More than 200 years ago for literally pennies on the dollar, young Thomas Jefferson purchased a 157-acre tract of land that is now one of the most awe-inspiring state parks in Virginia. I'm talking about Natural Bridge State Park, a gorgeous tract that's a 45-minute drive from Staunton and so well worth the trip. The … Continue reading Natural wonder
Since it's officially fall and the start of the spooky season, I feel compelled to tout the many attributes of my new favorite Staunton haunt, Thornrose Cemetery. This 12-acre final resting place with its rolling hills, gorgeous statuary and jam-packed historical figures of long ago, is nestled on the West side of the city. It … Continue reading A stroll among the dead
I am fortunate that my new home is equidistant between the retail riches of downtown Staunton and the absolute jewel of the Queen City, Gypsy Hill Park. And the lyrics to the iconic Cher song are not far off as to how this 214-acre park got its name. In the 1800's it was the main … Continue reading Gypsies, tramps…and me
I felt compelled as an amateur witch and lover of all things macabre, to share some thoughts on this day of supposed universal bad luck. Friday the 13th can occur once a year, but may also rear its scary head up to three times in a 12 month span. (We had two this year.) Westerners … Continue reading On superstitions
It could very well be one of those generalization chuck holes we try so hard not to step into in this age of political correctness, but I have to say, one I've been encountering recently here in the South seems to hold water. I'm talking about Southern politeness, graciousness even. I lived most of my … Continue reading The land of Ma’ams
I was minding my own business the other morning drinking coffee in the living room of my apartment here in Staunton, when something through the bedroom doorway caught my eye. What is that? A bird flying around in there? I thought. Nope. Upon further investigation, I found my cat Joey, watching with rapt attention as … Continue reading Bat whisperer
My friend Jamie recently netted a bounty of beautiful blooms from her local farm in Granby, Connecticut and sent me some snaps of various floral arrangements she had put together. It is the season in many parts of the country for short-lived posies to rear their gorgeous heads into brilliant colors of the rainbow. During … Continue reading The power of flowers
