Ah, this weekend has just been beautiful. I am reminded about why I love living in a place that has four seasons. With each transition I am grateful and feel blessed for the change. People need change; it's part of our nature. We may rail against it, we may embrace it, but we all need change.
Mary is talking to Colin about the "secret" garden:
"I think it has been left alone so long- that it has grown all into a lovely tangle. I think the roses have climbed and climbed and climbed until they hang from the branches and walls and creep over the ground - almost like a strange gray mist. Some of them have died but many - are alive and when the summer comes there will be curtains and fountains of roses. I think the ground is full of daffodils and snowdrops and lilies and iris working their way out of the dark. Now the spring has begun - perhaps - perhaps-"
The soft drone of her voice was making him stiller and stiller and she saw it and went on.
"Perhaps they are coming up through the grass- perhaps there are clusters of purple crocuses and gold ones- even now. Perhaps the leaves are beginning to break out and uncurl -and perhaps- the gray is changing and a green gauze veil is creeping - and creeping over - everything. And the birds are coming to look at it - because it is - so safe and still. And perhaps - perhaps- perhaps-" very softly and slowly indeed, "the robin has found a mate - and is building a nest."
- The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
After lunch, Ubah, Stephanie and Matt headed to the Greenvalley Book Fair 
Katie and I headed back to Staunton to do a little walking around and shopping. It was so nice to see Staunton have so much development - cute little shops which stationary, unique jewelry shops and an awesome toys store called Pufferbellies. They also have so many coffee shops! Where were these when we went to school here???? It is wonderful though, and I am happy that it seems to be thriving. It would be a great place to stop and stretch your legs if you are driving that way. 
Katie and I then headed back to the hotel to check in, take a nap, and get ready for dinner. Dinner was at a restaurant, but I am not going to advertise it here. It was horrible. $50 for a tough as nails, can't-saw-through-it-with-a-steak-knife meal. And that was just the beginning. Try a plastic wrap covered piece of cake for $50!
Can you see all the kites flying! It is by the Washington Monument.
From my car window. They really are beautifu!
From the George Washington Parkway which was stopped. The light was hitting the monument perfectly!
Georgetown, from the Key bridge. Once I got on Canal Rd. traffic was moving. FINALLY!!!