The Virginia Homestead

The Greatest Gifts This Christmas

By: Rose Jones

With four little girls, I am sure you can imagine the excitement and joy as we watched them open Christmas this year.  They each had their own style, their own flare, that they brought to the gift opening.  One of our daughters, before the presents were even all opened, was formulating her list for next year. This was even before she opened the two things that she specifically asked for and was most excited about (a Star Wars action figure and a microscope) - she’s our planner. Another daughter, when handed a gift, would open it quickly and before even setting it down, would start looking for her next gift - she’s our high spirited child.  The other two were just sugar-loaded, sister- followers, tired yet happy with the change in routine and excitement - they’re only 2 yrs. old so what more can you expect. As enjoyable as the family time was around the tree, this was not the greatest gift this year, but merely a moment on which to cherish, reflect, and ponder in my heart. As a mother pondering, I can reflect on the whole month of December using the example which my angels laid before me on Christmas Eve to find the hidden gifts of the season. These gifts weren’t found under the tree, in a department store, or wrapped in paper and bows. This year Rob and I found the greatest gifts in places we least expected. 

Wyoming: Today's the Big Day

10 years ago today, I married my best friend. Today we spent the day in gorgeous Yellowstone National Park. I have a good life! I love you, Rob! Thanks for the happiest 10 years of my life. -Rose

Wyoming: Grand Teton National Park

On our way to Jackson Hole with the Tetons towering over us, what a beautiful drive...

Wyoming: Coasting into Buffalo

Always an adventure...God is good! Who knew there would be 66 miles between service stations?

Wyoming: God's Canvas

Beautiful skies, rolling hills, horses, and Devil's Tower, and we can already tell that during creation this part of Wyoming was just God's warm-up. Grand Tetons and Yellowstone here we come...

South Dakota: Mount Rushmore

We're in the Black Hills of South Dakota under cloudy skies. But the weather broke long enough for a couple photos of the presidents... Off to our next adventure!

Iowa and South Dakota: Floods, Detours, and Breathtaking Country

So, were a little behind on our updates because we've been posting to the Towner Jones Blog (http://blog.townerjones.com) as well as Facebook, but now I think this new typepad app for iPhone will let us update this blog more easily as well as post the updates to Facebook.

Yesterday morning we left Omaha and headed into Iowa to avoid major flooding on route 29. What we were able to see before they took us off the highway was nothing less than shocking. Alongside the highway was flooded fields as far as the eye could see, as well as massive sandbag walls on either side of the road holding back at least a few feet of water. Prayers certainly go out to the folks affected.

We pushed on and Rose indulged me to a half hour or so on a riverboat casino (we went up $66 so we quickly left!!)

For lunch we stopped in Sioux Falls, SD, where we photographed the falls at city center. When I have time to process photos they'll go online.

Finally, a long march across the breadth of South Dakota, through the Badlands to the tourist trap that is 'Wall Drug'.

We're here in Rapid City this morning, preparing for a trip into the Black Hills. More to come as time and network connectivity allows!

Fishin' in 'Bama

Yes, it's true - we've been back from our vacation to Alabama for almost a month. However, while I was down there, I caught a couple good size fish that are, in my humble opinion, worthy of a little bit of air time on the blog.

First of, thanks to my father-in-law, Michael for setting up a fishing charter for us - and to Captain Phil with Island West Charters who took out to just the right spot to land some nice size fish.

A 40-inch, 26-pound Red Drum caught in the channel between Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. This also happens to be the only fish I've ever caught that was TOO BIG to keep. (You read that right, Alabama law sets a size limit for Red Drum to protect the larger members of the breeding population)

The next night, my father-in-law and I went out for some night fishing and I pulled in this 29-inch, 6-pound speckled trout. Nice!

Lambert's (Foley, Alabama)

Tradition dictates that as part of our semi-annual pilgrimage to South Alabama we must eat a meal at the famous Lambert's Cafe in Foley, Alabama.

Lambert's is a slice of southern Americana which, if you haven't experienced it first-hand, warrants a stop if you're within a hundred miles. Here, between South Alabama's largest outlet mall and the Gulf of Mexico, you'll find massive entrees, "pass arounds" (more about them later), and the infamous "throwed rolls" - they literally throw you hot rolls from across the restaurant as soon as they come out of the oven - fantastic!

In case you didn't believe me when I said the servings are massive, here's what $18 worth of "southern style" ribs looks like. I've been working on them for the last two days as left overs.

"Pass Arounds"

Here's a concept I haven't seen at any other restaurant. A large portion of the wait staff circles the restaurant constantly carrying large pots of southern magic. Collard greens, fried potatoes and onions, fried okra, sorgum, molasses, apple butter, macaroni and stewed tomatoes, boiled cabbage and a host of other specialties are available to try or gorge yourself on, just by asking.

The Virginia Homestead proudly recommends Lambert's as one of our personal family favorites!

Barefoot Fishin'

There's just something about seeing your 2-year-old fishing barefoot with a cane fishing pole on a warm, spring afternoon that inspires hope for the future.