I’m sorry, I really shouldn’t have used that title. But not to worry, I am only talking about our family’s current events. I’ve neglected to document and mention a few things, so I thought I’d lump everything into one post!
The most exciting news is that Gabe became an American citizen in September! His exit interview was rescheduled multiple times due to covid, so it was that much more exciting when it finally happened. Gabe was calm but I was super nervous until they handed him his certificate of naturalization. That certificate was the last thing we needed. I don’t know how to explain it really, but it felt like it sealed everything. I’m so happy!!! What a long road it’s been!
Both Gabe and Keats, who are seniors in high school this year, took the SAT last weekend. Like many kids, they were meant to take it last spring but SATs were canceled. Test sites are still closing on a regular basis, so we weren’t sure it would really happen until it did. What a relief!
Keats auditioned for our regional orchestra via video recording earlier this fall. That was a new experience for him! There won’t be an actual regional orchestra or concert this fall, but you must qualify in your region to be eligible to audition for the all-state orchestra in the late winter. We live in what I believe is considered the most competitive region in the state. A few weeks ago, we got an email that Keats had not only been accepted, but he is first chair in our region out of the 16 violas that were accepted! I saw the email before Keats was out of bed and raced upstairs to wake him up, “Keats! You did it! You made regionals and you are number one! Keats! You’re first chair!” He was calm and dismissive like it was no big deal. But it is! He has worked so hard.
Jonny and I celebrated our 22nd anniversary a couple of weeks ago in Colonial Williamsburg. In all of our years in Virginia, we’d never been. We wandered around and looked at the gardens and neat buildings, though we didn’t buy tickets for the “full experience.” I sniffed boxwoods (and Jonny documented this longstanding habit of mine-I love the smell of boxwoods), drank a yummy London Fog, and had to rest on a bench with Jonny for a long time (He says that was his favorite part of the day.) So much walking! I pet a little lamb that came running over to me, I suspect because it thought I was going to feed it. Jonny carried my purse when I got tired of carrying it.
Last year, I said there would be no trick or treating this year, but I caved and we took our kids with some friends. Larkspur was a gnome, Beatrix a pig, Silas was “Doc” the dwarf, though most people understandably mistook him for Santa Claus, Job was Batman, and Mabel was Cinderella. They had a great time dressing up and getting out with friends. I traded a lot of their candy for books and small gifts, which seemed like a good compromise.
Larkspur dressed up as Saint Zita, a 13th-century Italian saint, for the All Saints celebration at youth group. The costume was a little last minute, and I wasn’t sure how well she would be able to pull it off. She asked for a shawl and I remembered the Shaelyn shawl that I finished earlier this year. I knit it with natural, undyed wool so it seemed like a good choice. Then it hit me that the yarn I used was from a small Italian farm!!! I was very dorky in my excitement over that detail. An Italian wool shawl for an Italian saint! So cool!!!!!
Finally, in what I am sure was an effort to demonstrate his loyalty to me, Giuseppe dipped his paws into an indigo rinse bucket last week and we had matching blue paws and hands.
Oh, and we still haven’t had a hard frost here, which is crazy. I still have flowers blooming!
I hope you all have had some good news in recent months as well! Each and every good thing this year has felt like a victory. I’m so thankful!
Helene says
The title really made me laugh.
Goes well with all your good news, so happy for Gabe and Keith and all.
Congratulations on 22nd Anniversary. You know, you could travel to Europe for one of the next ones, visit your European readers ?
(French Helene in London)
Jeannie says
Bless you and your wonderful family, Ginny. I have followed you for years and it is a delight to see everyone grow into their adventures. Just came across this article of a super giant ancient shark tooth, thought y’all would like it, blessings! https://www.kiro7.com/news/trending/woman-finds-massive-mysterious-tooth-south-carolina-beach/KUXRRZE2X5B3PLVKOYDE3MJVT4/
Helen Mathey-Horn says
Congratulations to Gabe and also Keats. You are raising a good crop of kids. 🙂
Theresa Boedeker says
Good news this year has felt like a victory. And I am so thankful for it. Congrats to Keats for making first chair and Gabe for becoming a citizen. And 22 years! Feel accomplished for that. Love your posts and pictures.
Karen says
congrats on your son being a US citizen!! What a wonderful event during this crazy year!
Erin says
Honestly, your posts are the nicest things I read in my day-to day, Ginny.
Congratulations to both Gabe and Keats!
yvonne jones says
Hi Ginny – I too have a kitty who likes to “help” dye. I did a lesson with a local BSA troop working on their Textile Merit Badge and my kitty had to “stir” the walnut dye bath.
Question for you…I raise alpaca and angora goats and have yarn from both, would you be interested in some for dying? Not sure where you get your fiber from but I’m trying to find avenues to peddle my farm yarn. I have done some dying for myself with some of it and it dye’s in my opinion very well. JC Llamas & Alpacas on Facebook (if you are there) is my farm and if you poke around there you can see some of the yarn I’ve dyed.
Anyway, love the blog and love the yarn I’ve purchased from you too.
Maurlo says
This is a beautiful set of current events! Congrats to both of your sons, the shawl is gorgeous, the costumes darling and your walk around Williamsburg sounds delightful.
Have you ever been to the Waterford fair in Waterford Virginia? It is one of my very favorite things and it seems like something you would also love.
Ginny says
We haven’t been to Waterford fair, but now I want to! I’ll definitely look into it. Thank you!
elizabeth says
Bea’s freckles!!! I had never noticed them that much, but they are the most wonderful thing.
Ginny says
Yes! She’s very proud of them!
Becky Barry says
Loved this !
❤️
Jo M says
Congratulations Gabe!
Keats: Be so proud of your accomplishment! Making it was great but first chair! Wow! I got goosebumps for you!
I don’t comment much but I do so love reading about your family. Thank you so much for sharing!
Ginny says
Thank you!
Pamela Hans says
I actually have outstanding news for me. I currently live in VA and love it here but my children and grandchildren are in NJ. I finally convinced my husband to move back to Western NJ where I will only be about 45 minutes from them all. We sold our house this weekend and purchased a new one a few weeks ago. It’s all been so fast my head is spinning but I’m so excited to be close to them again. We will have 22 acres with a lovely home and a POOL!!! Yeah!! So now I’m knee deep in inspections and packing but the actual move won’t be until March. So happy ?
Ginny says
Pam, I’m so happy for you!!! That’s wonderful news and your new house sounds like the perfect place for grandkids!!!
Helen says
Congratulations Gabe!!!!!
Julie C says
I have had a history crush on colonial Williamsburg ever since I saw it in my Jr high history book. I still haven’t gone, but hope to someday.
sharon says
Do you have a pattern for or remember where you bought the dark gray apron Larkspur wore with her St. Zita costume? It is exactly what I have been looking for.
Ginny says
Hi Sharon, We ordered that apron on ebay awhile back. It was described as linen, but feels more like cotton to me. So I wasn’t entirely pleased. Here are similar listings: https://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_nkw=Hot+Women+Bib+Apron+Pinafore+Dress+Home+Cooking+Cotton+Linen+Skater+A+Line+Dress&_id=173776250459&&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l46251
sharon says
Thank you so much for the information about the apron. I really appreciate it!!!!!!!
Ginny says
You’re welcome!
Bev says
Your posts are never boring, I love what you share about your beautiful family life with all of us. I’ve been reading blogs for many years and still miss some of the lovely family blogs. From them, I learned so much about life in various areas of our beautiful country and, of course, became fond of the families. Thank you for continuing to share!
KAde says
Your anniversary celebration sounded so lovely – what a dear man your husband must be to carry your purse for you. How blessed you both are in each other and in your children!
Joan Gavigan says
What wonderful awesome news on all fronts:)! My DH and I celebrated our anniversary in Williamsburg and what a treat it was:)! We went to church on the grounds that night to celebrate our happiness. So glad you got to enjoy that – 22 years is nothing to sneeze at:)!
So happy for dear Gabe:) So happy for Keats! Wishing you all joy,
(the other Joan;))
Layne Costello says
Oh, what wonderful news for Gabe and Keats! Congratulations to you both. May the good Lord continue to bless you all.
Marilyn says
Great going Gabe. Keats you are a talented musician., congratulations. Love the Halloween costumes. The Saint Zita outfit is lovely. I love reading about the saints. We have a lot of books about the saints,but I am not too familiar with Saint Zita. Williamsburg must be an interesting place to visit. The lamb is adorable. we are having warm weather.Have a great week. God Bless you and yours.
Marilyn
Joan says
What great news from your family,Ginny. Congratulations to Gabe and Keats. Glad you had a nice anniversary at Williamsburg.
Joan
Marion says
Congratulations Gabe. Keats accolades to you for your achievement. Continued success.
Marion
Emily DeArdo says
I LOVE Williamsburg and I especially love the sheep!
Next time you go back, buy a ticket and go into the weaver’s shop! You can also buy some of their yarn! 🙂
Shari says
Such good news on all fronts. Thank you for sharing with us.