Category: <span>Family Stories</span>

Caution: Snow Ahead!
Caution: Snow Ahead!

It’s been an interesting week here in beautiful northern Virginia.  We had a snow day, delay in closing on buying our house, and a possible closing date on the house we’re trying to sell down in Mississippi.  Valentine’s Day came and went and Chinese New Year, the year of the Pig, is fast approaching.

Family Stories

Helping Hands
Helping Hands

Yesterday afternoon, Saturday, Winnie and I were witness to a relatively minor auto accident. Minor in that no one appeared seriously hurt even though three vehicles were involved. We were one of the first on the scene to actually stop. I did the Good Samaritan bit and helped out until the pros arrived then left.

Not a big deal as these things go, but after some reflection last night I dredged up feelings from an earlier incident.

Family Stories

Home Sweet Home
Home Sweet Home

The months of house-hunting are over, and our life in an apartment are coming to a welcomed end. Yesterday, our offer on a house was accepted!

Family Stories

Home Sweet Home
Home Sweet Home

When we moved to Virginia, we knew we’d need some time to settle in and learn the area. So we opted for renting a small apartment and “camping out” here in the bedroom community of Dale City. I thought we could spend at least six months in the apartment before venturing back into the house buying mode. In reality, after three long months we’re ready to get back into our own home.

And during these months we’ve thoroughly explored the lifestyle of the Urban Pioneer.

Family Stories

Immigration Official
Immigration Official

It’s been more than three years now since I first sent in Winnie’s immigration paperwork. Even though she did gain a visa for entry into the US, after only 20 months, this was just a “temporary” visa, good until her permanent one was approved.

Today, we’ve finally received an appointment for her permanent visa interview.

Family Stories

Ron Charest makes his first post of the New Year of 2007 wishing everyone a great year to come.

Family Stories

Christmas Celebrations
Christmas Celebrations

Winnie and I just returned from Christmas at Mom’s house in Burlingham, New York. It was a nice Christmas, and a pleasant but quick trip.

Family Stories

Christmas Celebrations
Christmas Celebrations

Just a short post this Christmas Eve to wish all our many readers (many => more than three) a very Merry Christmas!

And now for the usual caustic commentary you all know and love, 

Family Stories

Commonwealth of Virginia
Commonwealth of Virginia

Incredible as this may sound, I have now written a second letter complaining about the Dale City DMV. This time, I wrote to the Governor of the Commonweath of Virginia.

It seems that, according to the DMV, our marriage is not valid in Virginia.

Family Stories

Commonwealth of Virginia Image
Commonwealth of Virginia

It seems no matter where we live, some things are consistent. One of these is the local DMV, the dreaded faceless bureaucracy that controls our basic auto-driving American way of life.

Family Stories