Friday, October 31, 2008

Fall Getaway

Last year, Noah and I were able to spend a week in the lovely northeast joining the "leaf-peeping" ranks. I was feeling slighted that Utah's fall left a bit to be desired this year. (Why is that? Rainfall or something? The fabulous orchard Rileys are probably all rolling their eyes at my tree ignorance.)

Fortunately for my fall fetish, Candace and I headed to Roanoke, VA last week to wrap up the Fresh Fit contest (of creepy obese teacher assembly fame) and hit the town at a beautiful time of year. I love this picture Candace caught of the press event where we recognized the contest winner. After our event and a delightful lunch with Becky, we attempted to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and we thought we were on it - what, with all the "Blue Ridge Antiques" and "Blue Ridge Burgers" and "Blue Ridge Bowling" buildings and shops along the route. After driving 45 minutes in one direction and turning around, we found the turn-off to the actual Blue Ridge Parkway upon our return. My bad, Candace. Thanks for capturing these fabulous shots of our romantic fall foliage drive anyway :).
Isn't it gorgeous? I love my job.
Call it fate. A few days before I left, I learned - via Cash Cab, the source of all my new knowledge as of late - that Virginia happens to have the highest concentration of vanity plates per capita in the nation. Riveting, yes. But you know what? For REAL. They are everywhere! Candace captured ALL these in one parking lot. One half-full, twenty car parking lot.





And just for good measure, for anyone who called Wednesday evening and got the ol' "in a restaurant that doesn't allow cell phones excuse," here's your proof...

9 comments:

Amy said...

I love that they needed to clarify that neat dress means NO MUSCLE SHIRTS. Looks like a fun trip!

Ashley said...

I'm going to steal that sign and post it outside every restaurant I attend. Mostly to keep J off the phone.

Alisa and Crowells said...

Don't you love leaf-peeping!! Oh, the colors were so great this year! I can't believe it's almost over. I just want to hang on to trees...winter can hold off just for a little while, right? Way fun.

Tabbi said...

You should see how many license plate options they give you at the DMV's in Virginia, it's ridiculous!

Desiree said...

Al-
I was checking your blog to see if you have solidified your plans that you announced at my house. Guess not. But guess what. Chad has had two guest lecturers and many conversations with classmates about the Foreign Service this past week. I guess they are really pushing it at the law school right now. So he is looking into applying! Funny, huh? So he may need to talk to your man and get some more info from him if he gets serious about it. Anyway, this is super long.
Des

Whitney said...

first off, josh and i LOVE cash cab! and as you can probably guess he gets so many questions right that when we go to nyc we are looking for the toyota van and are really going to try to get on that show! second, it looks like you and candace had a great time! it's so fun traveling with someone! that is the key at tsg. third, you guys got so many camera crew there. great job!

Amber and Zach said...

Dear Ali!
You are such an amazing writer... you should write a book- I would totally buy it :) Take care!

Claire said...

How nice! What a great trip! ANd what a strange prevalence of personalized license plates!

allyn said...

okay-why do you keep coming to my house and not visiting me? roanoke is much closer than charlotte, so hopefully your next jog will get you further east in virginia.
excellent observation on the license plates. i had noticed it myself. there were a lot in california also, but i guess not as many per capita.

were on our way to vermont next weekend!!!