A farewell evening with Lt. Gov. Bill and Jean Ann Bolling

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and his wife, Jean Ann.

Hilton Hotel, Richmond, Virginia

January 9, 2014

Angela Kelly-Wiecek, Hanover County supervisor who holds the Chickahominy District seat that Bill Bolling once represented, talked with Jean Ann Bolling before Thursday's dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Richmond's Short Pump area. The room filled with invited guests who laughed and remembered campaigns and events over the years.

Bill Bolling thanked his wife, his family, his staff, and his many friends who have been there throughout the years. Then he launched into a story about Kristi Way during the 2005 campaign: "We were heading to a fundraiser at Kurt Michael's home...." Ah, yes ... very well remember that fundraiser in Fishersville.

Fellow blogger Brian Schoeneman drove from NoVa to join the 100 guests. He was seated at the lieutenant governor's table along with Linwood Cobb, Kurt Michael, Judi Lynch, and me ... excellent dinner conversationalist on a variety of subjects.

That's not chicken. LOL.

The conversation was entertaining and interesting all night at our table. The Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Judi Lynch, Dr. Kurt Michael....

Always an entertaining speaker, the LG had everyone in the room in stitches telling stories about campaigns, staff members, and events ... and thanked them for their help throughout the years. His Bloggers Days, the pewter Christmas ornaments, remarks at the Republican Advance, handing out his Patrick Henry awards, speaking at numerous events in Commonwealth throughout the years including SWAC Breakfast, and many other contributions will make him remembered as one of the most active lieutenant governors in Virginia history.

Saying this isn't the end, he concluded his remarks with, "Let the games begin!"

Returning to the podium before dessert, the LG was tossing tee shirts to waiting hands at tables causing laughter and cheers.

That shirt went to the outstretched hands of Judi Lynch seated at table number one. Go, Judi!

When he announced there were only two Bolling golf hats left, there was a race by Lynn Martin and Trixie Averill to the table in the back of the room to retrieve the caps, a sight that cracked up the room.

Ibbie Hedrick (seated at table) was with the George W. Bush administration before joining up with the Bill Bolling office as deputy chief of staff and spokeswoman. She worked alongside Denise Burch who was director of constituent services and scheduling, and chief of staff Randy Marcus.

I love food photos.

Staffers, volunteers, friends, colleagues.

The evening provided an opportunity for everyone to break bread together. Thank you to Lieutenant Governor and Mrs. Bolling for the hospitality and fellowship. One chapter closes ... another opens.

As a thank you to Bill Bolling, I printed the "Man in the Arena" remarks by Theodore Roosevelt on card stock with a watermark in the background of a photo I took of the Virginia State Capitol at the 2011 Bill Bolling Bloggers Day, framed it, and passed it along at dinner with my appreciation for his service as "the man in the arena" the past 22 years. Thank you, Bill and Jean Ann Bolling....

See also Day at the Capitol with Lt. Governor Bill Bolling ... the portrait unveiling

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 10, 2014

Governor 2014 ... giving Terry McAuliffe a chance

On Saturday Terry McAuliffe became Virginia's 72nd governor. The baton was passed. Republicans lost, Democrats won ... time to govern for ALL the people of Virginia.

He follows an impressive listing of famous Virginians who have served before him:

Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Nelson Jr., Benjamin Harrison, Edmund Randolph, Henry Lee, James Monroe, John Tyler, Peyton Randolph ...

... Harry F. Byrd, Mills Godwin, Linwood Holton, John Dalton, Chuck Robb ...

... George Allen. Douglas Wilder. Jim Gilmore. Mark Warner. Tim Kaine. Bob McDonnell.

Governor McAuliffe's Cabinets picks have been bipartisan. In the words of the Washington Post:

In the nine weeks since Election Day, political observers say, Terry McAuliffe (D) has been shockingly gubernatorial.

With moderate Cabinet picks and an ardent courtship of Republicans, the colorful former Democratic National Committee chairman and political fundraiser has projected an image of seriousness, caution and bipartisanship that critics had doubted he could muster.

Some of the comments I've heard remind me of when I entered high school and the tradition for the upper classmen to harass the freshmen. I vowed that year that when I was an upper classman, I would not join in on that tradition, and I didn't.

As Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe takes the reins of Virginia, some conservatives are not willing to allow this man to get a day, never mind a General Assembly session, under his belt before judging. If we were to go on their words, he's doomed before he ever begins. As one who is tired of the vitriol from both sides of the aisle, I like what he's done so far and am willing to give this new governor a chance.

Congratulations, Terry McAuliffe ... you're off to a good start. Four years to go....

- McAuliffe sworn in as Virginia governor

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 10, 2014

Trixie and the Governor

Governor Bob McDonnell and Trixie Averill ... they've traveled hundreds of campaign miles together when she was his western Virginia political director and been friends for years. On Friday they met up in the state Capitol hallway outside the senate chamber. It was his last full day as governor of Virginia, a position Trixie worked to get him into four years ago. The photos say it all....

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 10, 2014

6th Congressional District folks in Richmond ... 2014 General Assembly

 State Senator Emmett Hanger (R-24th) from Augusta County and Dr. Kurt Michael, former Augusta County Republican Committee chairman, spent time Friday afternoon talking about uniting the party and winning elections.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." --Galatians 6:9

 For Delegate Chris Saxman (R-20th House) of Staunton now lives in the Richmond area.

Kurt and I ran into State Senator Mark Obenshain (R-26th) of Harrisonburg in Capitol Square.

Former 6th Congressional District Chairman Fred Anderson and his wife Ann attended Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling's official portrait unveiling and afterward at the reception for guests, family, and friends. I always teased Fred about his many hats (literally) ... Ann always is a picture of fashion perfection.

"Do the Bolling" ... the Lieutenant Governor and Kurt. They go back many years together to SWAC Breakfasts and then the 2005 primary when Kurt and his wife hosted the Bollings for a fundraiser at their Fishersville home (the LG relayed a humorous story about that night at Thursday's dinner in Short Pump). After winning the primary, we organized a second fundraiser in October that was held at the horse farm of Vonda and Kevin Lacey in Augusta County -- a glorious fall day that also included then-AG candidate Bob McDonnell, many of the local electeds, and Ken Mehlman, then-chairman of the Republican National Committee who worked in the Bush administration with my sister. What a fantastic day ... and Bill and Bob went on to win lieutenant governor and attorney general on their way to leading the party to a sweep of the Top 3 a short four years later.

Trixie Averill ... the heart of the 6th Congressional District for 30 years. She worked with more candidates than we will ever remember but a few of them were George Allen, Jim Gilmore, Jerry Kilgore, George W. Bush, Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling ... she was the go-to person for western Virginia. Here she reconnects with Randy Marcus who has been with the LG since the beginning, and whom I first met in late 1999 on the George W. Bush presidential campaign.

Bill and Trixie at the LG's official portrait unveiling in Richmond on January 10, 2014.

Trixie and Governor Bob McDonnell meet in the Capitol. They drove hundreds of campaign miles together and have been friends for years.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
Richmond, Virginia
January 10, 2014

Dinner with Lt. Governor Bill and Jean Ann Bolling

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and his wife, Jean Ann.

Hilton Hotel, Richmond

January 9, 2014

More photos to come....

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 9, 2014

January sunrise

SWAC Husband took a picture of this morning's sunrise.

Cooking up cold weather foods

Apple Cider Quick Bread

I've got to admit I love to cook so spending much of the Wednesday in the kitchen cooking was not a huge sacrifice. While outside temps hovered around 30 degrees as the daytime high, I washed and chopped celery and onions and other vegetables for a big double batch of Brunswick stew that bubbled on the stove along side a pot of homemade chili. As they slowly cooked for much of the afternoon, I baked molasses-gingerbread cookies and a loaf of apple cider bread which kept the oven going and the kitchen toasty warm.

The apple cider bread mix was a gift from our daughter, and it turned out really nice. After baking for almost an hour, it looked perfect and the top crust was crunchy and yummy. Half the loaf is for here and the other half is to share with my parents. I also made up a double batch of molasses-gingerbread cookies to share ... big, soft cookies just like they like them.

Since I'm heading to Richmond for some legislative-related events later today, it seemed a good time to cook. With the upcoming cool, rainy weekend, my folks will have some warm stews and a sweet treat or two to help stay warm, and the cooking is done for here, too. Talk about killing two birds with one stone....

After spending the better part of the day in the kitchen, by last night the food was divided and stored in containers, the dishwasher was loaded, and pots and pans were washed and put away. The long day cooking will pay off with no cooking through the weekend. My work here is done. LOL.

Stay warm with some stew because it's winter in the Shenandoah Valley....

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 8, 2014

2014 State of the Commonwealth address by Gov. Bob McDonnell

State of the Commonwealth Address

Governor Robert F. McDonnell 
January 8, 2014 - 7:00pm
 Richmond 
As Prepared for Delivery

Mr. Speaker. Mr. President.

Justices of the Supreme Court and Judges of the State Corporation Commission,

Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, now in your 395th year,

My fellow Virginians,

It is my privilege to address you, one last time, as Governor, on the State of the Commonwealth.

I must note that because it's my last speech the Speaker promised me all the time I wanted… so get comfortable.

For 22 years I have served with you. First, in this chamber as a Delegate. Then as Attorney general. Now, as Governor.

While this public chapter of my life draws to a close, I'm not the only one saying farewell.

Tonight, a grateful Commonwealth salutes the public service of:

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, who has redefined the role of his office as a jobs creator,
policy leader, and Cabinet member, and presided over the Senate with grace. Thank you Bill for over 20 years of outstanding service.

Read the rest here. 

Photo by State Senator Bill Carrico
January 8, 2014

Nisa's Cafe at High Tech Spa & Salon ... new coffee spot in Staunton area

There's a new eatery in town. Nisa's Cafe in Verona serves a wide variety of gourmet coffees, teas, smoothies, and espresso drinks as well as daily breakfast and lunch specials. Opened in November, this local cafe whose name is derived from the two owners' names -- Nikki and Lisa -- can be found in an airy, bright space adjacent to High Tech Salon and Spa.

On Tuesday I checked out Nisa's after my appointment at High Tech. All the ladies working the counter were friendly and personable, and very agreeable when I asked to take photos.  They were making up samples of Chai Tea Lattes to take into the adjacent salon and asked if I would like to taste. Have to admit I'd never tasted Chai tea although I'd heard of it. As I sipped the spicy drink, they were eager to hear my opinion. It was good. It was a little different. It tasted, I told them, like what a cinnamon potpourri would taste like so a little would go a long way. We all laughed, and then non-coffee drinker me ordered a chocolate mocha frappé with skim milk -- it was good -- and hung out for a while, talking with the mother-in-law of one of the owners and getting a feel for the place.

Daily Specials are posted at the door and on their Facebook page like these for today, January 8:

Today's Specials:
+Coffee flavor: English Toffee
+Cream cheese flavors: Veggie & Strawberry
+Bagel Flavors: Plain,wheat, everything & blueberry
+Baked oatmeal
+Gourmet cupcake flavors-chocolate with old fashion caramel icing and golden "oreo"
+French apple cake
Lunch:
+Chicken Noodle Soup - 12 oz bowl $5.25 8 oz cup $4.25
+Gourmet grilled cheese & bacon on wheat berry bread with Nisa's dressing and bag of chips $7.50

Come in out of the cold and have some hot coffee in a warm & cozy atmosphere!!

Open at 7:00 a.m. with breakfast items that include bacon or ham, egg, and cheese sandwiches, bagels, hard boiled eggs with bacon and toast, oatmeal, and muffins, Nisa's Cafe stays open until 4:00 Tuesday through Friday. On Saturdays they are open 8-1:00.

For gluten-free diets, they offer gluten-free muffins as well as gluten-free bread for any of the sandwiches. Their chicken salad is homemade as is most everything else they offer.

Nisa's is also available to host parties and special events in the cafe. With its cozy conversation areas and wide variety of goodies for just about any taste buds, it's becoming the popular place to gather in central Augusta County at 11 Green Hills Drive, Verona / 540.248-8800, adjacent to High Tech Styling Salon. While there, be sure to grab a punch card ... after 10 punches, get a free coffee of your choice.

It sounds like a lot of time and effort has gone into this venture and, since I only purchased a frappé yesterday, I'm looking forward to stopping by again to try out a sandwich or salad or homemade soup. See you at Nisa's!

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 7, 2014

Baby, it's cold outside! Temp plummets to -2 degrees west of Staunton

There it is ... minus 2 degrees this morning shortly before 7:00 a.m. I consider us fortunate because many locations throughout the nation were far colder than our corner of Augusta County.

The heated bird bath is frozen over with thirsty birds sitting around trying to figure out what to do for a sip of water. We will refill it but today's high temp is supposed to be around 15 which will still allow bird bath water to freeze.  High winds overnight caused wind chills to register far below zero with some areas feeling like -20.

The furnace is running but our biggest support is the wood stove that is working to crank out some cozy heat on this frigid morning. A pot of Brunswick stew will be bubbling on the stove throughout the day, and venturing out will involve warming up the car before hitting the street.

WHSV TV-3 had good weather advice: "You are encouraged to stay indoors, but if you have to travel, check your car battery, have a blanket and safety supplies with you as well as a fully charged cell phone and full tank of fuel. Open cabinet doors and allow water to run through your pipes. Have a safe heat source, as well as a reliable backup heat source. Check on your friends, neighbors and the elderly, and bring pets indoors."

There's no frost this morning west of Staunton ... it's just cold. The air is clear and the mountains are sharply outlined against the western sky. The sun is out and the sky is a deep blue. This is a short cold snap because the rest of the week will warm nicely, starting tomorrow.

Public schools in the SWAC area were on a two-hour delay while Grace Christian School was on a one-hour delay. A list of delays and closings is here.

Today's forecast from WHSV TV-3:  ***A Wind Chill Warning is in effect through 6:00 p.m. for the entire viewing area. The combination of very cold air and strong winds has the potential to create dangerously low wind chill values well below zero. With temperatures and wind chills this low, frostbite and hypothermia are possible. ***

SEVERE WEATHER ALERT DAY (SWAD) ISSUED BY THE FIRST ALERT STORM TEAM: A Severe Weather Alert Day (SWAD) has been issued for Tuesday, January 7. Highs today will only make it to the low and middle teens. Gusty winds in addition to the cold polar air will provide wind chill values around 0° to -20°. The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Warning for the entire viewing area for the same reason.

Stay warm out there.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 7, 2014

U.S. House schedule for Tuesday, January 7, 2014

From Majority Leader Eric Cantor's office....

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7TH

On Tuesday, the House will meet at 2:00 p.m. for pro forma business and recess immediately.
Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

Quorum Call - Establishing a quorum in the House of Representatives for the Second Session of the 113th Congress

Special Order Speeches

Printable PDF

Thoughts on a rainy winter afternoon

The rains began this morning before daybreak, light and misty at first. The temperature that had hovered around 22 degrees last night had risen during the night and was just below freezing in the dark of the pre-dawn hours.

By mid-morning as the rain picked up -- warnings of freezing rain were in effect from the wee hours of Sunday morning until mid-afternoon -- and the Appalachian mountain range disappeared into the lowering fog, any thoughts of going out were set aside for another day. Days like this are to be treasured in our busy lifestyles.

So instead of going out and about, we stayed home, fired up the wood stove, turned on the lights on the Christmas tree, and with feet propped up, I read the Sunday newspapers -- two hard copies as well as digital copies online, proofed a paper for a friend, wrote a blog post, got some correspondence completed, scanned Facebook, and generally enjoyed life in the slow lane.

Tomorrow the busy world will return and I must head out into the arctic freeze that is predicted to bring some of the coldest air for our area in several years but for today I'm grateful to have had nowhere to go. Hope your Sunday was just as grand.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 5, 2014

Why are robins in the Shenandoah Valley in January? UPDATED

 A robin sat in our red bud this morning as freezing rain fell in 33-degree weather.

As freezing rain falls outside on a frigid January morning, robins -- those birds of spring -- hop around and light on tree limbs. What?

We first noticed robins on the lawn a week before Christmas. They seemed to be hanging out with the grackles, those flocks of black birds that swoop in by the hundreds. The robins and their red breasts, however, stood out against the bleak winter landscape. We figured they must be late heading south and just passing through.

Three weeks later, they're still hanging around. There have been some extremely cold mornings with temps in the teens when robins have been seen hopping in the yard looking for worms: hop hop hop, pause, cock head to side ... hop hop hop, pause, cock head to side. I didn't see any actually find a worm -- the ground must have been frozen solid on those mornings -- but have seen them in trees and in the wisteria vines. Finding bugs?

This morning I'm a little concerned because not only is there freezing rain falling but there's an arctic deep-freeze heading our way with lows tomorrow night possibly plummeting into the minus numbers on the thermometer. Brrrr.

Has anyone else seen them? They usually return in March. Any ideas on what's going on?

UPDATE: My Appalachian Trail friend provided a link to a website about robins wintering over with lots of info. Thanks, Merlot!

The link she provided was from the Journey North blog titled American Robin. What a great resource of information about these usually-springtime friends. I don't have to worry about them in the cold after reading Journey North's blog:

Every autumn robins migrate south. We humans have an intuitive sense that the robins are trying to escape cold weather, but every winter at least some robins stay in the northern states and southern Canada. Robins have survived blinding blizzards, ice storms, and nights as cold as 30 below zero without human help. Regardless of how cold it is on the outside of their feathers, their body temperature under the feathers is about 104 degrees. How do they stay warm enough to survive? Their thick down feathers hold body heat in. They produce body heat by shivering. And they get the energy to shiver from their food.

Sounds like our visitors will be just fine. Check out the rest of Journey North's post about robins wintering over for some helpful and very interesting info. Guess I'm going to kick back, stop worrying, and enjoy the unusual phenomenon of robins in my yard during winter.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 5, 2014

Power begins returning to Fishersville, Stuarts Draft

As power began returning to residents in Fishersville and Stuarts Draft, Dominion Virginia Power updated information:

NEW UPDATE TO SHARE: Phased power restoration has begun. We anticipate having all services restored by 4 p.m. Thanks, again, for your patience while our crews work to get everyone's power back on.

Remember to stay safe: If street lights are out, treat them as four-way stops. Stay layered in the cold temperatures and check on family and neighbors to make sure everyone's OK. Bring those pets inside, too.

Dominion Virginia Power provides updated info for those without power

As Dominion Virginia Power worked to restore power to thousands of customers in Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Crimora, Greenville, and other locations throughout the Commonwealth, they provided updated information:

12:25 p.m. The latest update from Dominion Virginia Power:

UPDATE: Our crews are working hard to get everyone restored as quickly and safely as possible. Because of the cold, we will begin restoring your power in phases to ease load on the system. You can also help! Unplug appliances and turn off lights so as power gets restored, no additional outages will occur. We always recommend you leave on one light, so you will know when your power's back.

Be safe in these cold temps: Dress in layers – multiple lightweight layers will help keep you warmer than one bulky layer. Please check on any elderly family members or neighbors. Bring outdoor pets inside, if you can.

Thanks and stay safe!

Earlier from Dominion Virginia Power:

11:30 a.m. We have experienced an equipment failure at a transmission substation near #Waynesboro, resulting in power outages to 19,000 Dominion Virginia Power customers and 13,000 coop customers.

To help restore power, we're asking all customers without power to leave on one light and turn off all other lights and major appliances, including heat pumps.

This will help us restore power and prevent customers from experiencing any additional outages when we begin restoring power.

We expect it will be early afternoon before power begins being restored. Thanks to everyone for your patience!

Stay warm out there.

How to send get-well wishes to former First Lady Barbara Bush

Send your well-wishes to Barbara Bush. Mrs. Bush will appreciate your personal note and your support of her Foundation’s work for a more literate America. We will forward your well-wishes to her. --from Barbara Bush Foundation

Former First Lady Barbara Bush didn't have a very good start to the New Year after being admitted to the hospital with pneumonia on the first day of 2014. Best wishes for a speedy recovery have come in from around the world, and now the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy has provided a way for everyone to send get-well wishes.

Click on the foundation link and leave a personal message. Here's sending prayers for Mrs. Bush's complete recovery.

UPDATE: Mrs. Bush has been released from the hospital, according to Bush friends. Mrs. Bush expressed her gratitude as she noted, "I cannot thank the doctors and nurses at Houston Methodist enough for making sure I got the best treatment and got back to George and our dogs as quickly as possible,"

Widespread power outages hit customers as temps hover in teens -- UPDATED

Facebook this morning is full of status updates from friends who live from Crimora to Waynesboro to Fishersville to Stuarts Draft to Greenville waking up without power. With temps dipping from upper single digits to low teens and a dusting of snow still on the ground from Thursday's storm, it promises to be a chilly morning for some.

According to Dominion Power's outage map, the problem crosses Afton. Facebook is buzzing with information. Missy Kenny who lives in Kent's Store wrote, "Central Virginia Electric Cooperative has been notified that an issue on the Dominion Virginia Power transmission system is affecting CVEC members served by the following CVEC substations: Midway (near Crozet), Martins Store (serves Afton, Nellysford, Nelson County from Shipman to Covesville), and the substations on Wintergreen Mountain."

Shenandoah Valley Electric Coooperative is also affected in Augusta County. The Staunton News-Leader has updates and reported at 8:30 a.m. that over 30,000 electric customers have been affected.

Stay warm out there. 

Update 9:05 a.m.: Reportedly the cause of the outages is a transformer that caught fire in Crimora. 

Update 10:15 a.m.:  Dominion Power is reporting the largest outage area is Shenandoah region with 20,000 customers without electricity. That is followed by 750 outages in Northern Virginia, 450 in Richmond, and 400 in southeastern Virginia.

Update 10:30 a.m.: I've heard from the SWAC bloggers who live in Fishersville and they are without power ... Fishersville Mike, Kurt, Jason. We're hearing power is supposed to be restored sometime by noon. If not, we may have to party at SWAC Girl's house where we not only have electricity for football games and to charge up electronic devices but also a fired-up wood stove and hot coffee. LOL. Stay warm out there.

Update 10:45 a.m.: Here's the latest from Dominion Virginia Electric:

We have experienced an equipment failure at a transmission substation near #Waynesboro, resulting in power outages to 19,000 Dominion Virginia Power customers and 13,000 coop customers.

To help restore power, we're asking all customers without power to leave on one light and turn off all other lights and major appliances, including heat pumps.

This will help us restore power and prevent customers from experiencing any additional outages when we begin restoring power.

We expect it will be early afternoon before power begins being restored. Thanks to everyone for your patience!

Update 11:15 a.m.: Power is ON in Staunton so lots of Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Crimora, and folks from other areas are visiting businesses and restaurants causing a Facebook friend to observe, "Every gas station and fast food place is full with lines to the road in Staunton. Must be the power outage in Waynesboro and parts of the county."

Updates: From Dominion Virginia Power at 11:30 a.m. and 12:25 p.m.

Update: Power begins returning to Shenandoah Valley locations (Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Crimora, Waynesboro, others)

Keeping up with Fishersville Mike

In my internet journey today, there's no need to "catch up" with local blogger Fishersville Mike since I regularly pop in on him. We are both listed on the Staunton News Leader aggregator and sometimes cross paths while out and about the SWAC area, most notably at the Mitt Romney rally in October 2012 at Expoland in Fishersville. A fellow member of Smitty's Axis of Fedorables, Mike is a crossroads for many of the other bloggers with a running blog update on his sidebar.

The only thing I could disagree with him about is his Grumpy Cat on the sidebar with the warning, "Let it snow somewhere else." LOL. I'm a snow lover but it sounds like my fellow SWAC blogger would like to jump from Christmas straight into spring.

I've been to see Pat in Shreveport today as well as Smitty at The Other McCain. Here's a wave at Mike in Fishersville just a short hop from my corner of Augusta County ... I'm on my way to visit another blogger friend. Happy 2014!

Smitty's Axis of Fedorables

I'm traveling the internet today popping in on old blogging friends so had to stop by The Other McCain and see what those guys were up to. I keep up with Smitty through Facebook ... his little boy -- the world's youngest blogger -- is absolutely adorable. Today there were FB pictures of him playing in the snow ... so cute!

As one of Smitty's Axis of Fedorables, I looked in on the club of bloggers who have met Smitty over the years and had photos taken with him while they were wearing his trademark fedora. The list is a bit longer than it was three years ago when I met Smitty at the tea party convention in Richmond and, along with some of my blogging colleagues, was added to the club. Here's the group:

• All-American Girl for the Restoration of Values
• Allergic to Bull
• Cat House Chat
• Chris Cassone
• Conservative Daily News
• DaTechguy
• Fishersville Mike
• Girl on the Right
• Haemet
• Just A Conservative Girl
• Little Miss Attila
• Marooned in Marin
• Paco Enterprises
• So It Goes In Shreveport
• SWAC Girl
• The (Perhaps Slightly Less) Lonely Conservative
• The Camp of the Saints
• The World's Youngest Blogger
• Uncoverage
• VA Right

That a good group of bloggers. After visiting Pat in Shreveport this morning (months of a busy life had caused me to fall off on my blog reading), it was comforting to see the familiar names of not just these but also others around the blogosphere.

Meanwhile, Smitty and Stacy continue to keep us informed with news and opinion and links. Many thanks to two dedicated writers ... I'll be by regularly in the new year.

A visit with Pat in Shreveport

I've been negligent recently in checking out many of my fellow bloggers around the internet so decided to head down to Shreveport to check in on blogger Pat Austin, a teacher who writes "And so it goes in Shreveport."

Pat writes in a style very similar to mine ... a little of this, a little of that. We both have our feet firmly planted in politics but also enjoy sharing our windows on the world wherever we go. She could easily be called a photo-blogger because she has shared photos of the sights and events in her corner of the world including antique shops, towns, and other areas as well as people and places.

One of my favorites is her regular post featuring her roundup of what's going on with other blogs, something I haven't done for a while and really should try to reincorporate into my blogging.

Now that I've dropped in on Pat, it's time to travel around and stop by some others whose blogs I haven't visited during the past busy months. It's the new year and what better way to kick it off than with long-time blogger friends. Enjoy your day ... I'm sure I'll enjoy mine!

'Do not attempt this' ... really?

Holiday Nissan Rogue television ad ... a Rogue lands on top of a commuter train ... and it ran with this disclaimer at the bottom:

Fantasy, do not attempt. Cars can't jump on trains.

Really?

McAuliffe rounds out Cabinet with former First Lady Anne Holton as Secretary of Education

The latest cabinet announcement for Democratic Governor-Elect Terry McAuliffe is appointing former First Lady Anne Holton, daughter of former Republican Governor Linwood Holton and wife of former Democratic Governor Tim Kaine, as Secretary of Education.

Ms. Holton joins other appointees as McAuliffe prepares to take office. Names in parentheses hold those positions in the McDonnell administration:

Chief of Staff
- Paul Reagan (Martin Kent)

Deputy Chief of Staff
- Suzette Denslow

Secretary of the Commonwealth
- Levar Stoney (Janet Vestal Kelly)

Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry
- Todd Haymore (reappointed from McDonnell administration)

Secretary of Natural Resources
- Molly Joseph Ward (Doug Domenech)

Secretary of Finance
- Ric Brown (reappointed from McDonnell administration; has served 12 governors)

Secretary of Health and Human Resources
- Bill Hazel (reappointed from McDonnell administration)

Secretary of Education
- Anne Holton (Javaid Siddiqi)

Secretary of Public Safety
- Brian Moran (Bryan Rhode)

Secretary of Technology
- Karen Jackson (Jim Duffey)

Secretary of Transportation
- Aubrey Layne, Jr. (Sean Connaughton)

Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security
- John Harvey, Jr. (Jim Hopper)

McDonnell announces firearms manufacturer to add 64 new jobs in Pulaski County

From Governor Bob McDonnell's office....

Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that Alexander Industries, a privately held American manufacturer of firearms, will invest $2.88 million to relocate and expand its operations in Dublin Industrial Park in Pulaski County.  Virginia successfully competed against South Dakota and Texas for the project, which will create 64 new jobs.

            Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “It is a win to retain a Virginia-founded company as it thrives and expands. Alexander Industries was established in the Commonwealth in 2001, and continued growth requires the need for a larger facility and increased manufacturing capacity to meet demand. With this project the company triples its current workforce and will move operations to a 25,000-square-foot facility in Dublin Industrial Park that meets its needs. I am confident that Alexander Industries will continue its path of success in Pulaski County.”

            “Alexander Industries has made a reputation of quality for itself over the last 12 years, and will continue to be a strong corporate citizen in the New River Valley,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “Pulaski County and the Town of Dublin offer solutions for the company’s current and future growth needs, and we look forward to the continued partnership between the Commonwealth of Virginia and Alexander Industries.”

            Alexander Industries (www.alexanderarms.com), established in 2001, is headquartered in Virginia and is best known for development of the .50 Beowulf and 6.5 Grendel cartridges and more recently the development of an all new rifle for the .338 Lapua cartridge, all designed by founder, Bill Alexander. Alexander produces rifles, ammunition, and accessories for its products.

            “2013 has been an exciting year for Alexander Arms,” said James Reddish, President of Alexander Industries. “The continued success of our products, combined with development of the new .338 Lapua rifle, has put the company in a strong position for future growth. We are pleased to be able to pursue that growth in our home state of Virginia, and thank all the state and local officials who worked so hard to help us find a new home in Pulaski County.”

            The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Pulaski County, the Town of Dublin, and the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $150,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Pulaski County with the project. The company is eligible to receive benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.

            “We are pleased to welcome Alexander Industries to Pulaski County,” said Joe Sheffey, Chairman of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors. “Alexander Industries is known as a high-quality company that will continue to diversify our local economy and provide additional jobs for the New River Valley. This American company helps further Pulaski County’s goal of creating a strong employment base made up of national and international companies. We appreciate the investment by Governor McDonnell, the assistance of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the initiative of the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance, the vision of the Town of Dublin, and the dedication of the County economic development staff.”

            “We are very excited that Alexander Industries has chosen the Town of Dublin as their newest location,” said Mayor Benny P. Skeens. “I would like to thank Governor McDonnell and his staff for all of their assistance with this project. I would also like to thank the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, as well as the New River Economic Development Alliance, for all of their hard work also. I am also appreciative of all of the Assistance that Pulaski County has given on this project. I would like to welcome Alexander Industries to the Town of Dublin, and I look forward to working with them for many years to come.”

The Greenbrier plans first "Discovery Series" of special interest weekends

White Sulphur Springs, WV - January 2, 2014: This January, The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia is launching its first annual Discovery Series, a collection of eight weekend events with themes ranging from interior design to the culinary arts, blues music to craft beer brewing, and from antiques to wellness.

Weekends will be hosted by industry personalities such as: design guru Carleton Varney, Curator of The Greenbrier; a team from the hit PBS show, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW; Monte Durham, celebrity wedding consultant and fashion director of Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta; and Mandy Hale, blogger and author of The Single Woman: Life, Love & a Dash of Sass and the forthcoming March 2014 release, I've Never Been to Vegas But My Luggage Has.

 

Carleton Varney Weekend January 24 - 26, 2014  The grandeur of today's Greenbrier has been shaped by its 65+ year relationship with the legendary design firm of Dorothy Draper & Co. This January, visitors are invited to join Carleton Varney (protégé of Dorothy Draper) and President of the company, for a fascinating weekend featuring design workshops, private walking tours, book signings and cocktail parties with Mr. Varney. Broadway star Rita McKenzie will be performing in Carleton's honor.

Brews and Blues Weekend January 31 - February 2, 2014  Celebrating local artisanal breweries and the best of blues music from the region, this weekend is dedicated to beer tastings, dinners and lectures along with live blues music provided by The Adrian Duke Project.

  

Culinary Weekend February 7 - 9, 2014  Led by The Greenbrier's executive chef Bryan Skelding, this weekend is dedicated to all things food. Guests can participate in everything from a hands-on chocolate experience to etiquette classes, and from a five-course wine dinner to a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour.  This is the perfect foodie weekend!

  

Romance Weekend February 14 - 17, 2014  The Greenbrier was recently named one of the "Most Romantic Date Destinations in America" and guests staying over Valentine's Day weekend can experience horse-drawn carriage rides, wine and chocolate pairings, spa treatments in The Greenbrier's Five-Star mineral spa, ballroom dancing lessons and more.

  

Wellness Weekend March 7 - 9, 2014  The Greenbrier began as a wellness destination almost 250 years ago when the mineral hot springs were discovered and is today the world's top Five-Star mineral spa. The Greenbrier's wellness weekend is designed to relax both body and soul with yoga and Pilates classes led by expert instructors, a 5k run through the surrounding hills, and morning meditation walks paired with healthy eating classes and wellness workshops.

Antique Treasures Weekend March 14 - 16, 2014  Star appraisers Ken Farmer and Matt Quinn, executive producer Marsha Bemko and host Mark L. Walberg from the hit PBS show, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, will be on hand at The Greenbrier to give lessons on antique appraising and will even appraise items brought by guests.

  

Art Enthusiast Weekend March 21 - 23, 2014  Painting demonstrations, glass blowing and a series of presentations by visiting artists and art scholars (on subjects including "Enchantment" and "Frank Lloyd Wright") are sure to entice the art lover. Artist in Action, Larry Moore will be holding painting demonstrations throughout the resort for the entire weekend.

  

Women's Weekend March 27 - 30, 2014  This three-day women's getaway will feature talks on empowerment, relationships, style and cooking. A special shopping spree with major discounts in The Greenbrier shops will be followed by an Evening Gala to round out the weekend, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Mountaineer Autism Project.

 

"We are thrilled to be launching this dynamic series of weekends of fun, learning and  entertainment at America's Resort," says Jeff Kmiec, President of The Greenbrier.

Rates begin at $199 per night; full details of content and pricing are at: www.thegreenbrier.com/discovery.

ABOUT THE GREENBRIER:

Located in White Sulphur Springs in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, The Greenbrier has been welcoming guests since 1778. Known as "America's Resort," it encompasses more than 10,000 acres of undulating landscape that includes: four golf courses (including the exclusive Greenbrier Sporting Club's private course); a championship indoor and outdoor tennis facility (including five outdoor clay courts and five indoor courts); The Greenbrier Clinic (specializing in executive health); a 40,000-square-foot spa; a mélange of sporting activities; shops; private homes at The Greenbrier Sporting Club; guests-only casino; and, at its heart, a vast and imposing grand hotel. Purchased in 2009 by West Virginia entrepreneur James C. Justice II, The Greenbrier has undergone a $250+ million restoration and is now home to The Greenbrier Classic, a PGA TOUR, FedEx Cup event, and will soon launch The Greenbrier Medical Institute, a state-of-the-art medical complex on the resort's grounds.

It's snowing in Shenandoah Valley

 Light snow began mixing with rain this afternoon in the Shenandoah Valley and changed over to all snow before dark. The forecast is not calling for much but it certainly is pretty coming down.

It's festive to turn on the Christmas aka snow lights. Snow has been scant this year with no really measurable amount yet so we'll take what we can get. It's winter in the Shenandoah Valley....

NBC-29 forecast (Charlottesville)

WHSV Tv-3 forecast (Harrisonburg)

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 2, 2014

Happy New Year 2014

May 2014 be happy and prosperous!