Virginia is for lovers...

Or for single men visiting their sister's family... Wednesday morning arrived at the airport on time (thanks, Steve) got my tickets, checked my bags, picked up a couple things for my nieces...(always some cool gifts at the airport) and crossed my fingers... I was flying Continental and have had some bad experiences in the past with late take-offs and late arrivals. But much to my surprise my flight to Cleveland left right on time and arrived early! Had plenty of time between flights for personal maintenance and got on my "puddle jumper" to Richmond... (3 seats across and I had to duck walking through the plane). But it was so un-crowded that I took the double seats across from my single and stretched out with my book (Cell by Stephen King). There were less than 20 people on the flight and I must say, except for some turbulence, the flight was great. Again it left right on time and arrived 15 minutes ahead of schedule... Major props to Continental and I will definitely consider using them again in the future...

Touched down in Richmond, got off the plane and walked to baggage claim and my bags (suitcase and the golf clubs aka my "kids") were the first off the plane... walked outside to meet my sister and was slapped in the face by humid air... wow, nothing prepares you for your first "taste" of humidity. It's like putting on a jacket made of wet sponges. I have been spoiled by Arizona weather and am not afraid to admit it... The whole family picked me up and we drove toward the house with a pit stop for Chinese food for "Uncle"Jim. (fairly large Asian community in Richmond...I think it's because the school system in the area is so good). Went back to the house and ate my food while the girls went off to bed (2 more days of school--up at 6am to catch the bus). Talked a little then hit the hay so I could also catch the bus in the morning.

Thursday, up early, dressed and walked with the girls to the bus stop... (at the beginning of the cul de sac). Re-met some of the neighbors from my last visit (last October when I was moving to Arizona) and watched them head to school. Then the adults jumped into the car and headed downtown to the diner (we need more of these in Arizona) for eggs and grits (gotta love southern cuisine). A quick driving tour of some historical sights in downtown Richmond and back to the house. Sheryl and I planned to go visit Nat (niece) and join her and her class for lunch... after signing in at the office we got in line with the kids and marched into the cafeteria...(Sheryl had made us each a sandwich to bring in and I'm glad she did--cafeteria food hasn't gotten much better since I roamed a school's halls). Sitting with all those kids and hearing the high pitched "white noise" of conversation was a experience I won't soon forget... (will be posting photos on Facebook later today). After lunch and recess with Nat...(they went outside and made bubbles with Styrofoam cups and straws--aahh Kindergarten!) we headed back and Uncle Jim laid down for a nap and passed out until almost 3 o' clock... (I call it the time change catch up). Dinner at Mama Cucina's (literally a ton of food--family style--how big is the freakin' family??) and back to the house for a game of Uno with the kids...

Friday was up again for the LAST day of school...(Although I never rode a school bus, the thrill and anticipation of summer vacation was a great memory stirred up by the occassion). Then off for a walk through the neighborhood with Sheryl...(this fat man is walking more from now on, after being read the riot act from my doctor)... Nothing serious, just need to drop the weight of a medium sized adult... Ran to the grocery store and home to meet the bus with the triumphant students...(V is on to fifth grade and Nat is now a first grader)... A little Scrabble with V and then change to attend a neighborhood pool part... Lots of people, lots of food and lots of water...The girls swam well into the night and the guacamole (homemade by a Latina neighbor) was fabulous. Watched some of Game 7 of the Stanley Cup (congrats to the Penguins for taking "Hockeytown USA" down a couple pegs) and headed home.

Saturday will start with walking the neighbor's dog ("we" are dog-sitting Buddy today) and then a road trip to Charlottesville, Va. (need to soak up some local "flavor"). Weather here has been sunny, mostly, with the occassional threat of rain...will try to bring some nice weather to the rain-soaked Northeast when I travel up there next week...