Monticello (not the one in Utah)

 A couple weekends ago, Rod & I took a day trip to visit "Monticello", the home of Thomas Jefferson (he was referred to as "TJ" a few times on the tour) in Charlottesville, VA.   We never figured out who Charlottesville is named for, but we had a really nice time visiting the house and the gardens.

Here we are (I'm the one on the left, wink, wink)

The photo below turned out pretty good -- if I were really good at this stuff I'm sure I could get rid of the people near the steps (I'm sure they are really nice, though)

 

Here is Rod with his authentic Monticello Root Beer (I had one, too), wearing his souvenir Monticello hat (those of you who know about Rod's "souvenir" hats will get a chuckle from that).

The weather was great, and we had a really nice time!

The Class of 2012

 Boxing Day, December 26, 2012 found us following what has become a Christmas Tradition of sorts -- assembling Newborn Kits for the LDS Humanitarian Center.   This year's all-volunteer crew (I volunteered them!) were Aubrey, Grandma Bywater, and Rod.   Thank you volunteers - very, very much.   

Grandma B handled all the counting and folding (and recounting for accuracy) of cloth diapers for the kits -- which was a HUGE help.  

Aubrey has earned her rank as Lead Stylist after 4 years of perfecting the process.   She did all the matching of blankets, gowns and socks.   And she is seriously good at it.

Rod helped with the assembly of kits, and putting together shipping boxes and filling them with finished kits.  He also is my main "supplier" of flannel fabric I make receiving blankets out of, as well as an enthusiastic encourager.  (Look closely at this "rare" photo of him - he is hardly ever seen barefoot)

 

My heartfelt thank you to a dear friend, who heard about this project, and surprised me with several new baby gowns to contribute.  (You know who you are, so if you're reading this, many, many hugs for your kindness!)

Once again, I am amazed that without planning or intention, so many of the groupings were absolutely perfect (and so adorable!).   Some of our "favorites" from this year:

 

 So here's the Class of 2012, thirty-six in all, now on their way to wherever they are needed.   Aubrey said she wished she could hug and cuddle each little baby who receives one.   Hopefully someone will make sure those hugs happen for us.

The Speed of Life

 Today I decided I needed to drive the new State Highway 130 here in the Lone Star State.   It's been on the news all over the country because it has a posted speed limit of:

My decision to go on this joy ride was based on 3 things:  1) gas is under $3 a gallon (yep, $2.99 here!) so I don't feel as bad burning a few gallons just for fun.  2) the road, which is a toll road, is toll-free this week only, and 3) curiosity.   I wasn't able to take any of my own photos, since I was whipping along so fast that everything was just a blur, but I've included a few I found on the web.

Here are my observations, now that I've made the drive:

• I got on SH 130 at its south terminus at I-10 and headed north.   I drove for 2 miles before I saw another vehicle, and it was headed south.   It was another mile before I saw anyone but me heading north -- and it was someone coming up from behind me.   Maybe people will flock to use the road when they have to start paying a toll???
• The first exit was about 8 miles into the trip, and I noted the posted toll fees.   If you have a TexTag (prepaid toll gizmo that is read electronically) the toll at that point would be $2.08.  If you don't, you get a bill in the mail, and then the toll would be $2.77.   Who came up with these toll amounts?   Someone who feels the copper penny isn't getting any respect???
• Not long after getting on, probably about the time my speedometer hit 90-ish, there is a portable highway message sign, similar to this one:                

 

  but it reads, "Wild Life Crossing".   Yep, apparently they are having a problem with WILD HOGS wandering onto the highway.  I can only imagine the results of hitting a 400-500 lb. wild hog while traveling at 85+ mph.   Note to self: don't ever drive this highway after dark.

• As previously confessed, I was driving about 90-ish -- and most of the sparse traffic around me was driving UNDER the 85 mph speed limit.   What's the point of that???
• And finally, there was a regulation highway sign designating this as "The Pickle Parkway".   I'm not kidding.   Had to Google that one when I got home -- turns out SH 130 is indeed named for the former US Congressman from Austin,  "Jake Pickle".   Not as funny of a story as I was hoping for...

 So...I drove about 20 or 25 miles and then hung a left off the autobahn, to go into San Marcos, and return home via I-35.   Set my cruise control to 75 (posted speed limit is 70, please forgive me) and was passed by many, many vehicles traveling at least 85.  (And I passed the mega Outlet Mall AND the new Buc-ee's without stopping!).Bottom line, I'm not sure this new highway was the best use of tax dollars -- but then, why should that surprise anyone?