Way back in the spring, I was looking into accommodations for Natalie Morano’s wedding in Leesburg, Virginia on September 9. We decided to get a three bedroom house, so Karl and Elise, and Diana and Jon, would be able to stay with us. Debi and I decided to make a little vacation of it, by arriving on the Tuesday before the big day.

On our way south, we made an unplanned visit to the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum. It was Debi’s idea, and at first I did not want to make the stop. I ended up being very happy that we did, as we spent nearly three hours there. There was a great short film. We attended a presentation in the “Cyclorama” (kind of like a life sized diorama, in 360 degrees), and then there was the museum, itself. If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend, setting aside the time to check it out.

We arrived in beautiful historic Leesburg early in the evening, and settled in to our very nice Airbnb. The next day we drove about forty minutes south, to Gainesville, where we had lunch with an old ATF friend and his wife. I had not seen Al in at least eight years, so we had lots to catch up on, which was why we spent three hours having lunch! On a trip that had many highlights, this visit was definitely up there.

Thursday, we hopped back in the car and enjoyed a very scenic drive to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. We learned a great deal about John Brown’s ill fated uprising and the history and significance of the town itself. It is in a beautiful spot, where the Shenandoah River joins the Potomac, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains.

When we returned to Leesburg, we went out to dinner with Karl and Elise (they had arrived the night before) to celebrate Karl’s upcoming birthday. Leesburg happens to be home to one of the best Whiskey Bars in the country, “Rebellion”. It did not disappoint!

Friday, the four of us went to Top Golf. This was the first time at a driving range for Debi and Elise and the first time at Top Golf, for all of us. It was a lot of fun, despite the fairly oppressive heat (they have fans blowing on you).

Diana and Jon arrived Friday afternoon and all six of us walked into town for the Welcome Party. We arrived just as it began to rain. The rain did not put a damper on the festive mood of all those who had travelled for the wedding. We had not seen the Morano’s in a year and a half (at their son Clint’s wedding in Atlanta), so it was great.

The wedding on Saturday ended up having to be held inside due to torrential rain, which fell for hours. Once again, the party overcame the weather. It was a joyous event. The good times kept rolling, right into the after party at a nearby bar, which was walking distance to our Airbnb.

The drive back to Long Island on Sunday was fairly uneventful and the traffic pretty “normal” (meaning bad, not terrible). Monday morning was our first day of fall practice at Molloy, so there was little time to reflect on our trip to Virginia. By Friday we had practiced twice and finished individual meetings with all of the players. The weather suddenly was a lot more like autumn, than summer. After playing nine holes of golf Friday afternoon, I considered the start of Fall Ball. There is of course, a long way to go, but we have at least begun the journey of the new season. Things are not yet in focus, but the work has commenced!

When I think of all of the things that I have been able to do, lately, I am filled with gratitude. I have been to the weddings of three former players. I have travelled with my family and seen some beautiful places, and gotten to visit with old friends. And I get to come back, and coach Lacrosse at Molloy University. Let’s Go Lions!