December 6, 2024 Holiday Pops Spectacular

Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Southwest Virginia's biggest holiday tradition.......HOLIDAY POPS! 

David Steward Wiley, conductor was EXTRAORDINAIRE🎄🎶🎄🎤🎄🎸🎄🎺🎅🎄🎻

Incredible talent of American Idol star, "Big Mike".

The festive atmosphere included Michael Lynche(vocalist) Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Roanoke Symphony Chorus, Virginia Tech University Choir, Roanoke Valley Children's Choir, Virginia Tech Marching Virginia. 

My favorite Musical piece: "A Musicological 12 Days of Christmas"🎶🎄🎅🎶🎄🎅🎶🎄🎅

The finale to the spectacular evening included the audience SINGING FAVORITE CHRISTMAS CAROLS!🎶

December 6, 2024~ Naturalization Day

JOY IN THE COURTROOM!

What an honor and privilege to attend and participate in the NATURALIZATION CEREMONY for 49 NEW CITIZENS! The event took place at the United States District Court Western District of Virginia. 

The Honorable Judge Michael F. Urbanski presided.

Special music was performed by the Salem Choral Society, directed by Reed Carter.

Kristin Johnson, Assistant US Attorney for the Western District presented the new applicants by name.

The Oath of Allegiance was recited:

The path to citizenship has been completed..........a powerful journey for all! Flags, cards, congratulations, hugs, hand shakes, tears of joy, were shared with the new citizens. Judy Thierry, Past Regent for the General James Breckinridge Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Matthew Hall, Community Liaison Officer for Office of the Attorney General spoke, as well as other state officials.

The remarks by new citizens were heart-felt, bold, and sincere.

Immediately following the ceremony, the General James Breckinridge Chapter NSDAR provided a reception.

I have attended 4 Naturalization Ceremonies. If you have never attended one, plan to be a part of the 'courtroom gallery'. It is an experience that you will not forget. The next ceremony is scheduled for February 14, 2025 at 11:00AM. 

I am proud to be an American. 

December 4, 2024 Homestead

 December 4, 2024~ It's December ❄️🎄☃️🎄❄️🎄.

How about a spur of the moment lunch date with my sweetie💓. The best part? The Homestead, Hot Springs, Va was all decked out in its Christmas glory. 

Tea time.........was magical.....oh my..........Warmth, cheer and unforgettable moments🎄💓🎄💓🎄

Roaming around the massive resort was a treat! A very Virginia Christmas, with many themed trees throughout the main floor, our afternoon was filled with an abundance of eye-candy.

Of course the Homestead's Great Hall Christmas Tree was the centerpiece!

The tree is showcased in the foyer from the week of Thanksgiving until New Year's Day. The ornaments, the lights, the bows......the perfectly wrapped presents under the tree, causes me to wonder how long the process takes to get ready for the Christmas season.

Nostalgic, traditional, unrushed, old-fashioned, elegance, and of course fine dining.

The exterior of the Homestead was equally decorated.

There's nothing like that "home for the holidays" feeling.