Once More To The Lake

Lunch At King's Street Oyster Bar

A Pensive Halle

It's our last morning in Virginia, having seen two volleyball games and gone out to eat twice. It's 6:00 and as usual, Drew and I are up, sitting here, listening to CNN and working on our computers, occasionally laughing at something said on the TV. 

Yesterday was not as hot temperature-wise but still, uncomfortably warm outside because of the humidity although we both admit to being warm weather wimps. We like cool weather, even in winter. Like Wednesday, we sat around the cool air-conditioned house, watching the news, drinking coffee until we thought up something we wanted to do. 

Merrifield Nursery, Gainesville, VA

We drove ten minutes to our favorite nursery, Merrifield, my sister Ellen's recommendation.  It's amazing, with just about any perrenial, annual, tree, bush or flowers you might want. The real draw for us, however, is the popcorn machine.  It's a good life to browse perennials while munching on popcorn.  We finally decided on a true blue butterfly bush and a white phlox with a red center,  both unusual.

We were home by 11:45 but were going out for lunch at 12:15.  We picked up Drew's Mom and then drove a good half hour through horse country, the pastures defined by rock walls, to the quaint town of Middleburg.  It was a gorgeous afternoon for a drive, amazing green vistas on both sides of the narrow, often tree-lined road. 

King's Street Oyster Bar

The reason for our drive was the King's Street Oyster Bar set in an old stone building with columns in the center of town.  It was packed at lunchtime but we were able to have the small upstairs dining area to ourselves.  Everyone had lobster, Evie and me lobster rolls, Jill, Drew and his Mom, lobster salads.  And of course, we shared a platter of Maine oysters for our appetizers which went just fine with our beers.  It was a really neat town, a great bar-restaurant and we will be back for sure.  We didn't get home till 2:45, a slow ride home.  Jill and I both took naps. Drew worked out and Evie watched the news. a typical afternoon for the four of us.

Kings Street Oyster Bar

Lobster Roll And Fries

We enjoyed a glass on the porch at 5:00 until it was time to drive to Halle's volleyball game at 6:00 and thankfully, it was cooling off, with even a nice breeze. We left for Halle's game just in time because when we walked into the gym, they were just starting.  Unfortunately, it was not much of a match because their opponents were inexperienced and Halle's team easily won in two. 

Two Smiles And A Frown

Halle

We were home earlier than expected and it had cooled off nicely so sitting out on the porch with a beer or glass of wine for an hour was enjoyable.  Around 7:45, Drew fired up the grill and grilled both brats and burgers for our dinner.  With a salad, we were happy and surprisingly hungry after our great lunch.  We ended the night watching some NFL football out on the porch, a good way to end the evening for the guys, maybe not the gals.  Drew stayed up watching and woke at 1:00 in the morning, still on the porch, the game over.