LynnRMitchell.com ... new posts daily

By Lynn R. Mitchell

This is an invitation to come over and visit us at LynnRMitchell.com. We are a group blog with regular contributors Kurt Michael who is our managing editor, David Karaffa who is on the Augusta County Board of Supervisors, Daniel Cortez who is a distinguished Vietnam veteran and award winning writer-broadcaster, and myself. I serve as executive editor and do much of the writing and photography.

We opened up shop in April 2014 and by year's end we had published over 900 posts from the four regular contributors and our 23 guest writers who covered a wide variety of issues.

I started my SWAC Girl blog in February 2006 -- almost nine years ago -- and have been writing on an almost daily basis since. However, I find myself posting less and less at this location since starting LynnRMitchell.com in 2014 so we would love to see everyone head on over and check us out where I still post everything from back roads to historical sites along with coverage of political issues from veteran politicos.

LynnRMitchell.com ... come on over and join us.

Happy Thanksgiving from LynnRMitchell.com

By Lynn R. Mitchell

 

"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some." -- Charles Dickens

The writers at LynnRMitchell.com -- Daniel Cortez, David Karaffa, Kurt Michael, and myself -- extend Thanksgiving greetings with gratitude to our readers for helping us become a successful statewide voice in the Virginia conservative blogosphere. We wish you a joyful day with family and friends as America pauses to give thanks for the blessings we all enjoy. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

LynnRMitchell.com endorsement: Ed Gillespie for U.S. Senate

LynnRMitchell.com Editorial

LynnRMitchell.com enthusiastically endorses Republican candidate Ed Gillespie for U.S. Senate 2014. His vision for the Commonwealth has re-energized Virginia’s citizens who have felt unrepresented by incumbent Mark Warner and, in the gridlock that is Washington politics, Mr. Gillespie brings fresh ideas with his proposed EG2 economic plan for Virginia. He is positive and optimistic, and has carried that upbeat attitude on the campaign trail with his belief that “the old normal is the new mediocre. We can do better.”  (continue reading here)

ICYMI: Weekend posts at LynnRMitchell.com

In case you were busy over the weekend, here are the posts you missed at LynnRMitchell.com:

Augusta County residents organize against pipeline by Supervisor David Karaffa

Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) on Sherando Lake by Kurt Michael

Be careful of those you trust by Jerry Lester

Rose River Farm and Cabins in Madison County, Va. by Lynn R. Mitchell

Pick-your-own grapes at Blue River Farm Vineyard in Madison County, Va. by Lynn R. Mitchell

Foggy Ridge Cider in Southwestern Virginia by Lynn R. Mitchell

Saturday morning ... rainy, cool, rocking on the porch by Lynn R. Mitchell

Fauquier GOP sues RPV and 1st District over tossed-out election by Lynn R. Mitchell

A look at some of the faces from 2014 General Assembly session

 Trixie Averill, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, Kurt Michael, Lieutenant Governor John Hager

 Delegate Will Morefield and Marty Hall

 Richard Crouse and Delegate Les Adams

 State Senator Emmett Hanger and Dr. Kurt Michael

 Former Delegate Chris Saxman with Kurt

 Kurt and State Senator Mark Obenshain

 Dr. Judi Lynch and Governor Bob McDonnell

Delegate and Congressional candidate Barbara Comstock

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 2014

Jennifer Rubin: 'Don't forget about Jeb'

Jennifer Rubin's Tuesday column in the Washington Post provided good insight into former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and the opportunity for him to run for president in 2016.

Jeb, younger brother of former President George W. Bush and son of former President George H.W. Bush, has always been on my short list of candidates for 2016. His chances appear to have increased with the unfortunate circumstances of two of the other forerunners: Chris Christie and Bob McDonnell.

Don't get me wrong ... I'm not writing Chris Christie out just because of his "Bridgegate" issue. Come on, people -- if Hillary can bungle Bengazi the way she did and still be a serious contender for 2016, a little tied-up traffic can't be enough to knock Christie out of the running. But some conservatives can't get beyond the fact that Christie was, in their opinion, a little too snuggly with the President of the United States. I say the man had a huge disaster on his hands in Hurricane Sandy's tragic damage to New Jersey, and was being courteous to the man who offered help.

What is it with conservatives who think everyone needs to be snippy and nasty to those they politically disagree with? Sorry, I prefer to take a page out of the playbook of George W when it comes to civility.

Back to the list. Sadly, our own Governor Bob McDonnell is now pretty wounded by his own Giftgate issues that surfaced while in the Executive Mansion.

Which brings us back to George W's brother, Jeb. No matter what his mom said about not needing any more Bushes in the White House -- Barbara often makes off-the-cuff comments like that -- if he's the man for the job, it doesn't matter that he's a Bush.

There are many who disagree and I respect that. They think the baton should be passed on to "new blood." I say it needs to go to the person best qualified who can lead this country during the current turbulent times and, though I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, if Jeb wants the job then I certainly think he's qualified with his background and common sense Bush family knowledge.

Jennifer Rubin shoots down most of the reasons people would have against Jeb. Give her column a read ... it could open the door to back this very-electable Bush brother/son.

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

Pearl Harbor and 9/11 ... have we forgotten?

Today is December 7th ... Pearl Harbor Day.

December 7, 1941 ... 72 years ago America suffered the worst attack ever on our soil at the hands of the Japanese who conducted a sneak attack on our Naval base in Hawaii. It was, in the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, "a date which will live in infamy."

Or so we thought.

Sixty years later, on September 11, 2001, America came under an even larger attack on our soil and it wasn't on an island in the South Pacific. It was right here on the mainland.  America was attacked in New York City and Pennsylvania and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. More people died that day than in 1941. The big difference was that they were civilians.

Have Americans forgotten Pearl Harbor? Most who are alive to remember are now in their 70s, 80s, and 90s. Many of the survivors have passed away ... the rest are increasingly in frail health.

How on God's green earth do we expect people to remember Pearl Harbor, an event that happened 72 years ago, when many have already forgotten the terror from 9/11 that occurred just a short 12 years ago? Have Americans lost their resolve? Their will? Their courage? Their honor? Their willingness to stand up for the home front?

Have we forgotten how to pull together in the face of adversity and in the face of the rest of the world? Have we allowed the worldview, politically correct elitists to so tie our hands so that we aren't even willing to stand up anymore for what we believe in?

Roy Martin, former President of the Navy League's Richmond chapter, wrote an historical background to the Pearl Harbor attack in his article, "Pearl Harbor Remembered: Attack pulled the U.S. Into WW II," published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on 12/6/06, and commented:

"Sadly, too many Americans today don't recognize, much less remember, what happened, nor how it changed our lives, our country, and the world forever."

I believe that statement could also be applied to 9/11.

Eliza Manningham-Buller, former head of the British internal security agency M15, addressed terrorism in a speech in 2006 where she stressed the continued worldwide terrorist threat, and warned that it began well before 9/11/01:

"We now know that the first al-Qaida-related plot against the U.K. was the one we discovered and disrupted in November 2000 in Birmingham. A British citizen is currently serving a long prison sentence for plotting to detonate a large bomb...."

She said M15 knew of 200 terrorist networks consisting of over 1,600 identified individuals who were actively engaged in terrorism throughout the world and added:

"In the years after 9/11, with atrocities taking place in Madrid, Casablanca, Bali, Istanbul, and elsewhere, terrorists plotted to mount a string of attacks in the U.K., but were disrupted. This run of domestic success was interrupted tragically in London in July 2005. Since then, the combined efforts of [British intelligence agencies] have thwarted a further five major conspiracies in the U.K., saving many hundreds (possibly even thousands) of lives...."

But in the U.S. we hear the cynics and doubters who beat the constant negative drum against surveillance of suspected terrorists, against our military, and against America, yet terrorist attacks take place around the world and attempts at destruction continue on American soil.

My parents were part of that World War II greatest generation that stepped forward to defend the homeland in 1941, ordinary Americans who went to war. Many did not return. My mother's brother was killed in France while serving with the U.S. Army. My Navy father was on the USS Wisconsin in the South Pacific. Americans who remained at home did their part with victory gardens, rationing, and rallying the patriotic spirit of the country. Americans as a whole sacrificed for the common good.

The Greatest Generation is now aging ... grandparents who were young men and women during the years of 1941-45 and who are now passing away at the rate of over 1,000 per day. They worked as a team ... they helped preserve freedom for the world.

Pearl Harbor and 9/11 ... have we forgotten?

Originally published in the Washington Examiner by Lynn R. Mitchell.

Small Business Saturday: Buford Road Pharmacy in Bon Air, Virginia

Buford Road Pharmacy is a landmark at the corner of Forest Hill and Buford Roads in the Richmond, Virginia, suburb of Bon Air. The old pharmacy was originally across the street and later moved to the current, larger location where they branched out from the usual drug store items to gifts, floral, cards, and an entire line of Virginia Diner nuts and candies.

Small Business Saturday was encouraged by Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling who during his years as Virginia's chief job creator has supported local businesses. Small Business Saturday, which falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, supports the national movement to drive consumers to shop at local, independently owned businesses during the heaviest shopping weekend of the year. Small Business Saturday was created in 2010 in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: more customers.

Their buyers find special and unique gifts and some old-time wares that bring back memories from Christmases past. As a little girl growing up in Bon Air, my sister and I would ride our bikes to Buford Road Pharmacy to buy fire balls. Christmas has arrived at Buford and Forest Hill Avenues....

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
November 30, 2013

Small Business Saturday: Papeterie Stationery & Gifts in Richmond

Looking for something whimsical, fun, and colorful? On Small Business Saturday, we visited my sister's friend Holly's shop, Papeterie, in the Stony Point Shopping Center in Bon Air for stationery printing needs but also to check out her extensive gift line of candles, entertainment essentials, cards, and Christmas decor. 

 

Small Business Saturday was encouraged by Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling who during his years as Virginia's chief job creator has supported local businesses. Small Business Saturday, which falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, supports the national movement to drive consumers to shop at local, independently owned businesses during the heaviest shopping weekend of the year. Small Business Saturday was created in 2010 in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: more customers.

Holly describes her shop as offering engraved, thermographed, letterpressed, and flat printed stationery and invitations, plus a variety of gift items including picture frames, baby items, sachets, pottery, Italian soaps, holiday items, wrapping paper, Caspari paper plates and napkins, guest books, ICU readers, fun socks, night gowns and PJs, silk flowers, and lots more.

 These little guys are adorable!

Lines carried are Crane's, William Arthur, Carlson Craft, Krepe Kraft, Page, Betsey Hall, Cast Paper Art, Cid Pear, Kate Spade & Martha Stewart. 

They do in-house printing on all stationery lines carried in the store including Cranes, William Arthur, Odd Balls, English Paper Co., Kate Spade, Meri Meri, Cid Pear, Karen Adams, Bella Ink, Smudge Letterpress, Sharp and Sally, Anna Griffin, Bella Adorna, & B Designs Letterpress.

The shop was busy Saturday when we were there as others shoppers took advantage of Small Business Saturday.

Merry Christmas! 

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
November 30, 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.

Sweet Potato Bread Pudding with Whiskey Hard Sauce

Part of the fun of being in the blogosphere is the people we meet and the information we share. Case in point is this cold weather recipe a blogging friend sent over that is something my husband will absolutely adore. He's the big sweet potato lover in our family, and bread pudding is one of his favorite desserts. The recipe is posted at her blog, The Little Black Dress and A String of Pearls, where she declares:

It has been said that a Southern woman only needs three things to survive any social situation: a little black dress, a string of pearls, and a Smithfield ham. If you ever find yourself facing that “social situation”, this little blog is my contribution to weathering the storm, making a splash, or merely creating some 'comfort on a plate'. So .... find a recipe, grab a glass of wine, maybe a mint julep, or perhaps a cold sweet tea and head for the kitchen .... time's a wasting!

Amen, Sister!

Hop on over and check out Merlot's recipe for Sweet Potato Bread Pudding with Whiskey Hard Sauce, just in time for Thanksgiving menu planning. Eat, drink, and be merry!

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
Thanksgiving 2012

Déjà vu in Virginia attorney general drama

Eight years ago my phone rang bright and early the day after the 2005 election. I was still sleeping after a hard-fought campaign that saw Bill Bolling elected as lieutenant governor, Jerry Kilgore lose as governor, and Bob McDonnell in a tight down-to-the-wire race for attorney general. I was needed at the Augusta County Government Center to witness the vote canvas, the beginning of a process that eventually led to my participation in a mid-December recount that saw McDonnell prevail with a mere 360 votes over his Democratic challenger, Creigh Deeds.

Fast forward to last week's election that saw Democrats Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam winning the governor and lieutenant governor spots. The end of the day, however, showed a tighter-than-a-tick contest between Republican Mark Obenshain and Democrat Mark Herring that fluctuated back and forth as a variety of events took place over the next seven days. When all votes were finally tallied, Herring was ahead by 163 votes in a contest that was probably headed to recount.

However, as happened in the 2005 race, recounts rarely change the final numbers by much. If Herring prevails, Virginia Democrats will have swept the top three offices that were won in landslide victories four years earlier by Republicans McDonnell, Bolling, and Cuccinelli.

NBC 12 has a report on the final count.

Holiday season brings new cookie recipes

Cookies are synonymous with the holiday season, and the Richmond Times-Dispatch's resident chef Clare Schapiro has some recipes sure to make you smile in her Wednesday column, The Joy of Cookies.

My family has a cookie baking tradition that has involved aunts, moms, grandmoms, and the children, and has continued through the generations. We have the tried-and-true, well-loved recipes, and each year we try to incorporate at least one newbie. (Photos from 2011 cookie baking weekend.)

Clare provided some yummy-sounding recipes, especially the Toffee Bars and Mocha Cookies, that have been set aside for this year's baking weekend. (Recipes are here.) Laugh, be creative, and celebrate family along with the season. Let cookie baking season begin. Fa-la-la-la-la!

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell

Sparkles & Sweets to kick off holiday season in downtown Staunton Friday

Kick off the holiday season this Friday in historic downtown Staunton with the annual Sparkles & Sweets event featuring businesses, restaurants, holiday lights, special events, and much more. Meet friends for dinner and enjoy some sparkles and sweets from 6-9:00 p.m.

Downtown Staunton ... there's something for everyone.

Adventures with Barb ... enjoying the waning days of fall leaf season 2013

These photos were all taken in Augusta County, most of them along the western foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. What a glorious day just going where the wind blew. The Shenandoah Valley was at peak leaf color on the first weekend in November, unusually late for this area, but it's been an unusual leaf season. With sunny skies and cool temperatures, the final colors of red and gold popped out which sent Barb and me on another adventure along the back roads and up to Afton.

We found a covered bridge, visited a friend whose property touches the boundaries of Shenandoah National Park, found trees with leaves of shimmering golds and brilliant reds, observed vehicles parked at Skyline Drive overlooks along the Blue Ridge Mountains, toured the Dooleys' marble mansion on Afton known as Swannanoa, stopped for caramel corn from Afton's popcorn man, and lunched at McAlister's where our plans to eat at an outdoor table were sidelined by a prevailing wind with an exceptionally cool edge to it.

It was a fun day. More photos to come

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
#FallinVA
November 2, 2013