Saturday morning on the porch....

Wow, what a gorgeous morning in the Shenandoah Valley ... a sweater morning! The sky is blue, the sun is out, temps are in the 60s, low humidity, and there's a stiff breeze with a cool edge to it that requires a sweater to ward off the shady chill. I can't help but think how nice it must be up on the mountain for those camping this weekend in Shenandoah National Park.

We've had lots of rain this spring and into summer so the grass is green and lush, unlike some years when it's dried up and crispy by the July 4th holiday. The shade trees in our little oasis are blowing in the breeze, their leaves rustling and making dancing shadows on the yard.

I just heard a sound in the gutter overhead so watched to see who was intruding on my quiet, and then a bright red cardinal flew from the roof to a nearby tree. He must have found a bug for his breakfast. Rabbits are munching on the smorgasbord that is our front yard ... nibble, hop, nibble, hop hop.  The birds are loud as they are every morning with their various chirps and calls to one another. The mournful sound of a dove can be heard in the distance.

The bright orange daylilies are blooming as are the cheerful yellow coreopsis moonlight, and bright red roses. My potted annuals got a late start this year since I was about three weeks behind in planting them but they are catching up -- petunias, zinnias, impatiens, geraniums, heather, and other colorful additions on the porches and in the back yard around the outdoor tables. Flowers can be time-intensive but the reward of those overflowing blossoms that add splashes of color as well as fragrance in the air is well worth the effort.

The wind, the leaves, the birds ... those are the only sounds this morning. It's going to be a great day....

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Back in the homeschool classroom: A chance encounter

The Gulf of Mexico on the Florida Panhandle.

I ran into an old friend today while shopping at Martin's in Staunton ... a homeschool mom who joined our local homeschool organization while I was in leadership. It was good to see her and brought back memories of the years I educated my children at home.

We got caught up in that quick in-a-nutshell way that you do when running into someone you haven't seen in a while in a public place like the grocery store, and then she said something that kind of stopped me in my tracks.

"I read your blog."

"Really?" I was flattered.

I thanked her, and laughed about how I write about politics but then escape to the mountains or the back roads to take photos and enjoy the Shenandoah Valley. She smiled and nodded and said, "Your pictures of the beach...."

"Ah, the Gulf of Mexico," I said nodding my head. "I had not been there in years but the water was just as blue as I remembered."

She noted that it was beautiful and she had really enjoyed the pictures and it made her want to go to the beach. Yes, I told her, I had heard that from others, too.

The photos are my window on the world that I enjoy sharing with others, the neat nooks and crannies of the places where I ramble and make discoveries and spend time taking in the beauty of wherever I am. It has always been amazing that people write to say how much they enjoy seeing them.

It is equally amazing that a number of homeschool moms, some whom I've never met, read my blog. You would think they would have their hands full with required school reading so I consider it an honor that they take a few minutes out of their day to stop by SWAC Girl.

A while back, one mom wrote that she especially enjoyed when I ended my posts with, "It's summer (spring/winter/fall) in the Shenandoah Valley...." Now when I type that line, I think of her.

Our chance encounter today was once again a reminder that friends are priceless. And knowing that there are those who enjoy my blog is an honor. 

And, Leslie -- great seeing you today! May the rest of your homeschool journey be especially gratifying and successful, and hopefully it won't be so long before we meet up again....

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

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
Seacrest, Florida
May 2013

U.S. House schedule for Friday, June 28, 2013

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 28TH
On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business.
First and last votes expected: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

One Minute Speeches

Complete Consideration of H.R. 2231 - Offshore Energy and Jobs Act, Rules Committee Print
(Structured Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Doc Hastings / Natural Resources Committee)

The Rule provides for no further general debate and makes in order the following remaining amendments:

Rep. Peter DeFazio Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Paul Broun Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Alan Grayson Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Reps. Capps / Brownley / Lowenthal Amendment (10 minutes of debate)

Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY
Oversight & Government Reform Committee mark up of "Resolution Determining that Lois Lerner Waived Her Fifth Amendment Privilege” (Friday, June 28th, at 9:00 a.m.)

Printable PDF

U.S. House schedule for Thursday, June 27, 2013

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 27TH
On Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. First votes expected: 2:00-3:00 p.m. Last votes expected: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

One Minute Speeches

H.R. 1613 - Outer Continental Shelf Transboundary Hydrocarbon Agreement Authorization Act (Structured Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Jeff Duncan / Natural Resources Committee)

The rule provides for one hour general of debate and makes in order the following amendment:

Rep. Alan Grayson Amendment (10 minutes of debate)

Begin Consideration of H.R. 2231 - Offshore Energy and Jobs Act, Rules Committee Print
(Structured Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Doc Hastings / Natural Resources Committee)

The rule provides for one hour of general debate and makes in order the following amendments:

Rep. Bill Cassidy Amendment #1 (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Bill Cassidy Amendment #2 (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Paul Broun Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Peter DeFazio Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Alan Grayson Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Reps. Hastings (FL) / Connolly (VA) Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Kevin Brady Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Reps. Capps / Brownley / Lowenthal Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Bill Flores Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Scott Riggell Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Doug Lamborn Amendment (10 minutes of debate)

Postponed Vote on H.R. 1864 - To amend title 10, United States Code, to require an Inspector General Investigation of allegations of retaliatory personnel actions taken in response to making protected communications regarding sexual assault (Sponsored by Rep. Jackie Walorski / Armed Services Committee)

Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY
Ways and Means Committee hearing on “Status of Internal Revenue Service’s Review of Taxpayer Targeting Practices” (Thursday, June 27th, at 10:00 a.m.)

Printable PDF

Virginia's mowing blitz to spiff up for Independence Day

Photo from NBC-29.

Virginia is spiffing up the roadways for the upcoming 4th of July holiday as the Virginia Department of Transportation goes on a mowing blitz during the next week. Shoulders and medians will be mowed and trash picked up as the Commonwealth readies for America's birthday.

Governor Bob McDonnell announced the cleanup on Tuesday, noting:

“A clean, well-cut roadway enhances the state’s appearance for residents and visitors, but of greater importance is the effort to improve a motorist’s ability to see signs, guardrail and oncoming traffic, and to pull over during an emergency. Additional mowing will be ongoing throughout the year, but we wanted to make sure that our roads and highways are ready to welcome the public to the Commonwealth ahead of the holiday weekend.”

As always, be mindful of VDOT workers who are out there beautifying the Old Dominion. They want to spend a safe Independence Day with their families, too.

U.S. House schedule for Wednesday, June 26, 2013

From Majority Leader Eric Cantor....

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26TH 

On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. First and last votes expected: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

One Minute Speeches

H.Res. 274 - A resolution providing for the consideration of H.R. 1613 - Outer Continental Shelf Transboundary Hydrocarbon Agreements Authorization Act, H.R. 2231 - Offshore Energy and Jobs Act, H.R. 2410 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014 (Special Rule, One Hour of Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Rob Bishop / Rules Committee) 

H.R. 1864 - To amend title 10, United States Code, to require an Inspector General Investigation of allegations of retaliatory personnel actions taken in response to making protected communications regarding sexual assault (Suspension, 40 minutes of Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Jackie Walorski / Armed Services Committee)

Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY 

Budget Committee hearing on “America’s Energy Revolution: A New Path to Jobs and Economic Growth” (Wednesday, June 26th, at 10:00 a.m.)

Printable PDF

Black bear sighting in Staunton

Photo courtesy of Kristin Balsley

With the active black bear season this year in the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding mountains, it was only a matter of time before a bear was spotted in Staunton. Sure enough, that's what happened today as reports of a bear began surfacing around the middle of the day. The photo above was taken on North Augusta Street across from the Mary Baldwin College campus where the bear was seen on campus making its way toward Statler Boulevard.

I was talking with wildlife biologist and longtime friend Al Bourgeois from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries as we sat at dinner last weekend at a wedding in western Augusta County. He is one of the resident bear experts who has dealt with bears in this area for years. He said it has been a very active season as the hungry critters are roaming looking for food and, since there is very little natural food just yet, some are making their way to populated areas sniffing out garbage, bird feeders, and other edible goodies.

Bears are not unusual in this part of Virginia, and each year there are incidents with some years busier than others. This is one of those busy years.

Previous posts from Lynn R. Mitchell about black bears:
- Bears bears bears in the neighborhood
- If you live in Virginia, you're in black bear country
- Black bears in Shenandoah National Park
- Black bears nabbing pets in Augusta County
- The Journey: "More on snakes and bears"
- Black bears at Big Meadows
- Black bear population exploding in the Shenandoah ...
- Aggresive bear alert in Shenandoah National Park
- Bear attack in Augusta County
- Shenandoah ... where the deer and the black bears play....
- Black bear sightings in Shenandoah Valley
- Honey ... there's a bear in the storage shed....
- Black bear attacks hunter 

McDonnell: Homelessness down in Virginia

Good news and better news today from Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell (R) who announced that homelessless is down 17 percent in the Commonwealth, not just among the general population but also among military veterans.

The Governor has made reducing homelessness a goal in his administration, and noted:

“Preventing and ending homelessness is a significant component of our ongoing efforts to build a healthy and prosperous Commonwealth, and I am pleased that such positive progress has been made in reducing homelessness in Virginia.

"A focus on this important effort, and shifting some resources from shelters to rapid re-housing, has led to more Virginians living in safe, stable homes. More Virginians today have a place to call home, and that is great news for them and for our entire Commonwealth. However, despite this tremendous progress, we still have much work to do, and that’s why our efforts to further reduce homelessness across Virginia will only increase moving forward. Our work will not be done until all Virginians have a home.”

The Governor's Monday press release:

Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that overall homelessness in the Commonwealth has declined 16 percent from 2010 to 2013 with a 17 percent decrease in family homelessness in the same period.  Of special note is the decrease in homeless veterans, where between 2012 and 2013 there was an 18 percent reduction in the number of veterans experiencing homelessness. The new numbers originate from annual point in time data collected by local Continuum of Care groups across Virginia in January each year and compiled by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

Early in his administration, Governor McDonnell issued Executive Order 10 creating a housing policy framework, including policies to more effectively address the issue of homelessness. The resulting Homeless Outcomes Advisory Committee Report and Recommendations set the goal of reducing overall homelessness by 15 percent by 2013. The successful reduction of homelessness can be largely attributed to the shift in focusing resources to rapid re-housing, moving people into permanent housing more quickly while providing appropriate services through community resources.

Senior Economic Advisor Bob Sledd and Dr. Bill Hazel, Secretary of Health and Human Resources, spearheaded the Homeless Outcomes Advisory Committee, which identified five primary goals to reach the targeted reduction in homelessness.  The collaborative efforts of many at the state and local levels and working through private and public agencies and organizations, including the National Alliance to End Homelessness, have provided the structure for this successful effort. 

The reductions in homelessness have resulted from shifting some state resources from traditional shelter services to rapid re-housing. Additional resources were provided in the FY2013 budget for rapid re-housing and permanent supportive housing with continued support in the FY 2014 budget.

Valley clouds

 Storms clouds over the Blue Ridge Mountains ...

 ... and the Appalachians.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
June 23, 2013

PBS' Judy Woodruff to moderate VBA gubernatorial debate at Homestead Resort

The Virginia Bar Association (VBA) announced Friday that PBS NewsHour anchor Judy Woodruff will be the moderator for their 123rd summer meeting's Gubernatorial Debate between Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe and Republican candidate Ken Cuccinelli. The event will take place on July 20 at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia.

Ms. Woodruff has covered politics and other news for more than three decades at CNN, NBC and PBS. She regularly co-anchors “PBS NewsHour,” a program she rejoined in 2007. Previously she worked at CNN for 12 years, during which time she anchored the weekday “Inside Politics” program. Woodruff served as chief Washington correspondent for PBS “NewsHour” and for NBC’s “Today Show."

The award-winning broadcast journalist also appears monthly on the Bloomberg Television program “Conversations with Judy Woodruff.”

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have the co-anchor of ‘PBS NewsHour’ – and someone with Judy Woodruff’s experience in political coverage – as our moderator,” VBA President Tom Bagby said. “This debate is likely to receive national attention and certainly will be one to attend.”

Woodruff’s appearance as moderator for the 2013 VBA debate follows that of CNN chief political correspondent Candy Crowley. Crowley took The Homestead stage last July with U.S. Senate candidates Tim Kaine and George Allen. Not long after that, Crowley became only the second woman to moderate a presidential debate, and the first woman to do so in 20 years.

Polls of the 2013 Virginia governor’s race show Republican Cuccinelli and Democrat McAuliffe closely matched in voters’ minds several months ahead of Election Day. A sizable percentage of adults have not decided who will get their vote. Pundits have dubbed the match-up one of two marquee gubernatorial races in the nation this year.

By sponsoring debates and inviting news media coverage, the nonpartisan VBA seeks to educate the public and its members about candidates’ views, and to stimulate voter interest and participation in the election process.

Founded in 1888, the VBA (www.vba.org) is the state’s oldest and largest voluntary organization of lawyers, judges and legal educators. As the independent voice of the Virginia lawyer, it advances the highest ideals of the profession through advocacy and volunteer service.

Random acts of kindness

Staunton Braves baseball game on June 17, 2013

There is still good in the world, and there are still good people who commit random acts of kindness. Recent random acts of kindness have directly affected me -- generosity passed along from complete strangers.

The first incident happened last week while out for lunch with a friend at Logan's Roadhouse in Waynesboro. A couple at the next table offered a newspaper coupon to help offset our meal, saying they already had one and it would expire in a couple of days so they wanted someone to be able to use it. We gratefully accepted -- every little bit helps -- and thanked them for their kindness.

The second incident was at Monday's Staunton Braves baseball game. As my husband, sister, niece, and I approached the ticket gate, a couple getting ready to enter the game asked if we had tickets. No, we said ... we were about to buy them. The lady handed us four tickets -- rain checks from an earlier game that would expire that night. We thanked her and she thanked us, saying she was glad they could be used. It was especially appreciated when a lightning storm rolled in 20 minutes later and stopped the game, cutting short our game night out.

Random acts of kindness. They happen every day....

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
June 17, 2013

First day of summer and shrimping in SC

So today is the first day of summer ... and I was thinking about another first day of summer years ago when my husband and I visited with friends who were living in Charleston, S.C. On June 21 of that year we all boarded their boat and headed out into Charleston Harbor to visit historical Fort Sumter, walking its pathways and absorbing the history of it all.

After leaving Fort Sumter, we pointed the boat toward the coastline and went into one of the delta inlets for some shrimping, a great pastime for our friends and something that was about to become a new experience for us. After anchoring the boat, we swam and waited for the water to recede as the time for low tide approached.

The delta flats have canals cut into them where the water rushes out with low tide ... and that's where we turned our attention. Jumping overboard with nets in hand, we stretched them across those canals to catch the shrimp being washed to sea in the ebbing tide. As the nets filled, we emptied the shrimp into five-gallon buckets on deck, continuing until all buckets were full. Since we then had plenty of time to wait until the tide returned to once again float the boat, we worked at removing the heads before putting the shrimp on ice for the ride back to dock.

The experience made an impression on me because we commented several times throughout that day that it was the first day of summer, the longest day of the year, and it was HOT on the salt water -- mid 90s -- with barely a breeze. It was a memorable event that I recalled today while enjoying the present first day of summer in the Valley with the morning cool and 58-degree temps.

Both memories are keepers. It's summer in the Shenandoah Valley....

Yard work

As a lively breeze rustles the leaves on the trees beside the deck, the overcast, comfortably cool 73 degrees makes me long for more days like this but I know that won't be. The first day of summer is tomorrow and we're in for some scorchers before fall rolls around but for now it's nice to relax.

All the rain this spring has been welcomed especially since we will soon go into a dry period ... but it has certainly caused everything to grow! Our shady paradise was threatening to become an overgrown jungle, and so we've spent the past two days limbing, weeding, trimming, and generally regaining control over the many trees and bushes that dot our property.

Next-door, the sound of the neighbor's tractor could be heard as he cut and baled his field. Tonight, I'm a tired puppy, but it's a satisfied tired as I look out over the day's accomplishments.

While weeding one of the flower gardens, I came across this little fella who remained motionless, assured that I could not see him.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
June 19-20, 2013

U.S. House schedule for Thursday, June 20, 2013

From Majority Leader Eric Cantor....

THURSDAY, JUNE 20TH
On Thursday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business.
First votes expected: 9:30 - 11:15 a.m. Last votes expected: 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

One Minute Speeches

Complete Consideration of H.R. 1947 - Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 (Structured Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Frank Lucas / Agriculture Committee)

The Rule provides for no further general debate and makes in order the following remaining amendments:

Reps. Pitts / Davis (IL) / Goodlatte / Blumenauer Amendment (20 minutes of debate)
Reps. Goodlatte / Scott (GA) / Collins (NY) / Moran (VA) / Duffy / Polis / Coffman / Meeks / DeGette / Issa / Sessions / Lee (CA) Amendment (20 minutes of debate)
Rep. Jeff Fortenberry Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Reps. Huelskamp / Goodlatte / Neugebauer / Jordan / DeSantis / Stewart (UT) / Bentivolio Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Reps. Southerland / Westmoreland / Kingston / Bentivolio / Schweikert Amendment (10 minutes of debate)

Postponed Amendment Votes:

Rep. Mo Brooks Amendment
Rep. Mike Conaway Amendment
Rep. G.K. Butterfield Amendment
Rep. Tom Marino Amendment #1
Rep. David Schweikert Amendment
Rep. John Tierney Amendment
Rep. Jared Polis Amendment
Rep. John Garamendi Amendment
Rep. Tom Marino Amendment #2
Rep. Tom McClintock Amendment
Rep. Chris Gibson Amendment
Rep. Jackie Walorski Amendment
Rep. Joe Courtney Amendment
Rep. Ron Kind Amendment
Rep. John Carney Amendment
Rep. Trey Radel Amendment
Rep. Tim Walberg Amendment

Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY
Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade hearing on “The New Domestic Energy Paradigm: Potential for Small Businesses and the Economy” (Thursday, June 20th, at 10:00 a.m.)

Printable PDF

Cuccinelli and Snyder and $$$

An interesting email landed in my in-box this morning. Sometimes if things don't work out one way, they will work out another, and that appears to be true for Pete Snyder and Ken Cuccinelli.

Snyder, who was runner-up for the Lieutenant Governor nomination at the Virginia Republican Convention in May, and whose financial contacts had others salivating at the thought of him on their team, has now joined the Cuccinelli campaign as co-coordinator of its Finance Committee. Visions of dollar signs are dancing in some heads ... and visions of future political office are dancing in others'.

The email announcement:

The Cuccinelli For Governor Campaign today announced that Virginia entrepreneur Pete Snyder will serve as Co-Chairman of its Finance Committee. In his new volunteer role, Snyder will help lead the campaign's fundraising efforts, both in the Commonwealth and nationally.

"Pete Snyder is a true entrepreneur, great grassroots campaigner and one of the best fundraisers in our party. It's rare in this business to find people who are real team players and that's one of many reasons I am proud to have Pete join our campaign," said Ken Cuccinelli. "I'm grateful for Pete's continuous effort to advance our party and our Commonwealth."

"There is only one candidate in the race for governor with a clear plan and the right experience to strengthen and grow Virginia's economy and that is Ken Cuccinelli," said Snyder, the CEO of Virginia-based Disruptor Capital. "I'm honored Ken asked me to pitch in on this critical effort. The single most important thing Virginians can do to ensure that we grow our economy and remain a right-to-work state is to elect Ken Cuccinelli as our next governor." He is also a World Championship certified BBQ judge. Pete and his wife Burson reside in Fairfax County.

Interesting....

Va Gubernatorial Race: Debating debates ... 5 or 15?

The issue of Virginia gubernatorial debates has the attention of Jeff Schapiro at the Richmond Times-Dispatch as well as Jim Nolan. Republican Ken Cuccinelli wants 15 debates. Democrat Terry McAuliffe says the already-agreed upon five will be enough and is in line with 2005 and 2009. Whichever it ends up being, political maneuvering will be involved....

Thursdays in Staunton 2013: Shakin' at the Station Summer Concert Series

Thursday, June 20, 2013 ... Brian Patrick Band.
See the entire summer lineup here.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
June 18, 2013

U.S. House schedule for Wednesday, June 19, 2013

From Majority Leader Eric Cantor....

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19TH
On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. First votes expected: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Last votes expected: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

One Minute Speeches

Continue Consideration of H.R. 1947 - Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 (Structured Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Frank Lucas / Agriculture Committee)

The Rule provides for no further general debate, makes in order the following amendments and allows for the Chairman to offer amendments en bloc:

A full list of the 103 amendments made in order can be found HERE

Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY
Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health hearing on “Encouraging Work Through the Social Security Disability Insurance Program” (Wednesday, June 19th, at 10:00 a.m.)

Printable PDF

Staunton's Byers Street Bistro ... lunch on the patio

Byers Street Bistro offers patio dining in the Historic Wharf District of Staunton, Virginia.

The Historic Wharf District of Staunton got its name in the late 1800s when the Central Virginia Railroad Company extended its tracks across the Blue Ridge Mountains from the state capital of Richmond to the central Shenandoah Valley's Queen City of Staunton. The Wharf provided warehouses for goods moved in and out of the area by rail. Those warehouses have now been renovated and are restaurants, businesses, offices, and retail space.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
June 17, 2013

Cranberry's in Staunton

Outdoor seating at Cranberry's on downtown Staunton's New Street. Just a moment before, SWAC Niece and a friend were sitting at that table, enjoying lunch after a stroll around town on a rainy afternoon. Both were in last summer's Governor's School French Immersion Camp at Washington & Lee University in Lexington, and both have continued with their French studies. Their meeting today was a French immersion experience as they spoke, texted, and greeted shop owners only in French.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
June 18, 2013