Monopoly

 Benji has been asking us for a while to play with him. We've resisted, but finally said ok this weekend because we had all afternoon free:

Posy at the Window

 When she wants us to come out and pet her, she comes to the window at the den and looks in until we see her:

Universal Yums - Turkey

 This month's box was chock full of sesame and hazelnut flavored snacks. We all liked the cookies and halvah, but only Benji could stomach the leblebi (chick peas) which are apparently Turkey's most popular snack:

Last SOL "Date" Morning

Yesterday was the third and last of Benji's late-start Wednesdays for SOL testing. For each of the three Wednesdays, the plan was to get pastries from a new spot and explore the area around it. The first week we went to petit Marie Bette and explored downtown. Last week we were rained out, but this week we headed to the new complex at the Wool Factory, which was very pretty. Charlottesville was apparently famous for its wool, made in several mills along the Rivanna River. "Charlottesville Grays" was a common order for VMI and other military schools, and they made confederate weapons in the Civil War. The factory saw it's biggest output during WWII and was subsequently sold to Kent Fabrics to make private clothing and shuttered in 1962. It has been restored to its original design and the grounds around it have historical markers and signs with photos of the original. We had pastries from the on-site coffee shops and then walked around and read the signs, which were super interesting. At one end of the grounds, there is even a bridge going over the Rivanna and connecting to the Rivanna Trail (which loops Charlottesville):

SOL Putt Putt Tournament

 Benji's school has been giving standardized tests Tuesday and Wednesday mornings the last three weeks. Because the tests have to be taken in person and Benji wanted to stay virtual this spring, we opted him out of testing and he has had these mornings off. To make the most of the extra time, we have gone to the mini golf course each of the last three Tuesdays for a little tournament. The weather has been cooperative and the course has been empty each time, so we had a great time.

Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel Hike

 This reclaimed rail trail/tunnel was opened last year to great fanfare. Built in the 1850s, it served the Virginia Central Railroad for many years before a larger tunnel was built. It is a really neat hike because most of it is in the tunnel, which is like being in a cave with cool blasted rock all around (and in some sections old brickwork). Plus, it was a good 4.5 mile workout, which we needed before coming home to pizza and strawberry pie:

The East entrance is all blasted stone

The light at the end of the tunnel. Literally. It was pitch dark, but you could see the opposite end.

There were little waterfalls scattered through the tunnel

As you approach the west end, it turns to brick

The end of the tunnel. It seems so bright!

From the West end, the tunnel has a much more finished look

We were determined to make it to the West entrance (mostly for the bathrooms), but the extra .75 miles did not add much to the hike

Strawberry Picking 2021

 Thursday was a beautiful day in Charlottesville, and we decided to take advantage by heading out to Afton and our favorite strawberry patch at Critzer Farms:

Lots of pretty wildflowers in the fields

We were assigned to Patch #5 and were the only people in it

Lots of berries for pie

Ended our time on the farm with their homemade strawberry ice cream (sooo good)

After picking, we decided it was a little late to go home and cook, so we drove across the street to Blue Ridge Brewery and ate outside:

A view of normal

Hard Core Coder

 I no longer understand what he is working on, but he appears to be very good at it:

First BBQ of the Season

 

Mother's Day 2021

We had a quiet-ish Mother's Day this year. Kevin was able to get an early brunch reservation on the patio of the Boar's Head, so we picked Gammy up at 9:45 and headed over there. After brunch, we stopped to take a few pictures in the courtyard before heading home. We took a few more pictures in the dront yard because the flowers are all in bloom right now and then headed in to open presents and cards. After that, Abby had homework so we played Ticket to Ride with Benji and then took an afternoon walk before Kevin made a nice quiche and salad for dinner:

Post-back surgery, the kids both tower over Gammy

Another fmaily in the courtyard offered to take a family picture (and we took theirs)

The azaleas and rhododendrons are in full bloom

Benji's card had a coupon for a free car wash by him

From Abby -- from the Great British Bake Off -- seems whimsical and fun

Hydrangea from Kevin. Seems a little wilty on day 2, but hopefully it will bounce back

Hanging with Benji

 Benji has Tuesday and Wednesday mornings off for a few weeks while the school gives SOL tests. We've been having a fun time hanging out, playing mini-golf last Tuesday and going for a walk downtown (and getting pastries from Marie Bette) on Wednesday. When we came home on Wednesday, Benji asked to play marbles, which we did for a little while. Hope we have some more time to play together this week: