Corny BUT It was A MAZI ing

Thanks Amy

What a weekend in many ways. For me driving there and getting there with no major getting lost was TREMENDOUS.A goal I had challenged myself with and I got a gold star.

*****

Tee hee there are my STARS! ;)

***********************************************************

This trip was purely a WOMANS WEEKEND…

But sure glad my Son in law joined us all in our ventures...I might say he is AMAZING

****************************

SHUCKS, I had to say that ;)

*******************************

Stars for his abilities to lead with Brilliance

**************

My traveling companion and riding shotgun for me was my Sister-in-law. I am not sure how many hours we spent at the Outlets, but it was QUALITY time in many ways. ;)

********

Actually we should have had one of those ped o meters to clock how many miles of walking we actually did. Bottom line all the good food we had got walked off as we leisurely strolled through many shops and restaurants.

********

Everything we did was new except for Eastern Market Market, but as I have said I really enjoy that place.

******

The market has been in continuous operation since 1873. This weekend we were blessed with sunny skies, while brisk in the early morning the temperatures warmed to the low 60’s.

******** After a good nights sleep, the pride of driving through major traffic and many lanes really was not a dream after all…we headed for The Metropolitan Cooking & Entertainment Show. Founded by Denise Medved in 2005.

*************

Before the Corn Maze and after Eastern Market and the trade show… ************ Wonderful food goes without saying. I had the Fatteh, warm yogurt sauce served over layers of chickpeas, eggplant, pita chips, tomato and garlic sauce, topped with pine nuts, with a stout Dark Ale. OH WOW!

********

Of course more shopping to walk off lunch...;)

***************

Then off for a Corn Maze, Thurmont, MarylandPirate Theme. CHECK OUT THE PIRATE BOATS THAT ARE BUILT FOR YOU TO SHOOT PUMPKINS AT Pirate Theme. CHECK OUT THE PIRATE BOATS THAT ARE BUILT FOR YOU TO SHOOT PUMPKINS AT.

***********

After that more shopping and more food…then more shopping…Virtual Tour of Isabella's Taverna & Tapas Bar.A small slice of Spain with a wide variety of tapas (little dishes) in Historic Downtown Frederick Much like Jaleo’s but different setting and wonderful foods.

***********

Some of the foods we tasted:

*

Espinacas a la SacromonteLeaf Spinach Sautéed with Pine Nuts and Malaga Raisins

************ Calamares a la RomanaFried House-Breaded Calamari Served with Citrus Sea Salt, Lemon and Garlic Alioli

**************** OH this one was new and YUMMY

************ Queso al HornoWedge of Creamy Brie Baked on Toasted Bread with Almonds, Port Wine Reduction and Fresh Oranges

****************************** Gambas al Ajillo y TomateTiger Prawns in a Tomato, Garlic, Herbs, Wine, Lemon Sauce

********************* Fritos de Datiles Y ChorizoCrispy Bacon Wrapped Spanish Dates Stutted with Chorizo on Mild Goat Cheese Cream

***************** Jaleos is also a favorite of mine.

*****************

Needless to say Downtown Frederick was not a disappointment. Frederick County Maryland is less than one hour from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and nearby Gettysburg, Antietam, and Harpers Ferry. There are many attractions, historic sites, and Civil War heritage. Once a month, merchants host evening, art-related events during the evening as part of First Saturday Gallery Walk. Frederick is home to more than 100 exciting and diverse specialty shops and art galleries, some 200 antique dealers all within walking distance, and 30 restaurants with menus that span the globe. The historic district bustles with activity seven days a week and offers evening entertainment at three performance venues, as well as live music in numerous restaurants.

**************

That was our Saturday; we still had one more half day before we headed home…

Bottom line we never ran out of GAS!

Eastern Market

Fun neighborhoods:

Eastern Market: www.easternmarket.net

Union Station: www.unionstationdc.com

Georgetown: www.georgetowndc.com

I really have always enjoyed this city, Possibly one of my favorite haunts in DC the new building at the market is OPEN! This building fully replaces the damaged South hall and until the building is reconstructed, this will be the home of all the food vendors that have been so loved for 134 years! Eastern Market.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

When we were here in late May of this year they were still working on resurface the entire adjacent Hine School Playground, which is also used by the weekend flea market. It is complete and looks great. We had little time to scout out the food area but I feel sure the next time we are there. I hope I can try the wonderful Blueberry pancakes and luscious crab cake sandwiches.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Meanwhile a few shots of this really neat place…

Experience It All in Washington, DC

Second Identification a HIT

Sorry I took so long to follow up on your suggestion but WOW and Thanks to you Entangled. Wow you made my day!

**************

Now to ask Daughter and Son in law what color the blooms were!

*********

I discovered in my minimal research that: Crape Myrtle was introduced in 1747; the Crapemyrtle is native to China and Korea. It is hardy from Zones 7 to 9 and can be found in the South, Southwest, and West Coast. Crapemyrtles are found as far north as Baltimore, Maryland, but they are better suited for warmer regions of the country.

*****************************

Also I found: Lagerstroemia indica originated in China and was named after Magnus von Lagerstroem Quote from site! (somehow I don't see a crape or a myrtle in that name, but maybe Magnus's nickname was Myrtle). Crapes can be trained into shrubs or, if allowed to grow, will become small trees.

***************************************

Pruning… Great information at this site plus a perfect picture of the trunk. Since my Crape Myrtle is only Just a year old I had no idea what it would look like as it grew. This is all very exciting.

MUMS the WORD!

Fall house cleaning

********* Have not had a chance for any further investigation on the second identification… Will attended to that tomorrow ;)

*****************

BUT the house is getting in order…

**************************** Some MUMS ~~~~~~~~ ever so lovely from the most amazing Garden center in the DC area…got my Fringe Tree ~ more about that later!

*************************** Behnke Nurseries Co. In 1930 Albert and Rose Behnke opened Behnke Nurseries in Beltsville, Maryland. Over the years, the nursery and its reputation for honesty and true value have steadily grown. Today, Behnke Nurseries has three locations in Maryland, and each one reflects the same old-fashioned values set forth by Albert and Rose Behnke - they offer the widest practical selection of top-quality plants, with knowledgeable staff to assist in plant choices and to help educate their customers in plant care. Behnke Nurseries enjoys a nationwide reputation as Washington's premiere garden center

Perchance it is a Camellia

Ki I looked at several sites and I feel sure you have hit upon the identification.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

http://perennial-plants.suite101.com/article.cfm/plant_profile_camellia

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

http://camellia-ics.org/_ics/ackerm1.htm

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

http://www.npr.org/programs/talkingplants/profiles/camellia.html

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Here is another view ~~~~~~~~~~~

Flip that Dirt

Compost Happens… ^^ Compost Site Selection

^^^

Check the Chart useful information I thought. The three primary nutrients used by plants are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; their soil had NONE of these.

^^^

Yes we did the soil tests! ;( Needless to say our trip to DC to see our daughters and Son In Law was fabulous. Helping the newly weds was neat. The Garden Center we went to was totally amazing as well. Seeing the results of JUST the Beginning of a yard makeover breath taking. Then just sitting in their back yard and admiring the Blood [holly branch in the upper lip] Sweat and tears [of laughter] was astonishing.

^^^^^^ Now I am going to need some help in identifying some trees/shrubs for them, I hope you all can help me in this one!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I will do one picture per tree/ Shrub so I do not get confused! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Looks like this MIGHT be a Magnolia Compost Recipe! Recipe Ingredients · Air · Water · Brown stuff Green stuff

It was a DARK and CLOUDY Night…

While not quite Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Scarlet Letter… The moon was more of a sight than the game. Alas and Alack. No. 18 South Florida Tops No. 5 West Virginia: College Football ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sigh!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

October 6 at Syracuse…TBA ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ OK Onward and UPWARD…I am going to go KNIT!

Plus get ready to go see our DAUGHTERS and first son-in-law, Whooooo HooooooooooooooooooooLook out DC here we come!

Crape myrtle/ Lagerstroemia indica

Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeee Skippyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy I found my Crape Myrtle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

** The 6 petals of the flowers are wrinkled, suggesting crinkled tissue paper, hence the name ” crepe” myrtle.

************* IT had been hidden behind stacks of roofing materials, ladders paint cans etc… Bottom-line it LIVES!

****************

I first noticed this plant on the campus of the THEN Randolph Macon Woman’s College. I knew one day I would get one to plant, not only because it is a lovely plant, but also for the memories it evokes. Ummmmmm Maybe it would live in the DC area??? I need to be Checking Zones!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

************************* Founded as Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in 1891

***************

Randolph-Macon became co-educational in 1972 and Randolph College became co-educational in 2007 and the two schools are now governed by two separate boards. But that is another story.

Helpers on the Creek Bank and Star Gazers!

As usual I sit in my Nook supping coffee and ruminate possible event s of the day. Aside from the total chaos with the roofers, they are almost finished. But then that, as it always seems to do, leads into yet another project. This morning two doe were on the Creek bank where I had already started clearing. I watched carefully to see what they were nibbling determined to leave that for them. I have gotten 1/3 of the Bank started. It is a tedious job in many respects. One ya gotta shimmy down to the base of the Creek bed and work up. Also being by the Creek and rocks one needs to always be ready to see FRED. Fred is the name I have given to any snake, except the copperheads, for many years. Have no clue how that name stuck but stuck it has. The next part of the task is that I use clippers because there are many volunteer saplings that we want to keep. We have some volunteer Sugar Maples, as well as a few Water Willows and several Tulip Poplars. The trunks of the Sugar Maples and the Tulip Poplar will eventually be less shaggy than the Box elders. The Water Willow is a gentle look on the Creek bank as well. I admit when I come upon a BOX ELDER [(Acer negundo)] also commonly known as ashleaf maple, I go at it. Those trees, to be are ungainly and a nuisance, as they sprout up EVERYWHERE. I will have to admit while I have at it with them most of the time I did have two larger ones trimmed and spiffed up in the upper Dreen area. YA my Sweetie was caught off guard on that one. The seeds are a source of food for birds and mammals, and are important because they stay on the tree through winter, when other food resources are scarce. But at any Hoot back to the story. After I prepare my Sweetie his Farmers Breakfast I will skinny down to the Creek bank to see if I can make some progress. Then maybe by early evening we, Sweetie and I can put together his surprise I got for him while he and youngest son were in DC assisting daughter and son in-laws move to their FIRST HOME. Tee hee News and Pictures at ELEVEN! Meanwhile the Lilium “Stargazer Lilies”… Enjoy! The lily family has traditionally represented innocence and purity. These motifs appeared as far back as ancient Greek and Roman civilizations and reappeared in biblical traditions. Check out the Time Lapse !

Back from a Whirl Wind Tour

No more to be said than the Wedding in Richmond that we went to was lovely and more delightful than that was seeing our daughters and our son – in – law. [I just love DC] ~ Besides not having to cook, clean, mow, weed eat etc for almost a week was Heavenly. The shopping and restaurants were yummy, delicious and tastefully executed. The company was the best as always! The newly weds soon to be home is sooooooooooooooo adorable! Almost a year ago our daughters took me to Jaleo’s, this time my Sweetie had a chance to try the cuisine, and he liked it. Jaleo offers bite-sized appetizers, which makes sharing the thing to do. The Duck leg confit nectarine sauce is still a fav of mine. They were out of another favorite, grilled quail with honey alioli and rosemary sauce. We did seconds on the sautéed spinach, pine nuts, raisins and apples. Some New places: The Uptown Theater and the Seminary. A Perfect place to see Pirates of the Caribbean 3 This theater opened in 1933, the Uptown is the last movie palace in Washington, DC still showing first run films and was the location of the world premiere of '2001: A Space Odyssey' in April, 1968. We had a driving tour of the Seminary and on another trip we will certainely do the Walking Tour of Forest Glen Seminary.The Seminary was an early 20th century school that features a unique collection of architecture from around the world (including an Italian Villa, a Japanese Pagoda, a Dutch windmill, etc). Of course I had to go see Eastern Market, knowing full well that it is not functioning as it had before the fire. It was like visiting an old friend. A big problem at the market right now is that most people in the DC area think that the market burned to the ground! And that they are not open! Au contraire! The building itself is fine, the structure very much in tact. They have started to re-build the roof and have broken ground on a new temporary structure for the food vendors who lost their businesses inside the South Hall. The market is open every weekend and thriving! Back to Reality??? ~ OH shucky darn, but as always Good to be Home! Before I get back to sharing the advancement of Sarah’s Pond, there are some pictures just ‘Cause!

Eastern Market a Sad day indeed!

Besides loving DC well before our daughters took up residence there, on our visits I became an Eastern Market-aholich. YUP and with our soon to visit time I said gleefully, “Don’t forget a visit to Eastern Market! “ Now this news~ A sad, sad day Historic Capitol Hill Marketplace Burns By Howard Schneider, Debbi Wilgoren, and Allison Klein Washington Post Staff WriterMonday, April 30, 2007; 8:24 AM Fire coursed through the shops of the historic Eastern Market on Capitol Hill early Monday morning, gutting the southern half of the 134-year-old landmark.

Conspiracy vs. Cubism.

Hi Jinks with the Igloo Elves~ I leave to go to DC and THEY hit. Yup! The icemaker needed cleaned. Residue from old ice is scary and totally gross. I clean the icky stuff out. It takes usually 24 hours for the machine to do its thang. 24 hours came and went. We get the maintenance agreement out YUP we are covered. So just as I was ready to call the friendly Sears’ people, something made be halt the phone call. I peer in I look at the ice. WHOA it is how it should be. Ummmmmmmmmmm! The next day which would have been Friday and yet again Saturday, what to my wondering eyes should and DID appear…but perfectly formed CUBES~ Chilling! :)

And they are OFF!

May 6th is coming soon. Derby Day and the mint is ready for picking! YUM Mint Juleps! Now is the time for that Pecan Pie! Will it be Brother Derek or????? Lawyer Ron???? I love my Lawyer!!!!!!!

Carousel

The day of the Shower we all traipsed to the Mall and through the Sculpture garden.

We rode the Carousel what fun the wind surged through my tresses the sun was affectionate to us. Unchanged was the hot dog stand as well as the cost for the ride. The thrill of it all! Then off to the Shower held at a most pleasant and lovely residence. Filled with equally enjoyable and delightful people. The table was festooned with the most incredible collections of luscious foods. The flowers were fantastic as well!