February 1, 2016
How did you enjoy the blizzard? Bob thought backing down Clayton Hall Road was “exciting” when there was only one lane open and there was oncoming traffic.
We hope the extra time at home gave you a chance to work on your shopping list for antiques! Below is one of a set of four chairs that’s our featured acquisition for this month. These were recently restored to include having new split cane seats in a Herringbone pattern. Additional photos are available on our website at http://irongateantiques.com/recent-acquisitions/.
Did you notice that this is a leap year, giving us 29 days this month? Some may remember learning in school that leap days are necessary to synchronize the solar year with the calendar year; however, did you remember that a year must be evenly divisible by 4 to be considered a leap year? The phrase “leap day” comes from the English. While the rest of the world used the Gregorian calendar since 1582, it was not used in England until the 1700s, so they did not consider the Gregorian calendar of importance in their daily lives. Thus the extra day was nothing more than a day to leap over. The name stuck and has become something of a novelty!
If you are looking for something interesting to do in Western Loudoun this month, consider an event associated with the Super Bowl next weekend or with Valentine’s Day the following weekend. Examples include: Super Bowl Wine & Food Pairings at 868 Estate Vineyards in Purcellville on the 6th and 7th, the 5th Annual My Funny Valentine comedy night at Leesburg’s Notaviva Vineyards on the 12th and 13th, The Capital Celtic band playing live Irish music at Hunter’s Run Winery in Hamilton on the 13th from 2 until 5, or the Laughter Is an Aphrodisiac 2 dinner buffet and comedy show at Winery 32 in Leesburg on the 13th. Cana Vineyards in Middleburg will have Bubbles, Popcorn & Chocolate for Valentine’s Day weekend with popcorn drizzled with chocolate that sounds amazing! If you are trying to get away from football, consider creating a one of a kind, hand painted wine glass at North Gate Vineyard in Purcellville on the 7th from noon until 2; the $35 fee includes all supplies, a glass of wine and lite hors d’oeuvres. And just so you don’t think wineries are the only ones getting in on the festivities, check out Purcellville’s Old 690 Brewery’s Paint and Pint Night on the 11th where you start with a blank heart and a canvas. Lots of fun to be had in Loudoun, whatever the weather!
Lynne & Bob McCann