Whirlwind Road Trip

Living on the road, as we do, we don't get to witness our friends' or family's adventures or accomplishments often. Grandkids are growing like kudzu (you know that means they're jumping up a foot a day!), participating in basketball, soccer, gymnastics and other school activities, kids are going through life's ups and downs, friends are getting married and traveling, and every now and then, we find ourselves missing out on "normal" things.  Well, being as we are currently camped in Chesapeake, we thought it would be neat to go on a 4 hour road trip to attend our granddaughter's 8th grade graduation ceremony, since we were "in the neighborhood."

We had coordinated with our daughter, so we could just ride up to her house, visit a bit, let the dog get comfortable (and fed!) then all head over to the middle school and watch the ceremony.  Then we'd spend the night in their guest room and head back today.

So, here's what we saw on the way UP to Charlottesville...

Lots of long, flat road leaving the coast

Going over the James River, west of Richmond

Always our first view of the Blue Ridge Mountains

I'm not a big fan of putting children's pictures out on the web, but, trust me, she was beautiful, poised, and honored to have the highest grade point in her Science class, and we were very proud grandparents.  The ceremony was exactly what you'd expect - in a gym, hot, rowdy, and a little bit chaotic at times. Then there was the aftermath party, you know, where everyone stands around congratulating each other and taking pictures & posting to Instagram.  All very much 8th grade normal.  We got back to the house around 8:30 and were fed a lovely taco dinner.  Watched the end of an OLD movie (Mr. Brewster's Millions, circa 1986?) and retired early.  You know, all very much grandparent normal.  This morning came early, 'cuz we wanted to try out a new route back to the campground.  It's one we hope to take out when we're ready to leave.  And there was a bridge tunnel involved, so we have to make sure it's passable.  By the camper and the campee (me!).

But, on the way out of Charlottesville, we passed my very favorite barn (this is for you, Barbara!)

And one of my all-time favorite-ever estates (I know, it's really hard to see, but it's circa 1800's and VERY stately). And, being where it is, there is likely some rough and not very pleasant(nor politically correct) history behind its walls. But is sure is a pretty place.

Back at the coast, as we approached the bridge-tunnel, we saw mounds and mounds of coal.  Whoever told us no one used coal anymore lied.  Flat out lied.  There were acres and acres covered with the nasty stuff and they were actively loading it into RR cars for transport somewhere. 

 This was taken as we passed Norfolk Shipyards.  I have no idea what's happening here, whether it's a ship being built or repaired, but, obviously there was a ship in the yard.

 And now we are approaching the tunnel part.  I missed the photo op of the sign that advised all Haz-Mat carriers, RV's and trucks to pull over for inspection.  I am sure, even though we are all electric now, we will still need to pull over and have them verify that for us.  Lord knows I don't want them chasing us down through the tunnel (G-d forbid, they CATCH US and MAKE US STOP!).  Oh, my poor heart is having palpitations just thinking about that! Yes, yes, I think we'll stop and let them know we are safe.  No propane on board. Nothing noxious or flammable.  We'll be sure not to eat beans the night before.

 At least it's well lit inside.

Thankfully, the tunnel part was short, much shorter than the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (yeah, the very one that had a truck jacknifed into its side for 8 HOURS last week).  That's the alternative, and more usual route, and that's why we're trying to find another way.

Once out of the tunnel part, we got to go over the bridge section.  It's loooooong, but it's not too high.  Seems like I remembered a REALLY REALLY high drawbridge here, but apparently, that's not on this route.  Suits the heck outta me!!  I can do this one, I'm fairly sure.  As long as I'm not driving.

Once we got this far, it was a piece of cake and I could relax and enjoy the scenery.  Apparently, it's a good day for boating.  Nice, flat water.

We arrived back at the campsite with no further complications, and, boy, did it feel good to be home, in our own home!  The coach is really beginning to feel like HOME, and it's where we both want to be, when we're not out gallivanting.  We opened the sides back up (we'd pulled them in, in the event of storms & wind), started the laundry and put away the VA Diner peanuts (yum!) and BBQ (double yum!!) we had purchased while we were out.  

I'm actually in the middle of making a baby quilt for a lady who does childcare in her home.  We've been collaborating for a few years now, and I've made her several pillowshams and a few houseware items (curtains, mixer cover, aprons).  These are the fabrics, and this is what I've made so far, so now we're to the point of selecting thread colors for the embroidery.  She wants a birth announcement with all the usual stats, and I've got an orange-face, similar to what's been fussy cut in the squares, to add to it, so there are lots of options to add color.

What do y'all think?  I know there's yellow in the backing fabric (polka-dots, shown all the way left, above photo), but does it go with the front?  Personally, I'm not a fan. The bottom row of thread cones will all be used in the embroidery & quilting, it's just the top row in question, for the name & data.  Suggestions, anyone?

So, tomorrow is Saturday, and it looks like the very same granddaughter will be traveling down to Virginia Beach for a basketball tournament, so we get to see them all again!  This time, our travel time will only be about a half hour, so yaay, for that, and YAAAY for no tunnels!  And only ONE bridge!  In the meantime, the laundry beckons. 

Y'all stay safe!