Road Trip: The Story

This is me and my girls, smiling and relaxed, before two epic storms, a drive through the 'can't think of an adjective' town of Washington DC, a detour through gangland, too many one way streets in Philly, seeing a car upside down, a stop under a bridge due to hail, one hour parking in Philly once I figured out the one hour parking and horns blown at me multiple times and too many people walking across the street without looking!

Yesssss, this is us riding through farm land with mile after mile of corn, silos, cows, small quaint towns and easy driving. We are smiling because we HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS AHEAD FOR US.

We are enjoying this.

We have NO idea that we will face this.

We encountered two storms that were horrendous. The first slowed us down to a crawl, then from somewhere a wall of water hit us and I couldn't see a thing. My mind working over time to decide what to do when suddenly the windshield cleared. We pulled off the interstate and took a break. The second (see picture above) came off the Delaware River and was equally as frightening. The rain was so heavy with hail accompanying it that we had to pull off under a bridge. There I warned the girls that we could get hit from behind and to be prepared. Nothing like a pep talk from mom!!

While going through Virginia, Hannah decided that we should detour through Washington and see the sights since it had been awhile since we had been there. I (remember smiling face above) thinking what an easy trip, decided 'why not'! I should have said, WHY??!! So, off we go to the land of 'taxation without representation', which evidently makes people touchy and rude. I think they need to plant corn in town and bring in some cows. It would make people nicer.

The White House



The Washington Monument



The Lincoln Memorial




Pinkberry frozen yogurt: Yes, this is as important as the monuments! And it just opened in Washington in May.



The Shake Shack: Evidently as important as Pinkberry and Washington. We bought one burger and fries and shared. Not bad at all, but over hyped if you ask me. Evidently foodies give points for eating here.


still smiling....I don't know, Sarah looks a little dazed.

After seeing a Secret Service motorcade with flashing lights and all, multiple monuments, having yogurt, a hamburger and a good dose of traffic, we decided it was time to head to Philadelphia.

Before getting into Philadelphia, we encounter the storm from the picture above. The wind was blowing leaves, hail was bouncing off the car and people were stopping all over the road. Good times!!

As we arrived in Philadelphia our GPS decided that we needed another detour. We turn, as instructed by the evil thing and see shoes hanging over the wires. (several weeks ago Wm. explained to me that this indicated a gangs territory and not that someone was mad at their sibling) GREAT. And there was NO doubt we were not in the right location. We turn again and there is a policeman arresting someone. FABULOUS. We turned around and made plans to run over the GPS with the car as soon as we had a chance.

Finally we made it to the hotel; a very fancy hotel with valet parking ONLY. (at this point I am reliving NYC, getting out at the Westin) Here we are, everything packed into this VW arriving at this expensive hotel with our drinking cups, snacks, etc.



Fancy hotel room. Nice!



Sweets waiting for Hannah from Terrain in hotel room. Nicer!


While Hannah spent the day here...




Sarah and I braved the streets of Philly. Ok, ok, maybe I am being a bit dramatic, but I am use to driving in Blue Ridge, Ga. If someone blows their horn, it's because they know you and are saying hi. If you throw on your brakes in town, it may be for a chicken. If you want to park, you ride around and find a spot and there is no complicated kiosk to deal with. If you smile, the other person smiles back.

We didn't have a camera with us that day, for some reason Hannah thought she needed hers! We went to the Reading Terminal Market and ate at Dinic's which was on Man Vs Food. The market is all inside and a hub of activity. There is everything imaginable.

We went to the oldest existing Presbyterian church and toured the graveyard. We saw the outdoor Italian market, China town, the library Benjamin Franklin started and went to Starbucks for a break. Venti black tea lemonade unsweet!! YES

NOTE: After an hour or so of the GPS saying in a British voice, "recalculating, take next right (which you can't because it is ONE way the OTHER direction) one gets a bit peeved. I promise you that I detected an attitude in that GPS's voice. "recalculating, recalculating, in .3 miles take next left, take next left, then right". OH MY WORD

Hannah returned late Tuesday evening with a bag full of swag. Terrain even personalized it for each guest according to their interests and what type of blog they did. We enjoyed looking at everything and hearing about her day. Check out her blog post here for all the details.

Sarah and I found a restaurant a block from the hotel that was terrific. It is called Marathon. Amazing!! I had their turkey burger one night and a salad the next. Sarah had hot roasted turkey and a burger. (not at the same time) Everything was great and we sat at the window the second night and watched a mass of humanity go by. And watched bikers run red lights, can you say scaaarrry.


We were ready for wide open spaces after two days in Philadelphia. We headed to Amish country and on south. We stopped in Lexington, VA where Stonewall Jackson had his home. The gardens behind the home were beautiful as was the town. Washington and Lee University is here along with Lee Chapel where Robert E. Lee is buried.


Gardens behind the Jackson home.



R.E. Lee Memorial Church, just beautiful.



Somewhere in all this we went to Bull Run in Manassas, VA. A sobering site. It is so quite and peaceful there, but I kept thinking how loud and frightening it must have been for those soldiers.

	Did You Know? During the war, the North generally named a battle after the closest river, stream or creek and the South tended to name battles after towns or railroad junctions. Hence the Confederate name Manassas after Manassas Junction and the Union name Bull Run for the stream Bull Run.

We had a memorable girls road trip. We sang, laughed, enjoyed every corn field, silo and cow, prayed to make it through the bad weather, made side trips through adorable little towns, ate peanut butter and almond butter sandwiches in the car, plotted against the GPS, collectively panicked in the big cities, hurriedly made change for toll roads, and enjoyed people watching. Truly, good times with my girls!

"In Your presence is fullness of JOY!" Psalm 16:11

Road Trip!!

As a home school mom I have always called them 'field trips'. So this is actually an road trip/field trip. And it is just us girls!! Can I get a woot woot?!

I can't say much about it yet; sworn to secrecy you know. Hannah has been invited by a company, all expenses paid, to a day at their store. BIG TIME, I know. Lunch, spa, networking, afternoon something or another and dinner.

Sarah and I are tagging along to see this historic city and it doesn't hurt that 'they' are putting Hannah up in a fancy smancy hotel in this undisclosed city!

HINT below:

If you guess where, I am give you a prize...or not; but you'll think you are SO smart!

I am so excited because one of my favorite historical people spent a lot of time here. Also, something pretty important took place here.
Do you know yet???

Anyway, there are several places I want to see and there is a huge market there that is suppose to be amazing. Adam Richmond, from Man Vs Food did a show featuring this market and ate a yummy looking sandwich. We are trying this sandwich! Along with another sandwich made famous by this mystery city.

So in a few days, with one big suitcase, in one small car, with GPS firmly stuck to the windshield, we will depart for this girls only road trip/field trip. Also reminding ourselves that if you leave said GPS on the windshield when you get out of the car (anywhere else besides our little town), you must be telling others that 'you want them to have your GPS'. Must remember this...

21

This beautiful and talented young lady turned 21 yesterday. I truly cannot believe that she made me a momma 21 years ago; an event that changed my life forever for the better.

These past 21 years have been amazing, challenging, frustrating and fulfilling. I have enjoyed watching Hannah grow into a confident young woman navigating her way through the world with wide eyes, a camera and a determination to pursue her passion.

Yesterday she requested we go into the forest to a favorite place of hers. It is quite, beautiful and the water is fresh and cool. We set up our tent, chairs, a wild flower bouquet, roasted hotdogs and enjoyed the evening. Of course, she took some great pictures, so take a look at our little corner of the world.











Psalm 78:4
We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.

A Day In Delano

Last October we made a trip up to Delano, TN to the Delano Farm Market that is ran by a small group of Mennonites. Side Note:This was a week before I went into the hospital with the embolism. While we were there I could not breath well, but it wasn't horrible yet and I thought it was walking pneumonia at the time.

We decided that today we would drive back up there and see what vegetables they had. It was busy and they had all kinds of yummy things. Tomatoes, squash, beans, potatoes, peppers, watermelons, cantaloupe, eggplant; they also sell jams, jellies, chowchow and other canned goods.

I enjoyed this trip so much more because I felt great this trip. The weather wasn't terribly hot and there was a slight breeze. We sat outside after we made our purchases in the market and watched customers come and go while 'some of us' enjoyed a fried apple pie that some folks across from the market sell!

The market is not very large, but inviting and quaint. All the signs are hand written and they use non-electric adding machines It is open in the front and sits up above the fields the little community works. Only the married men work in the market and you do not often see the women.

The Delano Farm Market is open Monday thru Sat. 9 to 5. So if you aren't too far away, it is worth the trip.

Berry Picking!

We are so fortunate that where we live has so much natural beauty. We see deer and other woodland creatures daily, along with beautiful mountains and streams.

Another plus are the wild berries that are all around us. The other evening the girls went out to pick some that Hannah is going to cook and swirl into homemade ice cream.

Shout joyfully to God...How awesome are your works. Psalm 66:1,3

Every Young Ladies Prayer

“If I marry, he must be so tall when he is on his knees, as one has said, he reaches all the way to Heaven. His shoulders must be broad enough to bear the burden of a family. His lips must be strong enough to smile, firm enough to say no, and tender enough to kiss. His love must be so deep that it takes its stand in Christ and so wide that it takes in the whole world. He must be big enough to be gentle and great enough to be thoughtful. His arms must be strong enough to carry a little child.” -Ruth Graham

Ruth wrote these words at the age of 17. I am moved by her vision and commitment at such a young age to the type of man she desired.

This is a beautiful example of a godly young woman with holy standards. I am thankful that my daughters have set these standards.

Our favorite flower is the hydrangea; it is old fashion and comforting. It reminds me of my grandmothers; the girls say it reminds them of a simpler time, a slower pace. It evokes good feelings for us. Do you have a favorite flower?

I have been buried with business; we are thankful that we have so much work. The weather earlier in the spring put us behind, so we will play catch up the rest of the year.

The girls and I are enjoying our new exercise program and we are seeing results. The indoor track has been a life saver, enabling us to avoid walking in 90 degree weather. We are going to try the Zumba class that starts next month, which should provide endless entertainment, if nothing else!!

My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, in safe dwellings, and in quiet resting-places.

Isaiah 32:18

The High Museum of Art

Today Hannah and I went to the High Museum of Art to see an exhibit of Henri Cartier-Bresson's photography. Amazing! Hannah had wanted to go to see it for some time and today was the last day for the exhibit, so we made a run for it.

Cartier-Bresson is considered the father of modern photojournalism. He began taking pictures of everyday people or what is called 'street photography'. He eventually, over a very long and prolific career, took pictures all over the world and of many famous individuals, ie, Carl Jung, Coco Chanel, Truman Capote, William Faulkner, Henri Matisse, and many more.

But, it is the ones of unknown people that moved me the most. There was a strong need to get close to them to look at all that was going on in the picture, to understand something about the environment and circumstances. Cartier-Bresson's later works told a story and I felt I could grasp his intent better than with his earlier photos; with a short explanation of what was going on, I was able to see with more clarity and understanding. (Hannah says that is because I am so analytical)

Then we went to Yeah Burger to eat! The turkey burger is out of this world!! If you are in Atlanta, you need to try this place.

This is one of the roosters that we see downtown; yes, downtown. He was crossing the street and stopped so Hannah could get a shot of him. He was such a show off.

Just love where we live!

BlogHer Food






Hannah had a wonderful time at the BlogHer Food conference in Atlanta. After forging through the 6 lanes of Atlanta traffic, trying to find where to park, loosing her parking ticket and finding it, and moving rooms, she settled in and had a splendid experience.

She was so glad to finally meet the other contributors of the Kitchen Generation that she works with online and via Skype. They all got along fabulously and enjoyed getting to know each other in person.

They, the Kitchen Generation, spoke about blogging in an afternoon panel the first day and Hannah said that the attendees asked a lot of questions. It was a new experience for all of them and it went well.

There were major brands sponsoring so she received some cool swag. She came home with 3 or 4 cookbooks, vanilla beans, Pom juice, OXO tongs, a bagel knife, Sharffen Berger chocolate and more. She was able to speak to some of the people representing these brands, PR people and with publishing houses, etc.

The first evening there was a party sponsored by the Tasty Kitchen, which part of The Pioneer Woman's site. The Pioneer Woman's sister, Betsy runs the Tasty Kitchen and threw the party. Get this: BETSY KNEW WHO HANNAH WAS!! I realize that if you are not familiar with the blogging world, this doesn't mean anything and you are not impressed; but if you are in the blogging world and/or the food blogging world, this is BIG!! Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is very popular and has several books out. She has also appeared on TV.

Ok, back to earth. Hannah and her friends went out to eat together each evening and had a wonderful time together. They also got stuck in the elevator at the Westin together! Talk about bonding!! Hannah kept another young man on the elevator calm while they waited and he hugged and thanked her when they finally got out.

I think the strangest thing for her was having people walk up to her and know who she was. She said that over and over someone would come up and say, "you're Hannah, I read your blog". Someone even asked how I was doing because Hannah had posted about my health scare back in October. How sweet! She said everyone was so nice and talked about how much they loved her photography.

We may not be able to live with her now! But, we'll manage, we are proud of her and we have a way of keeping her grounded!!

Updates

WE have Been Traveling ON!

We have been busy around the Queen household, so I just haven't taken time to blog.

Hayden is busy with scouts and working toward his Eagle! He will begin 9th grade this coming year and things will get tougher for him on the college prep track. Lots of reading, a foreign language and more writing. He is SO excited. He also keeps us laughing.

Sarah is, well, Sarah. She stays on track, does her work and chores without us asking; what a blessing she is. She is funny, smart and beautiful. Eventually she is going to charge Hannah for her modeling services!!

Hannah continues to impress us with her talent. She is speaking at the BlogHer Food conference this month in Atlanta, in August she goes to Pennsylvania for a get together paid for by a company that she loves and loves her and she is developing a line of greeting cards with her photography on them. She is also applying for an internship with a photographer she admires and continues to work toward opening her portrait business.

My sweet husband is buried under work. The Lord continues to bless us with an abundance of work and we may need to add another employee. Balancing work, family and scouts keeps him busy.

I have begun a new eating plan and have lost around 40 lbs! It works for me and it is easy, so long term is not going to be a problem. We are also working to be more active with family Frisbee nights! It is fun and a great form of exercise. Cutting out sugar as been amazing; I feel 100% better, my arthritis doesn't hurt as much and my energy doesn't go up and down all day, it is constant. I am also toying with the idea of starting my Masters degree again; we'll see what happens.

Our farmers market starts in June, so we need to gear up for that. We need to make labels, decide what breads we want to bake and make sure everything is ready to go.

The hot weather is here, so it is time to make time to head to the creek and enjoy the cool water. Get out and get moving!!

“Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name” (Psalms 33:20-21)