The mountains were calling

I had a million things to do today. I should have gotten my work done. But I couldn’t get my mind off a friend in Richmond who is going through some serious health issues and is back in the hospital.... (photos, continue reading here)

Photos ... Skyline Drive in late November 2014

The Friday before Thanksgiving … we took the day to play in Shenandoah National Park. It was sunny but a very cold 22 degrees with some wind and few visitors. I wrote about our day with photos.... (continue reading here)

Shenandoah National Park’s hunting season night closure

Shenandoah National Park implements this policy each fall during hunting season.... (continue reading here)

Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) on the Rivanna Reservoir, Charlottesville

By Kurt Michael

The September day was sunny and warm as I launched my stand up paddle board (SUP) in the South Fork Rivanna River Reservoir (see map) just outside.... (Continue reading here)

Rose River Farm and Cabins in Madison County, Va

While exploring the back roads of Madison County last week, my sister Lori and I found Rose River Farm at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Syria. The September landscape was... (photos, read more here)

Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) on Sherando Lake

By Kurt Michael

From the shoreline of Sherando Lake, I placed my stand up paddle board (SUP) into the water, jumped on, and was off. Traveling at a.... (see photos, read more here)

Foggy Ridge Cider in southwestern Virginia

The back roads of Virginia never disappoint, and this adventure was no exception. Foggy Ridge Cider … what a delightful discovery on the back roads of Virginia as we explored.... (see photos, read more here)

Massanutten Lodge ... Skyland home of early 20th century renaissance woman Addie Hunter Pollock

This Skyland Resort mountain summer home called "Massanutten Lodge" (see Skyland Resort ... Shenandoah National Park) was owned by Addie Hunter, a Washington, DC, divorcee who later married Skyland developer George Pollock "when she was almost 40 years old," the lady ranger-interpreter told us. When they married, she said, he had financial issues and she was wealthy but, well, almost 40. Theirs was an interesting relationship that eventually floundered but is part of the overall history of Skyland.

Continue reading, more photos, here.

Shenandoah Valley spring ... red tulips against the Blue Ridge Mountains

I love the red tulips found on a farm in Lyndhurst against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's the colors of spring in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

Photo by Dr. Mark Robbins, with thanks for sharing.

Back in the homeschool classroom: Grown son's first home

Unpacking and organizing in the new kitchen.

We're proud of our son. At the age of 29, he has become a home owner, purchasing (on his own with no help from us) his first house -- a three bedroom, two bath with one car garage and pool with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park.

It's a path he has been on since graduating from homeschool high school. Educated at home in grades 2-12, he attended nearby James Madison University's computer school to earn his degree. After securing a job in Harrisonburg, he moved into an apartment with friends, paid off his student loan within a year, then saved and finally bought a new car after driving an old one since the age of 16. With the car paid off, he turned his attention to home ownership.

This year, that became a reality. His friends, sister, brother-in-law, aunt, uncle, cousin, and grandparents have visited as we gathered as a family at his house and celebrated.

The foundation laid during his youth has paid off with his fiscal responsibility and determined path in life. His dad and I are proud. He now has a nest of his own.

---
Lynn Mitchell educated her children at home for 16 years and was part of leadership in North Carolina's Iredell County Home Educators (ICHE) and Virginia's Parent Educators of Augusta County Homes (PEACH). Her son graduated from Harrisonburg's James Madison University (JMU) in 2007 with a BS in Computer Science and a minor in Creative Writing. Her daughter graduated from Staunton's Mary Baldwin College in 2012 with a BS in Sustainable Business and Marketing. Lynn and her husband live in Augusta County located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The story of how she began her homeschool journey can be found here.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
June 2013
Originally printed July 2013

Thoughts on a Sunday evening

Some random thoughts on this winter Sunday evening....

It was one of those days ... meeting a friend for lunch and sitting for hours talking, laughing, and catching up. What can I say? My face hurt afterward from laughing so much. Thanks, Trixie ... it's always fun!

It's kind of sad to think that the Olympics have already passed the halfway point and we'll have to wait four more years for the winter games. Years ago I didn't pay for cable TV but when the Olympics came around, it forced my hand and I signed on just for that. Oh, and for the Christmas movies and specials, too.

Favorites during the Olympics include anything that involves ice skating, anything downhill skiing, and cross country skiing. But really I like watching it all -- hockey, curling, luge, bobsled, skelton, snowboarding -- everything. Too bad it's so warm in Sochi. I mean, 65 degrees is just not right for winter sports. The snow in the mountains has been slushy and slow. Meanwhile, how neat a name is "Iceberg" for the indoor ice stadium?

The February full "snow" moon has certainly been bright this weekend as it illuminated the 18 inches of snow that fell Wednesday and Thursday. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, it's called the snow moon because February typically is known for its abundance of snow. It was also known to Native Americans as the starving moon because hunting was so difficult in the dead of winter.

Our snow lights, tiny white lights intertwined in the wisteria vine across the front porch and along the picket fence and trees in the back yard, have been busy this week since we turn them on whenever there's snow. I'm going to milk every ounce of enjoyment out of winter 2014.

I'm reminded again this week of the importance of friends. Not acquaintances or allies -- true friends. In politics, they say, if you have one or two people you can call friend, you're doing good.

As I look at politics in these turbulent times, it's a reminder that I'm a Republican. I'm not a Libertarian. I'm not tea party. I have always been a Republican. It's sad that the big tent we enjoyed in the past has been closed to many who have been long-time Republicans and volunteered for many years. That needs to change.

Can I just say that watching American ice dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White as they glide across the ice leaves a happy feeling? This team that has been together for 18 years -- since they were something like seven and eight years old, received the highest score ever recorded in the short program today and are in first place going into tomorrow's free dance long program. They skated to a medley of music from "My Fair Lady" including "I Could Have Danced All Night." Niiiice. Here's wishing them luck as they prepare for that final competition.

And watching Bode Miller win bronze today provided satisfaction as this champion who has competed in five Olympics and is now 36 years old held on as he flew down the mountain in the Men's Super-G, skis clattering over the ice. He had been out-skied in three earlier alpine events. He broke down in tears after winning his medal as the memory of his younger brother, who died last year of a seizure after an earlier serious brain injury, a heart-wrenching scene as he doubled over in grief, tears streaming down his face. Bode is the oldest Olympic medalist in its alpine skiing history.

Tuesday night is the first of the Winter Lecture Series at the Frontier Culture Museum.  This four-part series that offers guest speakers is about the American Chestnut, that hardwood that was a staple for pioneers in the Blue Ridge Mountains and disappeared after a blight wiped it out in the early 20th century. It's all free.

Enjoy the snow that still covers the ground and, from the weather forecast, it sounds as if we could get a little more Monday before warming up this week, and then another weather event for next weekend.  Have a good week....

Snowy Blue Ridge Mountains

Skyline Drive. February 1, 2014.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
February 1, 2014

America the Beautiful quarter to feature Shenandoah National Park

If you see a quarter this year with the familiar-looking Stoney Man overlook, it's one of the "America the Beautiful" series that features Virginia's Shenandoah National Park to be released later this year.

Reporter Jonathan Shacat with the Shenandoah Valley-Herald noted:

Pamela McInnis, superintendent of Warren County Public Schools, said the Park Service has reserved Skyline High School in Front Royal on April 4 for a ceremony marking the release of the coin. McInnis said the school division is excited to host the event.

“I think it’s a great idea since Skyline High School is located very close to the northern entrance to the Skyline Drive,” she said.

Beck-Herzog said the event will feature an unveiling of the coin, speakers and educational information about the U.S. Mint. Also, people will be able to purchase up to $100 worth of uncirculated Shenandoah National Park quarters in $10 rolls.

“We want all of our neighbors to celebrate that our region will have additional recognition because the Shenandoah quarter is out there,” she said. “We hope that people will want to come and visit our region.”

Started in 2010, the "America the Beautiful" series will eventually consist of 56 quarters.

Shenandoah deer

 Along the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park on the first day of February 2014. Deer were everywhere and reluctant to move aside.

 This deer behind the wall was looking at the deer at the far end of the wall ...

 ... while the deer to the far right looked at this one. Both watching and waiting for us to move along. Both looking back and forth at each other. And for some reason they reminded me of some Muppet character ... don't even ask. It was hilarious and we laughed as they stared at us. I could just imagine what they were thinking ... "There's snow on the ground and the Drive is supposed to be closed so why is there a car here?"

They were, indeed, beautiful and stood out against the stark white background as the warmer temps gave a brief respite from winter.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
February 1, 2014

January 2014 'Full Wolf' moon

My eyes wandered out the window around 6:00 this evening and there was the January full moon rising in the dusky eastern sky. Grabbing my Nikon, I slipped outside to the deck and started taking pictures since the conditions were perfect ... not very cold and clear skies. The official full moon is tomorrow night but the weather forecast is calling for the possibility of snow in the Shenandoah Valley which means the moon may be obscured by clouds.

According to the Farmer's Almanac, this moon has many names:

January is the month of the Full Wolf Moon. It appeared when wolves howled in hunger outside the villages. It is also known as the Old Moon. To some Native American tribes, this was the Snow Moon, but most applied that name to the next full Moon, in February.

Since snow has been scarce this winter, here's hoping the February full moon will live up to the "Snow Moon" label.

January's full moon is also known to astrologers as a "mini moon" since it is the smallest full moon of 2014.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 14, 2014

The 12 Days of Christmas ... Day 2: Afton's Bethlehem Village and the greatest story ever told

Imagine a little village that existed long before colored lights, reindeer, or Santa Claus. Roman Soldiers walk the streets, Wise Men appear with their camels, shop keepers are going about their everyday lives yet this village is on the brink of something immense, the birth of one who would forever change the course of human history. Experience this village as it really was. Come to Bethlehem and see for yourself the magic and wonder of the first Christmas.

Step back in time as you enter the gates of Bethlehem of Judea. The Roman emperor has issued an order that a census be taken throughout the Empire and every citizen must register. On a cold winter’s night you are traveling streets illuminated by torchlight, wandering deeper into the heart of a village where cautious Roman soldiers patrol the crowd, Wise men, shepherds, livestock are among the many passersby, shops and shopkeepers inhabit a bustling marketplace, and welcoming cheer abounds. Now, far away from the tinseled trees and crowded malls that most commonly usher in the Christmas holiday season, this is an event no one should miss.

Bethlehem Village in Afton is back this year, much to the delight of thousands who have made it an annual Christmas tradition. One of the nation's longest-running and largest re-enactments of the true story of Christmas, it is free and will run from 6-9:00 p.m. nightly now through December 17. On  Sunday, December 15, it will open early and run from 5-9:00 p.m.

The recreated village was built on the grounds of Hebron Baptist Church complete with shops that include working olive press, carpenters, music, scribe, and weapons shops as well as live camels, over 50 costumed reenactors of the time of Christ's birth, a living nativity, the inn, and singing angels.

In the quiet cold in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you are absorbed into the time and place in a way that is unique and presents a moving experience for young and old alike. Watch out for the Roman soldiers! They may stop to inquire as to why you are there ... they are suspicious of strangers. Check out the animals and the houses ... talk with the shop keepers and village dwellers ... sit by the fire and warm up.

The website describes the experience: "As visitors wander the village they’ll find that the inn is full, the streets are crowded with the masses in town to register for the census, livestock in the nearby stables seem restless, and there is a palpable energy as an inexplicably bright star beams brightly into the Afton night. As Roman guards patrol the streets, little does anyone in Bethlehem realize they are on the precipice of history as the birth of the coming Messiah takes place in a meager stable, changing the world and its course forever."

Bethlehem Village is a ministry of Rockfish Valley churches and community members, a gift of love to surrounding communities.  For more information on the village including directions and special events during the week please visit the Bethlehem Village website.

Dress warmly and be ready to walk through living history. I promise it will be an evening you won't forget.

The 12 Days of Christmas ... Day 1: Olde Richmond's Christmas of yesteryear ... Miller & Rhoads' Christmas windows and the Legendary Santa

Icy morning ... driving I-81, back roads of Augusta County

With temperatures rising and iced-in trees dripping like rain, the roads were in good shape west of Staunton and on I-81 in southern Augusta County.

I-81 South

Buffalo Gap in the Appalachians west of Staunton.

Fog hugging the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
December 9, 2013

Spend Thanksgiving weekend 2013 in historic Staunton, Virginia

There are few places as quaint and picturesque as the city of Staunton in the central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains, this community-oriented small town celebrates holidays in style, and Thanksgiving is no exception. For a fun and exciting adventure, spend the long weekend enjoying all the area has to offer. The calendar of events is packed with activities to celebrate Thanksgiving and welcome the holiday season.

Wednesday, November 27:
- Playhouse Tour, 2:00 pm, Blackfriars Playhouse
- Trivia, 7:00 pm, Zabbs Beach Day Cafe
- "She Stoops to Conquer," 7:30 pm, Blackfriars Playhouse
- Live jazz, 7:30 pm, Mill Street Grill
- The Level, 8:00 pm, Clocktower Restaurant
- Brent Hull & Joe Tyree, 9:00 pm, Byers Street Bistro

Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 28:
Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal at one of the local restaurants that will be open:
- Kathy's Restaurant, 11:00 am - 3:30 pm, reservations available
- Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center, 11:00 am - 2:30 pm
- Rowe's Restaurant
- Cracker Barrel, 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

Friday, November 29:
Black Friday" offers the opportunity to check out the local stores and shops of downtown Staunton and the surrounding vicinity. From unique gift items, jewelry, clothing, handmade chocolates, and domestic goods in Staunton to the shopping availabilities of Waynesboro's Target, Books-a-Million, and Kohl's, there's plenty to keep everyone happy. Check out local restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as unique coffee shops throughout town.

Green Valley Book Fair will open Friday, November 29, for its last two-week run of 2013. Open daily, this Mt. Crawford book retailer is known far and wide for its deeply discounted deals on books, audio tapes, and more. It's a great spot to pick up gifts for everyone from children to grandparents.

The Frontier Culture Museum's gift shop offers imported items from Ireland, Scotland, and Great Britain as well as America -- nutcrackers, Christmas ornaments, glassware, historical and cook books, and other just-right gift items for that special person. Don't forget the Museum's famous fudge that comes in a variety of flavors and is always a favorite with visitors.

Staunton's world-known American Shakespeare Theater kicks off the holiday season on  Friday, November 29, with a variety of offerings in the authentically recreated Blackfriars Playhouse as well as tours of the theater. The playhouse can be found on Market Street beside the Stonewall Jackson Hotel.

Ox-Eye Vineyard's tasting room is located in a renovated 1910 building in the historic Wharf District of downtown Staunton which offers an inviting location to taste this local wines crafted by Susan and John Kiers.

The Staunton Christmas Parade will add a magical touch on Monday, December 2 (always the first Monday after Thanksgiving). The route will begin at Frederick and Augusta Streets, turn down Market Street, and then turn right onto Beverley Street. Thousands of tiny white twinkly lights, Christmas decorations, and inviting window displays will entice visitors to step into shops and dine in restaurants before and after the parade. Bundle up for a fun evening in the brisk December air, followed up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Meeting friends downtown is a must for this annual tradition.

Be sure to check the Visit Staunton website for more activities as well as lodging and dining opportunities. Come to the Shenandoah Valley for Thanksgiving and stick around to kick off your holiday season.

'Tis the season for Christmas tree farms

Linda Jones and Joe Freeman of Mistletoe Meadows Tree Farm deliver Christmas tree to Virginia Executive Mansion in 2010. With First Lady Maureen McDonnell.

So you may not be ready to pick out a Christmas tree today but it's not too late to be thinking about this year's purchase. After all, there's only 35 days until Christmas as the countdown clock shows.

Here's a list of Virginia Christmas tree retailers: Virginia Grown Christmas Trees.

Here's a list of Christmas tree farms in the Staunton area: Staunton Christmas Tree Farms.

Gather the family and have fun! 'Tis the season....

Crimora Mine retreat for rent in Blue Ridge foothills of Augusta County

Crimora Mine Retreat is a beautiful log home available for rent that is located in eastern Augusta County adjacent to Shenandoah National Park and accessible by an old-fashioned covered bridge.

From their website:

Crimora Mine Retreat is a luxurious log home completed in the fall of 2007. This private vacation cabin is located on 150 acres of woodland in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bordered by the Shenandoah National Park and a few miles from the Appalachian Trail, Crimora Mine Retreat is the perfect place for a getaway with family and friends.

You can enjoy fishing, hiking, kayaking, and canoeing all while soaking up breathtaking views from this stunning locale. Mountains, lakes and sunsets can be seen from every angle and the surrounding area is teaming with deer, bear, turkey, beavers, ducks, hawks and even an occasional bald eagle!

This state of the art, four bedroom, three bath home boasts a gourmet kitchen, game room, wrap-around porch with hot tub and most importantly…this all comes to you at an affordable price!

Crimora, Virginia is conveniently close to:

Harrisonburg

Waynesboro

Staunton

Charlottesville

Crimora Mine Retreat is part of the open pit manganese mines that started in 1866. Manganese was used in the production of steel and can still be found scattered all over the property. The three adjoining man-made lakes range anywhere from 20 to 100 feet deep with underground shafts connecting multiple water sources around the Crimora area.

Rental rates and accommodations info:
Crimora Mine Retreat sleeps up to ten people
No pets/smoking - 25 year age requirement
$475/night for weekdays
$575/night for weekends/holiday
$3000 weekly
$30/day optional golf cart rental

Pavilion available for rent separately for special occasions.

 Covered bridge entry to Crimora Mine Retreat.
Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell, November 2, 2013.