The mountains are calling me....

The mountains are calling me.

The leaves are changing and it's Fall in the Shenandoah Valley.

This is my favorite time of year. I love the cool nights and the crispness in the air. It's exhilarating! I love to watch as the reds and yellows begin at the mountain tops and cascade down the slopes with splashes of color exploding on a daily basis. I love the smell of falling leaves and earth ... and being outdoors.

I became involved in politics in 1999. Unfortunately, our busiest time of year is right now ... Fall. That is a major bummer. I find myself caught up in the minutiae of a political campaign, unable to break away to camp or hike or just absorb the changing of the seasons. The mountains call ... and I am too busy to listen.

This year ... I'm listening. I'm heading for the hills. Every year will bring another election ... but we should never take Fall for granted. It will be back next year ... but what if I'm not? I need to give in and head to the ridge tops.

The mountains are calling ... and this year I'm listening.