Summer Flora and Fauna

 The little town that we live in just right outside of the Charlottesville city limits truly is an oasis. It is a place where life is a little bit slower and beauty abounds at every turn be it the beautiful Shenandoah Mountains right at our doorstep, the creeks and waterways we come upon in our daily comings and goings, or the amazingly beautiful flora and fauna we find everywhere we turn.

 Summer is hot, no doubt, and this summer has been truly unbearable.

But even in the midst of the scorching heat, we still find a reprieve at the creekside in front of our home or in the rolling fields that surround our neighborhood.

 Taking in the beauty of our surroundings in this slower pace of life gives the soul room to breath and grow.

 We are truly blessed!

The Familiar Hare

As one year approaches since our move from Knoxville, it is the little things that remind me of my former home that bring comfort and solace as I miss the place that remains forever etched in my heart as the place I love.

 Living in Knoxville in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains alongside the Tennessee River, I was surrounded daily by panoramic beauty.

 Not to be a "Woe is me," slap my hand to my head, Scarlett O'Hara, I find comfort in the familiar of my new Virginia home. I am blessed with the beauty of the Shenandoah Mountains as well as a plethora of amazingly beautiful wineries and breweries and farms all at my door step.

 And on days when I am not out and about Charlottesville, I see the familiar hare who visited me not only in Knoxville but also here in my new home too.

It's the little small familiarity such as Mrs. Bunny that bring me great comfort as I miss my Tennessee home.

Summer Peach Pickin'

 After we moved to Charlottesville at the end of last July, one of the first family outings we went on was to Chile's Peach Orchard located one mile from our home in Crozet.

 Since our first trip to Chiles we have made multiple visits throughout the year to pick seasonal produce including apples, pumpkins, and strawberries.

 Today we have come full circle and went peach picking once again. It's wonderful to live so close to farms where you can go and pick your own fresh produce!

Small Town Fourth of July

We had a wonderful first Fourth of July celebration in our new small town home of Crozet, Virginia. Although it be small, Crozet knows how to celebrate America's birthday with a wonderful parade, party and beautiful fireworks. Happy birthday America!