Staunton's lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer ... and Tastee Freez

Staunton residents won't have to endure another Fourth of July holiday without their beloved Tastee Freez that had sat for years at the western end of Gypsy Hill Park. It will be reopened sometime in April or May, according to the Staunton News Leader.

That's good news to many in the area. When Tastee-Freez closed in 2010, locals were left ice cream-less on those hot days in the park, walking the loop or playing volleyball or participating and watching baseball games. It was especially missed during the annual Fourth of July celebration that brings thousands to the park for the parade, entertainment, vendors, and fireworks. Now the cold treats, burgers, and fries will once again be a part of family outings in Staunton.

Another great day in the Valley ... preparing for holiday weekend

Yesterday was nice ... today was even nicer in the Shenandoah Valley as a cold front that went through left lower humidity and cooler temperatures. Tuesday night had a low of 52 degrees ... today it reached 80 degrees with a nice breeze, and the clear blue sky made it seem like a fall day.

Last night, as the full moon rose around 11:30, it was orange-colored like a harvest moon as it slipped in and out of dark clouds. I watched from the deck and enjoyed the coolness and quiet of the night. I love the Shenandoah Valley.

It's 7:30 p.m. and the temperature is 70 degrees so we're in for another cool night. It would certainly be nice if the cool temps hung around through the Fourth of July but it's supposed to gradually warm up and be around 90 on Sunday. Our cookout is late in the afternoon so it will begin to cool down by then.

We have family coming in for the weekend to help celebrate Independence Day. We'll enjoy the festivities throughout the area plus the Green Valley Book Fair and Dayton Farmers Market.

SWAC Niece will be here to visit and I can hardly wait! That child got accepted into Governor's School in the Richmond area, winning one of only four slots available for her course of study, but she decided to go to her local school and excel there. I'm glad. The other option would have involved a long, long drive each day. She's expressed an interest in trying out for her school's rowing team and, since they live very near the James River, it wouldn't be difficult to practice.

We've had busy days the past month working to prepare for this holiday weekend with family and friends. Now it's time to kick back, enjoy the fellowship, grill, and celebrate the freedom of being Americans. We'll also remember our service men and women who are at war far from home and celebrate the ones like Sgt. Nate Salatin who is back home and will be here for Sunday's celebration. We salute all of them and their families.

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

Waynesboro Extravaganza ends with fireworks!

Afton Mountain Sunset, July 15, 2007 ...

... and more sunset ...

... and dusk settles over the Valley.

We drove up to Afton Mountain this evening which overlooks Waynesboro and the Valley, and joined a number of others who had gathered to watch the fireworks marking the end of the annual Waynesboro Extravaganza.*

As the sun set and dusk settled over the mountains, a cool breeze kicked up ... a reminder we weren't in the flat lands. Someone with a guitar sat and quietly strummed as we waited ... kids sat on boulders or romped in the grass ... the lights of the Valley came on. The sky was occasionally illuminated with flashes of lightning in the distance ... a lightning bug landed in my hair.

The fireworks show began around 9:50 and lasted until about 10:15 ... outdone only by God's fireworks high above. It was a great show all around and those on the mountain were grateful for the entertainment.

*The Waynesboro Extravaganza began a number of years ago as a celebration of the Fourth of July a week after the one held in Staunton. That was because of the annual free Fourth of July concert held by the Statler Brothers which overshadowed Waynesboro ... so they decided to celebrate Independence Day a week later. That tradition continues today even though the Statlers, after 20 years of celebrating America's birthday, finally retired from the Fourth of July 10 years ago.

Check out Bob Stuart's wrap-up in the Waynesboro News Virginian.

Photos by SWAC Girl