Great Falls = Great Fun

There seems to be an abundance of nature either within, or just outside Washington, DC, and my friend Mason and I have had a lot of fun taking advantage of these nearby hiking opportunities. Whenever we're in the middle of a forest, we always have a hard time imagining that the nation's Capital is so close. This is definitely one of the reasons I've come to really enjoy living here: the best of the city is as accessible as the best of nature.

Recently Mason and I ventured to Great Falls, Virginia, just slightly northwest of DC, to enjoy a brisk winter hike. It was four days after a 'significant' amount of snow fell in the area, leaving the landscape looking very January-like. The trail we were on eventually led us to the actual Great Falls, which were great, indeed!

Niagara Falls of the South!

In the summertime, Great Falls National Park is overrun with tourists, families, hikers, strollers, and the like, (or at least it was when I was there in late August). But on a cold, January day, it felt like the view was all ours.

And we both tried to capture what we were seeing.

Amazing to think that all this is less than twenty miles from the White House. And followed-up by a hearty lunch at an Irish pub, hiking in Great Falls is a great way to enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the metro area.

Sunrise over Virginia

The view from my library's front steps, the morning after the "big" snow. Luckily it mostly bypassed the DC -metro area. There was just enough to make for a very pretty view.

Cozy Sunday

Now that the holidays are over, and Frances is back in Virginia, I've been wanting and needing to enjoy some wintertime coziness. And that's just what we did this past Sunday, after a pleasant walk in the park with my friend, Mason. Taking a cue from some of my favorite bloggers, I settled into Sunday afternoon by starting the process of Martha Stewart's Chicken Chili. While I worked on dinner, Mason built a fire in his fireplace. Frances curled up on the couch. The football playoffs were on the TV.
The chili simmered and the aroma filled the house. The cornbread was baked. Inevitably, I joined Frances on the couch. Time slowed down and there was nothing to think about except the warmth from the fire, the puppy snuggled up next to me, and the soon-to-be enjoyed comforting meal. It was the perfect antidote to post-holiday doldrums and my craving for some coziness. When it was finally time, Mason and I set our plates on the coffee table, and couldn't resist eating our chili directly in front of the fire. It was the perfect way to spend a January Sunday in Virginia: cozy, warm and with good company.

'Tis the Season

Ways that I've been enjoying the holiday season so far:

1. Going wine tasting in Virginia's horse country
2. Visiting the National Cathedral for the Annual Crèche exhibit
3. Trying out a new wine bar
4. Going for a hike while laughing at all the Virginians who say, "it's so cold!"
5. Finally going to a Buffalo Bills backer bar
6. Decorating a tree (at work) and fireplace (friend's house)
7. Having margaritas!
8. Shopping
9. Happy Hour at a local brewpub
10. Driving around to look at pretty Christmas lights
11. Having dinner here and here
12. Spending an afternoon at the National Portrait Gallery
13. Checking out the view
14. Trying to find good pizza (or maybe this?)

Needless to say, I've been extremely busy trying to enjoy myself and be as gluttonous as possible, it would appear! The reason for this? My parents took Frances back to Buffalo with them after Thanksgiving. For one month, I have very little responsibility and I'm taking full advantage. This would explain why I haven't been blogging, (as well as why I feel like I've gained 10 pounds). I love my Frances, but man am I enjoying my freedom. This holiday season has been full of fun, new things, and lots of joy. I definitely owe my parents, and I definitely don't want the month to end.

Long Weekend

One of my reasons for moving to Virginia was to be close to Washington, DC, but lately all I've been craving is some time away in the quiet of the countryside. Actually, to be more specific, I've been craving some cheap fruit and veggies. When I moved to Virginia, I left behind a vegetable garden and raspberry bushes, only to find out that good produce here is so expensive. Gone are the days of one dollar handfuls of zucchini, squash, tomatoes, beans, and most other summer vegetables. So in an attempt to find plentiful, homegrown, cheap vegetables, my friend Kevin and I planned an adventure to the countryside. We packed a picnic and drove west for about an hour, slowly watching the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia fade into rolling hills and fields aplenty.

It was the perfect summer day -- sunny with a refreshing breeze, and blue skies that stretched on for miles. My friends back in New York say it's beginning to feel like fall, but not here.

I did some research, and found a farm that offered a whole slew of picking options. Tomatoes, peppers, green beans, okra, bitter melon, eggplant, squash, peaches, blackberries, raspberries, and sunflowers. It was like having access to my own, albeit bigger, vegetable garden! I filled up my bag with goodies galore, and am happy to report the grand total was $5.90!

Even Frances was able to come along, and enjoy the sunshine.

The next stop after our picking adventure was Sky Meadows State Park, a lovely spot for a picnic and hike. We arrived at lunchtime, and were happy to find a spot of shade underneath a tree. Frances rested while Kevin and I enjoyed chicken sandwiches, fresh fruit, lemonade and complete tranquility. Feeling refreshed, we opted to follow a 'moderate' trail to the top of a hill -- hard climbing, but a view that was well worth the effort.

The day couldn't have been better, and now I have a tired pup -- always a pleasure -- and a bunch of produce. My plan is to combine yesterday's raspberries with those from my previous picking adventure, (which have been frozen) and make jam. I'd also like to make tomato sauce with my freshly picked plum tomatoes. Any tips on jam making, tomato sauce or canning are welcome! My adventures in the country will soon be turning into adventures in the kitchen.