Conversations With The G...

Asked the G to say her Bible verse for the week. G said, "Honor your Fodder and Mudder. Exodus 20:12."

I Will Survive...

Yes, You're Driving On My Road!

(I had to steal this post from Rick since he worded it so well!)

DC / Baltimore drivers are rude. Not NYC rude. That rudeness is expected and almost permissible...a natural byproduct of a concrete jungle with too many people, too little road, and too hurried lives. No, the selfish aggressive driving in this area is confounding to say the least.

Parking spaces are wonderful displays of people's behavior. After searching relentlessly for a space and finding one - unoccupied or soon to be - another driver approaching the opposite direction should see the turn signal you recently engaged. Instead they attempt to claim your parking space. Had they seen it first? Doubtful. Plus, you called dibs. Sometimes a honk can shake them into reality but other times they still manage to claim your space. Perhaps it's the singular focus of securing the cherished parking prize that causes drivers to be blind to someone's blinker. But when dibs are called on a space, respect it!

Trying to exit from a parking space is another slice of fun. Finding another driver wanting your space isn't uncommon. However, finding the other driver positioned in such close proximity to protect the claim and barely leave you room to exit - that's just rude. Granted, there are some moments when the vehicle wanting your space has been boxed in by another clueless driver behind them. I prefer to combat this arrogance with a slow exit or never leaving the parking space.

I'm not certain if it's the diversity of drivers in the DC / Baltimore metro or if merging is simply an impossible concept. However, this issue seems to be universal to any road which has an onramp or where two lanes become one. Again, instead of looking out for the other driver's welfare and attempting to keep an orderly flow, drivers will do whatever possible to claim their piece of asphalt. Maybe the thought is to "get out of the other driver's way" but the end result seems more "I'm first and you're not!"

A cousin of merging is interstate lane changing. Activating a blinker may announce your intention to change lanes but don't expect any to let you over. Instead, they will again speed up to make sure they're in front of you - not knowing if you will impede their progress or not - rather than slow a bit to allow you in their lane.

At the root of this is: me, me, me. I want to be first. My time is more valuable than yours. Let me get out of way...but I'm still first.

Folks, see past the end of your nose, show a little hospitality and compassion to your fellow drivers, and take some time. You might have fewer accidents but you'll definitely have lower blood pressures.

North Myrtle Beach, SC 2009

Below are a few pics from our beach trip to South Carolina back in September.  I did not take very many pics because we mostly stayed at the beach and the pool.  I was too busy sunnying to grab the camera.  ;-) 

G's 5 Year Old Birthday!

G's birthday this year was a low key affair. We went with Poppy to Lexington, Kentucky for his 50 year class reunion at Henry Clay. Since we drove to Kentucky on G's b-day, I bought some little gifts for her to open along the way. I also used them as a way to endure the 8 hour drive. It made the trip fun for G because she loves gifts!

The day after G's b-day we had birthday cake with some of our cousins. I loved watching G realize her family is more than just us in Maryland. She loved having her cousins around to play with, especially Emma who is a year younger than G. These girls had a blast together!

G's cake was from Magee's Bakery in Lexington. This bakery has been around forever and one my Dad use to go as a kid/teen. Even though I have never physically lived in Lexington it will always be home to me!

Conversations With The G...

On the way home from school today G and I talked about buying Trick or Treat candy. G told me she wanted to pass out the candy and how much she was going to give each kid. I reminded her if she stays home to pass out candy she won't be able to go trick or treating. She said, "Momma, I will tell them to wait!"

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad...

Fall in Maryland is beautiful! The trees are really starting to turn colors this week. One of the things you must do if you live here is to ride the train along the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad through the Allegheny Mountains. I am looking forward to some great family time, beautiful views, and a chance to just sit. The train turns around in Frostburg, which Marylanders tell me is probably the coldest location in the state.

Website: http://www.wmsr.com/home.php

Train Route: http://www.wmsr.com/static.php?page=54

Doesn't it look like fun?!

Katie's Baby

Proud to share what Katie calls her Baby's 1st Picture.
The soon-to-be purchased apartment in the NYC. Congrats, sista!!