it never ends

Do you like the new look? it's one of those times in life where a lot is changing, so I thought my blog site should be included in the changes. Also, if you'll notice a link there on the side. It is to the blog my current (almost previous) housemate and I have started, in order to continue to share in our delight of food experiences and recipe sharing. We've enjoyed sharing meals so much together that we decided to continue to do so on the blogspot.

But for a few stragglers, I've got my life's possessions contained to 4, less than 50# duffles/suitcases and 2 carry-ons. The bigger items I'm now parting with are my djembe drum, my sewing machine and my bike... not that these 'hobbies' are no longer of interest to me, but that I may need to share resources back at Summit for now and maybe get myself a new bike, who knows...some would argue that my bike should be left in the dust, but I'm kind of fond of my turquoise beauty. Fortunately, she's at least going to get a lot of action from the girls here in KC.

I finished up my East Coast trip with a visit to Funkstown, MD, Gettysburg, PA, W. Virginia and Waynesburg, PA. One of the more interesting and educational elements was my visit to Harper's Ferry (MD/WV/VA). It is the spot where the Potomac and the Shenendoah Rivers meet (if I'm not mistaken). It is the place where John Brown attempted a slave uprising against the slave owners by raiding the US government's arsenal and revolting...the event which, although seemingly a failure, some argue sparked what soon became the Civil War. It was also the place where Meriwether Lewis got his supplies made and organized for his exploration across the western frontier. It was such a beautiful, lush spot so rich with history. Also, in case I hadn't told you, I am a distant relative of Meriwether Lewis on my mom's side and my grandma, to this day, prefers to call me Leigh Meriwether instead of Leigh Anne.

I also had a really nice visit with Angie and Ken in Maryland. We had Ken's specialty, crabcakes and Angie's specialty, pancit and a couple icy cold Guinesses to wash it all down. I encountered such amazing hospitality and such a variety of lifestyles and relationship dynamics and daily routines and habits in my friends and family. I also utilized a wide variety of transportation - plane, train, bus, boat, foot...I missed out on the bicycle and the donkey... though I did see some donkeys at the livestock auction in Waynesburg with my friend Melodie. The same place that I got an asparagus root for my roommates to plant in their garden...to grow asparagus! You can't beat a $2 souvenir for 4 people!! :) I had such a fun time hanging out with those guys, Melodie, Milton and JB in their smalltown home in the country.

And finally, the roadtrip home... JB and I left PA in the evening, drove 7 hours to pick up Kelly at the airport, drove 2 more hours to stay the night at my cousin's house and meet their new baby!! (Grady and Kelly) What a delightful morning we spent with them and what a gorgeous little boy! Later that morning we continued with an 8 hour drive back to Kansas City in time to greet our friend, Brian, (Brian and I eating twinkies!) at the airport, who has just arrived back from a two year stint in Congo. We enjoyed the weekend with JB before he returned to PA. (JB and his girlz) And I have since been packing up, wrapping up and preparing for a sad goodbye...to these people. My KC family from left to right: Michelle, Laurie, Nick, John, Kelly, Michaela.
At our sidewalk goodbye picnic...you'll have to check out the food blog for details :)

See below for more new pics.