Sparkling, shining lights brighten winter at the National Zoo!

My friend, Vicki, and I met at the front entrance to the Zoo on Connecticut Avenue. We were instantly “captured” by the brilliance of the displays. We both love shiny sparkly things and this certainly suited our sensibilities.

While I have known about the ZooLights at the National Zoo, I was not sure how the animals were reacting to the crowds and lights. Silly thoughts because the displays are well shielded from the animals. They slept while we strolled. There were plenty of animals to admire. The creativity and execution amazed and delighted us. “How did they figure this out?” asked Vicki. “This looks like satined glass,” I exclaimed. The animals, we learned, are called “lanterns.” They were crafted in China and lit from within.

On our illuminating stroll, we came upon a troop of young Irish Dancers. Their energy and enthusiasm was contagious. We were ready to dance along the pathways after their show ended.

Our visit was filed with surprises. Vicki, being very observant and detailed, caught many interesting details that I, being a “big picture” spectator, would simply never notice. Look – can you find the monkeys in the trees?

The ZooLights experience was enchanting and provided great conversation.

ZooLights closes on New Year’s Day. If you want something spectacular with which to begin your year, go, take an illuminating stroll.

Wishing you a bright and glorious New Year!

Spotless horses, with braided manes; meticulously turned out riders wearing shining boots and scarlet coats; happy hounds sniffing and rolling; and the exchange of greeting –  this is the stuff of the fox hunting tradition. The Opening Meet of the Loudoun Fairfax Hunt was replete with traditional pageantry and plenty of fellowship. While fox hunting has been portrayed in many movies and recently, on the show and movie, Downton Abbey, this event was authentic and highly anticipated.

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“Opening Meet” is  the first formal event of the hunt season and marks the beginning of the season. The Meet took place on December 22. “It’s wonderful to be out again, and all together!” said Gretchen Kuney, who was going to lead the third field.

To toast the Opening of the Season, a “stirrup cup” was served. The pre-ride refreshments were served to the mounted riders and included port, sherry, brandy as well as small pastries.

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True to tradition, the Masters welcomed the members and their guests in their remarks and gave the annual Christmas gift to Huntsman, Neil Amatt. As Neil accepted the gift, the hounds (more than 30) gathered around him. The Huntsman was accompanied by his adorable two-and-a-half year-old daughter, Zara, on her small pony.

The Masters, Huntsman, and “field” moved off at eleven o’clock. After an exhilarating day of riding and hunting, a potluck “breakfast” was held at Overbrook Farm that evening.

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Fox hunting dates back to the sixteenth century in England when fox was considered vermin that threatened farmers’ livestock.  According to the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America, Englishman, Robert Brooke was the first to bring his pack of hounds and his horses to America in 1650. The red fox was imported from England to the eastern seaboard America in the seventeenth century. In America, Thomas, sixth Lord of Fairfax established the first organized hunt group in 1747.

In the United States today, the fox is a more and more a protected and revered member of the tradition as coyotes threaten the countryside. The sport today, is often called “fox chasing” inasmuch as a view of the fox makes for a great day of “hunting.”

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Having hunted for more than twenty years, there is something magical about the crisp air, the crunch of leaves under eager hooves, the song of hounds as they catch a scent, and the brilliant tones of the Huntsman’s horn. There are starts and stops, jumps over coups and stone walls, gallops across open fields, and some patient waiting. Riding to hounds is not for the fainthearted. It requires bold equestrian skills and physical fortitude. There was nothing I enjoyed more than cantering through trees in the woods like a slalom course, when I would duck behind my horse’s neck and let her see her way around each tree. Often, we emerged with scratches and snags on my breeches.

Tally-Ho! – To fox viewing and to riding another day.

His beard and whiskers were white as snow. His red velvet suit showed wear, particularly on his lap where thousands of children sat. His sleigh was shiny red and just right for standing or sitting. He reminded his guests that the real meaning of Christmas was not “what” children will get for presents, but “who” came to earth on Christmas.

With his supreme diplomacy, Santa suggested and never lectured on the true meaning of Christmas. He encouraged children to discuss those details with their parents.

We stood in long lines that did not seem to advance. Our daughter was one year old when we first visited. She was fascinated by the tiny low windows where miniature toys depicted scenes of Christmas toys and the train that chugged along a track high above our heads. The years rolled on and then she was five, ten, twelve, fifteen, and on. We always went and he was always there.

There was a letter-writing station with pencils and papers in case someone had left their letter behind or that their dog ate it. Children as well as parents and grandparents wrote letters that Santa carefully read.

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A visit to The Real Santa was an adventure and a production. He would arrive at his Santa House the day after Thanksgiving and return to the North Pole several days before Christmas. During his stay, he would meet, greet, hear, and consider every child. He would nod if he approved of the requested gift and sometimes he would look up from a letter in alarm and say, “Mom or Dad . . . how would you feel if I delivered such a gift? Maybe I’ll bring you a blue scooter, instead.” We still remember the shock on his face when our daughter asked for the Dirty Dancing movie.

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Families lined up at Santa’s door sometimes hours before his arrival. There was popcorn and hot chocolate to tide hungry youngsters. Santa’s house was a work in progress. Every year, a new feature would be added to his beautiful displays. There were albums with letters and photos with/to Santa from the parents (when they were children) of the children standing in line.

Santa carefully red every letter and heard every whispered secret. His promises and instructions were to be followed exactly. “On Christmas Eve, I want you to place a small white plate on the kitchen table. On that plate place eight pieces of carrot for my reindeer and one cookie for me. In the morning, you will find a present wrapped in green tissue paper and tied with string. That will be a surprise for thee from me,” Santa told one spellbound child. Parents took copious notes. Before stepping away from the sleigh, Santa would smooth his beard, reach to his right, and produce a lollypop from his lollypop tree along with a beautiful small card depicting the Nativity . “Remember the real reason for Christmas,” he would tell the child while handing them the card and candy.

He was no “mall” Santa. He gave every child their due time and parents ample photography opportunities. As his house became more crowded and the lines grew longer, Santa would take a break and climb to the top of his roof . He spoke to his guests. He lead them in Christmas songs or read them stories or poems. Sometimes he spoke to the adults. One very memorable poem by an anonymous author, goes like this:

Santa attended to his visitors with love and understanding. “He knew if you were good or bad” and would call actions out, much to the surprise of his guest. Several incidences still have us wondering – how did he know?

When my daughter was four years old, she loved to leap into our bed at the crack of dawn. That Christmas, we visited Santa. As she prepared to step out of his sleigh, Santa called her back. Holding her tiny hand in his big hand, he looked her in the eye and said, “Now, you must stop jumping in your parents’ bed and stay in your own bed. Promise me that you will try. I will bring you a special present wrapped in white ribbon and will put it in front of your bedroom door.” Our early morning visits ended. Sure enough, there was a special present wrapped in white ribbon on the floor in front of her bedroom door. How did he know?

The year that my father passed away, my mother accompanied us on our visit. She stood near the sleigh to hear Santa’s instructions and reactions. He stopped, turned toward her and invited her into his sleigh. “Grandma, to you, I wish peace and calm. It will get better. He gave her a lollypop and a card. How did he know??

Because time with Santa transcends age, we visited him even when our daughter grew up. She loved to introduce children to the Real Santa.  She loved when her younger cousin visited. One year, her cousin was perplexed because she did not think that Santa would be able to find her at our house. As the girls were preparing to leave the sleigh, Santa cleared his throat, looked into the little girl’s eyes and softly told her, “Don’t you worry about my finding you. I always know where you are.” How did he know?

In a later year, again, with a younger friend, Santa listened and nodded to the younger child and to our daughter. Our daughter was a freshman in high school. As she was leading the young child out of the sleigh, Santa cleared his throat and tapped her on the shoulder and said, “You know, the things that hang on the rod of your closet are not mobiles. They are clothes hangers. You should use them. Hand up your clothes on those hangers and cleanup your room.” My husband and I were speechless as was she. How did he know?

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In 2018, Santa decided to take a break from the hustle and bustle of crowds and focus on his workshop. With internet and mobile phones, he adapted to the new technology. In his house, instead of his beautiful sleigh, was a blue mailbox for paper letters. Of course, supplies were provided. My Goddaughter drew him a beautiful picture as a gift and did not ask nothing for herself. We experienced the magic of Santa for 33 years and introduced many children and their families to him. Our memories with the Real Santa are priceless. Our Christmas tradition always included a visit to Santa at his house. We marveled at his creativity as each year, he added more and more displays. He never wavered from the true meaning of Christmas.

Wishing you and yours a merriest of Christmases and that you can carry the meaning of the season in your hearts throughout the New Year. And . . . Send Them to Bed with a Kiss.

New beginnings and the casting away the old year’s cares were celebrated at the William and Mary Alumni Association, Washington, D.C. chapter on December 19. The traditional and sophisticated celebration was held at The Army and Navy Club at Farragut Square, Washington, D.C.

This annual event, with its roots dating to the 1930’s, is the highlight of the alumni events season. Recent William and Mary graduates mingled with alumni from classes of the 1960s and all decades in between. Conversations were jovial and many reconnections were made. The reception featured a crepe bar, passed h’orderves, the wine bar included hot toddies and mulled wine, as well as beautifully decorated holiday cookies.

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Guests took holy sprigs from the passed basket and lined up to cast the sprig beating the past cares and the hopes for the future on the “fire of the yule log.” The holy was symbolically cast.

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Two  good news “sub-plots” came to my attention which deserve mention.

University Philanthropy specialist, Jonathan Overstreet, shared with me that he was accepted into the Fulbright Program where he will be an English Teaching Assistant at the Nelson Mandela University in South Africa. His appointment is for nine months beginning in January 2020. Jonathan explained that, “The mission of the program is to create mutual understanding between the rest of the world and the US. We will be practicing public diplomacy. I leave at the end of January and am looking forward to sharing and learning.”

On the fashion front, guest, Katherine Ford, wore a very special vintage Pendleton blue and red paid skirt. Katherine explained that the skirt had belonged to her grandmother and was from the 1940s, “I was a fashion major and I love this skirt because it is in perfect condition. It is easy to wear and it fits perfectly. I feel a very special fondness for my beautiful grandmother when I wear this skirt. She passed away several years ago.” Katherine paired the beautifully matched plaid skirt with a black velvet jacket. She look every bit on trend and very elegant.

The holy was collected to be delivered to Williamsburg, Virginia where it will be thrown on the authentic yule log just before Christmas.

Opulence and magnificent attention to details present Christmas decorations and trees to capture the imagination. For a brief moment the visitor is transported to a time of grace, elegance and luxury.

With only one hour between appointments, I felt the need to spend that time at Hillwood, the warm and festive museum estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post. The estate is nestled in the hills of Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C. Inside, five distinct and ever so creative Christmas trees cast the joyful glow of the home. My mission was to visit with each tree and take in the ideas, execution, and festivity of the displays. I have long ago given up hope of recreating any such displays myself, but a little bit of time amid the beauty is good for the soul.

This year’s theme for the Christmas decorations springs from the latest illustrated biography about Ms. Post, Marjorie Merriweather Post the Life Behind the Luxury as well as inspiration from the work of mid-century photography master, Alfred Eisensteadt.

This is a pictorial presentation of the best of the holiday decorations. Photography does not do it justice – steal a few hours and experience it for yourself.

If you have not yet visited Hillwood, add it to your 2020 resolutions.

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A white 100 foot tree aglow with 250,000 lights, 90,000 feet of brilliant maze, an ice skating trail, a Christmas Market reminiscent of the old country, and some interesting beverages delighted visitors at the Nationals Park – Enchant Christmas.  Visiting as many Christmas light displays as possible was my goal for this holiday season. Why? I love the creativity and imagination. When Enchant Christmas was announced, I put it on my list.

The night we visited was chilly and rainy. Armed with raincoats, boots, and umbrellas, my friends and I braved the D.C. rain-soaked rush hour traffic; scolded WAZE for giving us directions to turn left at a “no left turn” sign; could not find our email confirming that we had paid for parking; and were ever so sternly turned away from the poorly marked entry gate because our tickets were  NOT VIP tickets. How was this going to get better?

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When we finally entered through the “correct” gate, the attendant told us that the skate trail was closed and that the shops on the main level were open. She motioned to below and said something to the effect that we could walk around the maze if we wanted. We peered over the railing and saw lights – lots of lights and a very large white tree. Since we had not come to shop, but to see the lights, we descended the stairs to the Nationals’ playing field. The stairs were decorated with charming lamp posts covered by tiny lights. We were standing on the ground where the World Series Winners, the Washington Nationals, play baseball! That in itself was exciting (and I am not a huge baseball fan)!!

My annoyance with our arrival experience quickly melted away as I was enveloped in brilliant lights, perfectly formed trees, towering reindeer, and one enormous diamond ring! Understandably, the skating trail was closed due to the standing rain water. The drizzle and occasional rain did not thwart my friends’ and my enthusiasm for the adventure. There were nooks and crannies that revealed interesting shining objects. We went on a reindeer hunt to find Donner, the reindeer after whom my friend’s Olympic horse was named. There was an interesting warm aroma that lingered in the air. Coffee?  It was hot chocolate. My friend offered me some hot chocolate. Most of my life I have shunned and disliked the stuff; this was warm, rich, and tasty. We noticed people carrying “lighted light bulbs” which turned out to be adult beverages called the Light Bulb (I believe). The people who were carrying the blub-shaped glass told us that it was delicious.

The 100 foot tree is amazing! Because it is not real, every branch and every light were in the right place. As we looked all the way up to the top, we wondered what crane or cherry-picker was able to get into the stadium and then assemble the enormous tree. My friend, an engineer, remarked about the huge cables and toggles that secured it. Not only were there mazes and displays, but looking up into the seats, there were twinkling lights and “falling snow” projections creating an enveloping atmosphere.

Because the weather was inhospitable, there were no crowds. We lingered, doubled back, and took thousands of photos. We people watched. There was a family with three small children in colorful rain ponchos and adorable rain boots; there were young adults and teens dressed in high heels and short skirts; and there were seniors enjoying their stroll. The displays were very photogenic. I improved my skill of taking photos on my iPhone with my left hand while wearing  tech-touch gloves.

As we finally tore ourselves away from the lights, we climbed back to the top where we were greeted by friendly elves, cheerful toy soldiers, and carolers in Edwardian costumes. The market vendors offered interesting and unusual items ranging from handmade shawls to glass ornaments. The wood of the market stalls smelled like Christmas. The booths were small enough and well stocked.

While this is purely a commercial enterprise we enjoyed ourselves tremendously on many levels. What a great idea to illuminate a winterized ball park and bring the magic of Christmas where for a little while we can leave the rush and schedules behind and count reindeer. Friendly elves handed out chocolate coins as we said good-bye. Oh, and we exited through the VIP gate – the same grouchy attendant wished us a Merry Christmas! Fun.

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Christmas Illuminations transformed the 1700 acre arboretum  into a garden of interactive color and shadows. The exhibit highlighted the beauty of trees in winter  The colors, textures, the concepts, and the scope were breathtaking. The blues were bluer, the pinks -more vibrant, colors and textures were ever-changing. There were lit crystal chandeliers hanging in a grove of fir trees!! The illuminations were further enhanced by the brilliance of the full moon in the chilly night sky.

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A “wall” of towering pines were the backdrop for a “techno” laser show projecting textures and colors from plaids to stripes, snow falling to strobe lights, to simply brilliant tree trunks. Suddenly, the light would “roll up” a dark screen and reveal a plaid texture with ever-increasing lines and forms.

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To thwart the cold of the Chicago December night, there were fire pits strategically placed throughout the displays. The aroma of toasting marshmallows was mouthwatering . The fire’s glow cast mysterious and magical shadows. While lights illuminated the trees and plants, the full moon outshone  and outwitted the brightest of displays. As the evening progressed, the night haze dispersed the light of the moon to illuminate even the tallest branches.

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The paved walkways were dark. The lawns were speckled with lights and shadows. Visitors spoke in hushed toned while they strolled and observed. Light displays beckoned and amazed. Rather than wrapping trunks and branches in miles of string lights, most display used interactive lights to illuminate the structures and textures of the trees and plants to “tell their magical” story. Something exciting awaited at each twist and turn.

The Arboretum was developed by Joy Morton of the Morton Salt fortune in 1922. Morton was 65 when the project began. The mission of The Morton Arboretum is “…to collect and study trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world, to display them across naturally beautiful landscapes for people to study and enjoy, and to learn to grow them in ways that enhances our environment.” Learn more.

Photography of these magnificent displays  hardly captures much more than color. Words and pictures alone cannot present the experience of the details; of the feel of the cold air and the warmth of the fire pits; the brilliant hues; and the dynamic displays that are at once white then magenta, then green. A spectacular sensory experience.

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It was an evening of ballgowns and tuxedos, silent and live auctions, recognitions and awards; most of all it was an evening of gratitude. Executive Director, Muriel Forest, and her husband, Mark, were the ever congenial hosts for gala guests – volunteers, sponsors, families, trainers, clergy, and friends. The evening’s master of ceremonies, Connor Forrest, helped keep everyone’s attention on the mission of the event as well as that of Wheatland Farm.

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The  gala was held in the beautiful Middleburg Ballroom of the Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg, Virginia. Special guests and keynote speakers were none other than Olympic Event Rider, Boyd Martin, and his wife, Silva Martin, Grand Prix dressage rider.

As guests were seated for the elegant dinner, awards were presented. The Volunteers of the Year awards went to Jennifer Carr Connor and Russ Marino.  The Perrot Family received the Family of the Year Award. David and Tierney Able received the Service Award.

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With the theme of gratitude, Boyd and Silva Martin shared their stories of overcoming very daunting odds. Wheatland Farm offers comprehensive help to families of special needs children who face daunting challenges daily. They provide help with assistive equipment whether repairing a wheelchair so a child can resume riding a school bus; lending wheelchairs and other available equipment to fill a void; they offer swimming lessons, therapeutic riding and hippotherapy to children with special needs as well as to their family members; and an adaptive hair salon.

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Equestrian therapy is available for the special needs children and their siblings. The Forrests believe that it is important to help keep families together in their activities so that the entire family can enjoy the activities together. In addition to therapeutic riding, Wheatland Farm is a para-dressage center – one of five in the United States. They frequently provide riding clinics for all levels including able-bodied riders. Boyd Martin has held several eventing clinics there this year.

 In her “State of the Farm Report,” Muriel told the audience that over  110 children come to Wheatland Farm every week. “In 2019, Wheatland Farm was officially named a United States Pony Club Riding Center. We are most grateful for the encouragement and support of Mrs. Hope Hand, president of the United States Para-Equestrian Riding Association. In 2019, Wheatland Farm was the first Pony Club Riding Center in the United States to hold ratings and competitions for para-equestrian riders and their non-disabled peers riding side-by-side. “ In 2019, every program grew and helped more children and their families.

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With intentions of excellence in everything that is offered at Wheatland Farm, the Gala, in addition to being a major fundraiser presented thought provoking commentary that every life is precious and should be valued and optimized to the highest degree possible.

Tiny string instruments played by young performers created big and beautiful Christmas music.

On Monday, December 9 at the Village at Orchard Ridge, the Shenandoah Valley Chamber Orchestra (SVCO), strings students from the Winchester and surrounding areas who study at the Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy, presented a splendid classical Christmas concert to a full house.

The concert, Christmas-themed, presented an ambitious program of serious classical repertoire. The program included  Sleigh Ride by Mozart, movements from Handel’s Water Music, Brandenburg Concerto No 3 in G by J.S. Bach, and Concerto Grosso Op. 6 No. 8 by Corelli. The musical scores were authentic scores, not simplified.

The young performers impressed and delighted the audience with their enthusiasm, passion, and professionalism.  The Brandenburg Concerto’s energy and tempo were well presented. As young performers, part of the learning process is coping with and overcoming stressful situations. Every musician stepped up to their responsibilities with utmost professionalism.

The students range in age from eight to late teens. Each performer played an instrument that is scaled for their size. Some violins were 1/10 size and one cello, played by Saul Saucedo was smaller than ¼.  “The SVCO provides students the opportunity to learn the traditional repertoire and practices of a chamber orchestra,” said Artistic Director  Dr. Alan Saucedo. He continued, “Students are immersed in a program that is structured in a professional orchestra format that will serve them as a bridge into the professional music world. The format includes exposure to a variety of musical genres, masterclasses with distinguished artists, collaboration with guest artists and composers, and the involvement in the community through performances.

Dr. Alan Saucedo is a distinguished award-winning cellist. He has performed and presented masterclasses in the United States, Europe, and Latin and South America. He (along with Co-artistic Director Cynthia Saucedo), bring their vast experience of chamber orchestra performance to SVCO, enriching the students’ learning opportunities.

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At the conclusion of the program, guest, Dick Gladden, sought out and congratulated the young cellist, Saul Saucedo. He told him, “Your fingering was remarkable. You knew exactly where you were going with the music and you never took your eyes off the conductor. You are a very impressive young musician. You are the next YoYo Ma.”  Saul Saucedo is nine years old. He is small and his cello is proportionately small. His chair is also scaled for his size. To see him by himself with his cello one could believe that he was already a professional. Seeing him in relation to the older students shows his diminutive stature.

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The concert brought great news! Classical music is alive and well among young people and it will endure future generations.

On the third day of Christmas in Middleburg the Piedmont Singers brought beautiful music.

Wendy Oesterling, conductor, and the Piedmont Singers presented “Christmas from West to East,” an elegant program of mostly a capella Christmas music from the 16^th through the 20^th centuries. The  audience was transported from North America to Northern Europe, Western Europe, and finally to Eastern Europe. Some of the composers featured included John Rutter, J.S. Bach, Sergei Rachmaninov, Liguori, and Thomas Luis de Victoria.

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The setting of the concert was the  delightful Parish Hall of Emmanuel Episcopal Church. The space is bright, open, cheerful, and the perfect venue for this concert. With almost every seat occupied, the voices filled the room with rich melodies and lovely tones.

The Piedmont Singers, under the direction of Wendy Oesterling, have been performing at Emmanuel Episcopal Church for 21 years. The 3:00 PM performance marked the final performance for  Ms. Oesterling and the Piedmont Singers in Middleburg. Ms. Oesterling will be retiring as Music Minister of the church as well as conductor of the Singers.

The program; classic, with lovely twists and turns through some lesser-known literature, included audience caroling of beloved Christmas songs from the United States, Scandinavia, and France. After a busy weekend of lights, presentations, shopping, and  a parade, the thoughtfully created program offered much-needed grounding and a reminder of the reason for the season.

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December 7 & 8 –  “On the biggest day of the town . . . I am happy to be a part of this unveiling. It is not a piece of art. It is a piece of community spirit. It is not any one person’s effort, the entire community made it happen.” said Middleburg Mayor Littleton. With those words, the beautiful bronze sculpture created by sculptor, Gosksin Carey, was revealed from under its bright red cover.

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Melissa Craig, Chair of the Middleburg Arts Council, welcomed guests gathered in front of the Middleburg Community Center, “From all of us at the Middleburg Arts Council concluding a year of creative collaboration bringing more art and sculpture to the streets of our beloved small town and the chosen subject is one of our most enduring symbols of the town; the fox.” We were blessed to have a teacher and a sculptor and resident artist, Gosksin Carey, she is a member of our Arts Council. She was up to the challenge of creating the fox and poured her heart and soul into this project.”  The sculpture was created at the AiM (Artists in Middleburg) Gallery (Sandy Danielson, Director) and viewed and supported by the community throughout its creative process. “Now, we all get to enjoy this beautiful new sculpture sitting at its new home in front of the Middleburg Community Center with the cooperation and support of Olivia Rogers, Director of the Center,” continued Melissa.

Raising funds to enable the creation was a community effort with private and merchant sponsors. The Arts Council along with the Middleburg Garden Club were major sponsors of this effort.

“This is an emotional moment,” said sculptor Carey. “All of the town of Middleburg people came to support me and everyone has a little part of their emotion of this project. I love this fox. I didn’t know that she was going to get life in Middleburg town. Thank you so much! “ said Ms. Carey.

There was much merriment and enthusiasm on the Community Center steps and grounds. The audience included townspeople as well as festival guests. The entire town was energetic and incredibly friendly. Children, dogs, neighbors, friends, community leaders, merchants, and law enforcement came together in a warm and inviting spirit to support and admire the efforts and the creation of “Middleburg’s mascot.”

The unveiling and early merriment preceded the Middleburg Christmas Parade and was a lovely segway to the rest of the day’s events. Between the unveiling celebration and the parade, it was a shopping and eating kind of day. Blankets were “parked” in their chosen spots while their owners enjoyed the best that Middleburg has to offer – friendship, hospitality, and delicious refreshments.

Up NEXT: Piedmont Singers Perform final Middleburg concert at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Sunday, December 8. Stay Tuned!

Saturday, December 7 – Middleburg.  Blue skies and a fair breeze punctuated a day perfect for a parade. I was ready to participate in the Middleburg Christmas Parade. Amazing as that is, just the day before, I was debating whether to cover the parade at all. The traffic . . . the parking . . . the volume of people . . .  My decision became simple when I met parade organizer, Jim Herbert, at the Middleburg Christmas Tree Lighting the previous evening.  I shared my concerns with him. “Come! Park with the other press. In fact, there is a group that can use an extra person in their truck – you can have a ‘go-pro’ experience from inside the parade route,” he told me. All of my excuses vanished.

The last time I was involved in the Middleburg Christmas Parade was in 1995 when my husband and I rode our horses with the Middleburg Hunt through the center of town. My palomino mare danced down the parade route with little regard for order. We survived then. This now, seemed manageable.

The sun warmed the afternoon. The parade route was prepared and the merchants’ decorations enhanced the holiday spirit. I arrived early. As I drove to the appropriate parking spot, I passed a line of antique roadsters all decorated for the day.  I stopped my car and jumped out to photograph the wonderful vehicles.

I found a great parking spot. After collecting my gloves, iPhone, notepad, pens, and sunglasses, I organized everything in my tartan plaid handbag and marched off to meet the parade team.

To say that it was dream come true would suggest that I had ever considered such an opportunity. This was beyond my wildest imagination!. Jim made introductions to Matt Blush, the owner and driver of the 1990 Hummer I was going to ride in. Matt is the co-founder of Warrior Aviation / Warrior Flight Team, a non-profit disabled warrior rehabilitation organization. When my iPhone’s battery faltered, the other co-founder, Pat Marsh, loaned me his charging cord. As my phone charged, he shared photos of his two military jets (more on the jets later) that are used for air shows. Pat drove the truck with the Redskins Cheerleader Alumni.

While we waited, I photographed floats, cars, horses, a marching band, the Cheerleaders, and Redskins Alumni Bubba Tyer and Pat Fischer. When the Boxwood Vineyards entry drove to our intersection, a gentleman with a red scarf and Santa hat approached our group. Cheerleader Alum, Terri Lamb, greeted him and turned to introduce me. I held out my hand to shake the hand of the man who told me his name – John Kent Cooke!! I was standing among royalty! My head was exploding!

I watched the orderly staging take place. The high school marching band was warming up across the street. Corgis and their owners kept arriving. There were alpacas with their handlers milling around the corgis. Beyond them were harriers with their basset hounds. Scottish musicians in blue kilts warmed up their instruments. There was so much to learn yet so little time! Finally, it was time for our entry to pull into place. The Fauquier High School Marching Band and their flag corps strode out before us. They were preceded by a long line of the shiny antique roadsters, riders on horseback, lasso exhibitions, and floats by wineries – Greenhill and Boxwood.

Jim gave Matt the clear, and we were off!  With my iPhone poised, we turned the corner past Federal Street. There, I saw a tall young man in a neon yellow jacket holding the leash of a black lab service dog. That young man was none other than Forrest Allen. Forrest is the young  man who was the subject of the documentary, Music Got Me Here, that played several years ago at the Middleburg Film Festival. My heart smiled to know that he is doing well.

We turned right on John Mosby Highway. Both sides of the street were lined with smiling waving people. At first I felt that I should not wave to not interfere with the Redskin alumni in the back seats. “Go ahead and wave,” Matt told me. Wave I did. Something magical happened as I waved. I connected with many people by simply waving. There were adorable children in cute headbands and hats, matching coats, precious dogs, happy people, and of course, Redskins fans!! Everyone had come to breathe in the special Christmas spirit of the little town of Middleburg. We waved, I waved. The feedback from the crowd was unexpectedly  energizing. My face was in a permanent happy smile. We turned right on S. Hamilton Street.  There, a serious Redskins fan joyfully jumped up and down and pumped his fists in support – Bubba and Pat waved back. More waves and greetings followed. Then, like that, the parade was over. But the Middleburg Christmas festivities continue.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Middleburg, Virginia!

Stay tuned for more Festivities coverage – The Unveiling of the Fox Statue at the Community Center, and the Piedmont Singers Concert, the Wheatland Gala at Salamander Resort and Spa, and much more!

December 7; Middleburg, VA. On a brilliant day dedicated to celebrating the beginning of the Christmas season in Middleburg, dogs held center-stage for their owners and their admirers. Hundreds of adorable pups were spectators while many participated in the parade as well. Here are some of the cutest canine images of the day –

Coming Next –

Middleburg Parade. the Statue Unveiling at the Middle Community Center, Wheatland Gala –

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Dec. 6, 2019 – Middleburg, VA. “Tonight, we stop, pause, and say thank you…” said Pastor, Dan Morgan, of the Middleburg Baptist Church, while he gave the invocation.

Master of Ceremonies, Middleburg Business and Professional Association President, Punkin Lee, spoke about the community saying, ‘Not only are we here tonight to light our town tree, but I think we should take a moment to pause and think about why we live in and around the small town we all call home. We are a generous, caring, and loving community. We will help a neighbor and a friend with volunteers who willingly serve such groups as Seven Loaves, Fish, Middleburg Humane, the Community Center, their churches, and their schools. We love our countryside, our open space, all of our critters, and our people’s way of life. We are all so fortunate to live here and should never take this place for granted. Yes, tomorrow is another fun day of festivities in Middleburg but it is also the 78^th anniversary of Pearl Harbor and we should never forget.” With those words Ms. Lee invited Mayor Littleton to the podium.

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The Mayor spoke about the importance of  the tree and how to fund its lights and ornaments, volunteers called on businesses and residents for donations, “Not a single merchant or person we spoke to said no. Donations ranged from $2 to $500, and we were able to amass, through a community effort, the lights that you are about to see. Just so you know this is a work in progress. I’d like to ask every community member to bring an ornament and make this truly a community tree.”

The large crowd gave a huge round of applause to the town merchants for their support of the Christmas tree effort. After a 10-9-8-7….3-2-1 countdown, the switch for the tree was flipped and beautiful light streamed from the many strands of lights, casting a violet glow on the surrounding buildings and the street below.  More carols followed with elves and Mrs. Clause mingling with the guests.

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Many guests came with their dogs. There were straight, pointy, fluffy, and curly tails wagging while friends and neighbors greet one another.  The most prevalent breeds of dogs at the lighting were labs, doodles, and golden retrievers. The dogs, although, amid a crowd, were peaceful and happily exchanged wags for pats on their heads.

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With the Season officially “open,” a number of social gatherings ensued. Once such event took place just around the corner at the law offices of  Bruce R. Smith where guests toasted the upcoming holidays and friends shared their excitement of the season.

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Middleburg – a tiny town in Western Loudoun County with  a huge heart. Let the revelry begin!

“We are going to my grandma’s house,” A classmate said of her upcoming holiday plans. Another chimed in, “My cousins are coming over.” There was a holiday coming up. It was not Christmas or Easter but it seemed  important. There were borders of autumn leaves, pumpkins, and turkeys encircling my classroom’s chalkboards. Yes, it was something with turkeys and food and family. “What is a Pilgrim?” I thought but would not articulate for fear of sounding ignorant.

It was my third month in first grade year in America. I was still figuring out the English language and American traditions. Mine was the trial by fire method; sink or swim – I was on my own. My parents spoke even less English than I did. We had no relatives nearby and barely any friends. We had landed in this strange country just five months earlier as immigrants/refugees from Bulgaria  via Germany.

Thanksgiving. While my classmates were busy comparing family and social notes, I expected nothing. One day after school, my mother showed me a postcard that had arrived. We thought we read that we had won a turkey. My mother opened her English/Bulgarian dictionary and we looked up every word. Sure enough, we had won a turkey!

The Grand Union grocery store was a short walk from our apartment. My mother and I dressed in our best coats, hats, and gloves, pulled on our boots, and headed for the store. There was a muddy construction site between us and the store and we cautiously picked our way to the other side. As we walked, I asked my mother how it happened that we had won this amazing thing. She was uncertain but told me, ”People in this country seem to be very generous. We must have an angel over us.” As newly arrived refugees and non-English speaking, our resources were very thin. My father worked two jobs just to pay the rent. A turkey was the last thing that we would have considered that first year.

Somebody in the store recognized my mother and asked to help us. Sheepishly, she withdrew the postcard from her purse and showed it to the clerk. “Oh, you are one of our winners! Congratulations!” exclaimed the delighted clerk, who hugged her shoulders. “Come this way and bring your basket, it’s a big one,” said the clerk. I went to the front of the store, pulled out a shopping basket, and pushed it to my mother. The clerk disappeared , returning several minutes later with a 20 pound turkey. It was frozen and packaged in plastic with blue and red writing on the package. Still hugging my mother’s shoulders, the clerk guided her in the direction of the bakery and then the canned goods. Our basket filled with bread, cake mix, canned cranberries, potatoes, and greens. “Can you get all this home now?” asked the excited clerk? We were not exactly sure what she asked but my mother nodded. She opened her purse to pay for all of the food but the clerk shook her head and said, “The is all for you from us! Happy Thanksgiving to your family!” In a daze, we pushed the cart home through the muddy construction site. What had just happened?

With the aid of her dictionary, my mother translated every word of the directions for  cooking the turkey . With my father’s help,  we somehow managed to get it prepared and into the oven. Our apartment smelled warm and delicious all day. Not being a cook, the process was strange to my mother. She even followed the directions on the cake mix and baked the cake. Being new and without a television, we relied on pictures from  newspapers paper and  magazines to understand what the meal looked like and its presentation. When it was finally cooked, we set the table, dressed in our best clothes (we had very few)  and had our first Thanksgiving meal.

After our holiday break the children were comparing their holiday adventures. One turned to ask me about mine, “Our turkey was 20 pounds!” I exclaimed. We ate turkey until Christmas.

Our thanksgiving is  not limited to just one day. We are thankful for our lives, our freedom, our opportunities, and the love and generosity of the American people. After many years, we remember our first Thanksgiving as we pay it forward with others.