Where it all began...

Having two regrets this week: 

(1) leaving behind my Halloween decorations when I moved.

(2) leaving behind my film camera when I moved.
...and I won't include the fact that I've been meaning to post something since Friday.

It is ALMOST Halloween! I am all for decorating for the holidays, but when packing up my car to move... my box of decorations was bottom of the list. So there won't be Halloween decor this year, but maybe next. I probably should be worried more about costumes. Last year my roommates and I cleverly dressed up as Three Blind Mice. 

This was probably my favorite costume of all time. But I'm thinking (and hoping) this year there won't be a need for a costume because I'm really just looking forward to just handing out candy, but one person in this household may need a costume...

Zella! She was not too pleased with the headband, so I saved her from further torture of trying on the skirt to complete the princess unicorn costume. Thinking of alternative options (baby cloth overalls from a goodwill with a bandana = Farmer Zella??). I'll be sure to keep everyone posted.... 

Besides the decorations... I wish I had my camera!! Maybe photography (or really just lets call it picture taking) is in my blood thanks to my father, or maybe it's from taking one Photo100 in college... but I LOVE to take pictures. (don't worry, I'll post some of my old favorite prints from my class this week :)) And we've had so many overcast rainy days in the past week that it'd be perfect for taking pictures while I've been out sight seeing. The iPhone just doesn't cut it, but that didn't stop me from taking pictures...

I did a little exploring recently and just in my area!
First stop: Random little "state park." I'm used to state parks being a lot larger, but I passed about 4 little parks on my way down some country road. But it was a least a remote, quiet location with a view of the water!

Second stop: St. Francis Xavier Church.

At SLU (a Jesuit University), I had attended Mass at St. Francis Xavier College Church right on campus. I never knew the Jesuits existed until SLU, and I'm glad I was able to get influenced by their mission "Men and Women for Others" while I attended SLU. The Jesuits hold a special place in my heart. Unfortunately when I drove up to the church a small tour had already started, so I just walked around the grounds - consisting of the church and an old manor. A little background - Maryland was founded in 1634, and the Parish of this church was established in 1661! A working Parish for 350+ years! The church itself is almost 300 years old. I believe (I may be wrong) this is one of the first Jesuit churches in the US. Hoping to make it to a Mass, and IN to the church, soon!

Third stop: St. Clement's Island Museum
I wish I could say we went to the actual St. Clement's Island... but that'll have to wait until next summer, because water taxis are not up and running. So, you're wondering... what's so great about this place called St. Clement's Island?? It's the landing site of the first Maryland colonies who sailed here from England. We watched a whole 15 minute video about the history of island at the museum that was actually pretty informative!

Thought a lot of these "state__" were
pretty silly!

Playing dress up!

The gun above (which is HUGE) is used for shooting ducks -
specifically 108 at a time!

Old oyster cans that I thought were neat

The land out on the water is the actual Island!

The Pier owned by the museum. Notice the rocks along the shoreline? You'll find them here and on the island!
They have been put there to help stop erosion. 

The last stop: Antiquing!

There are TONS of antique shops around in the area. But one specifically, on the way to Andrew's office, I have been wanting to stop at. And so finally we did! It turned out to be more a cool collection of things we could never afford, but it was great to see all the old antiques and some locally made art and furniture pieces!

 

Since I couldn't buy anything, I just took an excessive amount of pictures. But it's not like I NEED much of anything they were selling. Except some local ice cream :)

That's about it for this past week/weekend shenanigans. Before I forget, a little shout out to those who made MY life able to begin... Happy 36 years to these two kids! I say kids because although these parents of six and grandparents of 8 with full-time jobs as an engineer and a teacher... they still know how to have fun! Did I ever mention my mom is in a band? Well she is, and she's a great singer (dad runs the sound boards, and his talent is photography!) - check out her website here.

newly engaged. 1978. ( nice mustache, right??)

with the first 6 grandkids, August 2013. 

I love my family! Speaking of - can't wait for my brother Pat to visit in THREE DAYS!! And we (andrew + pat + pat's girlfriend + me) will all get to go to our first Oyster Festival this weekend! But that's it for now! Hope everyone is having a great week!