The fall is the best time of year.  Post-election means more time with family.   

On Saturday I attended the Westbriar Elementary Pancake Breakfast with my son Thomas.  Thank you to the volunteers from SAIC who came out to whip up the batter and make fresh pancakes for the school kids and their families.  Delicious pancakes and a chance to visit with many constituent families.  

After the breakfast, Thomas and I headed south to attend the dedication of the "Sally Ormsby Park" which is the mile-long stretch of wooded trail between Eakin Park (Prosperity Drive) and Eakin Park (Mantua).  The celebration was held by the bridge which crosses the Accotink Creek. 

The stretch of trail -- which runs right through the middle of the County (and behind Sally's neighborhood) -- is the fitting monument for Sally who was a powerful leader on all things environmental in Fairfax County and the past Chair of the County's Soil and Water Board.  She passed away last fall after a battle with cancer.

Then Saturday afternoon, Sharon and I took the kids down to Gravelly Point where I donned the rugby boots and played for the NOVA "B" side against the Maryland Exiles.   Under overcast skies, we splashed our way to a narrow victory (12-10).  Old Boys rule.

Sunday was the perfect "Indiam Summer" day.  Yes, I skipped the Redskins game to rake leaves and go running.  Of course, I came back inside to watch the second half.  Hail to the Redskins!

Just got back tonight from the Hunter Mill Democratic Committee volunteer "thank you" party in Reston.  Good to see my friend Steve Shannon back after the Election Day disappointment. 

Steve is looking very fit.  He told me he's starting the "P-90X" fitness program.  (I finished it this summer).  "X is for intensity."

This week I'll be down in Portsmouth for the annual Senate Finance retreat.  There is a lot to talk about on state finances.  I'm going to wait til later this week to discuss it.  It's fair to say that we are facing a budget year like no other in modern state history.  The impact will be profound, especially within our public schools.

I will let you know more details as they are revealed.