Are You Pitching In?

Remember when you could just throw away trash? 

In the "old days" sometimes it seemed like a burden just to throw it in a trash can, rather than pitching it out your car window driving down the road.  Then one day we all looked around and realized what we'd be doing... so we started taking our trash to the dump.  Remember the slogans like "Don't be a litter bug" and "Pitch In"?  Well, hopefully they are memories and not current efforts in your life, because society has moved on.  We moved on because...

Then, we started looking at the dumps... EWWW... we were making WAY more trash than the earth could eat.  And, we thought "there's gotta be a better way".

Well I am working on being green - sometimes I am greener than other times, I admit it.  But I work hard everyday to be a little better.  And, I am conscientious of not being wasteful, that these are lean times and that if I have something that is of value, I want to make sure it goes to the place where it can be of the greatest value.

Just tonight as I was searching through my trash I thought "I am so sick of this... you can't even just throw away your trash anymore..." and thus this post.  But it is worth it.

I cut out soup labels and box tops for my kids's school. 

We tear off the pop tops to soup cans and soda cans (and sometimes rip off my nails doing it), to save to take for a collection at the daycare.  They send it to a company that uses the money from recylcing them to buy wheelchairs and assistive devices for children who need them.  There's another well known option of donating them to a charity that pays for chemo for cancer patients.  Both are very worth while; and both are worth ripping my fingernails since I don't seem to have enough cash to donate to them.. and even if I did, why throw away something of value to someone else?

And then I sort.  I sort the things that can go to curbside recycling - luckily that is about 60-75% of our trash each week (and by the way, that doesn't need to be sorted by paper/plastic/etc). 

Then, I pull out things like hangers and plastic store bags which must go to special places to be recycled (drycleaners and grocery stores usually have special bins for these). 

Oh, and then there's the JUNK.  You know junk?  It used to be good, but now it's just junk - to you, but not to everyone, so I take that stuff to my friend to sell on Ebay, and we usually donate any proceeds to a charity of our choice.

What I am left with is the gross, useless, value-less, disgusting, 'only my dog would appreciate this stuff' kind of trash, like disposable diapers and used kitty litter.  Yuk.  THAT stuff still goes in the regular trash - to the regular dump.  Sorry, Earth, Sorry Mankind... but it's only about 20-25% of my trash, and we do keep it to a minimum.

So, all this... it's work.  It is.  But it takes me less time than it does to shower each day, and in the grand scheme of things, me showering is less important (actually more harmful, truth be told) to the earth than finding ways to reduce, reuse and recycle.   (Sorry people, some sacrifices I am not willing to make - and I am NOT giving up my daily showers, it's the only thing that makes me feel human some days.)

If you're not already Pitching In, and participating in our collective efforts to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, it's time you started.  It's easier than you'd think....and it's worth it.

Please, just try it... it's not that bad.  Promise. Thanks!

A Random Beautiful Day in Leesburg, VA

It's looking like a beautiful January morning here in Leesburg, Virginia!  Check out these photos taken from my deck this morning.

Today's not anything all that special.... but there's something to celebrate EVERY day, don't you think? 

If you need an excuse, just look around.  Is there a beautiful sunrise today?  Who needs more of a reason than that?

If you do, Google "Wacky Holidays" and find a calendar that will give you an excuse. 

I learned that today, January 26th, is "Spouse's Day".  Did you know that? 

So, plan a candlelight dinner, bring home flowers, special treats or a nice bottle of wine....we'll call it pre-meditated spontaneity!

Then pretend like your spouse forgot an important day that he/she should have remembered.  (hehehehe)

Make it a good one!

Recipe for the first Trefoil Cookies

Juliette Gordan Low established the Girl Scouts in 1912.  By 1917 cookie sales were being used as a fundraiser for troop activities. In July 1922, American Girl magazine, published by Girl Scout national headquarters, included the following recipe for shortbread cookies, suggesting to the girls that they could produce these cookies for 26 to 36 cents for 6 to 7 dozen cookies and to sell the cookies for 25 to 30 cents per dozen as a fundraising activity.  The recipe was supplied by Florence E Neil, a council director in Chicago.

The "First" Girl Scout Cookies: 

Trefoils

1c butter
1c sugar (plus additional for optional topping)
2   eggs
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 c flour
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder

Cream the butter and cup of sugar, add well-beaten eggs, then milk, vanilla, flour, salt and baking powder.  Refrigerate for at least an hour. Roll dough, cut into trefoil shapes, and spring suger on top if desired.  Bake in a quick oven (375 degrees) for approximately 8 to 10 minutes or until edges begin to brown.  Makes 6 to 7 dozen cookies.

I laugh when I read this, and wonder what a "quick" oven is - I am pretty sure it's not a microwave - it must be time for a call to my grandma. 

If you are "Jonsing" and need a quick GS cookie fix, this might do it, so try out the recipe.  But the true fix for craving GS cookies - especially our more modern Samoas, Thin Mints, and Tagalongs - is to order some of your very own through your local Girl Scouts. 

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW TO PLACE AN ORDER FOR GIRL SCOUT COOKIES! 

And, do it fast!  This is the last week we're taking orders.

Check out earlier posts in this blog, too, to find recipes using GS cookies - like Do-Si-Do chicken, Thank You Berry Munch Salad, and Peanut Butter and Jam Pie!

 

The Classic Girl Scout Cookie: Trefoils

Girl Scouts have been selling shortbread cookies for more than 60 years, and this classic (called "Trefoils" by Little Brownie Bakers), remains a favorite.  An online opinion poll found at GirlScoutCookies.org reports that 5% of us claim it is our favorite GS cookie (a 3 way tie for 4th place); but the GS organization reports that the shortbread cookies account for 9% of sales, rating 5th.

Personally, I think these are refreshingly simple and I love eating them (for breakfast) after dipping them in my coffee.  PLEASE do not tell my children I eat cookies for breakfast - it would shatter their image of me...or shatter the image I wish my children would have of me.

ABC Bakers, one of the commercial bakers producing GS cookies, offers a serving suggestion of sandwiching ice cream or sherbert between the cookies. 

Little Brownie Bakers offers a recipe for a Cheesecake cup using Trefoils.

I also found a GS council web site with a recipe for "Strawberry Angel Surprise"; and "Nutty Chocolate Delight"  - two yummy desserts made with GS Shortbread cookies.

I suspect you could make a really good pie crust by using crushed shortbread cookies & butter; and I bet that would be wonderful for a pudding pie, ice cream pie or even cheesecake. 

Be sure and check out our other posts, including recipes with other GS Cookies!! For a list of all GS cookies being offered in our region, and to find out how to place an order, click here!

And, be sure to stay tuned to learn more about GS cookies, and cookie sales in Loudoun County!

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Following our series on GS Cookies, be sure to stay tuned for more information about LIVING IN LOUDOUN COUNTY.

For information on our local real estate market, please tap into the resources at http://www.therealestatewhisperer.blogspot.com/

To search for homes for sale, check out the HOME SEARCH option at

http://www.vickychrisner.com/

If you time it right, your housewarming gift maybe Girl Scout Cookies

or perhaps a recipe made with Girl Scout Cookies!

Curious what the value of your home is?

Just click here for a free market snapshot.

Thin Mints, More than a Cookie! A Key Ingredient for These Tasty Treats!

Remember, you can only buy Girl Scout cookies once a year... but they freeze well, and there are so many things you can do with these American classics!

GirlScoutCookies.org has an ongoing poll, and as of today, THIN MINTS are the second favorite GS cookie.  But, the Girl Scout organization reports Thin Mints are #1.  Last year, our troop sold exactly as many Thin Mints as Samoas, so how can we really know? 

In any case, here are some Thin Mint Recipes to get your creative juices stirring...

THIN MINT BROWNIES - suggested by Little Brownie Bakers (the bakers that make Thin Mints)

THIN MINTS PIZZA SUPREME - leave it to Rachel Ray to come up with this one! Yum!
THIN MINTS CHEESECAKE - continuing with my theme from yesterday, I must highlight a cheesecake recipe!
DOUBLE LAYERED MINT CHOCOLATE CAKE - offered to us by the Central Texas GS Council
THIN MINT ICE CREAM - in the mood to make your own ice cream?  Try this recipe from ABC Bakers.

For a simple option, add crushed Thin Mints to your already made milkshakes - made of  Mint Chocolate Chip, Chocolate or even Vanilla Ice Cream.   As Dairy Queen found out last year, this is a sure fire crowd pleaser!

Be sure and check out our earlier post on Recipes With Samoas, the #1(?) GS Cookie! 

For a list of all GS cookies being offered in our region, and to find out how to place an order, click here!

And, be sure to stay tuned to learn more about GS cookies, and sales in Loudoun County!

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This message brought to you by Vicky Chrisner, a Loudoun/Dulles area real estate agent, wife, mom, Girl Scout Leader and long time community member of the Dulles area who currently makes her home in Leesburg, VA. Managing blogs and community resources like this is a labor of love.

They are created and maintained for the benefit of friends, neighbors, and clients as a community resource. Please enjoy! And, whenever you need real estate services, please think of her first...after all, now you have a friend in the business.

Stay tuned for more information about LIVING IN LOUDOUN COUNTY.

For information on our local real estate market, please tap into the resources on "The Real Estate Whisperer"

To search for Loudoun County Homes For Sale,
check out the HOME SEARCH option on this page (CLICK HERE)

Curious what the value of your home is?

Just click here for a free market snapshot.

Live Nativity in Leesburg

A very special THANK YOU to the Leesburg Church of the Nazarene for the Live Nativity event my family enjoyed tonight!  This is our first time attending it, but, I hope it becomes an annual tradition. 

The outdoor event is a drive through "theatre" of sorts, with eleven separate scenes depicting the biblical story of the birth of Jesus in a manger.  The scenes are acted out by more than 100 actors, and live animals including donkeys, sheep and camels.

There is no cost for the event, although as you exit, they will accept donations (not ask for them, and not "suggest" donations, accept them, should you feel inclined to offer something).

It is a very nice event, tons of effort goes into this, and I know they have significant costs.... and I am happy to support it. We simply didn't have much cash on us tonight (and no one made us feel bad about it), so I plan to send a check.

Not only is the event truly free, but they handed out programs and CDs to each car. I haven't investigated what they gave us, but it is the thought that counts, and so I appreciate it. 

Again, thank you to the Leesburg Church of the Nazarene.  The community clearly appreciates your efforts!  What a wonderful event!

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If you missed it tonight, it's not too late, it will be offered again tomorrow evening,

5:00 to 8:30pm.

A few tips:

*  The address (for your GPS) is 17667 Roxbury Hall Road, Leesburg, VA; but if you are on Rte 7 about 1/2 mile west of Leesburg, you can't miss it - look for the traffic signs, cones and police directing cars.

*  Expect traffic.  Under normal circumstances it would be 5 minutes from the heart of Leesburg, but this is a very popular event.  It took us 30-45 minutes before we got into the event. (It's worth it.)

* To avoid frustrations, plan as if you'll be on a trip for a while. Put little ones in their PJs and bring blankets, pillows and entertainment (DVD, snuggle buddies, whatever works). We brought fresh baked cookies and hot cocoa and listened to Christmas music on the radio (thanks WASH FM - 97.1) while we waited.

*  I gathered from the signs they allow you to line up beginning at 4:30, we left Leesburg at about 5:30 and returned home shortly after 7.

*  You can only get in the line from the East bound lanes on Route 7 (and trust me, you can't miss it).  If you are coming from Leesburg, all the left turn options are blocked.  You'll need to take the exit for Route 9 (on the right), and then make a left off the exit, cross the bridge and make another left onto Route 7 East before you can get into the line.  Then, relax, turn up the tunes and enjoy the cocoa, you'll be seeing angels soon!

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Again, despite my warnings about the traffic, don't let it deter you.  It is a wonderful event, and I hope to be back next year. 

Merry Christmas to all... and to all a good night!

Happy Birthday, Leesburg!

Happy Birthday, Leesburg!  Two hundred fifty one years ago today, The Town of Leesburg was created by the Virginia General Assembly.

Leesburg is located just 35 miles outside Washington, DC, in the Virginia Piedmont between the Potomac River and the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountain range.

Originally the town was called George Town, in honor of the king of Great Britain, but was renamed Leesburg for the Lee family of Virginia.  The town's location was near the center of the county, and located at the major crossroads of Carolina Road (which ran north-south) and Leesburg Turnpike (which still runs east-west through the town).  Thus, it was the center of commercial and political activities in the county and was governed by a Board of Trustees until 1813. 

Few people know that the Town of Leesburg served as Capital of the United States, and home to the Federal Archives (including the Declaration of Independence & the Constitution) for a period during the War of 1812.

From 1847 through 1968, the W & OD Railroad ran right through town, with passenger and freight stops on the west side of King Street, bringing in even more commerce to the area.  Today, the trail where the trains ran is owned by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, and is enjoyed by walkers, bicyclists and equestrians.  The park runs from Purcellville straight through to Alexandria.

In 1970, the town's Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Today, Leesburg remains the county seat of perhaps the wealthiest county in all of the US.  It spans nearly 8,000 acres, and is considering adding another 2,200 acres into the town limits.  Today's population is approaching 40,000 and some future propulation estimates go as high as 80,000 should the additional acreage be annexed.

Learn more about the people who call Leesburg Home (CLICK HERE).

What You Don't Know Until You Move In

I've posted before about how much I love my neighborhood.... and I REALLY REALLY do.

When we chose the place, we picked it like all other buyers pick homes.  General area, conveniences, value, home style and condition... and it had a lot of kids, we could tell when we saw them in the neighborhood and we saw all the basketball hoops on the streets (which are actually prohibited by our HOA, by the way).  So, we bought.

I continually become overwhelmed, though, as things happen and I have opportunities to realize how truly wonderful my neighborhood is.

Recently, a man in our neighborhood passed away.  I didn't know him.  He had 2 boys in elementary school, but they are older than my kids and my kids don't know them.  I learned through the grapevine that the boys were staying with their grandparents, also in our neighborhood.  We don't know them either.  I asked "what about the mom?".  It turns out she died 5 years ago.

Yeah... let that sink in for a little bit.

Many of us reached out to those that know the family better and asked if there was something, anything, we could do.  We begged to help somehow. 

After some brainstorming we came up with a plan.  Twice a week, every week for the next three months, we would alternate cooking and bringing them dinner.  We would put together a list of stay at home moms or others with flexible schedules who might be able to help grandma get the kids to and from activities, or to run necessary weekday errands, as she doesn't drive and her husband is still working until the end of the year.

We had so many volunteers, we had to turn away offers of help.

We simply have the most wonderful community here.  I feel so blessed to live here, and can't imagine a better place to bring up my children.

We don't have much turnover here, but it is worth waiting to find a home that comes available in this neighborhood.  If you'd like more information about Ashton Downs, don't hesitate to contact me.

http://www.vickychrisner.com/

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Update:   Today, October 8th is my turn! I've stressed and stressed (really, does it matter that much?). I didn't know what to bring. I finally settled on a simple chicken pot pie recipe (see pic). Mmmm... They smell so good.

There's an ice cream social at the school tonight, so I opted not to bring dessert, in hopes that the boys will be going. Just in case I am wrong, I bought a cookie and decorating kit - pumpkin shaped sugar cookies with icing, spinkles and such. My kids always liked doing stuff like that, hopefully these boys will, too. It also happens to be International Childrens Day. So, I bought two gift bags and filled them with magic trick "toys".

I imagine these boys are tired of mourning and people sending their sympathies.  They probably just want to be kids again.  I am making a lot of assumptions here.... hopefully I am guessing right. These boys need to figure out what their "new normal" will be.  Sadly, life won't go backwards for them, but it must go forward.  I pray my gifts and efforts are received well.

Kaleidoscope Children's Performance Series

At Ida Lee Recreation Center in Leesburg, the Town offers a children's performance series with shows just about each month.  It is usually toward the end of the month, during the week, and from 10-11.  Clearly, they are targeting preschoolers - but there is no real "age limit". My daughter (now 6) has made it to a few shows with us, but mostly I use this for a special event with my preschooler. 

Shows vary each month.  My son and I have seen children's musical groups and dancers, puppeteers and today there was a live animal encounter with Wildlife Ambassadors. Wildlife Ambassasdors was formerly known as Animal Ambassadors, but has changed it's name and is now a non-profit organization bringing animal shows to groups like libraries, schools and scout groups.

At today's show, we were introduced to:

Mowgli:  An African Grey Parrot.  These birds are found in the rainforest, far away... or in pet shops and zoos close by.  We're told he talks, but it is more like a whisper, so only a few people heard him - and that wasn't me.  In addition to talking, he apparently mimics all kinds of sounds, including cell phones.  We learned that their claws are very strong, the speaker showed us that he can easily hang upside down from her fingers (or a tree branch in the wild).  These birds use their claws like we use our hands - to hold things and even to bring their food to their beaks.

Diego: Diego is a Chinchilla.  Chincillas are in the rat family... but they sure are cute, and their fur is highly desirable - it's among the softest fur in the animal kingdom.  We learned chincillas act just like Tigger... and Tiggers like to bounce!  In fact, bouncing is the first line of defense of a chinchilla - because they can bounce so high and so fast, it makes it hard for their predators to catch them.  (I am secretly wondering if this is the kind of animal that labs were supposed to hunt, because they sure bounce a lot, too.)

Kelly:  Kelly is a Fennec Fox, found in the North African dessert.  Her fur is the color of sand, making it hard to find her in the wild.  They are actually quite small and very pretty, but at least this one was a very timid animal - it was hard to keep the children quiet so she wouldn't tremble.

Ms. Tiggy:  She's a Hedgehog.   I had no idea just how cute those little things were!  They have a prickly coat to fend off enemies.

Gus:  I think it was Gus that we met.. he's a Oppossum (with a silent "o" - who ever heard of a silent "o"?) Oppossums are noctoral animals and do live in our area.  One might even live in your yard or down the street.  They might be found the night before trash pick up rumaging for food in your trash cans.  If you catch them, at first they will hiss at you and show their teeth..... but if you don't run, they will become very frightened and play "possum"... roll over, close their eyes, open their mouths, their tongues will hang out and they will play dead - very convincingly. This animal is a marsupial, and at birth was only the size of a bee.  Full grown, they are bigger than most cats.

The children enjoyed seeing the animals close up, although they were not allowed to touch the animals - probably because of the age of the children and the restrictions of Ida Lee.  There were other donated items for the children to touch - an Ostrich egg, deer pelt, antler, and a horn, all these were donations to the organization and provide opportunities for children to touch without any risk.  It was a great show!

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Next month's show is October 27th, and will feature "Monster Madness" by Bob Brown Puppets.  Too bad we're going to miss it... it looks like we have to go to Disney World that day.  I know, don't you feel bad for us?  :-)   But, if you're going to be in or around Leesburg, I encourage you to check out this show.  It should be really fun. 

The cost is $6 if you buy tickets in advance, $8 at the door.... and you pay only for the children, one chaperone is permitted for free with each child.  Not a bad deal.  Enjoy!

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Hysterical update:  Tonight, I took my kids to my dad's for dinner.  My dad is a great hunter.  In his basement are many trophies.  I showed them to my son, Devon (3 yrs old) who was modestly impressed - he'd seen them before.  But, just as we started to walk up the stairs, Devon pointed to the old piano in the corner and started getting very excited "Look, Mommy!  Look!"... I couldn't figure out why he was excited.  "It's a flat animal just like at the puppet show today!"  He was referring to an albino deer pelt draped over the piano... and comparing it to the deer pelt seen at the show today - look in the photo above on the right side of the table. 

Again, let me assure you the show was a LIVE animal show, not a puppet show... but he doesn't really know what a puppet is, and he thinks every show we see there is a puppet show since that is what the first one was.
Ya gotta love kids!  Wanna read more funny things my kids have said over the years?  Check out: http://pleaseletmerememberthis.blogspot.com/

First Friday's In Leesburg

First Friday events are held in downtown Leesburg on the first Friday of each month. On these nights, 35 different specialty shops and businesses stay open until 9:30 offering various types of entertainment.

Each month, scheduled entertainment is posted at http://www.firstfriday.com/. The entertainment varies, but usually includes many choices for art galleries, live music, wine tastings and more.

In August, my husband and I went and took the kids (ages 3 and 6). We grabbed a light dinner at the historic Georgetown Cafe and headed to the Last Ham Standing, a regulary scheduled monthly improv comedy show at Tally Ho Theatre...and yes, it is family friendly. It was hysterical... although I admit that my children kept waiting for the movie to come on. (They really didn't understand why we were in a movie theatre and not watching a movie!)

September promises to be great fun! While window shopping and antiquing, help yourself to the refreshments offered at the various shops, register to win a free makeover, and enjoy all the entertainment, much of it free.

You'll enjoy one or more of the many musical performances (anything from award winning pop vocalists to local favorite acoustic quitarists, or a classical piano trio, a punk rock band, a Latin American band and much more). Loudoun, well known for it's wines, won't disappoint...wine tastings are offered all throughout the downtown area. Whether trying wines from around the world or sticking with local favorites, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

For those with refined tastes, take in the museum or the art gallery display or a lecture and book signing. If you're looking for something a little more unique, stop in and visit Esoterica for a tarrot card or palm reading. Or, join the Yoga Happy Hour for a little yoga practice combined with beer tastings! Of course, Tally Ho is also offering their Last Comic Standing show - which promises to be great every month!

Come on down and enjoy all that the town has to offer! You won't be disappointed. In fact, there's so much to do, I bet you can't do it all. But, once you try it, you'll want to come back time and time again to check just one more item off your list! So, will YOU "Meet Me Downtown"?

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PS - A hint from a local: join the Facebook Fan pages of the businesses you might want to check out. Not only will you get more info on their scheduled events, but many times Facebook Fans get special discounts!

Rust Manor House and Nature Sanctuary

Rust Manor House and Nature Sanctuary are tucked away in a small nook inside the town of Leesburg. Even long time locals sometimes forget about this wonderful hidden treasure right in our back yard.
With the help of my Daisy Girl Scout troop, I had a wonderful visit yesterday afternoon. We hiked through the trails, visited the pond, snacked on fresh watermelon, climbed on a fallen tree, enjoyed chatting at the empty amphitheatre, and made bird feeders with peanut butter and bird seed at the picnic area. Despite the heat and humidity, the trees provide lots of shade and the area remained cool and comfortable.

The park is 68 acres, and with only an hour and a half, we had very little time to explore, but there are so many more things still to do on future visits. Fishing is allowed at the stocked pond. The historic Manor house is available for tours. Audobon Natrualist Society has many special events there. Certain areas are available for weddings or other private events. And, there are much longer hiking trails throughout the park.
Although the sanctuary boasts tons of wildlife, if you bring a gaggle of 5 to 7 year old squealing girls with you, you’re not too likely to see many animals. You will, however, hear giggles, see infectious smiles and still have a wonderful time. Some elements of nature cannot or will not hide, even from these girls. So, we had lots of chances to talk about gnats, worms, ticks, lyme disease, and poison ivy. And my co leader managed to have a personal visit by a local dragonfly, who sat contently on her hand for quite some time. The lesson here: bring the insect repellent.
Our visit to the sanctuary was in support of our efforts to earn our last petal of the Daisy flower, Rose, which stands for “Make The World A Better Place”. Rust Manor House and Sanctuary were donated to the town, along with the land where Ida Lee Park is, by the Rust Family. We talked about what a great way that was for the Rust family to make the world a better place, by donating land for the use of the community; whichis one of the reasons we selected this location for our last meeting of the year.

We certainly had fun there, and hopefully the girls will return again many times to enjoy the gorgeous scenery, and will share their discovery of this great gift with many others.