Dr. Husband

Our parents and my brother got to Charlottesville the Thursday before graduation. On Saturday we went to King Family Vineyard for wine tasting and to meet up with Pete and Amanda and his family. We're really going to miss those two.

Michael's brother and sister and their families got to Charlottesville on Saturday evening. Somehow we all managed to fit in our tiny duplex. 

Commencement was on Sunday. The graduate schools (Business, Law, Medicine, and one other) processed first. I was expecting the procession to be very formal, but everyone was walking down the lawn smiling and waving. A lot of undergrads were having a great time and some were holding balloons so their families could find them. It's a really big deal to walk down the lawn at graduation so I thought it was cool how laid back it was. The procession lasted one hour. The actual commencement exercises were nice and they managed to keep everything within an hour and fifteen minutes.

We walked to and from the commencement on the lawn. The medical school diploma ceremony was in the Paramount Theater on the Downtown Mall. I was impressed that they hooded and handed out diplomas in an hour. Here's Dr. Michael Perry and I:

 We cooked for everyone and hung out and enjoyed each other's company until it was time to say goodbye. I'm really going to miss living only 8 hours from Michael's brother and sister.

Richmond

On Sunday we went to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to see the Picasso exhibit on loan from the Musee National Picasso in Paris (which I actually went to when I was in Paris). It's housed in a 17th century mansion that's being renovated. You can read more about it at the link above.

I think I appreciated it more this time around. I think I was kind of grumpy when I went to the museum in Paris because my foot was messed up. I also liked having Michael with me to talk about some of it. I really liked Portrait of Olga in the Armchair and Portrait of Dora Maar as well as the faces I think he practiced before painting the full portrait.

It's a pretty extensive exhibit and if you're in the area you should definitely check it out. There were a lot of people so go early like we did.

After we saw the Picasso exhibit we took a quick look around a couple other parts of the museum. We happened upon works by Jackson Pollock, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder, and Mary Cassatt. Pretty cool.

Triple Elvis by Andy Warhol

Also, who knew Richmond was so pretty? I'm told that it is the largest community of Victorian architecture or something. I definitely want to go back in the Spring when it's greener and not raining. We traveled a few blocks from the museum to Carytown for lunch at the New York Deli. I completely forgot that I had looked on this photo booth website for booths in Virginia and that this place is on the list. There is a vintage photo booth machine! I was so pumped. I started planning our poses right away. The first three are posed and the last one is evidence of our lack of spontaneity. hehe. I guess it turned out kind of funny anyway.

So you might be thinking, man, Marie, this would have been a great time to pull out that finger mustache in your purse. And you would be correct. I did have it. I even put it in my purse when I switched purses for the outing thinking, well, you never really know when you're going to need it. When I was reminded about the photo booth being in the restaurant I actually thought to myself, I wish I had a funny prop with me. Well, next time I will be prepared. I've already located a few in Houston. The only one listed on the site in Lousiana is at F&M Patio Bar in New Orleans. I think the only ones on the site are the old black and white kind.

Carytown is kind of like Charlottesville's Downtown Mall with local shops and restaurants. It's a shame it was raining cats and dogs and we didn't really have time to explore. Like I said, there will have to be a next time.

Valentine's Day

Let me start by saying how much I love and appreciate my Saturdays after working on Saturdays for about a year. It's not that I didn't love working at the toy store. I was always happy to be there. It's like not being able to appreciate Fridays when you're unemployed. Anyway, I'm making it a point to get out of the house on the weekend.

This past Friday we went to the Joshua Radin concert at The Jefferson. The singer that opened for him was ok. She told us stories about her therapy which I didn't really care to hear about. Joshua Radin's songs that I know are kind of slow and sad but pretty. His new stuff is way more upbeat. I was really tired and we found some seats way at the top of the theater. He talked a lot and I would have preferred to hear more songs. It was fun to go out together.

On Saturday we went to a wine tasting and Gearhart chocolate pairing at White Hall Vineyard after lunching at Feast. The wine was ok. The chocolate was phenomenal, the drive out there spectacular, and the company most enjoyable.

Yesterday I subbed in a first grade classroom. I guess I didn't really think about what Valentine's Day is like in first grade. It's like a real holiday. They are literally vibrating with excitement all day until they can exchange their Iron Man and holographic kitty valentines and eat a ton of sugar. So it was a fun place to be working. I got a cupcake from the teacher and some leftover candy from a couple kids. Funfetti cupcakes are good and all but I was so happy to come home to this:

The pink and white flowers are ranunculus, or the wedding bouquet flower that was or wasn't it. So now I finally have some along with a sweet card and a box of Godiva's dessert truffles.

We cooked Chicken Parmesan and we had the most delicious salad in the world- the strawberry goat cheese spinach salad. The chicken parmesan was AMAZING and so much easier than I thought it would be. I really liked the olives in the sauce but Michael thought it tasted too olive-y.

My wonderful husband bought me chocolates so I decided last minute to go ahead and make Chocolate Creme Brulee since I bought the supplies so it wasn't ready until today. The chocolate was measured in ounces and we don't have a scale so I guessed. Also I didn't have chocolate liqueur. So I take back what I said about having the ingredients. I used rum in place of the liqueur. The flavor turned out pretty good. I think I need smaller ramekins. It is impossible to finish one of these by yourself. We tried to get artsy and make the Batman symbol for your entertainment. Actually I was going to taste it before taking a picture but I couldn't be stopped.

Valentine's Day was always extra special in our home because it's also my dad's birthday. We February birthdays celebrate all month long. Happy Birthday, Dad! I am looking forward to celebrating with you in a couple weeks.

Lighting of the Lawn

We went to the Lighting of the Lawn at UVa for the first time. There are groups singing and I guess playing music on the steps of the Rotunda. There are also parties going on in the rooms along the lawn where students live and in the pavillions which house professors or the school of medicine (for example).

There were a lot of people so it was kind of hard to hear what was being said or sung. It was also pretty cold but we bundled up. So a marching band came out and read a "Night Before Christmas" poem but of course it related to UVa. We couldn't hear it but I'm sure it was cute.

Finally 40 minutes after we thought they would turn on the lights they began the countdown.

The secret society "7"'s number lit up first.

When everything was lit they sang what I guess is the Alma Mater. All in all it seems to be a really neat tradition. We were glad we went.

A Fine Frenzy

A couple weeks ago we ate at Eppie's and saw a poster for An Evening with A Fine Frenzy at Old Cabell Hall which is an auditorium at UVa where Michael received his white coat. We bought tickets right away thinking for sure it would sell out because it's some seriously good music.

Well the concert was last night and it didn't sell out. It ended up being really cozy. It was an acoustic set and the crowd was so polite. I definitely think she didn't expected such a respectful crowd. Alison Sudol's voice is beautiful and the acoustics in Old Cabell hall are great.

She said "oh dear" and we think she might knit. We could be friends! I think I might need to start using "oh dear." I wish it was possible to experience more music this way. I really don't like concerts where people are drunk or talking through the whole thing. Anyway, we had a really great time. The tickets were a steal, too.

We are the Champions

I say "we" because I consider myself to be Michael's inner tube water polo team's number one fan. Not to toot my own horn or anything. Anyway, THEY WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP last Tuesday. The semi finals on Monday ended in a tie so they had to have a shoot out. It was so intense. I baked Mr. B's white chocolate brownies for the game on Tuesday. Michael's team, the Wet Bandits, kept a 2 point lead for most of the game.

There was a girl on the other team who was super vicious and played really dirty. She was awful. She better hope she doesn't meet Michael's mom and I in a dark alley one day. Just joking. But seriously, she was KICKING, and SCRATCHING, and SPLASHING, and YELLING at our players. It was pretty embarrassing. Her mom was in the stands and told her she did a good job after the game was over. I would hope my mom would tell me I should be ashamed of myself.

So they won fair and square and got really sweet Intramural Champions t shirts. I'm so proud of them. They've been working hard for four years to win this!

Visitors, Punkins, and a Concert

I'd like to start this post by thanking you for holding on for the emotional roller coaster that is my blog. I don't post all month- leaving you in suspense and agitation- then I show up and start posting every day for a week. Well I'd like to say thanks for sticking around. You're the best!

Michael's parents arrived in town last Sunday. We went to the Grave's Mountain Apple Harvest Festival. I thought it'd be nice since it is in Syria, VA which is close to the mountains. It was a very scenic drive. I was hoping to pick pumpkins but we were there at the end of the last day of the festival so it was pretty picked over. We did, however, have a good photo opp.

On our way home we stopped at the Graves' Apple shed because I saw some pumpkins. Funny enough we didn't buy an apples.

Isn't the pumpkin Mrs. Linda is holding so cool? Hopefully I'll have time to carve them. My dad can attest to the fact that I just love carving pumpkins.

We went home to nap before The Avett Brothers concert at the Charlottesville Pavilion. They put on an awesome show and I wish I hadn't still been recovering from the cold I had the week before. They had a ton of energy and I just wished I could have danced along.

Roseland Polo

The Significant Others Support group for med students went to the Roseland Polo match yesterday. Roseland Polo is part of King Family Vineyards. Their tasting room is conveniently open on Sundays, so Michael and I arrived early to check out their wines. The service was wonderful and the wine was delicious. It was a much more positive experience than the tastings we did on our honeymoon.

The vineyard is in Crozet which is west of Charlottesville so it's much closer to the mountains. It's beautiful, and if you come visit me and you like wine and have 5 dollars I'm totally up for going back.

I cancelled and then uncancelled the SOS group event because of the weather. We drove through some rain but the weather ended up being perfect. Cool and overcast. My friend Jessica and her family came out to the match. I forgot to google polo and I didn't have much of a clue about the rules and how the games works. I did get the general idea and it's a pretty impressive sport.

I was definitely looking forward to the divot stomping after hearing about my sister's exciting polo divot stomping adventures. I thought they were going to be larger and that it would require some serious stomping. It was fun nonetheless.

Take Me out to the Ball Game... and the Natural History Museum

Yesterday we went to D.C. to attend the Nationals vs. Braves game. We drove to the metro station and took it to the Mall where we picnic'd.

Here, Michael enjoys snacking on a Perry the Platypus fruit snack. The kids in the elementary schools seem to think he is my namesake.

We went into the Natural History museum to use the restroom and I realized how awesome it was and that I'd never been in it. I had to take a look around before we left the city, but we needed to get to the game. The highlights of the game were the president's race, where Thomas Jefferson smoked those other guys, and the hot dog we ate from the Ben's Chili Bowl stand.

The game was kind of slow. I don't blame them. It was so hot. I was happy to hear that the crew that rode with me wanted to leave before the end of the game and that they were down with going back to the museum!

T-rex skull

This picture kind of cracks me up.

The not so woolly mammoth

I'll be adding the following to my wish list:

These were gifts from Napoleon I to his second wife Empress Marie Louise. I'm thinking I have plenty outfits to go with these already!

These were worn by Marie Antoinette! There is about a 6 carat difference between them.

The Hope Diamond is out of its setting because it will receive a new temporary setting. Apparently the museum held a contest where you could vote online from 3 new settings. In the display case the diamond moves to face each direction. Right before it turns there is a bright light shone on it. It is so very nice and sparkley. Here's a link that will tell you about its mysterious red glow.

What a long but super fun day in the nation's capitol! I'm so glad we got to make another day trip there.

Inner Tube Water Polo

Inner tube water polo is back! We have so many things to look forward to in the fall. Michael's team has played all four years. It's pretty funny to watch the players but it can also be intense. I want them to go all the way this year. Last year they had to forfeit because of stupid med school rotations getting in the way. Psshh.

They crushed the first two teams they've played. That poor first team of freshmen. They didn't know what hit them. They literally didn't even know the rules. So at half time during the second game the ref told Michael's team that they needed to back off of defense because the team they slaughtered the week before COMPLAINED. THERE IS NO CRYING IN INNER TUBE WATER POLO! I wanted to bribe her with one of the cupcakes I made and brought for the team.

Charlottesville Derby Dames

Michael was thrilled that I wanted to go to the roller derby bout last Saturday. It was only interfering with LSU's first game of the season. No biggie.

I, on the other hand, was really excited to check it out. We missed the last one that I knew about and this one was closer since it was only about 35 minutes away. The bout started off kind of slow but once the skaters got warmed up and I finally figured out how the game is played it was really fun. I hope they have a better beer selection next time.

Albemarle County Fair

We went to the fair Saturday after I got off work at the toy store. I was mostly excited to see the animals. There were plenty llamas. Unfortunately we missed the llama agility competition. We did see a Clydesdale. That was pretty cool.

I was pumped to see the Pantheon Popsicle cart. I was hoping to see it at Fridays After Five (we went this past week to listen to Sarah White and The Pearls). I guess they were at the fair disappointing fair goers with their local mostly tasteless popsicles. I had high hopes. Maybe I got the wrong flavor? But Michael's watermelon popsicle was pretty blah as well.

All of the food booths were operated by the same company that operates the rides and the games. We thought that was kind of disappointing. We played some Skee Ball. Our aim was to win Theo a birthday present. Unfortunately neither of our aims are any good. (haha)

We definitely didn't ride any of the rides. We hung around in the llama tent until the Jack Russell Terrier races started. That was really entertaining.

The fair wasn't really worth the fourteen dollars, but we had fun and that's what counts.

Safari Park

Half of number 13 on my new year's to do list was accomplished when we took the campers to the Safari Park and Zoo.

The guide likened this group of animals that hung out at the gate to crossing the border at Tijuana. Thanks again, Dad, for that sweet backpack you bought me while waiting to cross back into the US!
LLAMA! I have loved llamas ever since I saw The Emperor's New Groove. If you haven't seen it, you should. It's one of Disney's best.

Feeding the bison. I touched its nasty purple tongue. I'm glad it was mostly focused on the feed and not chomping off my pointy finger.

The zebras were my favorite (excluding the llamas, of course). The elk you see in the background came running up to the wagon and bullied the zebra away. You can't feed the zebras anyway because they bite.

I pulled a muscle in my back while fighting the camel for my bucket of feed.

I forget what this animal is called, but I love its face and its horns are super cool.

We took a break from the sun at the giraffe feeding pavillion. We watched the llamas hustle the entering vehicles (who drives their car through?) and made up dialog. The llama in the middle would stand in front the car until someone would put their bucket of feed out the window. Then the sneaky llama would go back in front the car. Several of the cars tried to nudge the llamas out the way. It was hilarious.

Kangaroos are funny. Have you ever seen them up close in real life? I feel like they felt right at home because I thought for a second I was in the Australian desert. Actually I don't know what their habitat is like down under. I just wanted to convey the fact that I was melting.