Monday after Thanksgiving thoughts on a cloudy day

It was a great Thanksgiving holiday visiting with family and friends both in the Shenandoah Valley and in Midlothian ... busy and hectic and fun.

Heavy traffic was encountered Sunday afternoon at 12:30 as I-64 West became a parking lot a full two miles before intersecting with I-81 in Staunton. I-81 was backed up north and south ... and it wasn't even the heaviest traffic of the day. Thankfully, we were home at that point and gratefully hopped of the interstate to hit the back roads to our home in western Augusta County.

Commonwealth Cup: What a game on Saturday afternoon! The University of Virginia hosted Virginia Tech for the rivalry of the season and from feedback from locals, the interstates were backed up with spectators trying to get to Scott Stadium. The final VaTech 38, UVa 0 score was not quite what was expected. I watched with my Virginia Tech Class of 1947 step-dad. Congrats to Tech with a thank you for UVa for the hospitality.

Thanksgiving and family: With my Texas sister in town, we were all over the place for 10 days as we enjoyed the sights and sounds of the Shenandoah Valley and central Virginia. A tour of downtown Richmond on Friday rounded it all out before the Texas crew flew out on Saturday heading back home. For Thanksgiving, we cooked, baked, decorated, and generally enjoyed time together.

Decorating for Christmas East: While sister Gail decorated Mom's front door, sister Lori and I, with help from SWAC Husband and Mom, decorated indoors and put up the Christmas tree on Saturday afternoon. Mom's house is looking a lot like Christmas....

Decorating for Christmas West: We're in the midst of working on our decorations at home. The tree is up and lights are on as we work on adding ornaments. A little more to do and all that will be left is adding greenery and candles for this favored time of the year.

Dayton Farmers Market: Located in the midst of the Old Order Mennonite community. Now operating on holiday hours, the Dayton Farmers Market is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am-6 pm through December 31. Great gift ideas when looking for something that isn't from a big box store ... and don't forget to try a big, soft pretzel while you're there.

Green Valley Book Fair: Open for the last time in 2011 and located just south of Harrisonburg, the doors opened last Friday and will be open daily through Saturday, December 17th from 9 am - 7 pm. Thousands of new and discontinued books at huge discounts up to 90% off retail. Green Valley Book Fair, 2192 Green Valley Ln, Mt. Crawford, VA 22841. Phone 800-385-0099.
 
Historic Downtown Staunton:  Unique shops and eateries are available in historic downtown Staunton, now decorated with twinkly white lights and Christmas decorations to add a magical touch as you search for that special something for that special someone.

Staunton Christmas Parade: Tonight, November 26, 2011, at 7:00 pm. Join thousands who line the streets to see local entries including floats, high school bands, Christmas entries, and all followed up with Santa Claus himself at the end of the parade.

There's lots to do in the central Shenandoah Valley especially at Christmas. Come join in the fun and festivities!

SWAC bloggers out on the town ... Christmas in Staunton

A toast to the annual Christmas dinner for the SWAC bloggers at Depot Grille in Staunton.

The Depot Grille ... decorated for Christmas.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
10 December 2010

Holiday events this weekend in central Shenandoah Valley

Cross-posted at the Washington Examiner....

The winter woods have returned to the Shenandoah Valley and the surrounding mountains with the possibility of snow in the air as shops, restaurants, and hotels welcome guests during the holiday season. It's a special time of year and many activities are planned throughout the region. Get in the holiday spirit with continuous Christmas music on the radio from FM 96.1 and FM 93.1.

There's a festival of holiday lights now through January 5 in Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park located in the central Shenandoah Valley. Individuals, churches, civic groups, and businesses have teamed up for the seventh year in a row with light displays along the two-mile drive around the park including the "Field of Deer" dedicated by local citizens in honor or memory of others.

Hitch a ride during the holidays in historic downtown Staunton on the free trollies that carry folks around the area, hopping off and jumping on at stops along the way. Enjoy shops and restaurants that are decorated for the holidays with thousands of twinkly lights welcoming guests to celebrate a Valley Christmas.


A ceremony for "Wreaths Across America" will take place on Saturday, December 11, at 12:00 noon at the National Cemetery in Staunton located on Richmond Road near Martin's Foodmart. Wreaths donated by Worcester Wreath Company in Maine will be placed on military graves as a reminder that freedom is not free.

Santa will an appearance at Natural Bridge on three Sundays -- December 12 and 19 -- listening to little ones as they pass along their Christmas wishes. Join the jolly old elf for some cookies and hot chocolate from 2-5 pm.

Dress warmly and join in a free outdoor sing along on Friday, December 10, at Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in Lexington as the cadets from the Glee Club present their "Carols in the Courtyard" concert at 7:30 pm featuring fun Christmas music and hot cider.

A tradition for 28 years, The Nutcracker returns to Staunton with local talent under the direction of the Shenandoah Civic Dance Company on Saturday, December 11 at 7:00 pm, and Sunday, December 12, at 2:00 pm. It's a magical ballet for young and old alike.

Historic Wade's Mill in southern Augusta County, one of the few working grist mills in the Shenandoah Valley, offers a unique opportunity on Saturday, December 11, to make decorations for the tree and also help prepare the pizza for a festive holiday party. It all begins at 10 am and costs $25 for decoration and meal. Reservations are required.

On Saturday, December 11, just over the mountain from the Shenandoah Valley in Charlottesville, Mr. Jefferson's Monticello will offer the first family-oriented 5K Holiday Classic and Deck the Halls Kids Dash at 8:00 a.m. featuring an adult event and the kids 1,000 meter dash and scavenger hunt.

Upcoming Events:

The annual Christmas in River City features a family-friendly evening on December 17 from 5-8:00 pm in downtown Waynesboro that includes horse drawn carriage rides, Santa, caroling and a yule log.

After last year's snows kept Afton's Hebron Baptist Church from presenting its annual "Bethlehem Village," this year they're back from December 17-21 at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Nelson County. A recreated "Bethelehem" offers the opportunity to walk the quiet, dark streets of the little village and interact in a living nativity reminiscent of a time long before Santa. Experience the reverence of Christ's birth with animals in the stable, village people going about their business, and Roman soldiers guarding the gate in this unique remembrance of the first Christmas.

There is a quiet in the cold winter air as visitors walk the darkened pathways with costumed interpreters during the Holiday Lantern Tours at Staunton's Frontier Culture Museum, taking place December 17-22. Experience a one-of-a-kind visit back in time to the Old Country and Early America. Four tours leave from the visitor center every 30 minutes beginning at 6:00 pm. Reservations are required.

For those who want to ski on Christmas Day, they're making snow at Massanutten Ski Resort and Wintergreen Ski Resort. Both offer Christmas packages with housing, skiing, snowtubing, special holiday meals, and all kinds of winter activities to celebrate the holidays in these winter wonderlands.

For the ultimate Christmas vacation at an historic landmark about an hour west of the Shenandoah Valley, The Homestead Resort in Hot Springs offers their Holiday Lights and Ice winter celebration with skiing, ice skating, carriage rides, indoor spa, soaking waters, and much more. They have been taking care of families for over 200 years. The Grand Hall's wood-burning fireplaces, the Grand Tree, twinkly lights on the grounds, afternoon tea, delicious holiday meals, and family-friendly activities make The Homestead a special destination.

There's always a birthday party on December 28 at Woodrow Wilson's Presidential Library and Museum in downtown Staunton. Free admission allows all to tour this presidential birth place and grounds during the holidays with costumed interpreters, period music, cake, and punch.

Kick off 2011 with a New Year's Eve Gala at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel in downtown Staunton on December 31 to benefit the Frontier Culture Museum. Enjoy an expanded buffet, open bar, and entertainment from 8:30-midnight with special overnight packages available. It's a special way to welcome in the New Year in the Shenandoah Valley's Queen City.

2010 performance of "The Nutcracker" this weekend ... a Staunton tradition for 28 years

A holiday classic that has been a part of Staunton for 28 years, Tchaikovsky’s full-length ballet The Nutcracker returns this weekend with local talent under the direction of the Shenandoah Civic Dance Company.

Made up of local school and home school children and dance alumni, the ballet requires almost 100 children and young adults to fill the parts of dancing mice, wooden soldiers, dancing bakers, dancing clowns, Mother Ginger and the little Gingersnaps, flowers, snowflakes, Snow Queen, Arabian dancers, dancing dolls, Sugar Plum Fairy, party girls and boys, couples, Chinese dancers, Russian dancers, Spanish dancers, little brother Fritz, and most importantly the Nutcracker and Clara. International guest dancer again this year is Jurijs Safonovs who was formerly with the Latvian National Opera Ballet.

This year will feature local dancers Kaitlyn McMillion and Darian Payne who will perform as Clara on alternating nights. Kaylin Pack will dance as the Sugar Plum Fairy, and her Cavalier will be Mr. Safonovs. 

With the wonderful choreography of Pamela McCray, original story by E. T. A. Hoffman, and timeless beautiful musical score by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker is a magical evening for young and old alike.



Performances will be held Saturday night, December 11, at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoon, December 12, at 2:00 p.m. at Robert E. Lee High School located at 1200 N. Coalter Street in Staunton.

General admission tickets are $11 for adults and $9 for children through high school age. Babies under age 2 sitting on laps are free. Limited reserved admission tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for children through high school age. 

Tickets are available at the door or may be purchased at Staunton's Bookworks at 101 W. Beverley Street, You're A Star in Harrisonburg's Valley Mall, and Party & Paper in Waynesboro. For ticket information call (540) 885-8524.

See you at The Nutcracker....

Christmas Eve walk in the snowy winter woods

SWAC Husband and SWAC Son check out the snowy back yard. SWAC Son and I grabbed our cameras and took a late Christmas Eve afternoon walk into the snowy woods behind the house. The snow was too deep to make our way up to the ridge.

The pond with the mountain ridge behind....

In the woods looking at mountain ridge behind the house.

The twinkly white lights were on as dusk settled in on the back yard. The woods beyond was where we had trekked earlier.



The pond has a thin layer of ice.



The woods are silent when covered by snow. As SWAC Son and I plowed our way through the deep snow (which made it difficult to walk), we saw bird, rabbit, and deer tracks.

The little white lights illuminated the back yard as dusk fell. We are having a White Christmas.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
24 December 2009

Christmas with the SWAC bloggers in a Winter Wonderland

I've taken a longer-than-I-should break from the kitchen but got caught up in the Democrat porkulus and health care bills. So ... decided while at the computer to check out the SWAC bloggers, those fellow conservatives who hold the line against liberal erosion of our freedoms, and see what they are up to on this Christmas Eve.

Jason has come out of his long winter's nap to follow Santa's trek around the world leading up to his Christmas Eve deliveries tonight. Good to hear from you, Jason! And a Merry Christmas to you!

Mike has noticed my "Health Care Bribe" posts that have been going up hourly since 5:00 this morning listing the bribes offered by Harry Reid to Democrat senators to vote for his socialized health care bill. But other than that, it looks as if sports will play a large part of his holiday weekend.

Phil has left us with a little "Silent Night" from Olivia Newton John. David and Bob are on a Christmas break from blogging.

I wish them all a blessed Christmas and a joyous New Year when, God willing, we will all continue to work together, blogging and watching out for the best interests of the country we love.

"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." --Luke 2

Christmas Eve Eve

Today is Christmas Eve Eve, a time at our house to prepare for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We are busy with last-minute cooking and tidying and preparing. The gifts are wrapped and under the tree ... the ham is in the oven cooking ... there's even a moment to catch up on the computer before heading back to the kitchen for the next phase of cooking.

And then Christmas Eve will be here ... we still have more than a foot of snow on the ground ... there's the family buffet and church and the magical affect of twinkly white lights on the snow and candles burning. Everything seems to come to a halt as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

And there's the excitement of little children as they anticipate the arrival of Santa ... the quiet before the flurry of flying wrapping paper and boxes and ribbon on Christmas morning.

With possible inclement weather in the forecast for Christmas Eve and Day, we'll be ready once again if the predicted ice and freezing rain knock out the electricity.

Christmas Eve Eve ... Christmas 2009 is almost here.

We salute Staunton production of "The Nutcracker" ... the dream lives on

We salute the excellent performance of
Kelsey Harman
as Clara
and
Alex Davis
as the Nutcracker Prince
in
The Shenandoah Civic Dance Company's 2009 production of
The Nutcracker
A Holiday Tradition in the Valley for 27 Years
December 12-13, 2009

"The Dream Lives On...."

Photo by SWAC Daughter
12 December 2009

Christmas at Staunton's Stonewall Jackson Hotel

Christmas tree in Stonewall Jackson Hotel's lobby.

Dining room "Christmas Candy" tree.

The Colanade Room Christmas tree.

Lounge area of the Stonewall.

Colanade Room set up for Christmas party.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
18 December 2009

"Don't take Christ out of Christmas"

Thank you, Dr. John Dunlap of Waynesboro.

Photo by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
15 December 2009

It's cookie baking weekend with SWAC Niece

It's cookie baking weekend at our house, and SWAC Niece will be heading to the Valley today with her mom (my sister) for our annual tradition.

Baking supplies have been stocked ... chili pot is going ... and we'll take in the sights and sounds of Christmas in the Valley while she's here.

Sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, rolled and pressed cookies ... decorating with sprinkles and icing and all sorts of goodies ... toffee and fudge candies ... the kitchen will smell of creative yumminess as we turn out enough to use as gifts, to share with friends, and for entertaining when guests stop by to visit.

Cookie baking and candy making ... it's a tradition that continues in our family.

SWACers out and about at historic Depot Grille in Staunton

SWAC "StrictlyVa" bloggers paused in the middle of animated conversation during dinner Thursday night at the Depot Grille as our waiter, Bill, snapped this photo.

Christmas tree welcomes guests inside the door.

Wine cellear tree was a festive touch.

Waiter Bill with his handy-dandy battery-operated pepper mill that caused everyone to roar with laughter as Jason quipped, "Brookstone?" Here Bill adds pepper to Bob's dinner.

Photos by SWAC Girl except where noted
Lynn Mitchell
10 December 2009

A Christmas tradition in the Shenandoah Valley ... "The Nutcracker" ballet

SWAC Girl salutes the Nutcracker Prince,

Alex Davis,
for another year's excellent performance,
and
Kelsey Harman, 17, as Clara.

The Nutcracker
27th Annual Performance
Shenandoah Civic Dance Company

Saturday, December 12, at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 13, 2009, at 2:00 p.m.
Robert E. Lee High School
Staunton, Virginia

Article & photos in the Staunton News Leader

2009 Staunton Christmas parade ... photos

Two little ones enjoyed the Staunton Christmas parade as they anxiously waited for Santa to make his appearance.


Local businesses were represented in the parade including John D. Eiland Distributors.
Lady Liberty overshadowed Frosty amongst the crowds along Beverley Street.

A very familiar-looking elf.

Target even joined in the fun.

Photos by SWAC Daughter
30 November 2009

Staunton 2009 Christmas parade is a GO

There has been rain on and off all day in the SWAC area but as of 3:30 the Staunton Christmas parade was a go as folks scramble to decorate floats and be in the lineup for tonight's 7:00 start time.

According to the Staunton News Leader:

Even after rain continued throughout the afternoon, as of 3:30 p.m., the Staunton Downtown Development Association said the Christmas parade will go on as planned.

According to a hour-by-hour forcast from Weather.com, there is only a 10 percent chance of rain from 6 to 9 p.m.

The theme for the 2009 Downtown Staunton Christmas Parade, which will be at 7 p.m. today, is Christmas classics.

The parade lineup is on North Augusta Street behind Hardee's and Domino's Pizza. It will turn left onto Frederick Street for a block, turn right in front of Mary Baldwin College onto New Street for a block, and then take a right onto Beverley Street where it will continue through downtown and out the west end of town. Shops are decorated and miniature Christmas lights always make a festive atmosphere.

Dress warmly. The temperature has been dropping all day, from a high of 54 this morning to 40 degrees as I type this with a brisk wind blowing. Bundle up, enjoy the warmth of the crowd, and hit one of the downtown restaurants afterwards for hot chocolate to warm up.

It's the Christmas parade in Staunton....

Christmas in Staunton ... "The Underpass" ornament

The Staunton Junior Woman's Club's 2008 Christmas ornament commemorates one of the city's most memorable landmarks: the railroad underpass and the huge, oversized watering can.

SWAC Niece has been traveling to my house since she was a little girl. She would always go to sleep on the two-hour trip from Richmond but would wake up as they drove through Staunton. When she saw the watering can at the underpass, she knew she was almost to Aunt Lynn's house.

The Staunton Underpass and Watering Can

The Staunton Underpass is the gateway into Staunton's Historic Wharf District. The Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad established the bridge to bring trains into the historic railroad station in 1854. The Station and Railroad played an important economical and historical role in the development of Staunton. The track is still in use today by Amtrack. Amtrack stops at Staunton's railroad station three times per week in each direction on its route between Washington, DC, and Chicago.

The Water Can, placed at the Underpass, has been greeting visitors to Staunton's historic district since the mid-1990s. It has been given the official title of the World's Largest Watering Can. The Staunton Watering Can sculpture was created by local artist Willie Ferguson. The Water Can is approximately 18' tall and 20' wide and is surrounded by beautifuld isplays of seasonal flowers; in 2004, the City of Staunton received a Keep Virginia Beautiful Award for the display. The Watering Can and Giant Flower Pots were created to honor local humanitarian Barbara Hunter Grant.

Ferguson has many other large sculptures around the Staunton area including an open book at the library, crutches at the hospital, and a giant boot at his shop.

Christmas 2008 ... The Underpass and the Watering Can.

Photo by SWAC Girl

Christmas in the Valley ... Gypsy Hill Park light display

A Christmas tradition each year with SWAC Niece is to drive through Gypsy Hill Park and see the light display provided by various churches, civic organizations, realty companies, and other in the community. We went Saturday night after attending "The Nutcracker" ballet ... and were not disappointed. With more displays added annually, it offers lots to entertain young and old alike ... from sacred to whimsical to joyful.

It's Christmas in the Shenandoah Valley....

Photos by SWAC Girl

A Christmas tradition in the Shenandoah Valley ... "The Nutcracker" ballet

SWAC Girl salutes the Nutcracker Prince,

Alex Davis,
for an excellent performance.

The Nutcracker

Shenandoah Civic Dance Company
December 13, 2008
Staunton, Virginia

An Olde Fashioned Christmas at Chester Farm

In the mood to celebrate the spirit of Christmas? Drive out to Chester Farm in Churchville for activities today and each Saturday leading up to Christmas.

St. Nicholas arrives today at noon on the straw wagon that will take him to the main barn where he will be visiting his Virginia Christmas workshop. Children visiting St. Nicholas will receive a Shepherd's Candy Cane, and hear the story of St. Nicholas and the Nativity.

Saturday, Nov. 29 - Noon-4:00 pm:
- Visit with St. Nicholas. Photos available for $5 each.
- Free wagon rides around the farm from 9 am-4 pm to make a selection of a Christmas tree. All trees have been cut within days of your visit and will be taken to the sales barn on the wagon.
- Visit lambs, a miniature pony, and Annabelle, the thoroughbred filly, from Monday-Saturday, 9 am-5 pm.
- Cookie samples available in the sales barn.
- Roasted marshmallows for one and all.

Saturday, December 6 - Noon-4 pm ... The Feast Day of St. Nicholas
Bring a gift of canned food or any item of clothing such as socks, hats, scarves, or mittens will be welcomed. The gifts will be given to St. Nicholas who will donate them to the S.A.C.R.A., an organization totally comprised of volunteers, supported by the area churches. These gift items can be taken to the sales barn anytime during store hours.

The sales barn will be open Monday-Saturday, 9 am-6 pm. Freshly baked cookies, honey, preserves, apple butter, old-fashioned cider, cozy items, and an array of beautiful gift items and delicious treats for purchase.

Bob's BBQ will be serving the best quality hickory smoked beef and pork every Saturday from 10 am-5 pm.

Chester Farms, 3581 Churchville Avenue, Churchville, VA 24421. Phone (540) 337-7282. Email: wool@cestariltd.com.

The Cestari-Chester Farm family wishes you a Blessed and Joyous Christmas.

Christmas at Middlebrook General Store in the Shenandoah Valley

It's Christmas at the Middlebrook General store with a variety of Virginia-made products available for those who are looking for unique gifts. Located on Rt. 252 in the heart of Middlebrook, Virginia, they are 15 minutes south of Staunton.

There is a great selection of Virginia-made wines for your Christmas list.

Books on Virginia historic places are available ...

... as is Alligator Bob's jerky. Anyone can eat beef jerky but have you ever tried alligator?

Bubba Beagle's Homemade Gourmet Dog Biscuits are brought in from Richmond ... and they are edible for humans, too!

Homemade dish clothes, hearth brooms, rag rugs ... you can find them all.

Canned goods of all kinds are available. I picked up some apple butter that had been made by the Middlebrook Ruritans.

The pot-belly stove really works. Stop by for lunch and try the soup on a cold wintry day. I had potato soup one chilly day recently when I was there ... it was filling and yummy. Or just stop by for conversation with the locals.





New deck built onto the building will act as a seating area with tables for next year. It overlooks the creek that runs beside the store.



Antiques are on display ...

... as well as goodies of all kinds. This is the original counter and cash register.

More locally-made goodies ...

... and soups, dips, and more.





"Support & Honor Our Troops" ... if you stop by be sure to check out the chalk board with names of local military personnel. The store owner is a Navy veteran; one of the clerks is an Army veteran (nurse).

Monastery Gourmet Honey from Virginia.

What is it about old country stores that is so comforting? Perhaps I feel comfortable in the aisles with the old wooden floors and counters because of an uncle in North Carolina who owned the old family store and, as a child, my sister and I would race up and down the aisles and stare in amazement at all the products that were stocked on shelves, in corners, in the store room.

A country store is a little like the heart of a village ... and Middlebrook General Store fits that description. A meeting place ... a place to learn the local news ... a place for musicians to gather on Friday nights ... and a place to pick up light groceries or a soft drink or lunch or Christmas goodies that are Virginia-made ... the atmosphere is heart-warming and welcoming.

If you are in the Shenandoah Valley, find your way to Middlebrook on Rt. 252 south of Staunton ... and check out the Middlebrook General Store. And be sure to tell Tom, the owner, or Chris, Hannah, or Millie -- whichever one is working that day -- that you read about it on SWAC Girl!

Christmas in the Shenandoah Valley ... at the Middlebrook General Store.

Photos by SWAC Girl