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Life Amidst the Ruins

Here in the first full week of the coronavirus crisis, working from home, avoiding people, washing hands, frightened to death. Yet outside our doors and windows Spring has made its way to Copperpenny Court and there are signs of new life everywhere.

Libby Park

Every year when Fall comes we try to visit Libby Park to see the Ginkgo trees as their leaves fall. We have been pretty lucky in past years, but today, despite the first really cold weather, the leaves had only just begun to drop.

The trip was not a complete loss. We had a lovely brunch and a brisk drive around the town in the chilly weather. Then it was home to football, napping, and playing ball with the girls. A very nice Sunday indeed.

Inn at Perry Cabin November 2018

We had never been to the Eastern Shore, despite many years of fun travel all over this area. It is an “interesting” drive from Richmond, as you have to go past Washington, cross over an unGodly bridge, and then go right back in the same direction you drove up!

But five minutes after arrival we knew it was absolutely worth it! The Inn at Perry Cabin ranks up with The Homestead, The Greenbriar and the top hotels we have enjoyed in London, Paris, and Geneva. First rate all of the way. Not to mention we had a suite, and a special chaise lounge for Cherie.

We enjoyed four days of very nice weather, sight seeing, spa treatments (not me!) and photo opportunities. Many dining options, and all were wonderful. Cherie has been working extremely hard these past weeks, and it was great to have some time to relax together.

The Inn at Perry Cabin will be part of our future vacation plans!

Upper Shirley Plantation August 2017

About thirty minutes away, on the James River, are several infamous plantations - some of which have been restored and repurposed. Upper Shirley is now a fully functional winery and restaurant, featuring excellent food, lovely vistas, and a relaxing adventure.

This past Sunday we drove over in Cherie's new car. Beautiful day for a drive, we discovered that there is a well built and well maintained bike path all the way from downtown Richmond out to Shirley plantation - and beyond. Well over thirty miles, and not an afterthought, as it has custom bridgework, signage, and has been kept up beautifully. Something like this instills pride for your home town.

The "plantation" is really just a winery with a restaurant. All new building and wine growing setup. Pretty veranda with a view of the river. Really, really good food at reasonable prices. And...Cherie enjoyed the wine so much we brought a bottle home!

Spring 2017

Cherry blossoms mark the coming of Spring!

Spring is the loviest season at Copperpenny Court. Usually is is heralded by the blooming of the yellow daffodils, the chrysanthemums, then the cherry blossoms. The grass becomes greener and most of the dried leaves have blown away. There is a promise in the air.

The local farmer's markets open in Spring, and herbs, vegetables, and fresh ingredients become plentiful. My cooking is resurgent. The two girls get to spend more time outside, and the golf clubs come out of storage — well, hopefully. Next the trips to the gardening stores increase, and the search for plantings, yard maintenance, and decorations. Spring is the time for soil at Copperpenny Court. Soil, and soul.

Birthday Girl Once Again

Got to have a candle for every year! — Got to have a candle for *every* year!

The first big event of any new year is always Cherie's birthday! Due to the date of her emergence, the poor girl has always suffered in the shadow of the Christmas holidays. We try to make a special day even more special in return. Not always easy!

This year Cherie opted to return some bling gifts in favor of more practical items. No matter. We had a fun dinner, cake, candles and a special restaurant visit later in the week.

Like a fine wine, Cherie ages with grace and beauty, making everyone's life just that much better....

25th Anniversary Where It All Started

The Homestead has been around for 250 years, we've been married for 25 of them.

On April 27th we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary, and decided to return to The Homestead, where we were married. So, on June 7 we drove to Hot Springs, VA for a mid-week visit with the grand old lady. As always when we return to the Homestead, we stayed in our old room, home of Cherie's favorite chair, and a wonderful view.

We played golf at the Old Course and The Cascades, took many photographs, enjoyed a variety of spa treatments, and, for Cherie, some well deserved relaxation. So — a celebration, a refueling, exercise, and reminiscence. The Homestead never lets us down. We hope we don't let The Homestead down, either.

Orlando 2016

Another opportunity to enjoy the Spouse Program turned a bit hairy as our fun trip to Orlando coincided with the snowstorm of the decade back at home base. No worry. The truly lovely Loews Portofino granted us the extra stay at reduced rates, we were able to link up with cousin Amy, and finished our trip with a sun-filled excursion to Winter Park.

We took in all of the theme parks, had some excellent dining, and, thanks to wonderful neighbor Craig, found out driveway plowed when we returned! All in all a memorable vacation to a lovely destination, where we hope to return.

Palladio Pleasures

We have been traveling northwest to Barboursville vineyards for several years. Usually we have such at their fine restaurant, Palladio, and tour the gift shop and ruins on site. Very picturesque, relaxing, and the food is outstanding. This year Cherie discovered the house olive oil, which she particularly enjoys with a crust of fresh country bread. We now have a bottle on hand at home whenever possible.

Blueberry Bonanza!

When blueberries come into season, Cherie has an internal alarm clock that goes off. And the message is: corral David and let's go to the blueberry patch! We get a bucket each,walk down the rows of blueberries and sadistic insects (who, for some reason, only go after David) and spend the next hour or two in oppressive heat to pick about $1.49 worth of blueberries. David would just as soon buy the bulk packages at the check-in. Or, better yet, at the Fresh Market. Now, if we can get home in time for the afternoon siesta....

Kidding aside, we usually get about a year's supply of fresh blueberries, which Cherie freezes in two-cup packs. Just enough for a serving of the famous blueberry sauce!

Fripp Island Vacation

This year we joined our Missouri and Florida family in a new spot: Fripp Island, SC. We were pleasantly surprised: very private location, rustic, two fine golf courses, nice beaches, swimming pools and all water related activities. Only thing lacking was food — available shopping and dining. Never mind, we had a great vacation and plan a return soon!

Wedding in the Mountains

Lovely trip to the mountains for a friends' wedding. Just a perfect day... May 10, 2014.

Happy Birthday Lillie Mae!

Stretching as far as she could, Lillie Mae reached out for a test of her special birthday cake. It was yummy! The girl turned three in May. She has been a joy to us and, no kidding, the best behaved dog we have ever had. Well. Considering she is a Golden Retriever, after all.

Happy Birthday, Lils! May 1, 2014.

Herb Festival 2014

Just about every April we head to Maymont Park for the annual herb festival.The park is filled with vendor stands for fresh herbs, plants, garden accessories, and the assorted junk that shows up at all of these events. But, when the weather cooperates, and we can find a good parking space, it is a fun day in a lovely setting. The smile that remains on Cherie's face the entire trip makes it all worthwhile. April 26, 2014.

Easter 2014

Another family tradition, going back to St Joseph and the Borghoffs, is the Easter egg hunt. Since we don't have children, we involve our two dogs. And since they don't really like hard boiled eggs, we get them treats that look as close to eggs as we can find. This year, just like every year, Lillie Mae was the big winner, 18-2. April 20, 2014

Spring is Here!

The cherry blossoms are in bloom and I am wearing a short sleeved shirt!

Searching for Spring

David Celebrates Another Birthday

A Richmond Saturday in Late Winter

Naples Florida: An Embarrassment of Riches

We had a lovely trip to Naples, FL — the first time either of us had visited there. Fine weather, the beaches are great, the food was the best, and the ambience was other worldly. So much money: luxury automobiles, multi million dollar homes, and high ticket restaurants. in other words, we fit right in!

The week was just about perfect. The only glitch was the surprising absence of sea shells from the sands of Captiva. During our last vacation there, about the same time of year, there were hundreds; not this trip.

Oh well. We did have several nice excursions, to the pier, the (multiple) shopping areas, and the many restaurants. We even made it to the beach! All this during a dreadful snowstorm in Richmond. We thought we had beat Old Man Winter: not! It snowed the week we returned, and every week since! Can we go back now?

See more photos on my Flickr stream.