Boone

Kyle and I went to visit family and friends in Boone two weekends to celebrate our anniversary a week early (I have a bridal shower next weekend) and did all our favorite things - Our Daily Bread (YUMMM), river floating, and hiking.  There's really not much to tell about what we did, because those activities took up all our time.

The boys with the beer float 

selfies, duh (RIP sunglasses)

Boo and a big blue sky

Had a little too much fun

river fronds

kergmonster on the rope swing

***

Rough Ridge

Making me nervous

What a view! The mountains are nice too...

Hai its me, Merg

BRP pano <3

Middleburg Part 2

Saturday morning I helped Rachel with some barn chores before breakfast, and then we went to Belle Grey farm to watch a driving horse demonstration.  Belle Grey was also pristine, but had more to look at.  The owner makes jumps so there were a bunch of gorgeous handmade jumps everywhere.  We watched the owners drive miniature horses around, walked around the grounds a little, and were about to leave when they said they were going to also demonstrate the mini's jumping.   It was hilarious!! These children run around at full tilt and the mini runs beside them and jump the jumps.  That is if the mini feels so inclined - sometimes the mini would push the kid over to avoid the jumps.  They also showed us the minis in at "at liberty" class in which they let the mini free, it has to trot and canter in both directions, the more attitude the higher the score, and at the end of 2 minutes, the kid has to try to catch the horse.  It was ridiculously funny.  We couldn't believe it was a real thing!

From Belle Grey we went down the road to Caliburn, which was probably the nicest barn on the tour. The interior was completely varnished wood, it had a lounge with easy chairs and kitchen (granite and stainless steel appliances), handmade mosaics everywhere, multiple chandeliers, a suite above the aisles, and of course, 12 perfect horses in the stalls.  It seemed surreal because it was SO nice and SO fancy.

Looking up into the cupola

Yes, that's a tile mosaic on the ground

We grabbed a quick bite to eat, checked on the horses at Rachel's barn, and then ended our tour at Poplar Grange.  It was the group favorite.  It was stone and wood (also all varnished), canvas prints of the owner and his daughter as barn decor, a perfectly decorated lounge with countless trophies (the owner also has steeplechasers) and awards.  I'm pretty sure we drooled all over the aisle.  I later looked this one up and it cost 10 mil - casual.

We had some time to kill before dinner, so we went to the nearby Greenhill Winery and Vineyards.  The service left something to be desired, but the wine and the view were stellar.  I tell you what, I LOVE Virginia wines.  Every one I've had was out of this world.  Greenhill was pretty expensive, but their Philosophy red blend was one of the best red wines I've had in the states (sorry to be a wine snob).  Ugh, I'm drooling just thinking about it.  We sat out on their patio and enjoyed 2 glasses while watching the sun slowly sink in the sky.

From Greenhill, we went to Salamander Resort for drinks and dinner.  I had the best cocktail there - all my favorites in one! Gin, ginger, jalapeno, cilantro - yum!  It was busy busy at the resort, but the view was amazing, the decor is so swanky, and the company, again, could not be beat.

Sunday we didn't do a lot, just coffee on the deck, watching Ruby herd airplanes and chase bunnies.  We also went to see Rachel's 2 baby horses, Teddy and Beau.  Total cutie pies!  Lunch and then on the road.  I hate leaving Middleburg because we always have such a great time.  Hopefully going back at the end of July for WEG selection trials, more drinking, Rachel, and fun!

Middleburg Part 1

Short week = lots of catching up = delayed blog posts.

Firstly, I got my wedding band in the mail!!!  HOORAY!  Its beautiful and French, so it will go well with my engagement ring.  Plus I think the wedding will have some French-inspired touches as well, so its all going to be so perfect.

Last weekend Mother and I went back up to Middleburg, VA to visit our friend Rachel again.  You'll recall we were up there for their Christmas Parade last year and we couldn't wait another year to go back.  We had a BLAST, of course.  We left super duper early Saturday morning and got to Richmond in time to eat breakfast at my favorite place (the smoked salmon plate is killerrrrr).

Once up in Middleburg we drove around a little to look at the spectacular farms and scenery, dropped off our bags, and then headed to downtown for a little lunch and window shopping.  Nothing was really different in any of the stores but they are fun to pop into anyways.  I think Middleburg is one of the few places I don't feel like shopping very much because there is so much else to do and see.

Every Memorial Day weekend, there is a Hunt Country Stable Tour which is a fundraiser for a local church, and this was its 55th year.  The tour showcases some of the nicest farms in the area, and we went to see five - Wind Field, Banbury, Belle Grey, Caliburn, and Poplar Grange.  They were all amazing in their own way, but were all so different.

Rachel had to work on Saturday, so Mother and I went to Wind Field and Banbury by ourselves. Wind Field was *pristine.*  I've never seen a more immaculate farm in my life - and it was 450 acres to boot!  Can you imagine keeping that much land perfect?  Oh, and it was only an 8 stall barn!  All that land for 8 horses!  I liked Wind Field, but it paled in comparison to the others, if you can believe it.

Wind Field

I know, my pants are amazing

Banbury's farm itself was pretty average, except they have their own polo field because they train polo ponies.  As part of the tour, the Banbury team played another local team out in their field.  Neither of us had ever watched a polo match, so we were pretty enthralled.  We only stay for 2 innings/quarters (not sure what the correct terminology is), before going to pick up snacks and meeting Rachel at her house.  We had a much-needed glass of champagne on her porch before going to Twilight Polo, at the Great Meadows, which is one of their many equestrian venues up there.  Rachel lives in the coolest house - it is nearly surrounded totally by cow fields, it is so old, there is even wood flooring in the bathroom, she has a wood burning stove and a great little back porch.  It is basically my dream home (minus the no heat thing).  Twilight Polo is the Middleburg equivalent of Beach Music nights at North Hills.  Everyone sits and has a little picnic, a lot of alcohol, and its just a social event with some horses in the background.  The only downside was that it was arena polo and not field polo, which is much more exciting because the ponies can run full speed in the field.

Trip to be continued....

24th Bday and More!

I know I promised I'd try to talk less about what's going on in my life and more "deep thoughts" but things have been so crazy, I haven't had time for thinkin'!

Saturday started out early by driving down to Washington, NC for the Blessing of the Fleet at the Washington Country Club, where my dad keeps his boat.  It was a little weird and a lot fun.  They had a minister who prayed and sang hymns for about ten minutes, and then everyone toddled off to their boats.  We all got on our boats, took a lap around the creek, and then came back by the dock to get squirted with a water gun by the minister.  My dad was happy to have his boat blessed as he leaves for the Chesapeake in a week or so.  It was great to get out on the boat, its been six years or so since I last was down there. I need to make an effort to get down one weekend this summer, as I forgot how much fun it is to be out on a sailboat.  After the blessing, there was a potluck cookout with a much needed cold brewski because it was HOT on Saturday.  Louise and I drove separately so we had a fun little sing-along on the way back to Raleigh.  It was nice to spend time with Louise since she leaves for Chicago tomorrow.  Idk if you read this Andrew & Hilary, but thanks for telling us what were the Greenville radio stations - they were essential!

Once back in Raleigh, I took a super fast shower and headed off to graduation parties.  A lot my good friends from the sorority graduated Saturday, so I saw some at Maggie's graduation, some at Caro's and some out at night!  Congratulations to all my graduate frands - y'all so smart, luv you!!

Running along through Saturday, Mother, Kyle, Louise, and I made the trek to Durham to eat at Revolution for my [first] birthday dinner.  I love Revolution for the food and atmosphere, so I was very pouty when they stuck us in the dungeon.  They had a million reservations for Duke graduations, so it was crowded to say the least.  I did get an awesome cocktail (So Far, So Good) that made up for everything - gin, lavender, lemon, and honey - swoon!  It really was a very good birthday dinner, even though I started out a little pouty.  After dinner I met up with Emily and we hung out at the Busy Bee for a few hours before this old lady turned in.  There were so many people downtown, probably from graduation and concerts, but it was crazy busy, there were so many more people than I've ever seen.

Sunday was Mother's Day, and Kyle and I cooked and cleaned all morning for my mom, Louise, Gerry, and Andy to come over midday for Mother's Day tea!  And by tea, I mean champagne and fancy snacks....  Everything turned out so well!  I made smoked salmon sandwiches with lemon-caper butter, cucumber dill sandwiches, strawberry tarts, beet terrine, and scones with clotted cream, lemon curd, and jam.  The strawberry tarts were originally rhubarb, but I overcooked the rhubarb the first time around and couldn't find anymore.  It was a great success and so much fun - if only Cindy could've been there, then all the moms would've been present.

Monday, was my birthday, and was perfect!!  Kyle and I woke up early to go to Yellow Dog Bread Co for breakfast, and as we got ready to leave, we found my bday present from STG - flowers, cupcakes, card, and a cupcake balloon all on the front porch! What a great surprise, although I did wonder what Sienna had barked at 5:15 that morning!  Yellow Dog was great - cinnamon roll and a strawberry-lavender latte (not super sweet, was very good) so we will definitely go back.  Then I had to go to work, which was whatever.  But the real fun was after work.  Kyle, Mother, Louise, Daddy, Allison, Arthur, and I all went to Cala Vela for dinner, and it was so good and so much fun!  It is such a happy restaurant, and I LOVE their spicy pineapple margaritas are to die for.  It was everything I wanted - friends, family, and margs, so I was a happy gal!!

Louise's Graduation

Louise graduated this past weekend!! In true HPU fashion, everything was extraordinary!

I was a lucky duck and got to leave work early on Friday and made it to High Point in time to eat dinner at Southern Roots!  Southern Roots normally is crazy busy, but graduation on top of that?  Insane.  We got there at 4:30, they don't start serving until 5:00, and the place was PACKED by 6:00.  What a fun dinner it was with all my favorite people - my mom, dad, grandfather, Louise, and her friend Rae.  The food was amazing as usual, and it was great catching up with everyone.  Not to mention the great band that started now long before we finished - the singer was a great vocalist and entertainer!  But, by far the best part of the evening was Grandfather chasing Daddy around the parking lot for paying for dinner.  Definitely up there in the top ten moment of my life I think.

Saturday started early in the morning - we were on HPU's campus at 6:30 am for the 9:00 ceremony!  The seating was outside, and those New England parents don't play - they didn't drive all the way down from Connecticut to get a poor view of their baby walking across the stage.  Mother and Grandfather camped out with mimosas and chicken minis and saved our seats.  The ceremony was VERY HPU, in that it was slightly over the top, but really pretty cool at the same time.  From the bagpipes for the entrance procession, to the speaker (we'll get to that), to having every graduate walk across the stage, and finally Clark at the end.  It was my first time seeing the president, Nido Qubein speak, and I really like him.  He has such a great outlook on life, its great that he's in education.  Again, in typical HPU fashion, they got Colin Powell for their commencement speaker.  Lets just let that sink in for a second.  Little teeny High Point got the ex-Secretary of State to come talk.  He was excellent.  He talked about the importance of education, but that education was just the base to build up, and with hard work and passion, anyone was capable of accomplishing anything.  He did go somewhat into the political realm, but that is the public servant in him.  I truly feel lucky to have listened to the speech.

After Colin Powell spoke, all 1,000+ graduates walked across the stage, which took an hour and a half or so.  While it was a long time to sit there, it was pretty neat that Louise was able to walk across the stage, and she also got to shake Colin Powell's hand!

Nido and Louise

Colin and Louise 

Aside from Colin Powell's speech, the most entertaining part of the ceremony was the bald eagle (Clark) who they had fly over the heads of all the graduates.  So Hight Point.

Clark

After the ceremony, there was lots of congratulations, pictures, parties, and one bad Sienna to clean up after she got into the trash in Louise's apartment.  What a day! 

The boys

Family!

Love this pic of Mother & Grandfather!

To round out the celebrations, we went to Print Works Bistro in Greensboro for dinner.  It was a lovely restaurant, with great food.  We were all pretty tired, so I'd like to go back again after not quite so long of a day.  Congratulations Louise for graduating, and can't wait to see all that you do in Chicago! 

Spring Things

I've been a bit neglectful of the Diva Chronicles as of late, partially because of my schedule and partially because I didn't really have much to say outside of working, riding and going to the gym.

The gym is part of the reason my schedule has been so wonky as of late.  I recently transitioned from working out full time (3x/week) with one trainer, to working out 2x a week with a trainer, 1x on my own, and now I'm doing everything completely on my own.  Which I like more than I thought I would.  I honestly thought I needed the trainers to ensure I'd actually go to the gym, but I've really been better about going on my own than with the trainer, because if I'm tired one day, instead of having to try to accommodate to someone else when rescheduling, I can just go whenever I want.  Which generally results in me going to the gym at 5AM or 9:30PM.  I really like going when the gym is empty and the meatheads are a little less bountiful (downside of a corporate gym).  So I'm just still getting in the groove there, so the blog has suffered a little for that reason.

I wanted to share what fun Kyle and I had this weekend.  We went to the Art of Cool festival in Durham, because one of my co-workers nightlights as a hip-hop artist and he performed over the weekend.  It was a beautiful day, and the people watching was great because it was families, teens, grandparents, people my age all in one spot listening to the same thing, which I thought was cool.  Not to mention, Josh is amazing. If you have a Spotify account, you can listen to Josh, HERE.

After the Art of Cool, Kyle and I went to my/our fave wedding venue, Fearrington.  I'd been wanting to go for weeks, since the trees started changing, but the temperatures didn't coordinate until this past weekend, but it was worth the wait!  We got drinks, meat, and cheese at Roost, their beer garden.  On the porch of Roost they had a great live band who played bluegrass.  I hope to get out there for drinks and music a few more times this summer, as Roost is only open seasonally, and even then, only Thursday-Sunday.  We sat there for maybe an hour and a half, before going to walk around a bit.  There wasn't much for us to see because it was late in the day, which meant wedding stuff was going on.  They have a wedding there nearly every weekend, so we couldn't go into the gardens at all because of the ceremony and pictures, and then the cocktail hour happened in front of the barn while we walked around, so we couldn't peep in there either.  It was okay though, we walked down to the restaurant and looked across the cow pastures for a few minutes, and then left.  It was cool, because I unintentionally went the almost exact same week my mom and I first visited Fearrington for a wedding tour one year ago.  So it was almost as if it was my and Fearrington's one year anniversary (yea I feel that way about the venue - we're in love).  What is also funny is that the tulips tipped me off to the fact that it had been a year because I took a picture of them last year, and they were blooming again this year.  Fearrington has the biggest most beautiful tulips.  While I love my November date, I would also happily get married in late April, just for the tulips out there.

Sometimes I think Kyle and I should've gotten married THIS November because, let's be real, I'm going to have everything done by then!  Also, the more I do, the more excited I get, and the harder its going to be to wait.  I know there is no harm in waiting, but its so fun.  I don't get excited about things unless they are going on (ie growing up, I never got excited about Christmas until the day of).  With the wedding, I didn't really ever get excited unless we went to Fearrington, but since I've now shopped for and bought my dress, and I can buy my wedding band on the 15th of this month, the excitement is finally non-stop.  Then this summer is booking the photographer, looking for bridesmaids dresses, etc so all the fun is still to come, but now I just can't wait!

Tulip picture I took on our first trip to Fearrington

Live music, wine, and cheese at Roost

Pathway to the restaurant (cow pastures to the right where the white chairs are)

Sunday was a bit of a sad day because it was the Circle degree of initiation for all of my sisters, where they go from collegiate members to alumni.  Usually this is just for seniors, but since the chapter is closing, everyone did it.  Nobody was too emotional, I think at this point everyone has had a chance to accept the chapter closing, so that was good because if any of them had cried, I would have as well.  I'm sure the end of school when they move out will be hard, but they are all so strong that I know they will bounce back.  I think a lot of the ones who aren't graduating are still living together next year, which makes me so happy.  Below are some pictures of my beautiful family.

Me, Emily, and Katharine

The best little I could've ever asked for

 Finally, I wanted to share pseudo-recipe that I want non-stop nowadays - sweet potato chips!  Kyle worked to perfect these babies for a year now and finally he did so!  We tried baking and frying - neither resulted in a crispy chip, so finally we took to microwaving.  That still took some finessing, but it is the easiest, quickest, and most reliable method.  We start by cutting up the potato (the mandolin we got for Christmas made this part SO much easier!) and then throw on oil of some kind (we like coconut oil or bacon fat if we have it, but butter or olive oil works just fine too), salt, and pepper.  That's it!  We mix it up and then place each chip in a big serving bowl.  The chips can overlap a little, but you don't want to put multiple chips on top of one another.  The first batch will probably have to cook 8-12 minutes in the microwave, but the batches after that generally take less than 8 minutes.  And voila!  Crack chips! They are great plain, but I love them with taco salad or for dipping.