If Only...

I am going to start my own collection. You never know...

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Oyster Fest Retrospective

The Urbanna Oyster Fest was this past weekend.

Some of you may have heard that I was going to spend a weekend in Virginia.

I think I mentioned it last week.

It was awesome.

We learned a whole bunch of things.

The oysters' predators...

They had lots of rules in Urbanna.

We tried to follow them.

Others? Notsomuch.

CBW had a thing for this oyster.

I think it was mutual.

Big Hair Envy and CBW were lovely hostesses.

We had a great hangout spot at BHE's dad's house.

We also had some adult beverages.

Bud likes to call BHE "Big Head."

I think that's funny.

She has lots of attributes.

And a big head is not among them.

More rules.

I ate lots of barbecue.

Noe Noe and her high falutin' teefs hitched a ride on the hillbilly bus.

It was funny.

Take my word for it.

Oh look what we have here.

CBW got back in the parade...

Dancin' with a very happy Shriner.

A pearl.

Saturday in Virginia

Having survived the Firemen's Parade from yesterday, here is our day, today. I am particularly interested in the wine tasting and the Janitors' Top 40. And, I have my camera....

Saturday, November 7, 2009
Throughout the Day:	8:00 a.m.
Festival in full swing: - Arts & crafts, street sales, entertainment for adults & children, children’s rides, clowns, games/activities. Food of all kinds, including the succulent bi-valve, The Oyster
The Reapers (Classic Hits of the Fifties & Sixties) - Waterfront	10:00 AM	-	2:00 PM
	3:00 PM	-	5:00 PM
Robert Keyes (Multi-facit Solo Fingerstyle Guitarist) Wine Tasting	9:00 AM	-	10:00 AM
	11:00 PM	-	12:00 PM
	1:00 PM	-	2:00 PM
Keith Anderson (Soprano Saxophonist) Old Tobacco Warehouse	9:00 AM	-	10:00 AM
	11:00 PM	-	12:00 PM
	1:00 PM	-	2:00 PM
Nate Sparks and the Pamunkey River Ramblers (Country/Americana)	9:00 AM	-	1:00 PM
Oyster Shucking Contest on Firehouse Stage presented by Revere Gas & Appliance.	11:00 AM	-	12:30 PM
52nd Urbanna Oyster Festival Parade begins on West side of Town Sponsored by The Virginia Lottery.	2:00 PM	-	3:30 PM
The Janitor’s (Top 40) - Fireman’s Field	1:00 PM	-	5:00 PM

Sigh...

Today, I am on the Bay... And the only problem I foresee? I HATE oysters. Well. Gah.

Welcome to the 52nd Anniversary of the Urbanna Oyster Festival!

We are pleased and proud to carry on this wonderful tradition begun by a dozen or so local merchants and "town fathers" in 1957. Originally called "Urbanna Days," the festival was established to promote the town and it's economy. In those first years the event was a relatively small gathering of local folks highlighted by a parade comprised primarily of antique cars.

In 1961 the name was officially changed to the "Urbanna Oyster Festival" in recognition and honor of the succulent bivalve that was such an important part of the local economy. The crowning of a Queen and "Little Miss Spat" (a "spat" is a baby oyster) along with the selection of a grand marshal to honor local or state individuals held in high esteem became an important part of the tradition.

In 1986 the prestigious Friday night Fireman's Parade began a truly exhilarating experience. In 1988, the General Assembly of Virginia designated the festival as the official Oyster Festival of the Commonwealth. In 1991, the Urbanna Oyster Festival Foundation was established to produce and manage the annual festival.

The festival has grown and so have the crowds. Crowds for the two-day event now number nearly 75,000. Food and craft booths number over 125 and the Fireman's Parade features over 80 engines of every size and description. The Oyster Festival Parade on Saturday features over 80 units including numerous marching bands, antique cars, locally produced floats and the renowned Khedive Temple Shrine Club of Norfolk.

In this, our 52nd year, it is appropriate that we honor our local merchants. We encourage you to visit our shops, stores and restaurants and to utilize our services while you enjoy the fun and family traditions of the Urbanna Oyster Festival.

The 52nd Annual Urbanna Oyster Festival is sponsored by the Urbanna Oyster Festival Foundation, a non-profit organization, which was established in 1991. The Foundation would like to thank the volunteer committees and all of the interested citizens who contributed their time and enthusiasm to this important community project. We also greatly appreciate the cooperation of the town council, the mayor, the town administrator and staff and the many fine residents of Urbanna who open their town for this wonderful event. If you participated in any small way, you are responsible for the success we enjoy during this Oyster Festival

Friday, November 6, 2009

Festival...................................................................... 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Queen & Spat Crowning – Festival Stage.......................... 4:00 p.m.
Fireman’s Parade........................................................... 7:00 p.m.
Special Entertainment behind the fire house..................... 8:00 p.m.

Friday, November 6, 2009, the Town of Urbanna will be Closed to All Vehicle Traffic from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM for the Fireman’s Parade. During this time, movement of traffic within the town will be limited.

This-n-That Thursday

Virginia Packing List:

• Presents for the Baby Bird
• Money to take The Baby Bird And Friends to dinner
• Red Boots
• BC Powder
• Map to CBW's house
• Oyster Fest Schedule
• Pretends
• Presents for CBW and CBW Parents
• Asthma Inhaler
• Spanx
• Camera
• Pretends
• Aspirin
• Underwear
• Pillow
• Fluffy pj's
• Pretends
• Emery board
• And this stuff in my purse..............

Wish me luck.

Thanks.

I'm a little scared.

Green Me

I have recently become obsessed with stepped up my green living ways. And I am always looking for more ways to save this place for my grandchildren. Here's what I've got so far:

• The thermostat is set at 64 this year. We wear sweatshirts. And have no whining offspring around these days to complain.
• We turned down the hot water heater.
• I traded in my SUV for an energy-efficient sedan.
• When I forget my cloth grocery bags, which I do with frightening regularity, I recycle the plastic bags.
• I recycle everything I can. Did you know Staples takes used ink cartridges and gives you a refund?!
• We use vinegar to clean a large portion of the house. It sometimes smells like a big salad in here.
• We have a salt generator on the pool so we don't use chlorine.
• I rarely buy water bottles.
• I "buy local" as much as possible.

What do you do? I want more ideas, please.

Tuesday Text

I went to the World Series Game last night.

Well, I was there in spirit.

Can you see how much fun I had?

He is so grounded when he gets home for Thanksgiving.

Go Yankees!