Burning off some steam after Trashcangate, Nat and I headed north to celebrate Pappy Foor's 60th birthday a few days early. We had great fun all around, with some competitive ball-string game (what's the right name for it?) And a tasty combo b'day cake to boot (no, Pappy isn't that old.)
For my birthday, I got a surprising gift from the our homeowners association. They decided I'd owned my garbage can for too long, and took it upon themselves to rid me of it.
I've heard some crazy HOA stories, and this one ranks right up there. Covertly placing signs on all the garbage cans asking the trash man to toss them? Is our HOA full of ex-spies? And do they prefer stinky garbage sitting out in the hot sun all day?
In any case, I liked that trash can. So in my favorite passive-aggressive tone, I wrote the only HOA member I know:
Hi ******,
I'm sorry for the out-of-the-blue email, but I noticed today that our trash can was missing from the street corner after the trash collectors came by. After talking with our neighbors, it sounds like someone put a note on it to have it discarded with the trash.
I don't know who would do this. Since you're on the HOA board, I was wondering if you heard anything about it.
Thanks so much,
Matt
So far, no reply.
UPDATE (9-5-10): No more HOA links, since I can't prove they placed the signs.
UPDATE (9-6-10): I was in Home Depot today and ran across our old trash can. Who buys a $67 trash can?!? We do, I guess.
Hard to believe, but tomorrow will be two years since we tied the knot! Oh, how time flies when you're having fun!
To commence our anniversary festivities, we enjoyed a MARVELOUS meal at Bonaroti's in Vienna last night! Unbelievably delicious, from the fresh breads and tampenades to even the decaf coffee (yes, even the decaf wasn't half bad--can't wait to go back and enjoy some vino and full-octane java). The asparagus soup and the scallops over risotto (with a little devilishly good pancetta) that I devoured definitely makes my list of the top five best meals I've ever eaten. Matt had no trouble polishing off his "Chris Cooley's Spaghetti" either.
Now, we just need to work on getting our Lotus, like the one we posed next to in the parking lot. Actually, who needs a Lotus, anyway? I don't think a car seat would fit very well. And it seemed tough to drive in "Pretty Woman." The Camry's just fine.
Anyway, since we didn't have room for dessert right after our meal, we decided to walk around Reston Town Center and burn off some room for it. After all, it was a gorgeous night. Pitango Gelato: heaven. Little did we know we'd run into the biggest crowd we've ever seen at RTC. Guess Beatles cover bands have quite a following in this neck of the woods.
Much cooler than all of this, though ... Matt finally felt some baby kicks this morning!!!!!
Boy, nothing like catching up with old friends! On Tuesday evening we met up with the Workmans at one of our fave spots, and finally got to meet darling little Reese! The little peanut is beyond adorable! Can't wait for those play dates! I also see some Happy Valley trips in our future.
(Yes, that dress again, so glad it's documented.)
We're having a BABY GIRL!!
She was a little shy for the ultrasound tech, and didn't give up her secret until the very end. Least to say, Nat and I are beyond words right now. Oh, and Nat is *ready* for dress shopping.What an AMAZING week of family fun and sun! For about the 25th year or so, last week the Foors and Kaars enjoyed the beachy goodness of South Carolina to the fullest! From first pulling up to "The Dance" aka "The Yellow House" on the first day to our last meal at Phillip's on Friday, it was simply fantastic!
We enjoyed extra sleep (well, at least I did), delicious meal after delicious meal (thanks to Chef Ian manning the grill at lunchtime and eating on the town at night), lots of strolls along Barefoot and Broadway and, most importantly, catching up with our dearest while soaking up some major sun! Oh, and how could I not mention, Ame and I caught the Cullens in Eclipse!
While we have hundreds of photos of all of the action, here are a few that should begin to illustrate the fun.So, after a month of working every weekend, and a week of being hubby-less as Matt lived the life of the rich and famous in Italy, (cue those violins) I finally had a work-free, totally blissful weekend!
On Friday, Matt and I were able to meet Aunt Cathy in Arlington for a delicious lunch at one of our favorite restaurants and got to show her our house—can't believe we didn't take a pic! Then, Friday night it was off to Bethesda to celebrate our good buddy Duke's birthday with one heck of a crab feast topped off by absolutely heavenly gelato, all planned by Superwoman Lucile, a.k.a. the Duchess!On Saturday, Matt, Sam and I enjoyed—thanks to Sam packing extra water—a beautiful six-mile hike of Sugarloaf Mountain in Md., followed by a winery stop for snacks. Plus, I finally had a chance to catch up with household chores. (I know, the definition of exciting blog copy.)
To top things off, after dropping off Matt at Dulles—he has an orientation in Pittsburgh for his new job—I was able to kick back at the pool. Just wish I could have given my Dad a big Father's Day hug, should have made a trip up to Pa. I can't wait to see him and the rest of the Foor fam on Friday!
Isn't it amazing how a restful weekend (not to mention an impending vacay) after a busy, busy time can get you back to feeling like yourself again? It's almost better than a super-hot cup of Starbucks Italian Roast! Anyway, here's a little peek at all the fun:
Just ran across Bambi chomping on leaves in our backyard. Too cool.
