Recent Happenings, Crockpot Love and Hair Update

It seems its time for a blog that won't warrant serious discussion. I mean perhaps someone will want to discuss whether or not my hair really is naturally curly. Or whether or not the crock pot makes life too easy. Or someone may want to argue that Virginia is not the most beautiful state in the fall. Okay that last one is taking it a little too far. But please let's put our opposing views aside for this incredibly important post.

Curls

First of all: an update on the curls! (not to be confused with the "girls" cause those are just fine).

Some of you may look at it and think, that poor girl with the mess atop her head. But I look at it and say hallelujah, my curls are back. Granted there are still days I go around like this:

Awkward facial expression and all. Eek. And admittedly I still love my "do-rags" as some would say. Others may say bandanna. I like to call it my Rosie the Riveter look. But all in all I'm pleased with my curls when I take the time to fix them.

Crockpot Cooking

 As things have become more busy with school, observation, and research I'm grateful that Drew has picked up another wife to help around the house. Her cooking is much better than mine and it takes her no time to get cleaned up. Frankly, she makes me look bad. Okay, I kid. But using the crockpot is totally like having another set of hands around here to help with dinner. Tonight she is making us chicken and rice. A couple of days ago she made us spinach dip. In the past couple of weeks she's made tomato basil parmesan soup, white chicken chilli, pulled pork bbq, beef roast and deer meat. Please ladies, do yourself a favor and let someone else do the work. There is nothing better than a crockpot meal on a cold night. Pinterest is full of recipes, I'm thinking of starting a whole board just for those recipes I can put on in the morning and have it ready for me when I get home. I'm much more pleasant when I don't have to come home and still make a "home-cooked" meal and this way we still get good home-cooking and I'm not scowling by the time we finally sit down to dinner. If anyone needs some recipes comment or send me a message I would be happy to share my knowledge to make everyone's life easier.

Recent Happenings

A couple of weekends ago Drew's parents came to visit. We headed to Floyd to Chateau Morrisette winery. It was beautiful and we had a great time and I think Drew's parents did too. We had lunch there and it was delicious. (Their wine is amazing also and I know for a fact they carry it at Food City in Wise so go grab some Wise Countians, just look for the black dog on the bottle).

After lunch we explored the winery and headed to downtown Floyd to the Country Store for some ghost stories.

It's truly like going back in time. I believe with all of my heart that Drew and I will live there one day. If you never visit any other small town in Virginia, make it Floyd. And if you can make it on a Friday night all the better. My Appalachian Geography professor plays bluegrass outside the country store every Friday night. I mean not just him, but lots of people. Even you if you want, take your banjo or guitar and join in.

 I took this pic on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sweet Virginia.

It was a fun weekend and I was glad that Drew's parents got to come for a visit!

 Other happenings have been that I purchased my first bird feeder right before our first snow. We were out buying a propane heater, gallons of water and a Coleman stove in case we lost power. And Drew looked at me like I had 3 heads when I told him we have to help the birds prepare for bad weather too.

 As a bird lover's daughter I know birdies are like people and they love to eat when it snows. It has been out for almost two weeks and I finally saw three eating at it yesterday. The mistake, however, was telling my mom because she immediately quizzes me about what kind of birds they were. And I'm left saying things like "the regular kind" or "small and black" she's never been more ashamed I'm sure.

Other than that excitingness we have just been doing the regular ol' things. My mom asked me the other night if we were "the party house" because we were having people over again. But I love having people here. Granted I have to close off the disaster that is our bedroom right now but I love that people feel comfortable just stopping by or staying the night. So anyone in the mood for a road trip come see us! I hope to have Christmas up in the next week or so, so come one come all. The crock pot will cook us an amazing meal and I will let you fix my hair. It'll be a blast!