Sunday, March 31, 2013

Easter Sunday: 75-vehicle pileup on I-77 at Fancy Gap


A horrible 75-vehicle pileup occurred Easter Sunday afternoon on I-77 south at Fancy Gap, Virginia, just before the North Carolina line. Travelers through the area, known for tricky weather conditions, encountered heavy fog and low visibility. Fatalities and multiple injuries have been reported. For more check out the nearby Mt. Airy News.

Fancy Gap is located on I-77 between Galax, Virginia, and Mt. Airy, North Carolina. Prayers go up for those involved and for emergency personnel who are responding....

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Augusta's snow-covered mountains



Views of the surrounding mountains during the late-winter/early spring snows have been gorgeous ... snow-covered slopes rising above the Valley. Both the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains have been part of the show in 2013 including these views of the Appalachians in western Augusta County. The West Virginia mountains that rise higher than these are solid white. Winter clings a bit longer this year but spring is muscling her way in....

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
March 27, 2013

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Governor McDonnell: 'I have been honored to work with Lacey'

Just as former Delegate Chris Saxman worked alongside Delegate Lacey Putney and remembered him as a Virginia gentleman, so did a young delegate from Virginia Beach named Bob McDonnell who went on to become Governor of Virginia. Today he remembered his colleague who announced on Wednesday that he would be retiring after 52 years in the Virginia House of Delegates:
“Delegate Lacey Putney has been a fixture in Virginia politics for more than five decades, and has served the citizens of Bedford County with dedication, focus and selflessness since he entered the legislature in 1961. A true Virginia statesman, Lacey’s independent perspective and distinctive voice have provided insight into debates for scores of Virginia’s historic legislative decisions.

“I have been honored to work with Lacey throughout my political career and count him among one of the wisest, most dedicated colleagues I have had the opportunity to work with as a fellow delegate, attorney general and governor.

“He has provided leadership on countless issues, not the least of which is his fiscal stewardship for taxpayers as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee where he has played a key role in keeping Virginia ranked among one of the best states in the nation for sound governance, and his term as acting Speaker of the House where his leadership steadied the House during a difficult transition. I have enjoyed working closely with Lacey and his staff during my time as governor where we have had to make some difficult budget decisions. His counsel and advice have proven vital to navigating the Great Recession and its impact on the Commonwealth. He will long be remembered for his steadfast dedication to working for his constituents, state employees, and the entire Commonwealth with a focus on what's good for Virginia above any partisan political allegiance. He was a no nonsense fiscal disciplinarian who earned respect for his thoughtfulness and desire to do the right thing, not the expedient thing. He will be missed greatly, and his 52 years of consecutive service in the House of Delegates will not likely be replicated.

“I wish Lacey the best in his future endeavors and hope that he and his wife Carmela are able to relax and enjoy the bounties that Virginia has to offer in his retirement.”
There will undoubtedly be more remembrances coming out in the days ahead about this long-time Virginia leader.

Chris Saxman: 'Lacey Putney -- Virginia Gentleman'

Delegate Lacey Putney has served in the Virginia House of Delegates longer than former Delegate  Chris Saxman has been alive. Yet the respect for the elder statesman is there in Chris' column as all take in the unexpected yet not surprising news of Putney's retirement from the House.

In "Lacey Putney -- Virginia Gentleman," the young gentleman shared some good memories about his time serving for almost a decade with the older gentleman from Bedford. Chris wrote:
Lacey is a model of the unbranded, gentlemanly conservatism that makes Virginia so exceptional. The essence of that conservatism, true conservatism, is grounded in two key elements – pragmatism and self-restraint. What works, works. What doesn’t, shouldn’t.
...
Lacey Putney was and is a model of Virginia gentlemanly conservatism because Lacey was and is, first and foremost, a gentleman.
As with anyone who has served for 52 years, time catches up and the reluctant decision is made to retire and spend those golden years with family and friends. Putney's morals from an earlier generation were evident after his wife passed away and he remarried about seven years later, as recounted by Chris:
“I feel like a teenager!” Lacey exclaimed with a gleam in his eye and a smile as broad as the James River. Then he softly explained, “Of course, when Carmela came to visit me in Bedfuhd, she had to stay across the street. We didn’t want people getting the wrong idea.”
Chris added, "Of course not."

Chris' respectful remembrance of a man who spent most of his life in the public service of Virginia's citizens (read his entire tribute here) is directly opposite that of the painfully shallow narrative written by Roanoke Tea Party leader Chris Tarbutton who titled his post, "52 years is plenty for Lacey Putney." He wrote:
I suppose that his crowning achievement, helping to pass the horrific transportation bill, should be his Coda as an elected official. Sad ending to a long career.
Tarbutton may have missed Wednesday's latest Quinnipiac poll that showed Governor Bob McDonnell's approval rating at 73 percent among Republicans, and that 64 percent of Virginians think the state is going in the right direction. Tarbutton is entitled to his opinion about Mr. Putney and the transportation bill, but he is outnumbered by more people who think it was the right thing to do.

Tarbutton went on to write about his disappointment in Robert Hurt's vote for then-Governor Mark Warner's huge budget increase, quipping that Mr. Putney defended Hurt. Tarbutton wrote:
Putney was one of the first politicians to give me the line that I have become increasingly sickened by…

“You just don’t know how hard that vote was…”
It is always easier to be the critic than the man in the arena. This could fall under the category of "walk a mile in his shoes."  Some have learned through experience and time that we can disagree without being disagreeable.

That has truly been the gift of a Virginia gentleman named Lacey Putney.

Tonight: Staunton City Council ... keep prayer, or remove it?

Staunton City Council will close out Maundy Thursday by taking a vote about whether or not to keep the invocation as part of their agenda. The non-sectarian prayer has traditionally opened their meetings; that is, until February 28, when Mayor Lacy King noted they would observe a moment of silence instead of the usual prayer which caught city council members off guard.

The possibility of this becoming a permanent change has caused concern among residents in the Staunton community. Councilwoman Oakes, who has been opening the meetings with the invocation for several years, noted that numerous citizens have called or emailed her in support of prayer, and she expressed disappointment that council would even consider removing it. Many churches and church groups have begun spreading the word about the change, and letters to the editor are beginning to appear in local newspapers.

Talking with Councilwoman Oakes, reporter Calvin Trice with the Staunton News Leader wrote:
"The council needs spiritual guidance in order to guide our conscience," Oakes said. “And you certainly need to have a conscience when you’re dealing with issues like city budget.”
Reporter Bob Stuart wrote in the Waynesboro News-Virginian:
Oakes, said "the invocation is a longstanding tradition for the city of Staunton." And she said further, that the invocation "recognizes the spirituality" that guides the conscience of council members.
According to the Charlottesville-based Rutherford Institute, non-sectarian prayer is legal for city councils and boards of supervisors, and has been constitutionally upheld by the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. At the same time, city councils do have the right to remove prayer if they so choose.

Councilwoman Oakes, after conferring with Staunton city attorney Doug Guynn and Mayor King, has asked the mayor to bring the issue to a vote at the March 28 meeting, which happens to fall on Maundy Thursday, and has asked the citizens of Staunton to attend that meeting to show their support for the prayer.

Organizations such as the Valley Family Forum, led by Dean Welty who is working with local conservative leader Dr. Kurt Michael, are conferring with the Rutherford Institute in an effort to educate citizens on their constitutional right to have prayer before a public meeting. Staunton residents Carl Tate and Fonda Gardner have also joined in to assist.

When asked about the issue, Councilman Bruce Elder commented to the News Leader:
Councilman Bruce Elder said he always keeps matters of faith and its expressions very private.

“Personally, I think you have to be respectful of separation of church and state,” Elder said. “And you have to be respectful of diversity of faith.”
Dr. Michael, a Liberty University professor, noted, “This is not an issue of church and state. This is just another example of a few people trying to remove God from the public square. It is my understanding that a moment of silence is usually done in remembrance of people who have died. I hope the council members will remember that God is alive and well.”

If you are going....
What: Staunton City Council meeting
Date: Thursday, March 28, 2013
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Staunton City Hall
116 W. Beverley St.
Staunton, VA 24401

Bloomberg: 'Pending sales of U.S. existing homes decline 0.4%'

From Bloomberg News:
Americans signed fewer contracts to buy previously owned homes in February, indicating a pause in momentum for an industry that is helping power the economy.

An index of pending home sales fell 0.4 percent to 104.8, the second-highest level since April 2010, after a revised 3.8 percent increase the prior month, the National Association of Realtors reported today in Washington. Contract signings, unadjusted for seasonal variations, increased 5 percent from February 2012.
Hopefully, it's just a blip.

Newspaper paywalls ... roadblocks to linking

For the past seven years, I have written, researched, and blogged about politics, life, homeschooling, the mountains, the beach, and everything in between. The bulk of my writing has been political.

As with anything, that involves research on the internet where I would add links to various publications that provide useful information and sometimes include quotes. Lately, however, more and more newspapers have begun installing paywalls, and that has led to a dilemma. I don't want to link to articles that cannot be accessed by readers from the four corners of the world. It is too expensive and cumbersome to subscribe to every site out there.

Today I once again ran into this dilemma. I would like to include a link to the Staunton News Leader for an issue I am writing about but it is useless since the article is not publicly accessible. I reluctantly decided to omit it and find alternate local news sources to use.

I wrote an article last year about this issue when the Waynesboro News-Virginian first began charging for access and, while most understand why publications are using paywalls, it does not make it any less frustrating for those who are writing and would like to link.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

March 2013 'Full Sap Moon' over the Shenandoah Valley

 The March full moon, known as the Fall Sap Moon, as it rose tonight over the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The Farmers' Almanac says the March moon is known as the Full Sap Moon, marking the time of tapping maple trees. It was also known as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signaled the end of winter, the Full Crust Moon because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night, and the Full Worm Moon because as the temperature begins to warm and the ground begins to thaw, earthworm casts appear, heralding the return of the robins. To the settlers, it was also known as the Lenten Moon, and was considered to be the last full Moon of winter.


By whatever name, it was a beautiful sight when I turned in the driveway tonight and saw it over the ridge behind the house. As I stood in the driveway and watched, camera in hand, it rose through the clouds.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
March 27, 2013

Del. Lacey Putney retiring from House of Delegates

Delegate Lacey Putney announced Wednesday that he will retire from the Virginia House of Delegates. Putney has served in the House for 52 years as an Independent.

Here is his complete text:
After several weeks of consideration and deliberation, I have decided not to seek another term in the Virginia House of Delegates.

When first elected in 1961, I had no plans to seek a second term. Now, after 52 years of service, I have reached one of the most difficult decisions of my adult life. Words cannot adequately express my sincere appreciation to the individuals and organizations who have placed their trust in me for the longest term of any other Virginia legislator currently serving or in years past.

Encouragement to seek another term has been unexpectedly strong in all parts of the district; however, I feel obligated to make this announcement at this time because I know other potential candidates are waiting to know my plans.

Through the years, I have tried to represent my constituents in a manner to which they are entitled. It is my plan to actively work full time for the remaining 9 months of my current term, especially in providing leadership as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in crafting the state budget and setting fiscal policies which will continue to make Virginia the best state in which to do business.

Friendships which have come from associating with hundreds of Delegates and Senators, as well as 12 Governors and their staffs, will remain forever a rich and rewarding part of my life.

I will be forever grateful for the kindnesses and courtesies extended to me and members of my family, which are far too many and far too personal to enumerate.

I would be remiss if I didn't point out that I am deeply indebted to my late wife and children and my present wife for the sacrifices they have made in order for me to be away from home and from my law practice for a significant part of 52 years. I am likewise deeply indepbted to Betty Lou Layne, who has been a loyal employee as my secretary and legislative assistant for a total of 54 years.

I consider myself expecially blessed and privileged for having the high honor of serving the people and the great Commonwealth of Virginia for the past 52 years.
His leadership will be missed.

Va. gubernatorial candidate McAuliffe delivers petitions


On Wednesday, Virginia gubernatorial Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe made a trip to downtown Richmond, posting this photo on Facebook with the caption:
This afternoon, I delivered 35,746 signatures to the Board of Elections to get my name on the ballot this November. Thank you to all of my supporters across the state who made today possible.
Virginia state law requires a minimum of 10,000 signatures from candidates running for governor including 400 signatures from qualified voters in each of the eleven congressional district.

Transportation bill has not dented McDonnell's popularity

Remember all the bruhaha after Governor Bob McDonnell's transportation bill was passed with bipartisan votes at the end of the 2013 General Assembly?

Yeah ... me, too.

Making common sense decisions defines McDonnell as a pragmatic conservative leader. The latest Quinnipiac poll shows the majority of Virginians agree with that leadership. That poll shows McDonnell remains one of the most popular governors in America with a more than 2-to-1 job approval rating. Quinnipiac reported that 64 percent of Virginians say the state is heading in the right direction.

A whopping 73 percent of Republicans support the Governor.

He continues to be popular in all parts of the state, and registers a 56/22 job approval among independents (+34).

He has 46/27 job approval among women (+19).

He has 41/25 job approval among young voters (+16).

He has 43/31 job approval among African Americans (+12).

Bob McDonnell was elected by Virginians to make the tough decisions and get the job done. That is exactly what he has done, and the latest poll shows that Virginians appreciate his leadership.

Bob McDonnell, transportation, and 73% approval rating

The Washington Times reported Wednesday morning:
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell likely didn’t quell a Republican backlash against him with a series of late-night amendments he added to legislation passed during the General Assembly session. But, analysts say, he also probably didn’t make things much worse.
I would like to suggest a correction to that paragraph. Governor McDonnell does not have a general Republican backlash concerning amendments to legislation passed during the 2013 General Assembly. Any push-back has mostly come from the far-right wing of the party, as noted by the Roanoke Times. There are many within the party who agree with the actions of the Governor and the need to address transportation issues that have been bypassed for decades.

McDonnell may have that segment of the right wing hounding him but the latest Quinnipiac poll taken post-passage of the transportation bill shows him with a whopping 73% approval rating among Republicans, and 64% think the state is headed in the right direction.

Bob McDonnell did the right thing for Virginia, and the polls show Virginians are grateful for that pragmatic conservative leadership. He continues to rank as one of the most popular Republican governors in America.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Governor McDonnell makes amendments to strengthen major transportation package

~Edits to bill strengthen legal posture, adds lock boxes to safeguard new funds, reduces alternative vehicles fees, vehicle titling tax, and local taxes; maintains structure for long-term sustainable transportation solutions to improve job creation and quality of life~ 

RICHMOND—Governor Bob McDonnell today completed his review of the major transportation funding compromise passed by the General Assembly in late February. The bill substantially meets the goals established by the governor when he called for transportation investment and reform to be a top priority during the 2013 General Assembly session. However, the governor has proposed amendments to ensure that the provisions of the legislation do not negatively impact Virginia businesses and citizens, that they comply with the Virginia Constitution, and that Virginia’s Executive Branch agencies can properly implement and administer the new and improved funding mechanisms.

The bill reflects the principles of the governor’s introduced bill, which, as amended, reduces the gas tax by 35 percent and replaces it with a sales tax that grows with the economy, uses $200 million in current general funds, uses another $200 million in future general funds from the federal Marketplace Fairness Act, and ensures that alternative fuel vehicles pay a share of the maintenance of the roads.

“Virginia is now faced with the need to invest in our transportation system to ensure that our highway, rail and public transportation infrastructure is safe, efficient and reliable for our more than 8 million citizens,” Governor McDonnell said. “I thank Republicans and Democrats in the House of Delegates and Virginia Senate for working together across party, philosophical and regional lines to solve one of our most vexing and longstanding legislative challenges. For 27 years Virginians have sat in traffic while partisan differences over how to address these challenges have stalled progress. The transportation funding and reform package that passed the General Assembly last month was an innovative solution that represents a realization that we must invest in our infrastructure to ensure our continued economic prosperity, safe roads for our citizens to travel, and an enhancement in their quality of life.

“In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proposed and signed legislation to more than double the national gasoline tax. When signing the bill, he said: ‘We simply cannot allow this magnificent [transportation] system to deteriorate beyond repair. The time has come to preserve what past Americans spent so much time and effort to create, and that means a nationwide conservation effort in the best sense of the word. America can't afford throwaway roads or disposable transit systems. The bridges and highways we fail to repair today will have to be rebuilt tomorrow at many times the cost.’

“Virginia’s economy depends upon a safe, reliable, efficient transportation system spanning all areas of the Commonwealth. This is why I have substantially agreed to the provisions in the compromise bill that passed our legislature, but have proposed multiple amendments to limit what it asks Virginians to contribute, to address potential legal questions regarding the regional taxing authority, and to clarify many administrative and technical aspects of the bill.”

Governor McDonnell’s key policy amendments include:

· Reducing the proposed vehicle titling tax increase from 4.3 percent to 4.15 percent. After hearing from automobile dealers and constituents, the governor proposed this amendment to ensure the increase is reduced and does not adversely impact the number of vehicles purchased.

· Reducing the Alternative Fuel Vehicles annual Fee from $100 to $64. The intent of this fee assessed to drivers of alternative fuel vehicles was to ensure that they are paying their share for the road maintenance and wear and tear caused by their vehicles. The original proposal for a $100 fee was based on a 17.5 cents per gallon gas tax. The conference report establishes a lower rate of taxation on gasoline. As such, this amendment ensures equity in how different types of vehicle fuels are taxed.

· Correcting and reducing the rate of taxation for the regional congestion relief fee. The stated goal for this fee was to raise approximately $30 million per year. Based on slightly incorrect data, the fee was set at $0.25/$100 for real estate transactions. Utilizing correct data, a rate of $0.15/$100 will generate the same revenue of $30 million per year.

· Reducing the Transient Occupancy Tax in Northern Virginia. At 3 percent, the TOT would place the tax in Northern Virginia near or above surrounding out-of-state jurisdictions. Reducing the rate to 2 percent will not significantly impact revenues, but will ensure Virginia’s hotels remain competitive.

· Addressing potential legal questions regarding regional taxation authority for Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads. Amendments are made to the sections imposing the regional taxes for transportation by the state to improve the legal posture of the law by changing the applicability of the taxes to any Planning District Commission meeting certain empirical thresholds including population, registered vehicles and transit ridership. Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia are the only jurisdictions currently meeting these criteria, but in the future other parts of the Commonwealth could utilize these tools if their transportation challenges continue to grow.

· Ensuring transportation funds generated by this legislation are only used for transportation. General provisions were added to the legislation to ensure that funds provided for in the statewide funding and regional plans remain dedicated to transportation in the years ahead. In making this commitment to fund this core function of state government, Virginians expect that commitment to be honored and that this funding is to be used solely for the purpose for which it was intended.

These amendments, combined with a series of technical and administrative amendments, will accomplish the goals established by the governor earlier this year by moving away from the declining gasoline tax and toward a more dynamic sales tax-based revenue source. The final version of HB2313 sponsored by speaker Bill Howell eliminates the 17.5 cent per gallon tax on gasoline, increases the state sales portion of the sales tax from 5 percent to 5.3 percent, dedicates revenues for the Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund and the Intercity Rail Operating and Capital Fund, and dedicates increased revenues for the Commonwealth Transportation Fund. Governor McDonnell’s amendments would still result in over $5.9 billion in total revenue for transportation over the next five years.

This long-term transportation plan will generate thousands of jobs, create hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity and provide the Commonwealth with the transportation infrastructure necessary to grow and prosper in the decades ahead. As a result of this plan, thousands of delayed construction and maintenance projects around the state will be funded, from widening I-64 between Newport News and Williamsburg, widening Route 28 in Northern Virginia, bringing down tolls on the Dulles Toll Road and advancing the Silver Line, bringing Amtrak service to Roanoke, and helping to build the Coalfields Expressway in Southwest Virginia. It will also eliminate the current unsustainable practice of taking money meant for new projects just to fund paving and pothole patching (currently equaling nearly $400 million annually).

“If we do not act now to solve the Commonwealth’s transportation funding problem, the cost of delay will be much higher in the future” Governor McDonnell said. “I thank Speaker of the House Bill Howell for his leadership and many other persistent legislators to get this bill passed to ensure Virginian’s economic prosperity, and to provide safe roads for our citizens and the quality of life they deserve. I also thank Attorney General Cuccinelli for the assistance he and his Office provided to my Office throughout the process to highlight and address the legal questions raised.”

Press release from Governor Bob McDonnell's office

Monday, March 25, 2013

A walk in the spring snow ... photos #2

 In an incredible snowy spring day, a break of sun early in the morning quickly went away and snow continued all day with temperatures that fluctuated from 23 before dawn to 45 at mid-day -- and, still, the snow came down.

 Looking from a snow-covered nandina bush across the back yard to the snowy woods that go up on the ridge behind the house.

Our snow-covered Colorado blue spruce named Albert and one of the river birches.

 The view behind the house....



Peaceful solitude. It's March ... it will be gone soon. For now, we're enjoying the beauty of our unexpected spring snowstorm.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
March 25, 2013

A walk in the spring snow ... photos #1

 On a snowy Monday, I took a walk around the yard, making my way through frozen precipitation that varied from 6 inches in some areas to 8 inches in others. As snow flakes fell around me, I looked at this spring snowstorm through the lens of my camera and tried to capture the icy beauty of winter in March.


 The quiet was striking with only the chatter of our feathered friends at the bird feeder and under the picnic table where SWAC Husband had thrown extra seed to allow more birds to eat at once time.

I carried a newspaper to cover the camera from the falling snow and set out to explore the white world around me.



Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
March 25, 2013

Sun peeks through ... snowy Monday morning

The clouds parted early Monday morning long enough to cast a ray of sunshine across snow-shrouded trees in our corner of Augusta County. A short while later, the sun disappeared and snow once again started falling.




Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
March 25, 2013

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Snowy Sunday afternoon

We are having another March snow that sticks on the trees and fences. I took a quick walk around the yard when it let up a bit. At 7:00 p.m. we had 4" of snow and the temperature had dropped to 31 degrees.

One brave jonquil bloomed last weekend and ended up covered with snow. The others cannot get beyond the budding stage.





I love watching the birds at the feeder. This junco -- some call them snow birds -- was in the bass tree beside the deck.


Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
March 24, 2013

Early spring snow

Heavy snowfall began in the early afternoon in the central Shenandoah Valley with 2"on the ground by 5 pm and still coming down.





Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
March 24, 2013

Palm Sunday

"So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, blessed is the King of Israel!' " --John 12:13

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Back in the homeschool classroom: Using Shenandoah National Park as your classroom


One of the huge advantages for homeschool families who live near Shenandoah National Park (SNP) is its availability for lessons, adventures, history, and physical education. While teaching my children at home, we often headed out to the Skyline Drive and our outdoor classroom.

My kids were Junior Rangers, complete with workbook to learn about plants, deer, historic home sites, plants, flowers, trees, rocks, bugs, streams, birds, and animal habitats. We always carried a picnic and would stake out a picnic table and set up with our books. Often it was Virginia history we studied with an emphasis, while in the park, of the journey westward for Governor Spotswood and early pioneers of the Shenandoah Valley, of the transformation of the lands along the Skyline Drive into national park land, and of surrounding historical sites and battlefields. Since I'm a history nerd anyway, especially when it comes to my home state of Virginia, my kids were doomed to extensive history lessons.

SNP offered an outdoor laboratory to study trees, flowers, rock formations, weather, directions, and animals. It was also a natural gym offering numerous hiking trails for young (and older) legs. My love of the park while growing up and camping along the Drive and studying all its nooks and crannies was encouraged in my children. Camping trips would involve site set-up, campfires, outdoor cooking, amphitheater programs, and hikes.

Tonight while checking out the SNP online site, I came across a section for teachers. What a great resource for homeschool parents! From their website:
Shenandoah National Park offers a variety of educational opportunities for students of all ages. From curriculum-based programs to classroom materials and advice on exploring the park with your students, the Education Staff will help you make the best use of the park's resources.

Shenandoah National Park is an ideal outdoor classroom, with its wildlife-rich forests, rocky peaks, and cool mountain streams. Imagine a kindergartner drawing a map of the sounds heard around him in the forest or a 4th fourth grader quietly watching a deer to determine for herself how it survives in a meadow community. Picture 6th grade students collecting and identifying macro-invertebrates as a way to determine stream health or high school students analyzing soil samples to understand weathering and erosion on mountain slopes.

Shenandoah National Park is also a place of heritage and history. Students can discover the conservation and work legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps from the 1930s or learn about the historic significance of Rapidan Camp, the nation's first "summer White House" used by President Herbert Hoover. They can explore the reasons why a National Park was placed here in Virginia and consider the life-changing sacrifice of the mountain residents that helped create Shenandoah National Park as a gift to the nation.

Whether you attend a curriculum-based education program or go on a self-guided adventure in the park, your visit to Shenandoah National Park will be a memorable and fun learning experience for you and your students.

For More Information on Educational Services:
Watch the short video

Shenandoah National Park
Education Office
3655 US Hwy 211 E
Luray, VA 22835
Ph: 540-999-3500 ext. 3489
My children are grown but if we were still in our homeschool classroom, this is one lesson plan I would include for our school.

-----
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, 28, graduated from James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg with a BS in Computer Science and a minor in Creative Writing. Her daughter, 25, graduated from Mary Baldwin College in Staunton 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.

42 lessons of life

These are all good but I particularly like #18, 36, and 50....

By Regina Brett (age 90)
The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 42 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 50 in August (of 2009), so here is the column once more.

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short – enjoy it..

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.

9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

10. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

11. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

12. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

13. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it...

14 Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

15. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

16. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

17. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.

18. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

19. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

20. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

21. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

22. The most important sex organ is the brain.

23. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

24. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

25. Always choose life.

26. Forgive but don’t forget.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does..

31. Believe in miracles.

32. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

33. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

34. Your children get only one childhood.

35. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

36. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

37. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

38. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

39. The best is yet to come...

40. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

41. Yield.

42. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Blue Ridge Mountain getaway at Cabin Creekwood

View from cabin deck.

It was mid-March, and bare trees as well as occasional patches of snow showed that winter still had a grip on the Blue Ridge Mountains of western Virginia. My sister and I had escaped for a weekend getaway at the family-run Cabin Creekwood in southeastern Augusta County. It provided fun time together but the best part of all was location, location, location.

For us, our cabin offered a jump-off point for a busy weekend of sister fun. We were just a short distance from hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, whitewater rafting, canoeing, and golf as well as historical sites, shopping, and dining. It was a quick two-minute drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway, half a mile to Sherando Lake, only three miles to Wintergreen Resort and, just beyond that, the famous Nelson Rt. 151 with seven wineries and three breweries along with orchards and farms. Of course, our short stay would not allow us to enjoy much of what was available, but what a choice!

The family-owned Creekwood is a group of nine rustic cabins nestled in various locations within a three-mile radius of base camp. It started in 1982 as one cabin owned by Mary Jane and Stan Shirk who gradually built up to five cabins that offered a variety of locations and needs. In 1995, the Shirks sold the vacation operation to their daughter and son-in-law, Deb and Stan Horst, who have added four more cabins and run the business with their two children, part-time employees, and back-up help from Deb's parents.


Though check-in was at 3:00 on Friday afternoon, we arrived a little later and were met by Mary Jane Shirk who had our key and directions. We wasted no time finding and moving into our cabin that was complete with wraparound deck on two sides, outdoor bonfire area, charcoal grill, DVD player, and free Wi-Fi. I was in heaven with internet access but soon realized there was not going to be much time for that with everything we had planned for the weekend. In season, there's a big swimming pool and a small children's playground, and the Horsts rent canoes and kayaks that can be used at Sherando Lake. The beautiful views from the deck of our cabin were of the mountains and winter woods.

Since it was already late in the afternoon and we had places to go and things to do, we unloaded the car and put things away, then headed to nearby Sherando Lake. When we turned in on the one-mile drive from the main road to the lake, winter damage from the recent deep snow was evident and we could see where trees had been cleared from the roadway. The winter woods allowed a view from above of the lake that is usually cloaked by leafed-out trees in summer.

A few fishermen were along the shoreline as we stopped to breathe in the fresh mountain air and take in the beauty of this mountain lake. It was quiet and serene, unlike summer when the place is bustling with swimmers, bikers, campers, and picnickers. I had spent many a hot, summer day on those shores with local homeschool friends as we picnicked while the kids biked and hiked around the lake or swam to the island in the middle. We then drove to the campground area and walked around as my sister, leader of her daughter's Girl Scout troop in Richmond, checked camp sites for a future trip to the area.

As dark descended, we were back in the car and on our way to dinner in historic downtown Staunton. Since my sister had eaten at many of the local restaurants over the years and wanted to try a new one, I left the dinner choice to her and she chose Mill Street Grill. She was not disappointed, and neither was I.

Friday night in this picturesque small city equaled a bustling, lively, packed dining room with a 30-minute wait. Perhaps it was because there were only two of us but our wait ended up being just a short 10 minutes before they led us to a table for two in a corner. I started to say "quiet corner" but it was just as lively as the rest of the place. The menu read like a book and, though Mill Street is known regionally for their barbecued ribs, we decided to try something else and soon zeroed in on a choice of wine and dinner entrees, and then settled in for conversation to discuss our plans for the next day. My sister's chicken-pasta dish was excellent as was my filet mignon, and we left with doggie boxes as we walked out into the chilly night air.

As we arrived back to the cabin, taking a different route that led us by rows of Waynesboro Nursery trees, a sliver of moon was visible above the Blue Ridge Mountains. We lingered on the deck to look at it but the chilly air drove us inside where it was snug and warm even though we didn't have a fire in the wood stove. We settled in with a glass of Virginia wine, popped the movie "It's Complicated" into the DVD player, and spent the next two hours laughing our heads off with Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, and Alec Baldwin. We both slept well that night in the quiet of the mountains.

A few miles from Cabin Creekwood along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Saturday morning we woke bright and early for our day in Highland County at the 55th annual Maple Festival. I used the Wi-Fi to check Facebook before leaving and saw that our host, Stan Horst, was already in Charlottesville for a 10-Miler Race. It was overcast with a chilly rain as we loaded the cooler, coats, and gloves into the car for our day-long adventure. We drove the short two minutes to the Blue Ridge Parkway which by then was reopened after closing two weeks earlier for snow and ice, and followed it to Afton Mountain and I-64. Along the way, we stopped to take photos of frozen water-ice sculptures on rocky cliffs and views across the Valley. The winter woods made rock outcroppings visible that were usually hidden during warmer months.

Wanting to take a different track, we decided to drive the "back way" to Highland -- out through Buffalo Gap in western Augusta County, through Goshen into Bath County, over Warm Springs Mountain to Rt. 220, and then north to Highland County and Monterey. It rained the entire way but didn't dampen our spirits. Mountain streams were at capacity, and there was still snow in some areas of the wooded mountains. By the time we stopped, took photos, and checked out other sights, it was lunch time as we arrived in Monterey. The first stop was Evelyn's Pantry on Main Street which was a warm and inviting refuge from the pouring-down cold rain.


Evelyn's offers sandwiches, soup, pies, cookies, side salads, and other goodies along with bulk food sales. We ordered our lunch and found a table in front of the fireplace to eat our hot homemade vegetable soup, chicken salad croissant sandwich, side of broccoli salad, and side of deviled eggs. It was a chance to taste several of Evelyn's offerings, and they were all good. By the time we finished, the rain had let up to just a drizzle so we joined the crowds walking along Monterey's Main Street to check out shops and maple products, crafts and vendors.

On the courthouse lawn there was one particular vendor I was looking for so we stopped by the tent of artist Robert Tuckwiller. My daughter liked one of his sheep prints when we were there the previous weekend. We found it among his other scenic drawings and talked with Mr. Tuckwiller who told us the back story of the print. He wrote my daughter a short note telling her he hoped she enjoyed the print and, after talking a bit longer, we stepped out from under the tent into the still-pouring rain.


Making our way down the sidewalk, we dipped into the Back Creek Farm tent where we had purchased maple syrup the week before. While the rain fell noisily on the roof of the tent, we browsed around at their offerings and then popped the umbrella back up and continued walking down the street. We made several more stops but the rain was coming down so hard by then that it was getting to be a little miserable. We made our way back to Evelyn's for one last dip into the store before heading to the car where we piled the wet umbrella and coats into the trunk and turned on the heater. What a shame ... the rain was setting in, and not just showers as many had hoped.

With windshield wipers going, we drove west out of Monterey to the Blue Grass Valley, checking out maple sugar camps Rexrode's and Puffenbarger's where mud was in abundance on that messy day. We then made our way past the trout hatchery and south to my favorite (and now my sister's favorite), Duff's Sugar House at Fair Lawn Farm, where owner and Highland County Sheriff Tim Duff was at ease in the sugar house, educating visitors about the old way of making maple syrup while blue grass musicians entertained on the side porch of the farm house. 

With no let up in sight for rain, it was time to begin the journey back to Augusta County. Fog had settled onto the mountain tops as a line of cars drove along Rt. 250 east, headlights on and windshield wipers going, for the hour drive. As we drove over mountain ranges, the rain poured down, the fog closed in, and then we began to see flashes of lightning followed by the low rumble of thunder even as leftover snow lined the ditches of Rt. 250.

When we finally crossed Shenandoah Mountain, many cars in the line that had snaked up the mountain pulled off at the scenic overlook at the top, presumably to regather their nerves from the white-knuckle drive. I breathed a sign of relief that we were back in the familiar territory of Augusta County. Before long, the rain let up and by the time we made our way back to Cabin Creekwood before the sun set, the rain had stopped. My sister dried off the table and chairs on the deck of the cabin, poured a glass of wine, and sat outside in the quiet as darkness fell and chilly temperatures sent her inside.

I took that opportunity to use the Wi-Fi to get my internet fix, and then we made dinner and settled in, popping "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" into the DVD player. The cabin was warm against the chilly, damp late winter night and we again slept soundly on our last night in the mountains.

Sunday morning fog.

Sunday morning we woke to rain and fog on the mountains surrounding us with snow in the forecast. We had planned to stay a while and walk around the property but the icky weather and possibility of snow made us decide to head out early since my sister had to return to Richmond. It didn't take long to pack the car, and we left in the rain and fog on our way to the Rockfish Valley. Later that night, a snowstorm moved into the area and covered the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding mountains with several inches of snow.

We found that Cabin Creekwood had something to offer for just about everyone. If you like to be in the middle of it all, there are cabins within walking distance to the pool, creek, and playground that include Wi-Fi. If several families or a group want to stay together, there are cabins that are close together for easy visiting. If you prefer seclusion and privacy, two cabins are away from it all. Creekwood is in a wooded setting overlooking a rushing mountain stream, and Dogwood is located on a ridge with Blue Ridge Mountain views. Owner Stan is a friendly, outgoing man who is knowledgeable about the area and can help with hiking trails, many that he has hiked, and other attractions.


For cabin descriptions, prices, and other information, be sure to check out Cabin Creekwood's website.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

U.S. House schedule for Thursday, March 21, 2013

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 21ST
On Thursday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business.
First and last votes expected: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

One Minute Speeches

Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 933 - Department of Defense, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (Unanimous Consent Agreement, One Hour of Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Hal Rogers / Appropriations Committee)

Complete Consideration of H.Con.Res. 25 - Establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2014 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2015 through 2023 (Structured Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Paul Ryan / Budget Committee)
The rule makes in order no further amendments and provides for ten minutes of final general debate time controlled by the Budget Committee.
 Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY
Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing on
Our Nation of Builders: The Strength of Steel” (Thursday, March 21st, at 9:30 a.m.)

Printable PDF

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

U.S. House schedule for Wednesday, March 20, 2013

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20TH
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: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Last votes expected: 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

One Minute Speeches

Continue Consideration of H.Con.Res. 25 - Establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2014 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2015 through 2023 (Structured Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Paul Ryan / Budget Committee)
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed below and provides for ten minutes of final general debate time controlled by the Budget Committee upon the conclusion of amendment consideration. Final general debate and adoption are not expected until Thursday.
Rep. Mick Mulvaney Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (20 minutes of debate)
Reps. Fudge / Scott (VA) / Moore / Lee Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (30 minutes of debate)
Reps. Grijalva / Ellison / Edwards / Lee / McDermott / Pocan / Schakowsky Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (30 minutes of debate)
Reps. Rob Woodall / ScaliseAmendment in the Nature of a Substitute (30 minutes of debate)
Rep. Chris Van Hollen Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (30 minutes of debate)
Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY
Education and the Workforce Committee markup of “H.R. 1120 - The Preventing Greater Uncertainity in Labor-Management Relations Act” (Wednesday, March 20th, at 10:00 a.m.)

Printable PDF

Iraq 10 years later ... Dems who were for the war before they were against it



Joe Scarborough used a montage on today's "Morning Joe" to illustrate that some of the very people who supported President George W. Bush's entry into Operation Iraqi Freedom after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 were the ones who went on to bash him in later years. This video includes people like John Kerry, Nancy Pelosi, and Carl Levin. To those who served, to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, to those who led ... thank you. Freedom is not free.

Saturday: Free open house at Monticello's Center for Historic Plants at Tufton Farm


Monticello's Center for Historic Plants first Open House of 2013!

This Saturday, March 23: Gardening with Wildflowers and Native Plants
- Start the gardening year with a stroll through masses of wildflowers in bloom at the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants at Monticello. 
- Learn how to incorporate native trees, shrubs, and perennials into your own garden “from soil to blossom” with Fran Boninti, local native plant expert. 
- Enjoy guided garden tours and workshops on growing your own cool-season veggies and on propagating native plants. 
- A wide selection of heritage and native plants will be for sale, including many lovely wildflowers. 
- Family-friendly garden activities ensure fun for all ages. 
- FREE; no registration required; 9 am-3 pm
- Tufton Farm: 1293 Milton Road, Charlottesville

Monticello heirloom apple trees for sale


Albemarle Pippin Apple Tree: $35
Albemarle Pippin Apple Tree: $35

Roxbury Russet Apple Tree: $35
Roxbury Russet Apple Tree: $35

Hewes Crab Apple Tree: $35
Hewes Crab Apple Tree: $35
Shop the entire selection of plants!

Staunton City Council prayer issue causes Holy Week controversy

Staunton City Council will close out the holy day MaundyThursday by taking a vote about whether or not to keep the invocation as part of their agenda. The non-sectarian prayer has traditionally opened their meetings; that is, until February 28, when Mayor Lacy King noted they would observe a moment of silence instead of the usual prayer which caught city council members off guard.

The possibility of this becoming a permanent change has caused concern among residents in the Staunton community. Councilwoman Oakes, who has been opening the meetings with the invocation for several years, noted that numerous citizens have called or emailed her in support of prayer, and she expressed disappointment that council would even consider removing it. Many churches and church groups have begun spreading the word about the change, and letters to the editor are beginning to appear in local newspapers.

Talking with Councilwoman Oakes, reporter Calvin Trice with the Staunton News Leader wrote:
"The council needs spiritual guidance in order to guide our conscience," Oakes said. “And you certainly need to have a conscience when you’re dealing with issues like city budget.”
Reporter Bob Stuart wrote in the Waynesboro News-Virginian:
Oakes, said "the invocation is a longstanding tradition for the city of Staunton." And she said further, that the invocation "recognizes the spirituality" that guides the conscience of council members.
According to the Charlottesville-based Rutherford Institute, non-sectarian prayer is legal for city councils and boards of supervisors, and has been constitutionally upheld by the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. At the same time, city councils do have the right to remove prayer if they so choose.

Councilwoman Oakes, after conferring with Staunton city attorney Doug Guynn and Mayor King, has asked the mayor to bring the issue to a vote at the March 28 meeting, which happens to fall on Maundy Thursday, and has asked the citizens of Staunton to attend that meeting to show their support for the prayer.

Organizations such as the Valley Family Forum, led by Dean Welty who is working with local conservative leader Dr. Kurt Michael, are conferring with the Rutherford Institute in an effort to educate citizens on their constitutional right to have prayer before a public meeting. Staunton residents Carl Tate and Fonda Gardner have also joined in to assist.

When asked about the issue, Councilman Bruce Elder commented to the News Leader:
Councilman Bruce Elder said he always keeps matters of faith and its expressions very private.

“Personally, I think you have to be respectful of separation of church and state,” Elder said. “And you have to be respectful of diversity of faith.”
Dr. Michael, a Liberty University professor, noted, “This is not an issue of church and state. This is just another example of a few people trying to remove God from the public square. It is my understanding that a moment of silence is usually done in remembrance of people who have died. I hope the council members will remember that God is alive and well.”

If you are going....
What: Staunton City Council meeting
Date: Thursday, March 28, 2013
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Staunton City Hall
116 W. Beverley St.
Staunton, VA 24401

Ice-covered jonquil promises spring is on its way

The seasons are tripping over each other. Walking around the yard on Monday, I found this lone ice-covered jonquil bent over from the latest shot of winter weather. The calendar says spring arrives tomorrow but Mother Nature says we may have more winter precipitation later in the week.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
March 19, 2013

Last day of winter's icy wonderland

This morning's temperature is 32 degrees and ice-covered branches are beginning to melt. Our March snowy wonderland on this last day of winter will put more moisture into the ground which is good news for summer gardens.


Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
March 19, 2013

Monday, March 18, 2013

I found spring in Richmond



Chesterfield County ... Midlothian, to be specific. Jonquils = sign of spring.


Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
March 18, 2013