Here, there and back

2008-08-15T04:03:00.000-07:00

De Touqueville in his classic work "Democracy in America" says the two most corrupt professions in America are politics and journalism. Both because they attempt to vilify the opposition in any way possible. It seems both the "presumptive" presidential candidates are at least talking about taking the high road and sticking more to the issues and altho the personal attacks between them have diminished it seems the blog world has once again stepped into the breech. We have been so indoctrinated into the rhetoric of personal attacks that bloggers are making the candidates contention look mild by comparison. Of course I don't understand why anyone would want the office of president, especially now, but I really think both candidates are honorable men who only want the best for our country and approach the common good from some different and some of the same political concepts. The thing we all must remember is that individual interests are strengthened by promoting the common interests and that even the best of us are have faults in our character and actions we are not particularly proud of (but I didn't inhale). The bottom line is that the Republican philosophy is promote the interests of the prosperous and they will in turn promote the interests of the less prosperous and the Democrats feel that the interests of the many are promoted by looking out for the less prosperous and disadvantaged. A bumper sticker I saw the other day said, "I don't have enough money to vote Republican". Personalities aside, that's the choice.

2008-07-30T08:38:00.000-07:00

Turks Cap Lily

Lilum superbum

I suspect this is the smaller species of L. michauxii because of the fewer blooms on each plant.

Capable of reaching a height of nearly three feet tall, this gentle giant of summer is among the largest members of the Lily Family. With recurved petals colored yellow to orange and bearing reddish-brown spots, this flower can be identified from some distance away, growing on moist roadsides and meadows. Up to 40 flowers have been counted on just one plant of L. superbum, while a similar but smaller species, L. michauxii bears only 1 to 6 flowers per plant. Blooming time for both species begins in July and runs through September. This plant possesses no significant medicinal properties, although early American Indians used the bulbs in soups.

One of the joys of driving the Blue Ridge Parkway each day is watching the ever changing natural beauty. The Dogwood, Mountain Laurel, Azaleas to name a few of the flowering trees and shrubs have been particularly spectacular this year. Perhaps it's because we have had consistent rainfall. Yesterday I came across a stand of these Turks Cap Lilies. The butterflies were an added attraction.

2008-07-26T20:40:00.000-07:00

I've written before about our little church down the mountain in Willis, Va. I've not written about e. e. cummings but he has been for a long time one of my favorite authors. I've been fascinated by his ability to get the poetic idea across using words to create a picture thought-feeling. "Balloon man and weee" and "anyone living in a little how town" are the essence of what poetry should be. Andy, he of "Older and No Wiser" fame posted this by cummings and it describes New Harvest Ministries very well even to the geography. It also gave me a greater appreciation of e. e. (the habit of his not capitalizing his name makes typing so much easier, not that I'm lazy or anything...) whose idea of church seems very close to mine.

i am a little church(no great cathedral)
far from the splendor and squalor of hurrying cities
-i do not worry if briefer days grow briefest,
i am not sorry when sun and rain make april

my life is the life of the reaper and the sower;
my prayers are prayers of earth's own clumsily striving
(finding and losing and laughing and crying)children
whose any sadness or joy is my grief or my gladness

around me surges a miracle of unceasing
birth and glory and death and resurrection:
over my sleeping self float flaming symbols
of hope,and i wake to a perfect patience of mountains

i am a little church(far from the frantic
world with its rapture and anguish)at peace with nature
-i do not worry if longer nights grow longest;
i am not sorry when silence becomes singing

winter by spring, i lift my diminutive spire to
merciful Him Whose only now is forever:
standing erect in the deathless truth of His presence
(welcoming humbly His light and proudly His darkness)

~ e.e.cummings ~

2008-07-24T06:51:00.000-07:00

Last year there was a promise of orchid pictures. Then Stella put orchid on the menu. But plants are hardy things and this year for the first time since I brought it home shortly after Wanda and I were married only seven short years ago, it bloomed. Now I see two new shoots comming on and hopefully since Stella no longer has a taste for orchid there will be four blossoms come March.

March is not my favorite month since March 12, 2oo7 was the day Wanda was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Benning, who among others has remained steadfast asks, as others have, "how are you doing?" I seem to be doing fine. Wanda said I would be fine if she should be called home. I really don't know how "I" am doing because "I" am not "me" any more. When Wanda and I went to counseling with Rev. Smith who married us I was told she would become "bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh". And she did, so the "me" that was is no longer the "me " that is.

It's as if I have entered another dimension. A kind of placid twilight zone in which spirits become real and our loving heavenly Father gives the comfort He promised. Life as I knew it no longer exists. I have seen incredible courage and love while knowing that death was imminent. And when death came a grace beyond my understanding. Wanda and I would argue over who loved who more. She won that argument.

Only God, and now Wanda know why she was taken and I remain. Things should have been the other way around. Hospice should have been bringing the walker, shower chair and oxygen for me, not her.

So I'm like the orchid which waited untill it was healed from the gnawing and now promises to be even better than before. Perserverence comes from love and I have been given a greater understanding of what real love is and at the same time a knowledge of the unfathomable love that God has for us. For me, this world is very different.

2008-07-21T08:18:00.000-07:00

HELLO

2008-07-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

There is a comfort in the gentle rain. You hear it in the canopy before the first drops discolor the wood deck. Once the leaves become saturated it plays off the metal roof and then all together the various textures produce a variety of sounds. Seldom are our showers boisterous and violent. However there is a Thunder Ridge and a Lightening Ridge which give testimony to an occasional passing torrent.

Tonight the rain is welcome. It reminds me of other nights when we would lay in bed and fall asleep to the steady sound of imperceptible whispers from the mountain. The rain stops and the breeze releases onto the roof a brief patter surrendered by the trees.

"In quietness and in trusting confidence I find strength"
ISAIAH 30:15

2008-07-11T18:01:00.000-07:00

2008-07-08T06:54:00.000-07:00

I've been visiting my favorite blogs not leaving any comments. I know there's a word for that but for the life of me I can't remember what it is. Things that seemed so important now shrink to insignificance.

If you read this and are one of those people who cared and were concerned about Wanda, thank you. As you know my posting ended with the diagnosis of her cancer. The time consumed by the blog was time away from Wanda.

I have found out that the HER-2 receptor type of cancer she had is particularly aggressive. Any reoccurance within a five year time frame is not good. Wanda' s reoccured within months. Three bouts of as many types of chemo each more potent only left her feeling worse.

Wanda was told of the terminal prognosis several months ago and did not share that information. She told no one, not wanting anyone to worry about her. Even when the pain in her hips and legs became so intense and 911 was called the week before her leaving us I was still under the impression it was a reaction to the medication she was taking.

The following day when the Dr. explained the pain was because of the cancer and when Wanda said hospice would be comming to the house on her release I numbly realized the the probable outcome. On the way home from the hospital she told me how much the desease had spread to more than several vital organs. Even then her spirits were good. And I still had hope for her complete healing.

I had a week with her to tell her all those things we want to tell the one we love most before they go. How she was my hero and how proud I was to be her husband and of course how much I loved her and how much she was loved by others. I held her hand and gave her repeated kisses.
She told me of her love for me. She told me she was not afraid of death. Her faith was strong and she knew she would soon be home with our Lord.

Her passing was with such grace and dignity it demonstrated she was leaving our love and entering a greater love in the presence of our Savior. Her head was in her sister Paulette's lap and I knelt beside her and held and kissed her hand. She raised her head, gave several coughs and gave my hand a squeeze. That final small embrace said it all; "I love you, I'm fine now, you'll be O.K., be brave, I'll see you later". Joseph Campbell said, "the best things can't be spoken". He was so right.

As I said many things seem now so insignificant. The state of the world, politics, the economy won't change significantly as long as people remain the same. Wanda left me with this. Love and trust in the Lord. If you don't know His redeeming grace get to know it now! You never know what tomorrow may bring. You don't believe in God? You are misled. I am as sure as the grass grows and the wind blows there is a loving Creator who sent his Son to redeem us and make a way for us to spend eternity in His unconditional love. If for whatever reason you deny this it is unfortunate to no one but yourself. And if you do deny keep your ignorance to yourself, as I say to me much is now so very insignificant. However if you do come to realize the truth which shall set you free I will rejoice with you as I now rejoice knowing Wanda is held in loving arms much greater than mine.

2008-07-08T01:15:00.000-07:00

WANDA PETTIT NOYES

OCTOBER 19, 1963 - JUNE 28, 2008

"Rejoice and be exceeding glad:

for great is your reward in heaven...."

Matthew 5:12

Sisters

2007-03-18T05:12:00.000-07:00

As Wanda put it, this whole week has been surreal.

Waiting in the examining room, overhearing the good Dr. request a breast cancer kit did not bode well. He was quite professional and direct in delivering the diagnosis and the the treatment options.

Then there was the part about the part about no insurance. Her Dr. said treatment will run in the neighborhood of $100,000. A neighborhood I seldom visit. One can only bless the medical establishment in these parts. She has been promised and received incomparable care. It seems like the HR person (who is being replaced) neglected to provide insurance before the promised effective date. All of a sudden Wednesday, health insurance at work became a priority with management. The policy is not the best but at least it is coverage and with Gods help she will be covered.

So the prognosis is good especially since she has innumerable prayers being said for her. We can only thank the Lord for his healing and His hand in the chemo and radiation therapy. I really do think the Lord works through the drug companies. He does bring good out of evil.

Wanda's big sister, Paulette, drove down Tuesday from Baltimore to be with her. She lost her way only once but as a result got to do the white knuckle drive Rt 58 up the mountain. The "Lovers Leap" drive can be unnerving for someone not used to these roads. She went back Saturday after Fridays fog and rain had dissipated. Can anyone be as comforting as a big sister?

Pray for us.

Medical Update

2007-03-13T06:28:00.000-07:00

Well, we are back to living on faith. Motivator #1 Love of my life with the help of modern medicine has found a rather large lump in her breast. It was biopsied yesterday and today we are off to see the surgeon. Motivator # 2 She has no health insurance. We were told it would be available six months after we were hired. The first of this month it should have been in available. I just hope they continue to offer overtime at work since they messed up the insurance he said as he continued to mutter about pre-existing conditions and the like.

Fortunately she has a strong support group. Several of her close friends have been through this (albeit with insurance) and can keep her positive. She has her posse at work and church to keep the prayers working. And we have our faith in God and His infinite goodness and love.

Will keep you posted and I know you will excuse me hopefully for a brief interval.

2007-02-26T02:35:00.000-08:00

2007-02-26T02:24:00.000-08:00

Can You Hear Me Now?

2007-02-20T03:38:00.000-08:00

The problem with cell phones around here is that they don't work all that well. It seems that many times mountains block the signal. But driving around these back roads, especially in winter, sure make them handy to have. When we moved here since the was no service with our phones we returned them and have been cellphoneless since.

After taking numerous polls and talking to neighbors who have had to walk to the end of the street to get a signal I decided on Cellular 1. Actually walking to the end of the street isn't that bad as it's the corner of our property. But I would much rather sit in the comfort of my home than stand in the middle of the street. Another thing is I haven't seen for Cellular any stupid commercials targeting the adolescent minded.

So after getting the brakes on the Pathfinder done down at Blue Ridge Tire I stopped by the Cellular store sandwiched between Chinese and Mexican restaurants in the international section of the mountain music capitol of Galax. So we are now the possessors of a cell phone on which there have been three calls. One, the battery had died and the second and third the phone was off and we had messages.

But the comfort of knowing that should an emergency happen while on the road we will be able to summon help makes the purchase of 1000 minutes a month seem worth while. A thousand minutes, but in order to get 30 roaming minutes that's what I had to get. And you never know when you might want to roam. The plan I had in Baltimore was 800 minutes with rollover and the rollover minutes hovered around 5000. I need to start calling. And it does work in our house.

2007-02-17T06:06:00.000-08:00

Clearification

2007-02-17T05:40:00.000-08:00

Just to make things clear, I am not running for President nor am I the father of Anna Nicole Smith's baby.

2007-02-15T16:59:00.000-08:00

File Under "What Goes Around...."

2007-02-15T03:38:00.000-08:00

For years Wall Street has shrugged it's shoulders as jobs went overseas telling workers to get new skills. Of course lower costs to business means bigger profits means a bull market means the traders make billion dollar bonuses. That's all fine and the American way. But now the street is seeing accounts go across the pond and they don't like it.

2007-02-15T03:12:00.000-08:00

Lovers Leap 9:00 AM

Click on any of these pictures to enlarge. But you knew that.

The Crooked Road

2007-02-13T17:12:00.000-08:00

There's a beautiful Crooked Road that winds through these mountains. We travel the stretch from Meadows of Dan to Stuart and back each day. This is more than just a winding road thought scenic Southwest Virginia, it's a journey into the heart of country music. Oh, it's not the country music that makes the top forty on the charts but the real soul of mountain music. It's an artery that carries the tradition born and nurtured over the past several centuries in what was a one time a somewhat isolated area. It grew on it's own, feeding on the Scots Irish, German and gospel music brought over the years. Music is not the only attraction to the area but it is the most ingrained. Mountain music, good mountain music, can be heard at church, the corner store, the gas station, on the street corner, the front porch or just anywhere two or three people with a guitar, banjo or mandolin or any combination of the three can be found.

So here's your chance to win a handmade guitar or mandolin direct from the Crooked Road. While you're here you can make up a country song and send it by phone or e-mail to a friend, relative or whoever you want to impress. It's really cool, Wanda went through our phone book sending songs to all her friends. Within about 15 minutes we had a call from a amazed, laughing recipient

2007-02-13T04:27:00.000-08:00

Think Warm

2007-02-13T03:41:00.000-08:00

Since it's cold and snowy throughout much of the country I thought this would offer at least a little relief. This is Sunset Beach on Treasure Island Florida and the beach where I grew up.
When I was a kid some fifty years ago most of the residents were either fishermen or tradespeople. Today most of the residents are either CEO's or the idle rich. Back in the 50's we bought our beach house for $5,000, today it would probably go for close to 100 times that.

Back when I was driving a cab on the beach a call from the Driftwood Inn usually meant I was in for some sort of adventurous time from the upcoming fare. I was one of those bars which attracted colorful drunks. Today the Driftwood Inn is no longer, it has morphed into the Caddy Shack. Shortly after the valet parked our car, this picture was taken from the rooftop deck. I now know the world has gone crazy...valet parking at the Driftwood Inn!

2007-02-09T17:13:00.000-08:00

LOVERS LEAP 5:55 PM

Footnote To Black History

2007-02-07T04:07:00.000-08:00

So Joe Biden got in trouble for calling Obama "clean". Now us white folks usually don't understand the meaning of that word in the black community. "Clean" is not only clean, it's well dressed, well groomed. It's dressed for success. I wonder if Joe realized that when he uttered his remark. And then there's clean as in uncorrupted. I don't know but I really can't imagine of any politician as that kind of clean.

Now two people I know are "clean" are Lovie Smith and Tony Dunge. What an example are these two men. They prove that nice guys can finish first. What is more important to me is that they publicly credit their success to God and give him the glory. I read a comment by some lost soul who objected to "people trying to put their superstitious beliefs on the rest of us". Sorry pal, but unlike you, who have no authority to object except your own opinion, Christians are given the obligation to let the world know of a loving Spirit who can accomplish all things for those who love Him. So either get over it or relax and get the joy.

Just as the winning the Superbowl will put a city on the map, it will also give credibility to the coaches and teams who not only win but also play. It all seems to be coming together during black history month. For the first time two black coaches in the big game and a black man who has at least a chance for the presidency. It's also kind of interesting that like the crossover popular Tiger Woods, Barak Obama is bi-racial. What's even more telling is the very popular Lovie and Tony are not.

Parkway Ice

2007-02-07T03:29:00.000-08:00

I'm beginning to feel a little like Monet did with his Haystack Images. I keep taking pictures of this ice wall along the parkway at different times and at different angles.

2007-02-05T03:02:00.000-08:00

Mabry Mill is the most photographed spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway. About 14 miles up the Parkway from us we pass it on our way to church in Willis. It was iced yesterday when I took this.

Saturday Chronicles...Evening

2007-02-03T04:30:00.000-08:00

They start young around here. This, as I have mentioned, is the is the world capitol of bluegrass music. As such it produces some of the finest of country gospel. This young man is a part of the Hylton family of musicians. Saturday night was a gospel sing in the small town of Vesta at one of the many churches in the area. I was told this young member of that family recently said he was not going to play with them any more because he was not included in the last recording session and only returned to the group after being

assured he would be included in the next session.

It was truly blessed evening which provided enough donations to sent the young man on the extreme right as a missionary to India. I am sure some people consider it peculiar to be sending someone to another country to preach the word of Jesus. But as believers we are given a commission "go into all the world to spread the gospel". "Gospel" after all does translate as "good news". And to me the joy and love included in those words is infinitely better hatred and destruction preached by others. And it does say that those of us who are fortunate enough to be preserved only by the grace of God are in the Bible called "peculiar people". I know I fall into that category and at least I have an excuse.

Ann, on the right, playing the keyboard also plays several types of guitars, banjos, harmonicas and who knows what else. She attends the little church we go to down in Willis and is known throughout the area as a wonderful musician and person. I have heard from many people how she and her husband had helped and provided for others.

After the sing there was a fellowship which included a auction of baked goods. First up was the pineapple upside down cake I had been eyeing. Opening bid...$5. and I knew this was not going to be a bargain. But it was for a good cause and I doubled it to ten dollars. No one else bid and Ann who was acting as auctioneer was not giving up so, against myself, I bid $11. to the amusement of the crowd. Then someone in line for the one dollar chili dogs bid $15. I had sixteen dollars in in my pocket and that took it and it was good

I am sure all those disturbing events of morning and afternoon were put in my way by the evil one to keep me from attending what turned out to be a wonderfully blessed evening filled with fantastic music, good friends and food not only for the body but also for the spirit.

2007-02-02T02:51:00.001-08:00

HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY FROM GROUNDHOG MOUNTAIN

Saturday Chronicles...Afternoon

2007-01-31T19:07:00.000-08:00

When we left off Isabell had been rescued and was recovering in front of the firepalce from her ordeal. Love of my life and I were watching The Illusionist and napping to catch up on the lost sleep. We were resting, anticipating the event we were planning to attend Saturday evening.

My Mother describes our family as pleasantly dysfunctional. She as usual is right in her assessment. As Paul Newman's character observes in Road To Perdition, sons were put on earth to trouble their fathers. It's a leitmotif in mythology that sons overcome their fathers. I think it all started with Zeus killing Chronos but that's a different story. In my situation, my son, the other David in the family for some long unknown slight doesn't communicate with this David. But all this aside when my Mom called somewhere in the midst of Edward Norton appearing Jessica Biel to say David Jr. had spent several days in hospital after passing out needless to say I was extremely concerned. I take great pride in this guy. He is a chemical engineer and a officer in the Navel Reserve and I take comfort knowing he has a good life he has created for himself. He was at that point home and seems to be doing well.

I was recovering from that news when the sound that wives make when something is wrong emanated from the living room. Stella has been known to for some reason consider house plants and fair game and she had decided to work on the orchid. Yes. that's right, the orchid which, after living with us for six years, was going to bloom. The bulk of it, including the hopeful buds, now lay, shredded, on the living room floor. I hope we don't have to wait another six years for a bloom.

It was at that point the funk set in. Since the season is either ending or ended there was not even football to improve on a day not going well.

Winter Moon

2007-01-31T19:00:00.000-08:00

The Saturday Chronical...Morning

2007-01-30T03:17:00.000-08:00

I have recovered enough now from Saturdays events to talk about the day. The tale of Isabelle (the dog on the right and the larger half of double trouble) began Friday evening. Coming home from work we were greeted only by Stella's jumping around and yelping which was unusual as she is normally the one who wanders off by herself. When Isabelle was still among the missing later that evening worry set in. Wanda and I had a restless night and Stella sat by the door whimpering for her missing sister.

Only once before had the dogs been missing all night and that time they were both AWOL. We found them in the morning up at Doe Run cavorting in the parking lot. It was a weekend hen there a lot of people up here and we suspect they had been partying all night. It was our thought that was the situation this time however to Isabel to party without her sister didn't make sense as Stella is the party animal.

The nice thing is that everyone up here knows the girls and as we drove around Saturday morning looking for the missing dog the word soon spread she was among the missing. The work from several was the last time she was seen was in the vicinity of the villas up at Doe Run. After several hours of searching we concentrated on that area. It was drive, stop, whistle...drive, stop, whistle until suddenly there was a panicked barking and yelping. We heard her very close but couldn't see her.

Exiting the car what could be seen at the edge of the road was the tail and a rather large beagle butt protruding from the opening of a large but not large enough drain pipe. Poor puppy had crawled in and could not back out. After I dug away some of the accumulated dirt at the entrance she extricated herself and all I could see as I looked into the drain was darkness. Muddy and relieved to be liberated from the cramped quarters where she had apparently spent the night she gave little yelps of joy all the way to the house. After a stop in the rhododendrons for some much needed relief there was a joyful reunion with her sister who seemed as relieved as we to have her home.

And that was Saturday morning. More on the rest of the day later. Oh, yes, there's more.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

2007-01-29T03:17:00.000-08:00

There's this spot on the Parkway just down from the Mabry Mill where the ice comes early and stays late. Water seems to seap from the rock face and freeze.

Winter has come to the mountains. It's 7 degrees down in Galax this morning. It's a much warmer 14 down the mountain the other way in Mt. Airey. A dusting of snow lays on the ground and as things go we have ran out of gas for the fireplace.

Since I've tried for an hour to download some pictures and have only been able to get this one I'll post the others later.

Horses and Homefolk

2007-01-28T05:21:00.000-08:00

We see these horses most every day on the was to and from work. As Sean over at the Pecor Family can tell you this is horse country. We stopped by to see our friend, Diane, who has several horses they have rescued from unfortunate situations. Her daughter, Tia (called Toothpick) greeted us and there was great excitement. They had, the night before, purchased a Arabian thoroughbred for $30. The poor fella had been terribly abused and they will nurse the horse back to health.

I've written about this family before. Diane's mom and dad, Jesse and Geneva, have a place up on Buffalo Mountain. "The Buffalo" is a landmark in the area and is rich in flora and fauna and a beautiful place.

Arlis, the happiest person I have ever met, is Diane's (we call her Granny because that's what she said to call her) anyway, Arlis is Diane's brother and lives at home with Pop and Mom (that's what we call them because they said to). Everyone in these parts knows the family and they know everyone. Granny's uncle was at one time the sheriff of Floyd county. If you want to know what's going on from Fancy Gap to Floyd, just ask Granny.

For some reason they have adopted us. When the family picture was taken at the church we all go to for Jesse and Geneva's 50Th anniversary, Jesse insisted Wanda and I join the group. We had to laugh at the notion that somewhere down the line some descendant will look at the family photo dismayed, wondering how these two are related.

In spite of Granny and her husband having untold challenges mostly stemming from the several serious heart attacks suffered by the latter, they are some of the most kind and giving people I have ever had the good fortune to encounter. From her early pet groundhog, Boomerang, to the horses they now rescue, they truly care for all creatures great and small including people.

Wanda said she wanted to go horseback riding. Jesse looked at her and asked, "ya ever done that before"? When Wanda answered in the negative, Jesse just shook his head, looked at her, and replied, "make sure ya call me, I wanna to see that".

2007-01-25T04:43:00.000-08:00

The Queen and Princesses

A Few Random Thoughts

2007-01-25T03:53:00.000-08:00

Just a few random thoughts this morning (isn't redundancy fun?).

I'm bothered sometimes by buzz words and phrases. "Factiod" was one that really bothered me. When and why was "oid" added to "fact". It's a fact. Another was "funeralize" as in "They funeralized the dead factoid inventor". "Eulogy" is a nice word and funerals are held. The latest to bother me is "moving forward" . George used it several times in that speech the other night. Of course we move forward. Who ever uses the phrases "standing still" or "going backward". People do the latter but people who do usually don't comment on doing so. Maybe a historian could say something like "Moving forward into going backward".

Prescription drug programs for us pre-baby boomers have a list of approved drugs called a formulary. They change from year to year. The company I represent at work has removed Viagra and Cialis from the formulary. I have received more calls from upset women then men about the deletion. Either the saddest or most encouraging call I had was from a 90 year old man. His final comment "Well, I guess I really don't need this" left me wondering what he meant. A ray of hope, maybe? Anyhow this doesn't seem right.

2007-01-24T07:56:00.000-08:00

CARDINAL

I'm told by our brother-in-law, Jorge, that Cardinals are ground feeders. I guess it's unusual to see them on feeders. Last spring we watched as the father of this bird demonstrated to the youngsters how to eat from the feeder. They nest somewhere close by and normally come around later in the AM and PM than the other species.

Coincidence Or.....?

2007-01-24T06:55:00.000-08:00

It was several Sundays ago and as is my habit I was making out a check to drop in the collection at church. We had received a bonus at work that week and I was doing as God had laid on my heart and making the draft out for half the amount of the bonus. As I finished I felt Gods urging to give the other half also. The way we figure God has been good to us and when it comes down to it, everything belongs to Him anyway. But for some reason instead of logically voiding out the finished check I simply made out another for the same amount.

(Fast forward to our little church down the mountain in Willis)

I had forgotten that week we were having a visiting ministry group and our preacher announced in addition to our regular offering we would take up a "love" offering to help support the visitors.
Now is that cool or what? There I was with two checks in my pocket. I have found that God sometimes puts in our lives what we think are rather unusual circumstances and when that occurs it's best just to go along.

I have heard many reports of incidences just such as this where one of Gods children feels the urge to do some strange or seemingly bizarre thing only to have the action bring amazing results.

Now if you are one of those people who think things like this are coincidences, that's OK. I just believe the there is some awesome force for good which guides our actions.

What Do You Mean, Get Up?

2007-01-23T03:57:00.000-08:00

Fog In The Valley

2007-01-23T03:26:00.000-08:00

Somewhere down there under the fog....er clouds is the Ararat Valley. Yesterday after the wet weather the fog was hanging low and this was the view from Groundhog Mountain. In the distance Mt. Pilot pokes up out of mists.

2007-01-22T04:36:00.000-08:00

TUFTED TITMOUSE

Ice, Ice, Baby

2007-01-22T03:51:00.000-08:00

We didn't have any snow but there was ice. It covered the deck which resulted in the birds who feed there to do some slipping and sliding. The dogs also discovered what it is to slip on the ice. They and we didn't venture far.

It seems like everyone who can spell president has deceided to run for that office. And the election isn't for another two years. It's going to be like a political "Groundhog Day" except the kid that keeps falling out of the tree never gets caught and the groundhog turns out to be a turkey.

In retrospect it's been a fantastic football season topped by two exceptional championship games. Now it's Da Bears and the Baltimore....oops I mean the Indianapolis Colts. I like both teams which means that whoever wins I'll be happy.

2007-01-21T05:46:00.000-08:00

GOLDFINCH

Flowering After Six Years

2007-01-20T18:14:00.000-08:00

When I bought this orchid about six years ago it had one beautiful bloom which, because the conditions were not right, soon withered. Since our row house at the time had no windows with a good sunny exposure, for the better part of four years it lived on the cabinet in the bathroom where it got lots of moisture from Wanda's many long hot showers. It thrived there but only in the leaf department.

There was ample light coming through the window but not enough to sustain the one bloom or invite others.

Since moving to the mountain it's lived on the deck in the summer and in front of the glass doors during the cold weather.

Now it appears to have several buds appearing out of the center of the two large leaves. My knowledge of orchids is somewhat limited. I have a suspicion that light conditions must just right for them to bloom. If that's the case then this fellas not moving from his present home.

Flowers are not your typical orchid variety on this plant. When it does put on a show I'll post pictures. That way your anticipation will be like mine as we patiently wait for the plant that hasn't bloomed in six years. Just a hint (and for orchid fanciers, a give-a-way) it's a Golddigger.

Sunrise

2007-01-20T05:02:00.000-08:00

Superdog

2007-01-18T06:55:00.000-08:00

She looks so sweet. Stella was the runt of the litter and it's reflected in her smaller size. But don't be fooled, this dog is fearless. Or it could be she just doesn't have good sense.

Jumping off the neighbors retaining wall, not once but twice, she acquired a two day limp. She has been known to face down much larger dogs and turns into a raging maniac when her much larger sister approaches too close to her food dish.

Sometimes she watches TV. I caught her enjoying the action as the Bears defeated the Seahawks in the NFL playoffs. While on the subject of bears it must noted as this narrative continues, love of my life, Wanda has a fear and at the same time a fascination with the creatures. Also she is no football fan.

It was that interest that prompted the purchase of the DVD Grizzly Man. My watching took some persuasion. I knew the story and was not keen to watch a movie concerning some deranged person who was eventually eaten by his subject matter. A time came when, with Stella perched on my lap, I was persuaded to suffer the movie. In all fairness it is worth watching even though our hero meets a tragic end.

As can be expected there are bears and at the sight of them quiet (well sometimes), sweet little Stella became monster dog. Barking, snarling and growling she fearlessly faced down the TV bears. Throughout the movie at the sight of a bear, and there were many sights of bears, Stella would become super dog.

From her actions we think she must have already had a real life bear adventure. Eventually the movie ended and the bears went away. The Seattle Seahawks really missed a good thing when they neglected to sign her.

Lovers Leap 8:40 AM

2007-01-17T06:55:00.000-08:00

Thank You, Dr, King

2007-01-15T04:11:00.000-08:00

Things happen in my life that are beyond explanation. Some people say everything happens for a reason. Maybe that's true.

I had been fired from my job at the radio station with good reason I might add. They said it was a re-organization but I was the only one being reorganized. A friend who had worked with some people at a station in Atlanta gave them a call and arranged an interview. It would involve a move from Florida to Georgia but it was a larger market and more importantly another job.

Back then ADD was unheard of but that never stopped me from not knowing what to prioritize. The funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King was taking place in my very destination that very day. I never thought for a moment that event and my trip would become one.

Back in the sixties the trip up I-75 to Atlanta was mostly uneventful broken only by the monotony of palmetto and pine. Atlanta has probably since the days of horse and buggy been a traffic nightmare. With the events of the day it was soon stop and go along the interstate through the city.

Coming upon an overpass the traffic stopped all to gather and people were exiting vehicles and peering over the guardrail. There below was the mule drawn cart with bearing the body of the man who probably did more than anyone to influence my life. Even then it was an epiphany.

With Dr. King there is the unthinkable possibility the I would not have the joy of being married to the live of my life. Back then it was in many places illegal for people of different complexions to marry. When I bought my house in Baltimore in 1992 the deed stated that no person of color could occupy same unless as a servant. Of course, that item was no longer relevant except as a silent reminder of a time which should better be forgotten....or should it?

Lovers Leap 7:40 AM

2007-01-13T19:50:00.000-08:00

I Must Have Been a Very Good Boy

2007-01-12T19:09:00.000-08:00

My many years of suffering the agonies of a 6 shot, 2 megapixel digital camera have ended and I have come into photographers nirvana. Santa brought me one of these super Canon 710 7.1 megapixel cameras with a 2 GB card, capable of storing hundreds of pictures. It's a point and shoot or the manual function can be set for more sophisticated photography. One day I will understand the 137 page advanced user guide but for now I'm mastering the 29 page basic guide. The wonderful thing is I can now more accurately capture the fleeting moments of beauty and the more intricate and delicate textures of the amazing environment I experience each day.

2007-01-12T03:31:00.000-08:00

HELLO, WE'RE BACK

Time Out

2006-11-27T06:30:00.000-08:00

I'm taking a time out from blogging. But maybe you noticed since I haven't posted in about a month.
The job has been consuming a inordinate amount of time. November 15th started the open enrollment period for Medicare which lasts until December 31 and since that's what we do, overtime has become very necessary but profitable.
Add to that the holiday season.
There may be a random post here or there and a visit to see how y' all are doing but nothing on a regular basis.
I have every intention of ending my blogging vacation around the end of next month so until then....

Friday Again

2006-11-03T03:13:00.000-08:00

I've heard people say there's nothing going on up here in the mountains. It seems however Wanda and I have more of a social life here then we ever had in "the city". Tonight our friend, Bob returned from Florida for several days and we are off to Galax for dinner. Tomorrow it's Roanoke for some shopping and a stop at our favorite sushi restaurant. Then Sunday, church and of course football. Not much going on Monday but Tuesday we are hosting a bible study at home and of course you are all invited. And so it goes. And we don't even make it to many of the festivals, auctions, yard sales, concerts and other assorted events in the area.

The beagle sisters have visited the local vet to assure there are no little beagle puppies at Villa MacBeane. They also received the necessary shots. Since they made it an overnight of it's been pretty quiet around here.

And the news is full of local happenings. Other than the guy who was arrested for operating a moonshine still about three miles down the road. In the next county the sheriff and a bunch of his deputies were arrested for selling drugs and guns. You can read all about that as well as other local events here. We live in Patrick County, where the high sheriff was busted is Henry County. The counties were named after, you guessed it, Patrick Henry.

Moonshine is and has been a local cottage industry in these parts for generations. After the whiskey rebellion chased the Ulster Scots out of western Pennsylvania they fled to south finding the mountains of southwest Virginia a perfect place to set up shop. My Scottish ancestors had little respect for he law and great respect for a wee dram of the water of life. It is said that other of the pioneers coming south would actually avoid the settlements of my ancestors. I can't imagine why. The poor fellow mentioned above had just begun his first "run" and he was caught by the "revenuers".

I mentioned in the last post about my weird dreams. The one the other night was about a new design for an aqua blue toilet brush. How weird is that? It would have been better if the product design were practical.

I can't believe we are already seeing Christmas commercials. I just wish as much attention would be paid to the reason for the season.

And I'm so tired of the politicians and their rhetoric. As Mark Twain once said, the problem with a democracy is someone always gets elected.

Dreams

2006-10-30T04:23:00.000-08:00

I was reading my "Short History Of Confucian Philosophy" the other day and I came across the guy who had a dream he was a butterfly. He flew from flower to flower and up into the blue sky and rested in the green cool grass. When he awoke he wondered if he was a man dreaming he was a butterfly or a butterfly dreaming he was a man.

I had a dream the other night. I was running through our woods which appeared as they do at this time of year, the beagle sisters following close behind as the do and I saw a moose or maybe it was an elk come out of the rhododendron. That was it! The dream was me doing what I do normally except for the elk or moose or whatever it was.

I asked Wanda if I was still alive and she assured me I am.

Catching Up On the Groundhog Mountain News

2006-10-27T03:51:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid in school we used to get this periodical called "Weekly Reader". So here is my "Weakly Reader".

Last Saturday night the beagle sisters partied all night. After the big birthday celebration they had not had enough. And with all the people visiting the Parkway they had lots of new friends to party with. They didn't come home all night. AND THAT UPSET BIG MOMMY DOG AND BIG DADDY DOG VERY MUCH! It's not that they would get lost as beagles can smell their way home with no problem. Our fear is that someone would dognap these cute little critters. They have tags with name and phone number and when no one called the worries mounted. Not much sleep that night. So Sunday morning bright and early we were in the car and driving the mountain looking for the fugitives. It didn't take us long to locate them down the road and around the corner. So like all wayward children they were grounded, having to spend their next several days in jail or as we call it the garage.

First Wanda came down with the sniffles. Then came the congestion, sore throat, tight chest, and generally all over funky feeling. And then your humble narrator was visited by that same ailment. So we took it easy for several days. I even took a sick day from work, an occasion worthy of note it happens so seldom. I am happy to report we are both back to our usual healthy selves. One benefit is that we have not had cigarettes in almost a week. Maybe we can give them up for good...maybe.

File under interesting observations: In the northern part of this country (sometimes known as "yankeeland") people have fancy coffee totes that say "Starbucks", so ethereal. Down south (sometimes known as "Dixie") people have fancy coffee totes that say "Sheetz", so, well, down homey.

We celebrated our birthdays Saturday last. It started with a to Blue Ridge Tire in Galax for new skids for the Pathfinder, just in time for the approaching foul weather.
A stop to replentist the sunflower seed supply for the bird feeder. Fifty pounds for $13.
Then it was off to Floyd and shopping at Harvest Moon. Our mission was to get some English double cream which we did. As well as a basket full of other goodies.
Then it was off to Oddfellas for lunch where the chef had cut his hand and the owner, Rob was, as we would say in the restaurant business, up to his ass in alligators, trying to get the multitude of customers who had come to the mountains for peak leaf season, fed.
It was a pleasant drive up route 8 to Tuggles Gap and probably the best apple pie on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was, not suprisingly, crowded with the usual contingent of bikers with an additional group of Mini Cooper drivers thrown into the mix. We took the pie home and finished the day on our favorite couch, eating pie, watching "Capote" and thanking God for the many blessings that have been tossed our way. And then the beagle sisters decided to stay out all night!

Lovers Leap

2006-10-20T17:39:00.000-07:00

The view from Lovers Leap between Meadows of Dan and Stuart, Virginia at 8:30 AM this morning. My $2.00 digital camera really doesn't do it justice. Santa has promised a new camera for Christmas.

It's Our Birthday!!!!

2006-10-18T03:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my birthday. But thanks to that loving couple in Sweden, the Lifecruisers, the whole world now knows. Sixty-sixth for those who may be interested in this sort of thing. I had done a post inviting one and all to the party but blogger had a birthday surprise for me also and the card said something about not being connected to blogger and not being saved. So it's too late yesterdays party but since today is the birthday of love of my life, Wanda the celebration goes on!

So your all invited.
Lifecruisers have sent a case of Dom (sorry, there's several bottles shy now) and chocolates.
Mr. E come on out of that blueberry patch and, yes, chartreuse flip flops are acceptable.
Betty, come on down to the mountain but leave the cold in Wisssconnnsssonn.
Sean, take the day off, you've done enough work on the fences for a while.
Leslie, some angora underwear would feel mighty good on some of these cool mornings.
Kasia, I've declared a school holiday in Poland today.
Alexander, bagpipes, there's got to be bagpipes!
Three Collie, I know you've got some good steaks in the freezer and let the kids do the milking today.
Benning, it's hot down there in Florida, come on up and join the party in the cool of Groundhog Mountain.
Patty, it's hot in Texas, too.
It would be nice if Fred, the sage of Floyd county, showed up and read a snippet from his most excellent book "Slow Road Home" but he's so busy with the hustle and bustle in the city of Check.
Now, of course everyone else is welcome.
I would like to send a special invite out to Linda, who lives in Maine and doesn't blog. She and I were friends when we were in high school, then lost touch until recently when she tracked me down. Do you know what it's like to hear from a long lost friend with whom one hasn't had contact in fifty years? She has lived a life as have I and now we e-mail and yesterday I received a birthday card from her. Both Wanda and I have been blessed with wonderful and lasting friends over the years. We are so fortunate you all (or as we say in the south, y'all) are included among them. Thank you.

Groundfog Mountain

2006-10-17T04:09:00.000-07:00

Fog and rain on the mountain today.

Small earthquake, 2.2 on the Richter scale, down below in Winston-Salem, the town made famous by the tobacco industry.

Blogger won't let me download the picture I want.

Is it just me or does Condollezza Rice look about 10 years older in the last few days.

Population of USA hits 300 million today.

Time to fix sandwiches for lunch.

Leaves and Visitors

2006-10-16T04:02:00.000-07:00

Autumn has come to the mountains and with it lots of traffic on the Parkway. I mean there were lines of sightseers. People who are not fortunate to live up here come in droves to enjoy the beauty of the changing leaves. They are scheduled to reach their peak next weekend. This weekend the weather more than cooperated staying around 60 degrees (that's farenheit) so picnics and walks were the order of the day. Love of my life commented that there were too many people. Since I grew up in Florida, a tourist destination, I am used to this kind of invasion.

As those of you who have been paying attention know, it's Monday and I have several tidbits of information. The first, which is of passing interest but a nice thing here at Villa MacBeane, is we don't have to be on the job untill 9 AM (that's eastern time). It means we get an extra half hours sleep and a little more time to blog.

Secondly and of more general intrest, there appeared a comment from Buffy. She seems to have grown up in this part of the world and writes about it very well. She now lives in Europe, England, I think. She is an enjoyable read so I've added her to my blogroll.

My Baby Can Sing!

2006-10-14T19:50:00.003-07:00

I may have mentioned before that I sing badly. I will be in church singing a hymn praising the Lord when I will hear my darling wife next to me laughing. That's right she laughs at my singing and I don't blame her. I know I can't sing worth a hoot. I am known to "make a joyful noise to the Lord". "Noise" being the operative word. And if it brings some humor into her life I don't mind. I think one of the reasons she married me is because she finds my singing so funny.

Wanda, on the other hand, sings beautifully in a strong alto voice. She let it be known at church (with a little encouragement) she could sing. Now keep in mind our church might be small in numbers but it is large in talent. About a half a dozen of the congregation sing or play semi-professionally. But then we are in the worlds capitol of bluegrass music. Galax held the 72nd annual old fiddlers convention several months ago. The Lonesome River Band is from right down the road in Meadows of Dan and fellow blogger, Leslie, At The Top of Squirrel Spur has a brother Sammy, who plays a mean banjo with that group. There is bluegrass and country music around every curve and folks, we got a lot of curves. Around here if a kid doesn't play some instrument or sing by the time they leave the playpen there's a problem. Anyway needless to say my darling wife, in between chuckling at my singing, felt somewhat intimidated about doing a solo in the face of all this musical talent.

Now love of my life is a master of excuses. She can come up with them faster than people can ask her why. This fellow Jeff, who is one good singer lent her a CD to a song she really likes and she practiced and made excuses. The preacher would add little footnotes in his sermons (while looking at you know who) about people who could sing and didn't and how he was being denied of his blessing. Finally, several Sundays ago after the congregation (really) stomped their feet and chanted Wanda, Wanda, Wanda, I committed her (that didn't sound quite right)... I made her promise to sing the following week. As the pastors wife said, she really doesn't know how good she is, and she doesn't.

So last Sunday she sang, "They Don't Understand", a Sawyer Brown song lent to her by Jeff:

A mother riding on a city bus
And the kids are yelling kicking up a fuss
Everybody's staring not knowing what she's going through.
Someone said, "Don't you even care and do you let them do that everywhere?"
She slowly turned around looked up and stared.

She said, "Please forgive them but they've been up all night.
Their Father struggled but he finally lost his fight.
He went to Heaven in the middle of the night.
So, please forgive my children."
They don't understand.

Chorus
Everybody's busy with their own situation
Everybody's lost in their own little world.
Bottled up , hurried up.
Trying to make a dream come true.
They don't understand.
Everybody's living like there ain't no tomorrow.
Maybe we should stop and take a little time
Cause you never know what your neighbors going through.
They don't understand.

A man driving on the interstate.
Slowing down traffic making everybody wait.
Everybodys staring not knowing what he's going through.
Someone honked form the passing lane.
Yelled out the window, "I ain't got all day."
The old man looked around and he caught his eye.
He said, "Please forgive me.
You know it's been a long life.
My wife has passed away and my kids don't have the time.
I've been left all alone and it's getting hard to drive.
So, please forgive me, children
They don't understand.

A man hanging on a wooden cross.
Giving everything to save the lost.
Everybody's staring not knowing what He's going through.
Somebody said,"You don't have a prayer.
If you're a king come on down from there."
The man just turned His head, looked up and stared.
He said, "Please forgive them for they have not seen the light.
They'll come to know me when I come back to life.
I go to Heaven to make everything all right,
So, please forgive Your children,
They don't understand.

After church a friend of ours asked her if she would sing at the opening of his new warehouse. She sings once and already she's got a gig! Today a warehouse, tomorrow, who knows what!

I Tried To Run But She Got Me

2006-10-12T15:56:00.000-07:00

My good friend, Betty, our favorite Boopchile has seen fit to tag me with this meme. She then was bold enough to call it a birthday present. I really think she's spent too much time in the cold air of Wisssconnnsson and has developed the Cheesehead disease.

First name? David

Were you named after anyone? I was named after my maternal Grandfather. His name was Elmer David. I sure am glad my mother turned the names around.

Your favorite lunchmeat? Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, wonderful spam. Wonderful Spam. (apologies to Monty Python)

Do you have a journal? Yes, it has one entry dated October 3rd 1995.

Your favorite cereal? Is beer a cereal?

Your favorite ice cream flavor? What ever is in the freezer.

Shoe size? Which foot? One 's a 9 EEE and the other is a 10 EE. I really love self service shoe stores. I just wonder what they do with the mis-matched pair I leave behind.

Red or pink? Does it make a difference when my white shirts are washed with a red skirt?

Your least favorite thing about yourself? My earlobes are starting to sag.

What color pants and shoes are you wearing? Black sweat pants and much to my wives disdain, no shoes.

If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Blue, any shade of blue.

Favorite smell? Autumn

Favorite drink? A really good glass of wine. After all, it was Jesus first miracle.

Hat size? 9 1/4 (I think)

Favorite food? Sushi, Lobster, Prime Rib, Caviar, Steamed Blue Crab... I really don't have a favorite. there's nothing I don't like and a lot I do and a lot I do like a lot.

Summer or winter? It's all good.

Favorite sounds? Silence. If I must pick something it's the surf and lines hitting against an aluminum mast. Disregard that, it's wind in the trees and rain on the roof. Disregard that, it's Wanda telling me she loves me. Don't disregard that.

The furtherest you've been from home? Lincoln, Nebraska

Special talents. I'm a fairly good artist. Singing very badly.

When and where were you born? October 18, 1940 at 2:00 PM. Elkhart Indiana at home in a bed that now belongs to my cousin and I'm still upset that it doesn't belong to me! After all I was born in it, not her.

Stella, The Great Turtle Hunter.

2006-10-12T15:43:00.000-07:00

Stella, the smaller of the beagle sisters is a great turtle hunter. There have been several instances of her incessant barking and when investigated the object of her attention was a Box Turtle . The turtle, safely housed in it's shell, regards her with impunity. Today she (we think) brought one home. We found it by the front steps. I just wish she would change her attention to rabbits. They make a better meal than turtle.

Conspiracy Theory?

2006-10-11T06:14:00.000-07:00

My wife, Wanda has come up with the theory that the recent e-coli outbreaks are the work of terrorists. She may be right. Who else would come up with poisoning carrot juice and spinach, two staples of the American diet. I, on the other hand, think they are working with McDonald's.

Update On lem

2006-10-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

It seems our stray dog, Liam, (also known as Lem) has moved on. He was AWOL Wedneasday when we arrived home from work and was nowhere to be seen Thursday or since. It's funny (peculiar) how beings come into our lives and then as suddenly as they came, go leaving only pleasant memories. We wanted to give the dog to our Baltimore family but they declined to take him. I think the reason he showed up was he wanted to visit the city and when he didn't get too, he moved on. We just hope he's OK.

2006-10-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

Amish Thoughts

2006-10-06T05:53:00.000-07:00

Had the Amish believed in a formal education I could very well be among the group driving their buggies to bury the innocents killed in Pennsylvania. I am sure that some distant cousins of mine are there. My maternal Grandfather, a minister, left the community for an education. He was descended from the earliest Swiss Mennonites migrating here buying their land from William Penn. One of my ancestors was the first Amish Mennonite bishop in this country.

It is because of that background and growing up in my Grandparents home enjoying my Grandmothers Pennsylvania Dutch cooking and their gentle God fearing ways that I am what I am. I was brought to Christ and the goodness of Gods amazing grace at an early age. For that I am eternally thankful. I have been walking with Jesus all my life. What a blessing.

The attention that has been brought to the ways of the "plain folk" by this tragedy may be a blessing in disguise. The one thing that seems to surprise those of us living in "the world" is the capacity of the Amish to forgive. It is a lesson we would do well to remember. It is a lesson taught by Christ...forgive your enemies, pray for them that harm you, love your neighbor as yourself. In the context of whats happening in the world today it's good advice.

Forgiveness really does nothing for the forgiven but it does do wonders for the forgiver. It releases them from the anguish and pernicious hate they must otherwise bear. This was really brought home to me the day I forgave my ex-wife. Now I know it's difficult to forgive those who fly airplanes into large buildings. And it's difficult to forgive those who do unspeakable crimes against innocent children. The saying goes, to err is human, to forgive Divine and we are all too human. It's a difficult thing, this forgiveness. But then if we remember, vengeance is mine, saith the Lord, it becomes easier because, whether you believe or not, the Lord does have his retribution.

My Grandfather once wrote, this world is no friend to grace and he was absolutely correct. I readily understand why the Amish chose to shut themselves away from the corruption we have become so jaded to in our everyday world. Until something like what recently happened occurs we go about our lives scarcely noticing the evil swirling around us. The forces of evil have become so ingrained in our culture we hardly recognize them but do not doubt for a moment that in our county Satan, our spiritual enemy, is having his way.

From a practical standpoint it can be argued that any nation without a transcendent moral foundation will not be long in this world. And it can be also argued that with out the individual having the same moral authority the nation will lack that foundation. Now certainly I don't expect that non-believers will suddenly discover the joy a walk with Christ brings although that would be a wonderful blessing to them. What I do expect is that we all take a look at our moral foundation. When you get right down to it all great "religions" teach the same positive values.

The Amish have asked only that we pray for them and for the family of the now forgiven murder. They have set up a separate fund for the killers family. They have said that the donations that have flooded in are not necessary but that they are accepted because they are a blessing to the givers. These are principles that should be examined and taken to heart by us all.

It's About Time

2006-09-29T05:09:00.000-07:00

Alexander left a comment on my post about aging that got me thinking (always a dangerous thing) about the subject of time. Our notion of time has changed over the past several hundred years from a cyclical event to a linear way of thinking. The French Revolution had a lot to do with it. But then the French Revolution transformed many of our ideas besides that of thinking of existence in a multi dimensional concept to that of the two dimensional context through which we travel in time. That's why Hannah Arendt only recognizes it as the only true "revolution" because ideas "re evolved". But in exploring the nature of time it has been found (in theory) to be a cyclical event kind of like a eternally unraveling spiral.

It's everything from the kitchen clock to the time space continuum. It's the moment, which is really the only point of our existence as everything else is either the past or the future and as such not a part of our immediate being except as we imagine or remember. Everything except the now is only in our mind. Life as it relates to time seems a series of quantum moments all held together by only our thoughts. Then there's this thing about time in the grand scheme of the universe. The fourth dimension and all that. I suggest that if you don't want to get lost space and time refrain form clicking on the above link.

The nice thing about our artificial construct of time which measures the hours and minutes in relation to the sun is it lets us coordinate events. But then sometimes in preparing for those events it seems to zip by leaving us running late or not on (what else) time. Then it can drag by leaving us with intolerable longing. And I find the older I get the faster it goes.

Now there are several theories that I find mind boggling. Einstein said that as we approach the speed of light time slows down. You know if we go faster than light, events haven't occurred yet or at least the haven't reached us yet. But who knows since we'll never get there. And what is beyond the speed of light? Do we look back and see ourselves catching up? I guess we'll never know because that phenomenon will always be just beyond reach. It has been found as astronauts spend time (that's that word again) in space hurling around the earth at incredible speeds time really did slow down. And to think it wasn't that long ago that 40 miles per hour was considered pretty darn fast.

Another thing I find strange is that time determines the shape of space. Space has shape? I always thought of space as, well...space. Most of everything is really nothing. If the nucleus of an atom were the size of a baseball the closest electron would be about nine miles away. All else may be some sort of energy which I guess is something. So what is the shape of energy? Is the bending of radiation which can be done the same as shaping it? And doesn't shape imply mass?

And another thing, suppose we were able to travel 5 million light years towards a star 10 million light years away would we be 5 million light years in the past? Would we not be born because our parents hadn't been born? For that matter the human race hadn't been born. Or on the other hand would we still exist as some intergalactic anomaly?

Our universe is such a wonderfully complex thing. What happens on the atomic scale mirrors what happens on the cosmic scale. Particles and energies bounce around in atoms much as stars and galaxies in the universe all held together by forces we don't begin to understand. There's so much we don't know. It was only a the railroad that brought the national coordination of time. Before that the time in the city might be completely different from the time in the suburbs or on the farm. And how far back was it when water clocks, candles, hourglass and sundials were the timekeeping technology. It was only at the beginning of the nineteenth century that a dependable timepiece made navigation accurate.

But as Chicago said, does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody care?

Now lets talk about gravity.

Paid To Blog?

2006-09-29T04:34:00.000-07:00

This is amazing. I am at work and getting paid to blog. Well, not exactly.
The rest of our class is hard at work studying for the very deceptive
Virginia insurance exam. Since I already possess same I need not study. The company websites that I am supposted to be visiting won't let me in. So I blog. Yeterday I spent visiting "next blog".
Wanda, sitting next to me spent the day looking at dog sites.
After using dial up at home the connection here at Patrick Henry Community College computer lab seems to go at warp speed.

Update On Lem (and other things)

2006-09-27T02:17:00.000-07:00

Leam, better known as Lem to those of us who are more countrified, is still with us. The folks who were to come and pick him up haven't. Wandas sister and her Cuban born husband are coming down from Baltimore this weekend and are interested in taking him to the big city. He's a very sweet dog who now has discovered the house inside and really, yes, really likes it.

My 85 year old mother was convinced to have a colonoscomy Monday last. Coming out of the anesthesia she asked the attending nurse, do all a**holes look alike? She also told her, you can say you work with a**holes all day and really mean it. That's my Mom.

We learned a work yesterday as an incentive to get more people to pass the very deceptive Virginia insurance licensing test the company was giving an additional $200 dollar bonus which we, since already licensed, will get automatically. Came home and our auto insurance carrier said we had overpaid and they were sending us a substantial refund and in addition we didn't owe any payment till December. God is good.

It's Wednesday and time for my weekly date with the garbage. Must go roll it down the driveway. And that is the way I start this new day.

Dog Days

2006-09-26T02:32:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning after a ruckus by the beagle sisters we had a visitor. And Wanda took him in. Called a foxhound, deerhound or coonhound by various people who have seen him, Wanda just called him Leam and I called him Lem.

I don't know about any other foxhounds but Lem likes to:
Sleep
Eat
Herd
Poop in the driveway

He doesn't like to:
Bark
Run in the woods
He's a good, affectionate dog who seems to have been taken well care of. Probably got lost and couldn't find his way home. At first he was a little skittish not wanting to come on the deck or inside the house. Isabelle and Lem became friends pretty fast but Stella has let him know that although she's much smaller she was still running the show. It 's amazing how a nip on the muzzle will get the point across.

We're not going to keep him as the beagle sisters are enough dog for us. We called our friend "Granny" who knows everyone in three counties to find him a good home which she did. They are coming to get him today. It wasn't much of a problem as the many hunters in this area are always looking for a good hound.
It seems she had met him Saturday but before he could be picked up Lem had moved on to this side of the mountain.

The 22,630th Day Of The Rest Of Our Lives

2006-09-20T15:46:00.000-07:00

I'm a pre-baby boomer. Being a true son of Scotland, my father made sure to procreate before he went away to war thus ensuring his posterity. The result is, having arrived and moved on past the golden age of 62 to the even better age of 66 come the 18th of next month, I have seen the future of the many who will shortly follow. I won't dwell on the general decline of the physical plant because for my age I'm in pretty good health. Oh yeah, there's the blood pressure thing (if I quit the cigs it would drop but that's my vice, no lectures please) and an ache that affects my left knee when I sit in the wrong position too long but that's about it. I don't run much any more ever since I did the old mans shuffle for ten miles around Lake Montebello on my fifty fifth birthday. It was the inability to really run that took the fun out of the endeavor. Wind in the hair and all that.

Anyway, I digress. The days of, after quitting an active work life, reposing in the Lazyboy and waiting for the inevitable and often too soon coming of that dark night are beyond our ken. Now when the social security check becomes a reality it usually comes accompanied by a "gut check." It's finally time to decide what to do when one grows up. All of life before this has been a preparation for the now. We are living longer and just how much time can one spend puttering around the house getting on our spouses nerves? We are the sum of our experiences and now we have the time to discover what we have become. It is not just being alive but to actually experience being alive without the constraints of trying to forge out a career. It's Saturday morning and school is out for a long, long vacation.

So here we are and we are what we are, nothing more and certainly nothing less. There are several philosophical ideas kicking around which should never become a part of this process. One is that at a certain age there is a sudden life altering change. Change is a wonderful thing and in this context it should never be life altering. Let's leave that for unexpected disasters. Aging is certainly expected and if the unexpected happens, well yeah, that's life altering.

Another thought is that throughout our lives we take on several roles which, like tired actors, we trot out when the occasion demands. The children leave and the job goes to that new kid out of college who doesn't know his ass from his elbow. Suddenly there is no role to play. The script has not only been flipped, it's been purloined!

It's time to "reinvent" ones self! How does someone "reinvent" themselves? Is that what they mean when a knee or hip is replaced? Reinvent implies invention. By who and why? Methinks that term comes from the "man the machine" train of thought. We are the sum of our parts, a liver here, a kidney there and oh yes, that brain thing which makes all the computers ever "invented" look like the toys we once played with as children. We are much more than that. It's like when the student asked the Zen master about the nature of life and the master held up a single flower. It just is. How do you reinvent a flower?

The days go on and we go on, granted a little slower than forty when life began. It's just another day or year only now we have the freedom to really live. Ladies can wear red hats and dress in purple. Men can spent more time on the golf course. We can take that college course in geology or basketweaving or skish or whatever we set our minds to with no thought of ever putting it to "practical" use. Sure, some of us have to continue to work but the pressure is off. No more climbing the corporate ladder if one chooses to have their feet planted on solid soil.

I think the thing to do is relax in that soft cushion of the life we've created. It may be a little lumpy and kind of worn but it's there and it's dependable. It is the shape of us and to try to reform that shape is folly.

Gas Prices

2006-09-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

Gas prices are falling just in time for the November elections. I know politics has nothing to do with it.

Picnic On The Parkway

2006-09-20T02:30:00.001-07:00

There's a coolness in the air on the mountain this morning. Down the road, cabbage and pumpkins are being harvested. Trees are starting to drop the red leaves that now show on their extremities. And fall is just around the corner. Leaf season bring a steady flow of traffic on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's tourist season and the spectacular views of red and gold covering the mountains and valleys bring people to picnic and just enjoy the foliage.

Our home is slightly down the mountain from the Groundhog Mountain Lookout, a picnic area and observation point on the Parkway. It's a wonderful parklike setting with picnic tables and lots of grass. Two of the beagle sisters favorite things. We didn't think too much of it when they spent most of last Saturday away from home. Sunday there was a message on the phone when we returned from church saying "double trouble" had been spotted at the lookout. So up we went to bring the wanderers home. Sure enough there they were running around the lawn, playing with the children and enjoying the chicken offered by the picnickers.
"They're so cute"
"Well behaved, they didn't jump on us." No, they don't jump, just sit and look with pathetic brown eyes until some sort of morsel is given them.
"They like Kentucky Fried."
Loading them in the car we brought the fugitives home. I know it probably won't be our last trip to the lookout to retrieve them. They now know where the chicken is and it's just a pleasant jaunt through the woods.

I was told a story of an elderly mountain man who lived near here going up to the lookout and entertaining the visitors with tales of Groundhog Mountain. He too was fed by the picnickers. Maybe his spirit has infected the dogs... naaa, they're just being beagles.

Recap

2006-09-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

I am not used to 4:30 AM. It is a strange hour, hardly night and not quite morning. Now I know there are others who rise even earlier and consider this the middle of the morning. Not I. Since the new job requires being down the mountain in Stuart at 7 AM I am now acquainted with but not accustomed to 4:30. (get ready for an excuse).
The brain does not yet function at that hour and when we get home sleep is the priority. Hence the blog suffers.

But it's Saturday, I slept late (8:30) and the brain is resurrecting all the blog thoughts from a somewhat eventful week.
So here we go....

Groundfog Mountain

2006-09-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, fog returned to "groundfog" mountain. It's not really fog, it's the clouds settling in. It's the same stuff that gave the Smoky Mountains their name. This is the worst of our weather. It's particularly blinding in the dark. Visibility decreases to about five feet and in the the dark even less.

So it was as we crept along at less than 5 miles an hour straining to see the side of the road by which to navigate the car from our access road and heading down the mountain to work. Once on the Parkway there is a yellow line down the center which makes it easier and we sped along at 25 miles an hour. I have in the past found myself on the wrong road at times like this.

Our usual earpopping trip down the steep and curving highway #58 (also know as Jeb Stuart highway)past Lover Leap was made even more exciting by our inability to see clearly. Stuart (also named for the above who was born nearby) was clear and we only had to look forward to our return trip.

Fisal

2006-09-16T07:33:00.000-07:00

I think it's their personality that gets to us. For the most part when it comes to practicality pets are useless. We feed them and nurture them and they give us affection and loyalty in return. Our natural desire to be loved must have something to do with it. And we give them love in return. It's a very basic and uncomplicated thing.

Last Sunday returning from church we found Fisal, our attack cat, laying beside her water dish, not looking well. She had not been using her litter box for several days; I found out later, a sign she wasn't feeling well. Monday after work we took her to the vet.

Wanda had brought Fisal home as a kitten sixteen years ago. The cat had almost become the daughter that love of my life never had. She was a comfort through all the vicissitudes of Wandas twenties and thirties. She lay beside her when Wanda was ill and snuggled when she was cold. I came along and Fisal eventually warmed to me but only after several encounters of claw and thrown pillow.

We joked when we bought our home in the mountains we were buying a retirement home for the cat. She loved it here. Her youthful curiosity returned as she explored the outside, something she could not do in the urban Baltimore environment. There is a favorite spot in the back where she would lay in the sun and sleep.

Dr. Mitzi gave us unwelcome news that Fisal had lost most of her kidney function, not unusual in cats. We left her at the clinic for treatment. If she wasn't better Thursday AM we would have to make "a decision".

The message from the clinic was on the phone when we returned from work Wednesday and I knew from Wand's sobs what the message said.

We picked her up Thursday after work and buried her in her favorite sunny spot in the back yard.

Food, Wine, and Eternal Life

2006-09-16T05:56:00.000-07:00

When it comes to finding mushrooms, some days are better than others. This was the results of Mondays search around my "mushroom farm". These are, except for the little corrugated milky (Lactarius corrugis)peeking out from the back row, are voluminous - latex milkys (Lactarius volemus). All are considered choice edibles. Cooked with a little butter and garlic, they freeze quite well. Unfortunately the season is coming to an end and most of the frozen mushrooms have been eaten.
My mushroom education is self taught and as such I must take some care when it comes to identification. I'm sure there are many other species of edibles growing around the yard but until I'm sure it's not going to give me hallucinations, intense lower gastro-intestinal pain, hours in the loo, or an early demise, I'm not going to eat it.

Bob and Avi
Last night we had our new neighbors, Bob and Avagail, over for dinner. Steaks on the grill smothered with mushrooms (see above) and onions, Grandmothers Green Beans, garlic mashed potatoes and cole slaw. Bob (and I) enjoy a good glass of wine so I splurged and bought a bottle of Rosemount Shiraz (the best that Walmart had to offer). They have fed us on several occasions and it was time we reciprocated. They are a rare breed, fourth generation native Floridians. We have become quite fond of them. Bob has a CPA business and unfortunately they were on the road back to sunny and hot Florida at 5 AM this morning. It was a wonderfully cool evening finished around the fire bowl on the deck with a glass of wine and good conversation.

This couple has been a blessing to us as they are both fine Christians whose belief in Gods word is probably stronger than ours. They have a story to tell which I will now relate. Bob died. He was driving home and somehow his car wound upside down in a Florida canal and he drowned. In a coma for several months he was returned to us, none the less for his experience. Last night I asked him if he had any after life knowledge, the answer we got was more than I expected. An angel, his former Sunday school teacher came to take him to his eternal home. Not being admitted directly to heaven he indeed did face Gods judgment. He said all the time he knew people were praying for his life and God was hearing the prayers. In Gods mercy he was given a second chance but not before he was given a glimpse of hell. The only thing he could compare it to was a sewer, no fire and brimstone but a place of absolute despair. Satan appeared as no more than a man. He also said he saw a former friend ( a lawyer) of his there. He compared the journey to heaven as a train trip where some go first class and some coach. So, there it is.

2006-09-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

It's been a long week and it's only Monday. The new job is going fine. Up at five AM. Still getting use to it. More later,

Football

2006-09-07T14:57:00.000-07:00

Kasia left a comment on my last post asking which football team was my favorite. She also assumed I was talking about American football, not what the rest of the world calls football and we term soccer. She was right with her assumption. Having said that, internationally speaking, my favorite team is those dashing winners of the World Cup, the Italians. But then I've always had a thing about Italy. It's noted in my baby book that when I was first learning to speak, it was with an Italian accent.

Now when it comes to the rockum sockum game we call football I'm kind of having difficulty deciding on a favorite team. The first I rooted for were the Atlanta Falcons. That's because it was the closest franchise to the the then backwaters of Tampa Bay. And one must support the home team. Then came the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who lost every game they played for what seemed like an eternity. Even their orange and white uniforms were losers but they were our team.

I figured I was safe when I moved to Baltimore because the Colts had packed up in the middle of the night and crept out of town for better digs in Indianapolis. But then came the Ravens to "Charm City" and once again my loyalties were tested. But then the guys in purple and black won the the SUPERBOWL What a celebration. There is something about winning he Superbowl that puts a town on the map. Not long after Baltimore won it was named one of the top five tourist destinations in the world by Conde' Nast. And then Tampa Bay won the big kahunna and everyone who had even had the remotest thought about moving to Florida packed up and headed to the Sunshine state.

Now to complicate matters my friend Rob lives in Chicago and has season tickets to the Bears games. It is easier to buy a ticket to Mars than get seasons tickets to Soldier Field where they play. If the choice for an inheritance is between the family fortune and Bears tickets the stadium seats win out hands down. I must in deference to my friend respect "da bears". And besides the former gum sticking on the TV camera, Viagra selling coach, Mike Ditka was born on the same day as myself.

Now the closest team is the Carolina Panthers. But even so I can't abandon the loyalties to the other teams I've supported. I don't know who my favorite team is. I've met many of the players and coach's from many teams when working at hotels. Some that come to mind were Artie Donovan, Brian Bilek, Deacon Jones, Gail Sayers, Art Schell, Shannon Sharpe, Leroy Selmon, and others whose names escape me at the moment. They were all great guys. I guess I don't have a favorite team and would be hard pressed to name one. My only hope now is that Meadows of Dan or Floyd don't get a franchise.

So it's opening night for the new season, the National Anthem has been sung, the game is about to start. It's a tough sport and the physical punishment these guys take is unimaginable. So whoever takes that Lombardi trophy will more than earn it. I wish all the teams the best season ever and I know that whoever comes out on top will provide many exciting and unexpected moments as will all these guys who love to play the game.

Labor Day

2006-09-04T07:29:00.000-07:00

Labor Day, that holiday that was invented to celebrate the American worker is once more upon us. It is the most ignominious of holidays. No one gives gifts, sends cards saying, "Here's wishing you a wonderful Labor Day" or some other maudlin verse or even gives a nod to the hard working people who have and continue to make this country great.

Labor Day has become the unofficial end of summer. Swimming pools are closed and white clothing is no longer acceptable to the fashion minded. The early signs of fall appear in nature. When I was a kid the day after Labor Day was traditionally the start of the school year. The days spent, beer in hand tending the outdoor grille are waning. But the good news is, IT'S THE BEGINNING OF FOOTBALL SEASON!

Up here it's the weekend of the biggest event of the year. People come from all over the country and probably from several foreign counties as well. Hour waits in traffic are the rule and parking in any lot or lawn is a mandatory $5.00. Trucks and vans of all sorts roll in and forrest of tents spring up. Yes, folks once again it's the Hillsville Flea Market and Gun Show . This thing is huge. Our new neighbor from Florida wanted to attend so we went. It was the first and probably the last time we shall witness this event. Imagine, if you will about a square mile packed with people and vendors or all possible sorts of goods. It is the king of food courts setting the record for the most funnel cake stands in any given area.

If your looking for a bargain this is not the place to shop. If your looking for the unusual your in luck. Everything from vintage record albums to shabby chic (read extremely distressed) architectural features are available. Virtually all vendors are the professional types who, I think, see this as an opportunity to foist off at inflated prices the flotsom and jetsome of their unsold wares. It's more of an event than a bargain. Wanda did find some movies she wanted and our neighbor bought a jar of honey. After three hours we had visited about 30% of the show when the crowds and heat became unbearable and we headed back up the mountain taking the back roads to avoid the traffic.

Tomorrow Hillsville returns to the quiet town, slumbering for another year, awaiting it's fifteen minutes of fame.

Down The Mountain In Cana

2006-08-31T08:02:00.000-07:00

Cana, according to my Bible dictionary means "place of reeds". It is the site of Jesus first miracle, the changing of water to wine at the wedding feast. That, to me, says God wants us to be happy and enjoy life. It would have been something else if the first miracle would have been where He cursed the fig tree.

Around here Cana is the small town on the Virginia-N. Carolina border. What I am about to tell you is only what I have heard. I seems Cana has a reputation for "white lightening" or moonshine. The mountainous terrain with numerous branches (that's southern for "creek") and hollers (southern for "hollow") as well as the border location made it a natural. I can attest that today strangers are not welcome on the back roads surrounding the town. When we were there doing the unbearable insurance job we were warned it was best to be back on the main roads before dark. A Cana welcome involves gun shots.

I was told several days ago that Cana has another claim to fame (or maybe infamy). That seemingly quiet town hosts high stakes card games. I had posted a while back the tragic tale of a local husband murdering his wife and then turning the gun on himself. A footnote to that is the husband, loosing bigtime at the Cana gambling tables, ended it all. The other theory is that someone was sending a message about large unpaid gambling debts.

In the daytime traveling down the mountain from Fancy Gap on highway 52 Cana is a great place to buy produce, antiques and those cement statues for the lawn. There are several places where produce from the many surrounding orchards and farms can be had at very reasonable prices. The antique stores are pretty much what one would expect in a mountain community, not much glitz and fairly reasonable prices. Bears and Confederate soldiers dominate the lawn art stuff.

For the most part the folks around Cana are pretty nice (they did warn us) even though things haven't changed much in the past several hundred years. We found more of the "old mountain" environment around this area then any other we have visited.

Grandmothers Green Beans

2006-08-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

My mothers side of the family is Pennsylvania Dutch. Amish Mennonites, to be exact, who bought their land from Wm. Penn. Mom has always been proud of the fact that her blood is pure Swiss. I however am a mixed breed. Anyway, I got this recipe from her Mother, my Grandmother, and it's a hit whenever I do it.

About 2 pounds of green beans
four or five slices of bacon cut into pieces
one large onion diced
half a cup or so of vinegar

Put ingredients in a pot and simmer for six or seven hours until the beans are limp.

That's it.

If They're Good Enough for Hobbits....

2006-08-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

The oak logs at the end of my driveway, which at one time I considered removing, have over the summer produced several crops of Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus). Several days after a good rain these well named fungi appear in abundance. Yesterday I harvested over a pound from my "mushroom farm". Since they are full of moisture when cooked the liquid evaporates and they take on the flavor of the particular dish. Cooked alone they have a mild taste reminiscent of a oyster. These are very similar to Angel Wings (Pleurocybella porrigens) which grow on conifer wood while the former prefers deciduous logs. Both are quite edible.

One of the most prolific mushrooms this year has been the Voluminous Milky (Lactaruus volemus). This is one of the best varieties I have found and in spite of it's fishy odor and latex that stains the fingers brown it is quite tasty. We made a meal of them one evening. They freeze quite well and I have laid up a supply for the coming months. I have found them singularly and in bunches mostly along the bank next to the road. The largest was a respectable six inches across. Well named for the prodigious amount of white latex they produce this mushroom is easily identifiable.

Identification of mushrooms can be kind of tricky and a mistake can, at best, cause illness and at worst death. Fortunately most of the deadly ones are easily identified and if there is any question it is prudent to leave them uneaten. One of the most spectacular and also poisonous I've found growing in the yard is the Jack-O-Lantern (Omphalolus dearius). These grow in a large clump and in the extreme dark have an eerie green glow. As they say, there are old mushroom hunters and there are bold mushroom hunters but there are no old bold mushroom hunters. I'm sure I have left many a tasty "shroom" in the field because I could not positivly tell what it was. Gill arrangement, color (which can vary within the same species), where found, odor, stem shape and composition as well as the color of the spores produced all figure into the identification.

Last year I found the Corrugated Milky (Lactarius corrigus) all over the place. this year not so many. It's a cousin to the Milky shown above and good but not as good with more of a rough texture. These are not so easy to find because their somewhat purple brown color blends well with the ground cover of brown leaves and such.

This time of year the Boletes seem to be thriving. I is thought that none are poisonous but some of them sure don't taste good. One of the prized is the King Bolite (Boletus edulis) known by various names in various countries. These don't grow much around here but the thing is that minor variations in this species are found everywhere. The other thing about Bolites is that numerous critters find them as desirable as we. Gnats lay eggs in them which in turn become maggots. Squirrels and other forrest creatures nibble at their meaty tops and as a result its difficult to find one unpolluted. But they do get big. One recently in the yard measured a full ten inches across.

Our neighbors yard is full of Cinnabar-red Chanterelles. these are edible but I don't have the patience right now to harvest enough of the very small fungi to make a meal. Besides I'd have to explain to the nice lady next door why I'm crawling around her yard. Maybe when she goes back to her N. Carolina home in a few days....

Marion, Virginia

2006-08-27T19:22:00.000-07:00

For the past month or so we've been working in the town of
Marion, Virginia in Smyth County. That charming little town was the site of one of the few American Civil War battles to be fought in southwest Virginia. The Battle of Marion was the result of a raid into that area known a Stonemans Raid and was a successful attempt to destroy the lead mines around Marion and the salt works at the town of Saltville. Our area of Virginia saw little action in the war as can be seen from the map. That was probably due to the mountainous terrain and the few strategic locations.

Our home is in Partick County indicated by "Pat." on the map. We are on that little hump that extends into "Car." or Carroll county and right on the line. I can throw a rock from my back yard into the latter. As you can see, Marion is a bit of a drive of about 80 miles.

One of the numerous atrocities of, as we in the south have termed, "the late unpleasantness" was the massacre at Saltville of members of the 5th Regiment Cavalry during this campaign. This unit was composed of freed black men from Kentucky.

Our time in Marion has been much less adventurous. It is a picturesque town which is among other things, the final resting place of author Sherwood Anderson. Sitting at about 4000 ft. elevation it boasts some of the most beautiful country in the Blue Ridge region. More important there is a good Japanese restaurant with a reasonable sushi lunch special.

The Beagle Sisters

2006-08-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

The beagle sisters, Stella and Isabel, have been enjoying their home on Groundhog Mountain for over five months now. This is when we first got them as six week old puppies. Over the months puppy personalities have developed. They have discovered the joys of having a whole neighborhood in which to have adventures. Nicknamed "double trouble" by the neighbors they join them on their walks, romp in their yards, and chase the various critters through their woods. Stella, who sleeps with one eye open will attempt to lick one to death while Isabel is happy giving little affectionate nips. Isabel has the true beagle markings and the black is now turning to tan. Stella, is also showing more tan but has the black spots revealing their blue tick hound heritage.

This morning they are lounging on their doggie mat. They have grown, thanks to the many treats and an endless supply of puppy chow. Now just because both pictures are at nap time, which comes immediately after play time, which comes immediately after poop time, which shortly follows chow time don't even think for a moment they are inactive. Their favorite time is chow time and they will, from a sound sleep, snap at any morsel within several feet of their now adult teeth. If the food fights were not so in earnest they would be funny. But we all know that at times, over certain issues, even the closest of siblings will bare teeth and go for the jugular. And to a Beagle, all food is sacred. There has been more then one terrified raccoon, after making the mistake of attempting to eat at their table, hotly pursued by two raucous dogs.

Isabel, on the left, is the protector and guardian of Villa MacBean. First to be up and barking at any sound or scent she will race down the driveway or up throughout he woods. She is also the more sensitive and will when confronted with a rolled up newspaper cower most pitifully while Stella, on the right, only sits with the most innocent eyes.

I have just been called away from this writing by Wanda. The two subjects of this post have been out and barking for a few minutes. When called, Isabel has returned but Stella has not and is continuing to carry on with a constant barking. They usually turn up in tandem, one shortly behind the other. Fearing the latter is in some sort of peril, I am sent to investigate. Down the drive, across the neighbors yard, through the rhododendrons and down the side of Groundhog Mountain I go following the incessant barks. Stella is on point and has cornered a turtle which now sits unconcerned inside its protective shell. I have carried the wayward pup back up the mountain and after recovering my breath returned to this occupation. The culprit has returned to the turtle.

As shown by the above, Stella is the fearless one. Although I think she may be slightly brain damaged. Twice she jumped from the neighbors five foot high retaining wall both times incurring a limp. The last manifested over several days. Then there was the swollen eyelid, we think from a bee sting. When playing, she goes after her sister with an uncommon vigor. She would make a great defensive tackle, running full bore and crashing into her victim. On the other hand, she is the more affectionate and will come looking for attention, falling quickly on her back for a tummy rub.

Our attack cat, Fisel, still runs the show. Her presence will stop them both in their tracks as they have felt the sharpness of her claws. She will walk by with a imperious cat look and give a warning "psssfft". That, however, does not stop the beagle sisters from sneaking in and enjoying a little cat food treat.

I'm Back

2006-08-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

Several months ago a large black cloud engulfed Villa MacBeane. It took the form of a job which drained all energy and positive thoughts. Long hours, constant driving and engaging in activities which offended our sensibilities became unbearable and caused a lethargy leading to a mental shutdown. All which was not of absolute necessity ceased. Communication became a unwelcome occupation as it connected us to the door to door interruption of other peoples routine. E-mails, the phone and last but not least the blog were ignored.

I am touched by the concern shown at my absence. Little did I realize that other bloggers would show such caring about my well being. I apologize for my sudden disappearance.

Although the cloud still lingers, sunlight is breaking through as a new job is in the offing which we start on the 5th of September. We have given our notice and that has lifted the spirits.

As those of you who have been following our adventures know both Wanda and I are practicing Christians and as such have had many discussions about why our Lord gave us such a difficult and alien job which paid little for the hours involved. A great portion of our income was spent on gas. But somehow we were provided for. Our cash flow was negative but we were eating steak which was given us. Some time ago I had prayed for an increase in faith. That was the lesson being taught. Throughout this difficult time we lacked nothing.

Even more, the seven months on the job allowed us to refinance our home at a lower interest rate which we were planning on doing since we moved here and pay off our cars in the bargain. It also gave us the necessary credentials for the new job which was offered the day after the refinance was completed.

So there you have it. I'll be around to say hello and promise not to leave without letting one and all know.

Yeah, They're Everywhere

2006-06-08T05:03:00.000-07:00

Besides being the lightening capitol of the world, Florida must be the cockroach distribution center. In that subtropical environment they thrive. Whether called waterbugs or palmento bugs they are huge and look even "huger" when unexpectedly encountered. And they fly. And they love to fly towards any woman's hair or so the women say after the shrieking stops. And they can run faster than newspaper swats or bug spray. And those are just the big fellas.

The little ones, German roaches and such are much more ubiquitous. Once when I moved into a clean (I knew it was, my ex-wife had lived there previously and she was clean) house I noticed a few. At that time there was a product which when sprayed if it didn't kill the buggers would alter them genetically and prevent reproduction. I sprayed and they started running from any available crack or crevice. I started running for the door. When I felt it safe to return I swept them up by the dustpan full.

Baltimore was another story. One of the joys of rowhouse living is that if the neighbors have roaches, you've got roaches. No matter how clean one keeps the house the neighbors bugs like to visit. If nothing else the curious little devils like to explore. When it rained the big ones would appear around the house, kinda like fast moving zombies from "Night of the Living Dead".

Almost a year has gone by since our move to the mountains and we had seen no roaches. Wanda was happy and I was happy. She's been traditionally the bug murderer as I'm usually still recovering from the sudden shrieking. Blood pressure and all that, you know. As any of you who may follow the continuing saga of the MacBean know, my last week was spent in Roanoke while love of my life remained at the Villa. A shriek over the phone is about the same as a shriek in person except the cause remains unknown which only adds to the suspense.

Evidently we had missed woods roach season last year. The bad thing about these critters, they are drawn to the light. The good thing, they are not to fond of the indoors. The other good thing is they seem to have only a short season. So roach season appears to be over and now it's tourist season.

I once worked with a woman whose last name was Roach. She was really nice but I think I would have added an umlaut or something.

Excuse Me While I Whine

2006-06-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

So yesterday, after a half mile ride down Wild Mountain Road which pretty much describes the terrain and going through the gate with the pink plastic flamingos we were greeted at the door by the shotgun bearing policy holder. Once he found out the purpose of our mission the demeanor changed, the shotgun was put away and we had a pleasant conversation.

It seems that even in the wilds of SW Virginia strange vehicles with even stranger people find their way into these back roads. In what would appear that in an area which has little or no criminal activity there are persons bent on doing evil. The mans neighbors had been recently burgled.

Although people generally don't like to be bothered by insurance salespeople they are usually at least cordial, even when they say they're "not interested". But, even at best, door to door sales can be a discouraging endeavor. There are many who enjoy this kind of work, however the two individuals residing at Villa MacBean do not. It takes all the will power we can muster to drive the several hundred miles each day going from driveway to lane to driveway, in and out of the car and knocking on strange doors.

There was a time not long ago when I really enjoyed talking to people, even people I didn't know. Wanda would get upset when I would get into long conversations with the guy at the service station or store. Those days and conversations are gone. I (and I hope it's only a temporary thing) don't any more enjoy talking to people I don't know. I have always enjoyed driving about but it's now become a chore.

I've never been long in a job I didn't enjoy. There is so much more to life and I feel this business draining the pleasure from my being. I know we will quit before long and my joy will return. The problem of slim job pickings in the area remains. One problem we encounter is the neighborhood in which we live is perceived as wealthy and people who domicile here don't need or want to work.

Things, I know, will get better. And there are a lot of people in worse shape than we.

OK, I'm better now. Thanks for listening.

HELP!

2006-06-06T07:40:00.000-07:00

The address bar at the top of my screen has gone missing. I've tried the suggestions from "help" to no avail. Needless to say it's an important aid in putting links on the blog. Any suggestions?

Of Falsehoods and Fungi

2006-06-06T05:54:00.000-07:00

Our beagle alarm clock went off late this morning and Wanda and I got an extra hours shut eye. What started out as a cloudy day on the mountain has turned sunny. A sign of hope.

The people who have the Orchard Gap Deli as suddenly as they offered withdrew the offer for us to lease same. The reason given was somewhat "lame". The real reason remains a mystery. Somewhat disappointed, love of my life and I have come to the conclusion it's a good thing. Better for them to show their true colors now than later after we got into the thing. Before I moved here I had an almost naive feeling that people generally kept their word. After my experiences job hunting and now with this, my faith in peoples veracity is rapidly declining.

April came and went and I did not find one morel. Several people reported finding an enjoying what many consider the most desirable of all mushrooms. Maybe it's because I didn't know where to look or maybe it's because they disguise themselves well among the leaves.

I've had a love of wild mushrooms ever since I was a kid and Jess Devers, the local grocer in the small town where I spent some of my youth took me mushroom hunting. We would return with bags of unusual but very tasty fungi my grandmother would fry up for dinner. I once found a puffball mushroom over 24 inches in diameter. I think my grandmother canned about 6 quarts from it. One of the wonderful things about living on Groundhog Mountain is there are wild mushrooms growing in the yard.

Wanda, ever the cautious one, had trepidation about eating them. Her fears were calmed when I took all the necessary precautions about identification, taking a spore print and the rest of it. As they say "There are old mushroom hunters and there are bold mushroom hunters, but there are no old, bold mushroom hunters."

What I find, much to my delight is the Corrugated milky (lactarius corrugis) . These will start popping up this month and continue through August. They are listed as "choice" in the guides and they are. The nice thing is these grow in profusion, right outside my door. This year I anticipate a freezer filled with these delectable morsels.

Another variety I find here, though not as common are Oyster mushrooms. These appear on fallen oak logs in the summer. There are others, boletes and such which I wasn't able to identify our first year here. This year will find me with my several guidebooks becoming more informed about what is edible and what is not. Who I really need to find is another Jess Devers.

Thursday With Fred

2006-06-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes things just work out. Like the time I finally met Fred First, he of Fragments From Floyd and author of "Slow Road Home" . It was back in 2002 I started reading Fragments after our first visit to Floyd, Va. A link on the towns website directed me to Fred who, even then, was giving a sense of place to this mountain community. As our plans to move to this area came closer to fulfilment Fred provided a connection to this part of the world we would soon call home. By the time we made the move a year ago I felt like Fred had become an old friend whose love of nature and this part of the world he readily shared.

Bent Mountain library is on the way to Roanoke where I was staying coming from Willis where I was working. Fortunately, the hotel had a computer in the lobby and when I saw Fred was giving his first public reading at the library on Thursday it was a "no brain-er". It was just a matter of timing to arrive at 7 PM.

Fred greeted me with that "I know you from somewhere look" and when I told him who this guy with the necktie (a rather unusual accoutrement for Bent Mountain) was it was like old friends meeting. His reading was as entertaining a hour as I've spent and was kept on track by wife-director, Ann. And I was the first person to purchase his book at his first public reading.

Book Review:
Fred's book is a delight. It is like an expanded blog which one can easily pick up and read at leisure. He covers a variety of subjects from wonderful sensory descriptions of nature to the odd occurrences which in one form or another happen to us all. Throughout the book is a sensitivity to the world around us, to people, animals and the wonders of the natural world. "Slow Road Home" is unique for these words from someone who is first a remarkable photographer are written with a cameras perspective. The vignettes focus on a subject and illuminate the subtleties not always realized. In "Slow Road Home" Fred not only lets us join him on his to quest find his sense of place but also points out the many wonders along that journey.

Important Stuff I Learned This Week

2006-06-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

How Smart Is Your Right Foot?

This will boggle your mind! And you will keep trying it at least 50 more times to see if you can outsmart your foot. But you can't!

1. While sitting at your desk, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles with it.

2. Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your right hand.

Your foot will change direction!

I told you so... and there is nothing you can do about it!

To Have a friend you must first be a friend,
To be a friend you must trust that friend.

SHAZAM! (well, that didn't work)

2006-05-29T19:29:00.000-07:00

I shamelessly swiped this link from Sheryl at Paper Napkin. If you like fine art and superheros what that guy did with Photoshop is amazing. If you like a good read, drop by Sheryl's (look right, click on Paper Napkin)place. She does some really great banners (like mine) and is always a joy to read.

If you don't notice any new posts from Villa MacBean for the next couple of days blogger isn't acting up again. I'm off to Roanoke at the bidding of the insurance cartel for training until Friday. The goofy thing is they plan on having me work in Willis, just down the mountain, twenty five miles from home. After which, in the evening, I will return forty miles to the hotel in Roanoke for AM meetings then back forty miles to Willis and repeat until Friday or insanity whichever occurs first. It's just close enough to tantalize me about home and far enough to make it too far to drive. It's a catch 22 created by, I suspect, the petroleum companies in league with Jerry Springer.

Our Other Home

2006-05-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

Church is fun! It's the way it should be. The one constant message in the Bible is the God loves us and wants us to be happy. It's funny when one talks about "God" and "happiness" together the happiness part seems to take on a tinge of unhappiness. But, ya know, happiness? Singing and dancing and laughing and smiling and joy and all is well with the world and sitting back, feet up, with that contented look.... Happiness, it's what we all want. It's only when we don't follow His instructions that things go haywire.

With this in mind Wanda and I headed to the "jam" at the little church we attend in Willis, Va. It's not one of these mega-churchs with hundreds of members but rather a small country church with a small, but a totally blessed, congregation who may turn up in blue jeans and work shirts. Outward appearance is not a priority. And within that group is an amazing number of musically talented members.

So Sunday night it was guitars, mandolins, banjos, fiddles, drums and the piano. Several groups sang and played the country gospel standards with a quality only found in these mountains where making music for the Lord has been a tradition handed down for generations. After attending more formal church's in Baltimore it was a surreal experience which made for true worship. All this accompanied by much hand clapping and foot tapping; we were alive and more important enjoying feeling alive.

People sang solos as they felt moved and my wife did a splendid job on "Amazing Grace". I must say her shyness to do so was only overcome when I threatened to get up and add my voice to the proceedings. Those of you who have not heard me sing are among the truly blessed. My voice has been described as a "joyful noise".

We are so thankful to have found this place to worship and for the way we have been embraced by the church family. So far we have been called numerous times by members to inquire about our well being. In the large church I attended for years in Baltimore serving on the church council that never happened...not even once. We have heard first person accounts of miraculous healing and other wonders worked by our God who led us here and has drawn us closer to Him. As Wanda said last night, this is the first church where I've felt at home, and I agree, we're home.

Memorial Day

2006-05-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

Those brave men who stood at that rude bridge in '75 and fired the shot heard 'round the world had no idea of the implications of their actions. What started as an action to protect their right to bear arms gave birth to a movement which produced one the greatest and certainly the most unique nation the world has known. Their legacy and the price they paid has continued over the several centuries since.

As with all great endeavors the building of the United States of America has come through enormous sacrifice. Over the years, from the citizen soldier of the American Revolution to the latest young man to die in Iraq, patriots have given their lives to maintain what was instituted in 1789.

They have fought and died in all parts of the world not only to ensure our freedom but also the freedom of others far from our shores. No matter how the rest of the world views this country they cannot deny we have been very generous with the blood of our children.

Have our actions always been correct? I don't know. What I do know is that those who fought and died felt the cause they were dying for was worth the price. And in remembering them, so should we.

Super Saturday

2006-05-28T05:52:00.000-07:00

What does one do on a beautiful Saturday on Groundhog Mountain? The sun was dappled through the tree canopy and the temperature was in the 70's. There was morning coffee on the deck watching the chickadees and titmice at the feeder and then a romp with the playful dogs.

Several months ago the owners of the Orchard Gap Deli and Market approached Wanda and I and asked if we would consider leasing and running the business. Hmmmm, it's close to home...does a good business...right on the Blue Ridge Parkway...the only store for at least ten miles...has music every Saturday afternoon during the summer...is located next to Randy's art gallery... yeah, we want to do this! Last week love of my life started working there to see if it is something she would really enjoy... and she does. So next week she starts full time (she is so happy to end the insurance saga) and we hope to completely take over come October.

Yesterday she was joyfully making pizza when I stopped by on the way to Mt Airy for a long overdue haircut at
Floyds Barber Shop. Sitting in a chair at Floyds one becomes an instant tourist attraction. Made famous by The Andy Griffith Show , Floyds is subject to a steady parade of assorted tourists. Polaroid pictures are taken and added to the collection papering every inch of the walls, joining those of Andy, Opie, Barney, Floyd, Aunt Bea and the rest of the cast. In the meantime local characters (such as myself) enjoy the $7.00 haircut and watching the line for pork chop sandwiches at Snappy Lunch creeping by the window. And then there's watching the tourists walk in and, with the reverence reserved for a holy shrine, gaze in awe at this icon of American TV.

Haircut and looking clean I headed up Orchard Gap Road (do you see a theme here?) toward the mountain and a two o'clock community board of directors meeting concerning a problem with our community water. Damn, a meeting, but since I was hoodwinked into serving on the board (vice-president, they obviously didn't know what they were doing) I will honor my position. One of the things about living here, the homeowners are responsible for maintaining the community. It's kind of like things were before the triumph of the bureaucrats. Anyway after a hour discussion concerning water I joined Stella and Isabel for a beer on the deck. None for them, all for me.

Back down the road to the Orchard Gap Deli and a dose of bluegrass while sitting on Randy's Gallery porch with a glass of wine and good conversation with Al, a retired airline pilot who lives at Doe Run.

The highlight of the day? Only getting a warning from Ranger Craig for speeding on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Happy Birthday, Mary

2006-05-26T05:06:00.000-07:00

The first time I saw my eldest daughter, Mary, moments after her birth, my only thought was how wrinkled this little person appeared. That was thirty nine short years ago today. The wrinkles went away and a wonderfully special person appeared.

She is one of those people who is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Now that's not just a proud papa talking. Before settling down with her marvelous husband, Steve, she modeled professionally. Now she is the mother of Steve Jr. and the big headed kid in the pic, James David.

And what a fine mother she is. Mary volunteers at their schools, providing the necessary cupcakes and moral support for parties and PTA. Able to stay at home she gives the boys the necessary love and guidance they need.

She weekly picks up my mother who has given up the car keys and takes mom to her nail appointment after which it's off to lunch. Many times they spend the whole day together. She is the care giver for her family when problems arise, always ready with help and support.

Mary has never met a dog she didn't love...and the smaller the better. If the pup could fit in her purse it had a home. At last count there were five of these critters romping around the house. Well, like her father, several are older and don't romp much any more. How many people do you know who wipe their pets butts after the latter go pottey?

When she was little and her father would come in after working late to lay on the couch and watch TV, unwinding, often would come on small steps this wonderful child. We would snuggle up together and all would be well with the world. And now seeing what she has become and remembering those times, I know if for no other reason, I have contributed at least once to making the world a better place.

Happy Birthday, sweet Mary.

Da Bears

2006-05-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

My darling wife has a fear of bears. I mean the kind of fear that causes nightmares or as the case may be, nightbears. It comes from a close encounter with a bear she had in North Carolina as a child. She's never actually seen a bear in the wild but once when she and her sister walked down to the river where she was told not to go, but of course did, she, her sister, and the accompanying dogs heard the bear. Ever since, bears, or even the mention of bears cause quivers and a wide eyed "deer in the headlights" expression.

So when we decided to move to these mountains one of the first questions was, are there bears? "Well, maybe", was my rather nonchalant reply.

On one of the trips here before we moved we were visiting the birthplace of Booker T. Washington. As we walked the trail on the farm she suddenly gave the shout I've heard often. "BEAR!" She ran, I didn't since I saw the cattle calmly grazing away on the hill and realizing that if there were indeed a "BEAR" the bovines would be rapidly moving on. Now fear was replaced by anger at my seeming calm over a potentially disastrous encounter. It was only when I pointed out the black bull now staring at us that the fear and anger turned to a sheepish grin.

OK, so we moved here and guess what? That's right, exactly one week after the U-Haul was returned the neighbor came over and and asked, "Did you see the BEAR last night?". Well, no, but we did hear the dogs go crazy. It seems Mr. Black Bear had walked up the road and into the woods behind our house. It may have even waved as it went by.

Now lets fast forward to several days ago when on coming back from taking the dogs for a walk Wanda said to me, "there were some very large tracks on the trail down to the creek and then on the gravel road". Then came the obvious question, "do you think it was a BEAR?" Now I do everything to discourage the notion there is a BEAR in the neighborhood so I tried to play it off with a "probably not".

So the other night we're talking to the new neighbors from Florida when we hear what sounds like a barking dog. Then the other neighbor pulls up in her SUV and says those dreaded words, "Did you see the BEAR?"
She said she looked out her window and saw what appeared to be a large man in a black coat crawling up the road and the she realized that doesn't happen around here but BEARS do. My wife instantly assumed the "deer in the headlight" appearance and suggested we move our conversation from the road to the deck. We did that with haste. The barking sound we heard was our other neighbor attempting to move the BEAR along which it did, again through the woods behind our house.

That night everyone concerned had every outside light on...all night. Further BEAR sightings will be reported.

We'uns Is Gettin' Famous

2006-05-24T08:24:00.000-07:00

I don't know how this came about. It's kinda like that salsa from New York city. But in Chicago, CHICAGO (!, ?)there's Leslies Omnibus and she's talkin' 'bout us rednecks. But since we're kinda starved for attention, we'll take anything we can get. So thanks Leslie. George Bush is workin' that angle pretty well.
And I don't understand what Leslie means "From the Rowdies in the Back of the Bus". We ain't rowdy, it's just Jim Bob and that mason jar.

Yeah, we know we're a redneck if:

1. You take your dog for a walk and you both use the same tree.

2. You can entertain yourself for more than 15 minutes with a fly swatter.

3. Your boat has not left the driveway in 15 years.

4. You burn your yard rather than mow it.

5. You think "The Nutcracker" is something you do off the high dive.

6. The Salvation Army declines your furniture.

7. You offer to give someone the shirt off your back and they don't want it.

8. You have the local taxidermist on speed dial.

9. You come back from the dump with more than you took.

10. You keep a can of Raid on the kitchen table.

11. Your wife can climb a tree faster than your cat.

12. Your grandmother has "ammo" on her Christmas list.

13. You keep flea and tick soap in the shower.

14. You've been involved in a custody fight over a hunting dog.

15. You go to the stock car races and don't need a program.

16. You know how many bales of hay your car will hold.

17. You have a rag for a gas cap.

18. Your house doesn't have curtains, but your truck does.

19. You wonder how service stations keep their restrooms so clean.

20. You can spit without opening your mouth.

21. You consider your license plate personalized because your father made it.

22. Your lifetime goal is to own a fireworks stand.

23. You have a complete set of salad bowls and they all say "Cool Whip" on the side.

24. The biggest city you've ever been to is Wal-Mart.

25. Your working TV sits on top of your non-working TV.

26. You've used your ironing board as a buffet table.

27. A tornado hits your neighborhood and does $100,000 worth of improvements.

28. You've used a toilet brush to scratch your back.

29. You missed your 5th grade graduation because you were on jury duty.

30. You think fast food is hitting a deer at 65.

_____

2006-05-22T15:21:00.000-07:00

"What contemptible scoundrel has stolen the cork to my lunch?"

W. Clement Stone

Mountain Community

2006-05-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

Where we live is a very special place in the world. These Appalachian Mountains are millions of years old. They have been making their way across the face of the planet, inching their way east, and weathering for eons. Unlike the younger, bold Rockies in the West these mountains have mellowed with age. The New River which flows nearby is the second oldest river in the world, only predated by the Nile. There is a mystical and spiritual quality to these hills and "hollars".

My ancestors came here along with other Ulster Scot and German pioneers several centuries ago. The MacBeane's moved on further west but many families stayed and have been here ever since. In an area there may be many with the same surname, Delp, Holdaway, Phipps, Roberts, Edwards and I must mention Shelor, just to name a few.

Cemeteries are named for the clan buried there. In the days when travel was difficult the remains of departed loved ones were interred close to home. It's not unusual to find graves next to a home or along side of a back mountain road. Cemeteries aren't large but rather there are many scattered through out the countryside. But for whatever reason people remain youthful and barring accidents live a long time. I think it's the clean air and water along with a healthy natural diet. Also strong immune systems are developed from living so close to the land.

One of the good things about selling insurance is meeting many of the people in the area. Working in a incredably beautiful area called Elk Creek for the past month or so we have become almost a part of the community. One thing about it people in these parts do talk to each other and strangers are a topic of conversation. But I have in return come to know many wonderful people who have lived in Elk Creek, if not all, then most of their lives. The social center of Elk Creek is the "diner". Sooner or later (and it's mostly sooner) you will meet everyone in the area at this general store, gas station, barber and beauty shop, source for hunting and fishing gear, pool hall, and card room. Oh yes, there is the "diner", really a restaurant and general hang out.

Ninety year old Gilbert Roberts has a farm on Serenity Road. Everyone for miles around knows Gilbert. After several attempts at finding him home we were about to leave when after Wanda tooted the car horn and I heard in the distance the whirr of an engine getting closer. Then from over the hill appeared an all terrain vehicle or as they're called up here a "4 wheeler". The man astride who appeared about three score years and who I assumed (wrongly) was Gilbert's son was, in fact, himself. Seems some cattle had gotten loose and had to be rounded up. We spent the better part of an hour with this delightful man as he moved about with the agility of one half his age. He had built his house originally "up yonder" in the 1930's and later moved it to it's present location adding on as space was needed. He told us of the "dry pond" up the mountain. A depression in the rock which seeped water and of "Roberts Cove". Proudly he brought out the family genealogy detailing births, deaths, wills, and purchases since his family moved into the area back in the 1700's. And he showed us the pictures of himself and "Big Jim" of "Survivor " fame when the later visited his farm. Of course, we were invited back and certainly will take him up on that invite.

Often people are quick to invite us in at the first knock on their door. Whether they are interested in the insurance or not we are many times offered dinner or lunch and shown a hospitality unheard of in other more urban places. There remains a strong sense of community in this mountain country. People wave as their cars or pickups or tractors pass. And those of us who were a short time ago strangers become friends.

That mystical and spiritual quality forms a bond among us mountain dwellers. I said in one of my earlier posts, we don't choose these mountains, they choose us. This life isn't for everyone but those of us fortunate enough to be among the chosen find a wealth that overcomes the economic disadvantages.