Tag Archives: Virginia

Craziness. I have a half-brother I never even knew existed.

15 Aug

Now that I know this, I’m going to put my search engine optimization skills to good use.

Ralph Herbert LeRoy Phillips

3 generations of Phillips' (Herbert, Ralph and my dad, Leroy)

I just found out I have a half-brother. And he’s white. (My siblings and I are mixed.) Apparently, my father, Leroy Clark Phillips, had a child before he met my mother and never mentioned it to her until after I was born. And she just mentioned it for the very first time yesterday. My half-brother would be older than my brother, who is now 36.

My father died in 1981. He was 41. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetary (between Bradley & MacArthur). Sometimes when my family visitsmy father at Arlington National Cemetary, there are flowers there. I never knew where they came from. Maybe they were placed there by my half-brother.

arlington national cemetary leroy clark phillips
arlington national cemetary leroy clark phillips

Now that we know a half-brother exists, my siblings and I would like to meet him–if he is interested. I am hoping one day he googles Leroy Clark Phillips, Leroy Phillips, or Leroy C. Phillips and sees this blog.

Facts about Leroy Clark Phillips:

-Born on September 17, 1940
-He died when he was 41
-He was born in California
-He served 20 years in the Navy as a cryptologist
-He was working for the American Red Cross in DC when he died
-He is buried at Arlington National Cemetary (between Bradley & MacArthur)

Hopefully, one day he stumbles on this. I’ll be waiting.

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Virginia HOV rule for Prius is extended until June 2010

6 May
Virginia Clean Fuel Plate $10

Virginia Clean Fuel Plat

The hybrid HOV exemption in Virginia has just been extended until June of 2010.

Those cars that have a clean fuel license plate, and are registered before July 1, 2006 can use the I-95/395 HOV lanes during rush hours.

All hybrids with clean fuel plates can use all other HOV lanes in Virginia during HOV hours, including I-66 and the Dulles Toll Road.

-From wtop.com Read the full article here.

Hot diggity damn! Woohoo! I get to ride in the HOV in my Prius for at least another year.

I’ve had my 2001 Toyota Prius for almost 6 years and I’ve really enjoyed having the HOV access in Virginia. I think it’s great that there are so many hybrids on the roads. I love it when I see a chain of hybrids. I know it pisses people off. But I think what people don’t understand about hybrids is the fact that they release very little emissions. It’s a small step that will have a huge impact on our planet down the road. So do yourself and the planet a favor: buy a hybrid.

The new Toyota Prius

The new Toyota Prius

I just wish it was posted on the 66 highway signs (HOV-2 only Hybrids & Motorcycles okay No trucks) that way people wouldn’t point at me and slow down when we’re passing the state police. It’s so FN annoying. My favorite part? When the cops stare straight at me and don’t pull me over and the cars that attempted to ticket me throw their hands up in disbelief.

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Cork & Fork in Gainesville, Virginia

9 Jan

Cork & Fork in Gainesville, VA

Cork & Fork in Gainesville, VA

I have been to Cork & Fork in Gainesville several times. It’s a great place to not only buy wine, but to learn about it. The owners are super friendly and can go into incredible detail about specific bottles of wine. You can tell they’re passionate. My husband went to a Saki tasting event they had last year and said it was awesome. He learned so much.

If you’ve never been, I would check it out.

And you’re bored out of your mind and looking for something to do, maybe try attending one of their many events. Like their micro brew beer-tastings on Saturdays from 1-5 p.m. or their wine-tasting up to 10 varieties on Fridays from 5-7 p.m. Best of all, all tastings are totally free.

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Kid Drop Zone in Gainesville, Virginia

9 Dec

With as many kids that live in Gainesville, Virginia, I have no idea why no one else thought of this sooner. Seriously!

Kid Drop Zone lets you drop your kids off by the hour. So if you want to go on date night, catch up on errands, etc. you can drop the kids off ($7.50/hr). Or if you prefer, you can stay with them ($5/hr) so they can play with other kids. Best of all, it’s in Gainesville. I don’t know anyone who has tried it. But it’s nice to know there’s a place like this nearby. Just wanted to share.

Get details on Kid Drop Zone here.

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Gainesville, Virginia is no longer BFE

9 Dec

What was once a changing point for stage coaches is now a modern day suburbia. Long gone are the days of farmland and wide open spaces. Today, Gainesville, Virginia is transforming into a place thousands of people actually want to live.

With the influx of new businesses and shopping centers, residents no longer need to drive to Manassas or Fairfax to get stuff. They can stay right in their neck of the woods.

In the near future, Gainesville, Virginia will be getting even more shopping centers, including:

JOHN MARSHALL COMMONS (Between Rt. 55 and Catharpin Road)
This has been approved, so far there are no stores that have been announced.
To see details of John Marshall Commons, click here.

John Marshall Commons in Gainesville, VA

John Marshall Commons in Gainesville, VA


VILLAGE PLACE in GAINESVILLE
This 65-acre town center will be less than a mile from the 29 and 66 interchange.
To see details of Village Place, click here.

GAINESVILLE SQUARE
This will be located on 22, 1 mile west of 66.
To see details of Gainesville Square, click here.

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Osaka Japanese Steak & Seafood Restaurant in Gainesville, Virginia

8 Dec

At Osaka in Gainesville (near Target and Giant), the filet mignon is so tender, it’s like pillow-soft. The lobster is juicy and cooked to perfection. The chicken is marinated in delicious sauce. The vegetables (zucchini, onions, carrots, and broccoli) are so good in that light orange side sauce. I could drink that dip it’s so good. And the fried rice is terrific. Everything Osaka serves up on their flame-throwing hibachi grills is awesome.

When you live out in western Prince William County (Gainesville, Haymarket, Bristow), there aren’t too many choices to eat out. Although, new restaurants are popping up every month. I’ve lived in Gainesville, VA for nearly 8 years. Crazy, I know. And Osaka has been there forever. Their hibachi is really good considering the location. Being Asian, I love asian food–especially Japanese. So I’m really glad they’re nearby and excited about the other Asian restaurants now in the Gainesville area (i.e. Pei Wei, Saigon Crepes, Anothai, etc.)

And their sushi, while not the best in the world–we’re not exactly near water–is really good and creative. Osaka created some new sushi based on our geography. Like the Linton Hall roll and Rt. 29. It’s sushi that is lightly deep-fried. It might sound a little unusual, but the combination is excellent. I have also tried their sashimi and it’s good, too. They have even have other unique sushi like lasagna sushi that’s a little strange, but I appreciate their creativity and it’s pretty good.

So if you’re looking for some tasty hibachi food and sushi and you live in Gainesville, Virginia, I’d give it a try. You won’t be disappointed–unless of course when they try to make you catch the shrimp in your mouth and you miss. It’s always fun watching the kids try this.

Here’s the link to Osaka Japanese Restaurant in Gainesville.

 

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