Hokie Bird Wine Festival

It was a beautiful day along the Blue Ridge Parkway! The sky was blue, Hokies were dominating the road, and we were going to the Chateau to enjoy some Hokie Bird Wine with friends. Jordie didn't tell us that she got car sick until after she was in the fetal position in the backseat, but despite that, the trip went well. We had never been to a wine festival before, so we had no idea what to expect, but we were pleasantly surprised. Hokies were everywhere drinking out of wine glasses with a VT on them, listening to some good old mountain bluegrass played by a local Floyd group. We spent the day talking with co-workers and friends, and enjoying some good Virginia Wine. I am very partial to white wines, and had never enjoyed the Hokie Bird white before, but I think they may have finally gotten it right this year. Our Dog Blue was another fine choice, as was Independence, a wine whose proceeds go towards rescuing dogs. But, the best part about the festival was definitely our private tour. It's great having connections!! I'm excited about the fall, as I plan to go and pick grapes with the Stanleys!!

Barrel Tasting

A few weekends ago Angela, Jordie, and I went back to the Chateau Morrisette for the Hokie Bird Wine festival. It was a mild summer afternoon and we found many choppers out on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The festival was very busy with hundreds of Hokies tasting wine together. Bill Roth, the voice of the Hokies for ISP Radio ran a lottery while the nation's top defensive coordinator, Bud Foster, was signing autographs. The best part of the trip was the fact that Angela and Jordie work with a people whose family grows grapes for the winery. We were able to have a private tour of the barrel rooms, which was great, but we had seen those previously. What made it amazing was the fact that we were able to taste wine directly from the wooden casks and the stainless steel tanks. Our guide was very knowledgeable on the growing Virginia wine industry and the issues it has with growing grapes in a climate that produces unpredictable frosts. The guide was taking job out in California, but was excited about two Tech professors who had conducted work to pioneer the Virginia wine industry but were largely unknown. It was fascinating, particularly since the wine was perfect. The dry reds, Angela and mine least favorite, were great right out the cask!

Viewing Large Pictures

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Beautiful Wifey!

Green Flower Accents! Great new camera!

Summer Hikes

One of the best reasons for living in Virginia are all the opportunities to experience the outdoors. From beaches to mountains, you can't beat this place. With us only in Virginia for a little while longer, we have been out and about. One hike we love but haven't done in a few years is up to McAfee's Knob on the AT. We left AJ at home for this one, and headed out on a beautiful low humid mountain summer day. This 9 mile round trip hike is up to one the best views along the entire Appalachian Trail. Abigail first led us up to the Knob on a sweltering August day in 2001... she just forgot how far it was to the top; "Just around the next corner, I swear!" Throughout college we ventured up here several times, and took this chance now. From the summit you can see the Roanoke Airport, Tinker Cliffs, and small farms out the Catawba Valley of Virginia. Since Angela's knee surgery she has had a hard time putting much pressure on her leg, but it is slowly getting stronger and was able to handle this whole hike without too much pain. We realized we enjoy being outdoors more and more and look forward to kayaking in Virginia Beach next Spring.

Cousin Love

Soo...AJ and Colin both adore ice cubes! Which is great for us because ice cubes are essentially free (despite water fees and the tiny bit of electricity it takes to freeze the water) and AJ thinks he is getting a super special treat. Colin is the same way, and since he is in a sharing stage, he decided it would be great to share the wealth with AJ! They get along so well now! A lick for me....AND....a lick for you!

The Babies of the Family

Awwww...the two newest Gougers playing together in the grass. They are too adorable together!