well....that's changing because we are EMPTY NESTERS and the plan is to go places, see things, and keep track of it here.  Welcome back to blogging, Ramblingirl.

College bound. 

Never gonna give you up.....

Dad and #3 son

Mom is smiling even though inside her heart is cracking into pieces. 

Time to hit the road.  See you in Pipestem State Park, West Virginia.