Virginia Beach, VA

Just a quick note to wish everyone a very, very Happy New Year!

A recent article in the local paper confirms what I already suspected–Virginian’s are dangerous drivers.

Actually, I should correct that to say that Virginia is a dangerous state to drive. Many people are from other areas of the country and so they aren’t entirely familiar with the roads. Add to that the sheer amount of traffic on the roads which are up to 6 lanes wide with no shoulders for emergencies. Sprinkle in a few agressive drivers and a dash of folks engrossed in cell phone conversations. Stir in a few drunk drivers and well, you’ve got it. Here we are.

I only half jokingly tell visitors that they should look both ways before pulling out after the light changes green. I can’t even begin to tell you the number of people I’ve seen running red lights, or just plain driving thru a red light because they were busy I suppose? Who knows.

“They” speak about creating better highways. I really think that much of the blame lies with the drivers themselves. Seriously, look around you and see exactly how many people are gabbing on their cell phones or checking out the GPS system. It’s a lot.

Just a friendly reminder–be safe and stay alert when driving!

I’m amazed at the number of shopping opportunities down here. Having come from a very rural area, where we needed to drive over 30 minutes to the neares Wal Mart, it amazes me the number of strip malls and stores that are around this area.

There’s everything from upscale shopping(the MacArthur Mall in Norfolk and Towne Square in Va Beach) to the bargain shopping venues.

Did you know that The Dollar Tree has it’s corporate office in Chesapeake, VA? That’s right, it all began here.

The Dollar Tree has also expanded in our area anyway with an upscale party goods store and also a holiday store(these stores have inexpensive, quality products, but not necessarily for $1.00). A new addition to the stores in our area is a bakery. Yes, a bakery at the Dollar Tree. I love going in to the local store and just inhaling–hey that’s free.

Ok, with 5 kids, I spend quite a bit of time looking around the bargain stores, I’ll admit.

Last year, our local store actually handed out 10% off coupons. Wow! In addition, I caught a sale at the store last spring where the easter decorations were marked down to 25 cents each.

Well, it’s been an interesting few weeks. Getting ready for the holidays with 5 kids is well, crazy!

This week, we gathered our friends and went Christmas caroling thru the neighborhood. Afterwards, we had hot chocolate and cookies at our house.

You know, it’s still lovely down here. Today, it’s windy, but last week it was 80 degrees during the day. Come on down ya’ll.

Hey, gas is $2.75 a gallon. What about in your area?

School officially is over on Thursday for the winter break until January 2nd. Wow.

There was an article in the local paper about how the shelters are full of animals. Perhaps you might consider saving an animal’s life and adopting one this holiday season.

We were down at the oceanfront this past weekend to take our annual family photo. This year, we took it in front of the King Neptune Statue at 30th street on the Boardwalk.

It was lovely out, a bit windy, but we walked shoeless! Had to do it in December you know.

Two blocks up from the statue,there was a corral with horses in it. They were renting out horses so you could ride along the beach. The sign said, $45 horseback rides. Because we had all of the kids with us(and all wanted to do the ride with the exception of the baby who would have I’m sure wanted to do so if he could), we purposely didn’t venture over there to get a phone number or other information because riding horses on the ocean front wasn’t on the schedule for the day, or the budget for the week.

So, what a post, eh? There’s horseback riding, but that’s all I can tell you! Seriously, I haven’t been able to find out any other information after scouring the internet. Still, I believe it is noteworthy to mention, and hey, this is what I’ve asked for for Christmas.

So, if you are in the area, get down to the ocean front and check out the horseback rides around 30th and boardwalk. It’s well worth the drive. While you are there, stroll around and listen to the Christmas music on the intercoms along the boardwalk, check out the King Neptune Statue, and talk with the locals strolling up and down the boardwalk. Great fun!