Sugar Skulls

Our friends Eric, Alison, and Alex always seem to be up to something fun!!  They were planning on decorating Sugar Skulls.  I didn't know much about it, but didn't want to miss out, and I'm so glad I didn't!!  Tons of fun!!!

Sugar skulls are exactly that!  Sugar mixed with something??? and then put in a mold.  Once dried it is easy to decorate with icing.  I don't think this is something I would want to eat.  Traditionally, sugar skulls are used during Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) to remember and honor the memory of  ancestors.

 

Ta-Da!  Our decorated Sugar Skulls!!  A great evening with the DeSilva's & Coyne's!!

Because Once Just Wasn't Enough - Old Rag

 

I just recently did a post about Old Rag, so I won't go into much detail....other than it really has become my numero uno hike in the local area....!!  I just love it there....awesome trail with some awesome scrambling!!   

The leaves are just starting to change....I would give it another couple of weeks before things really start to take off!!

 

The weather couldn't have been any better....Amazing views of the valley below. 

Kira and I had fun messing around with the new panorama feature on the iPhone! It only took us about 10 shots to get it right!!

 

And perhaps my most favorite part of the day -- FOOD!  Kira had not been to Griffin's since she returned from Africa, so of course we filled our belly's with burgers after our trot!  

St. Mary's County Fair

 

I love going to a good fair! So, when Kim Carter said the fair was this weekend, I said I would be there. I have to admit, I was surprised how big this one was!! Animals -- big pink pigs, cross-eyed goats, crazy looking chickens! Vegetables -- cabbage and large pumpkins!! It really doesn't get any better!!

 

They even had my favorite ride -- The Zipper!! I love the way it spins within spins within spins!! Its sooo much fun. We took a turn on the Orbiter, and for the first time in my life, I actually thought I was going to vomit when I got off. The whole experience made me feel old, which made me sorta sad.....Note to self, stick to the zipper!!!

 

One of the many unexpected highlights was the pig race!! Our pig lost, but it was a close second!

 

A huge thank you to Alyssa Carter for inspiring me to take horse-back riding lessons. May I one day ride as well as you!!!   And of course thank you Kim Carter for sharing your life with me!!

For more info on the St. Mary's Count Fair check out this link:

http://somd.com/smcfair/

Reston to Great Falls -- Its so amazing to be getting out again!

So, Kira left for Kenya, and I started my internship program, and it felt like my life had changed forever!!  There has not been a lot time for all the things I enjoy most in life.  Additionally, the summer heat and humidity of DC didn't help with motivation!  But now, Kira is back, at least for a little while, and I have completed my internship, so there is more time!  This trail is so impressive to me!!  It can be difficult to find the trail-head in Reston, but once you do you can travel through the rolling trails for the 13 miles before hitting Great Falls.  Of course my favorite part of the day is eating!!!

Here's the data of the day!!  Enjoy!