Monday, October 12, 2009

pumpkins and a pup

Yesterday, Alex and I ventured out to (Western?) Northern Virginia to enjoy the lovely fall weather. It was a high of 70, with clear skies and a light breeze. I brought Ruby along because she's been lonely since Scooter left and doesn't really know what to do with herself. We visited Sky Meadows State park and Hollin Farms pumpkin patch in Delaplane, VA.

Having no pumpkin patches of the real kind in Florida, Alex and I had never been to one and didn't really know what to expect. It was big, with no discernible rows (I guess it would be hard to keep the vines in line...). But I was mostly surprised by all the thorny weeds in the patch. Pigsweed was a huge problem, as well as other stickers that I couldn't identify. Then the vines themselves were very prickly. I should have brought my work gloves!


Ruby found a pumpkin she liked. They also had free-range pigs fenced off to one side of the patch. Ruby didn't know what to think of them and started barking and growling at them before getting closer. In her defense, they were really big.
Alex and her pumpkin. Her's weighed 14 lbs. Mine weighed 16 lbs. I had no idea they were so heavy!
Before we hit the farm, we went on a hike in the park. We went up a trail with lookout in the name... we should have realized that meant hiking up a steep incline. Alex and I were huffing and puffing, while people kept passing us on the way down, completely unaffected. Little children, dads pushing strollers, old ladies smoking cigarettes. I think we chose the wrong direction to start the loop... But we got to the top and had lunch. It was a beautiful view!

Friday, October 2, 2009

dig chivalry a hole, I think it's dead

I've often heard that chivalry is dead, but I've never really thought there was much truth to it. I've always had guys hold open doors, pay (or at least offer) for movies, food, etc, even when it's not a date, and generally be nice. Maybe I just know very sincere guys, or perhaps the Southern stereotype prevails.
But I've noticed since moving North a definite lack in this area. Guys I've met here don't come to the door when they pick you up. It's happened to me a couple of times and happened to my roommate tonight. The guy calls or texts and says they are outside. Really? you can't walk 20 steps to my door and knock? And holding the door open... well that is truly rare. It's disheartening that my generation can't get these simple actions right. I'm all for independence, but I think these actions are more about respect than anything else. I guess I have a new standard to measure my dates and friends by.