News for today's 2018

Photos ... Stuarts Draft on a rainy day

12:40 PM Tukiyooo 0

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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1sJSa7vQiXAxSdQT21sICzFlJ9e1exax817k47fNRcordjEfqhfj1cJZWcb1g-yGaxLOhXSG2ePxZ8LDUlixRTk_4ljnJphQlWgvEXy5NFNFo9O1ebq33BMA4fDxz5Xn4-vdxPsWplxM/s1600/Stuarts+Draft,+clouds,+Milmont+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1sJSa7vQiXAxSdQT21sICzFlJ9e1exax817k47fNRcordjEfqhfj1cJZWcb1g-yGaxLOhXSG2ePxZ8LDUlixRTk_4ljnJphQlWgvEXy5NFNFo9O1ebq33BMA4fDxz5Xn4-vdxPsWplxM/s400/Stuarts+Draft,+clouds,+Milmont+024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFIXOVj9AmIMoq9-UOA9jqdHOK5PA8w_VLqVg0HEtEDc3I6ENX0fJ0dlZaO0vrFIoWOt5MFWo7w9wLLNodhQHfE7f9nrhnSvOtR1y-BsrLwc_rQsaRCMVUqpUO8H5JyAa8t3v6v0ipe0U/s800/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFIXOVj9AmIMoq9-UOA9jqdHOK5PA8w_VLqVg0HEtEDc3I6ENX0fJ0dlZaO0vrFIoWOt5MFWo7w9wLLNodhQHfE7f9nrhnSvOtR1y-BsrLwc_rQsaRCMVUqpUO8H5JyAa8t3v6v0ipe0U/s400/17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />July 2, 2013

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell July 2, 2013

Milmont Greenhouse: Mountain views, gardening values

12:19 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhe4TGno8tpNkHx8xt7prvYjh5tH4E4uD-FDSMXo9Y66ggQyFtdlqUk8p3q04JEc93KJI_V_wlLmS1w62iCRriT-F1PCRKAqVJZYy-ILy-fOOugQP1Zvovy2s5DIg24O8FupM27fnubJoy/s800/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhe4TGno8tpNkHx8xt7prvYjh5tH4E4uD-FDSMXo9Y66ggQyFtdlqUk8p3q04JEc93KJI_V_wlLmS1w62iCRriT-F1PCRKAqVJZYy-ILy-fOOugQP1Zvovy2s5DIg24O8FupM27fnubJoy/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I snapped a photo while shopping the 50% off premium annuals on Tuesday at <a href="http://www.milmont.com/">Milmont Greenhouse</a> in Stuarts Draft. With the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background, this Mennonite-run nursery has a beautiful view both inside the fence and beyond. It's been my first choice for plants for 16 years.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbANETENsOpvOaQUE5F03-Tim4xCW6MnKsp81i4PbGa-8z7u143nw2cLOLE7eLpv9tGPndx8WCmUMYykaJ7MxeGU5EG1-aJph2sZjehCqnCZO32qGJoqzykA8j7XuSpvVGVS6Vw8PwtYm8/s800/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbANETENsOpvOaQUE5F03-Tim4xCW6MnKsp81i4PbGa-8z7u143nw2cLOLE7eLpv9tGPndx8WCmUMYykaJ7MxeGU5EG1-aJph2sZjehCqnCZO32qGJoqzykA8j7XuSpvVGVS6Vw8PwtYm8/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Sprinkles fell from the clouds throughout the morning before finally turning into downpours by the middle of the day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1-fg0ELCO80sjfMFnOLoPzNe_t7XsBcGtrEWBsassf-5yaPLxlWfYssVo1j_YURn5fVzl3C9e_p91Rcv88rQgdwWECDW7TvKomrXJ6NvJTL_jWnLTQvdNsoIFh1i84BCGZhjDsgQcpmJ/s800/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1-fg0ELCO80sjfMFnOLoPzNe_t7XsBcGtrEWBsassf-5yaPLxlWfYssVo1j_YURn5fVzl3C9e_p91Rcv88rQgdwWECDW7TvKomrXJ6NvJTL_jWnLTQvdNsoIFh1i84BCGZhjDsgQcpmJ/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkv9Rq5ZOS5IJVuo1IZxyVgreSU8vRNvDYZ1UVwCD7_PyUhd3nXITgfYCEGmSM6fvFJD6gUzifia1RnaAhUw7_b3o3Qcaoaj5YEzISnnFyq3gnEzZE0zWu5ZQOWnvMlIMMlcrA1mNo25j/s800/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkv9Rq5ZOS5IJVuo1IZxyVgreSU8vRNvDYZ1UVwCD7_PyUhd3nXITgfYCEGmSM6fvFJD6gUzifia1RnaAhUw7_b3o3Qcaoaj5YEzISnnFyq3gnEzZE0zWu5ZQOWnvMlIMMlcrA1mNo25j/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I was looking for flowers to fill in blank spots in pots that had been planted with Milmont products in the spring.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGHdaYfhkuv9vI8aPnK0Xsyv3opbRO47UfREDgvApPC04p72GIk6oAgIt6ojDOWpFTuqI6KqZMzFhGu5iZEarxM7Q568vJww3qY43KuTC9ahxgcOTzr9iz_lE0zCaic5FQCiIJoF05zHf/s632/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGHdaYfhkuv9vI8aPnK0Xsyv3opbRO47UfREDgvApPC04p72GIk6oAgIt6ojDOWpFTuqI6KqZMzFhGu5iZEarxM7Q568vJww3qY43KuTC9ahxgcOTzr9iz_lE0zCaic5FQCiIJoF05zHf/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuJ9Ia1kE6zyW4FhOZNvz_yHgzq44R8Sd8IRfbbFZt0MBZTJUINYzkfgtTFcU0PqPjtScAxtvgEJ4vAocFztwq7C1MhzOpEWsNQb-gMx5BjAFBaoPJVBdm54iu4w81L6T5pcZfymxOydP/s800/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuJ9Ia1kE6zyW4FhOZNvz_yHgzq44R8Sd8IRfbbFZt0MBZTJUINYzkfgtTFcU0PqPjtScAxtvgEJ4vAocFztwq7C1MhzOpEWsNQb-gMx5BjAFBaoPJVBdm54iu4w81L6T5pcZfymxOydP/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_nufNOpHT53BmZ5TYRuJElwJEPWU-JmGbkXuMpdO6l1qYxshyphenhyphen1tYBH9SQgdbXlhEg_XjPi2YLFndGEgQHJLKKnyMynCylKhU4LsZUkOv2e87NDgfsjrsdVeSWJUQUh16gNKXAsfu8H7-/s790/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_nufNOpHT53BmZ5TYRuJElwJEPWU-JmGbkXuMpdO6l1qYxshyphenhyphen1tYBH9SQgdbXlhEg_XjPi2YLFndGEgQHJLKKnyMynCylKhU4LsZUkOv2e87NDgfsjrsdVeSWJUQUh16gNKXAsfu8H7-/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhln1tMa2TASsEtjMxygUY-emeNR-QlOBm_ayAhmiRXYIAMSL063cAk_Ywc5fiNYVL5ctK64vCgbQ2ZFaDY51RZEi-MjRzUSRDXd9gNFcVhB0ojlLCN_Pd8lxlptGeUSKiyZiZcki-bXYUE/s657/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhln1tMa2TASsEtjMxygUY-emeNR-QlOBm_ayAhmiRXYIAMSL063cAk_Ywc5fiNYVL5ctK64vCgbQ2ZFaDY51RZEi-MjRzUSRDXd9gNFcVhB0ojlLCN_Pd8lxlptGeUSKiyZiZcki-bXYUE/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The sale on hanging baskets and premium annuals began July 2.</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />July 2, 2013

Milmont Greenhouse: Mountain views, gardening values

Augusta County Blue Ridge Mountains Mennonites Milmont Greenhouse Milmont Nursery Shenandoah Valley Stuarts Draft Milmont Greenhouse: Mountain views, gardening values

I snapped a photo while shopping the 50% off premium annuals on Tuesday at Milmont Greenhouse in Stuarts Draft. With the Blue Ridge Mounta...

U.S. Justice Department drops by to investigate Augusta County

5:00 PM Tukiyooo 0

Just in time for Independence Day, <a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/opinion/editorials/abc-agents-went-too-far-in-response/article_14b4daf2-e194-11e2-ae78-001a4bcf6878.html">Uncle Sam is taking a stroll around Augusta County</a>'s 26 voting precincts today and tomorrow with the three members of the local electoral board. Actually, he's sending one of his lawyers and an architect from the civil rights division of the U.S. Justice Department.<br /><br />Uh-oh. Almost sounds like being called to the principal's office.<br /><br />Originally scheduled for June, the trip was delayed until this week, and Augusta Electoral Board chairman Ruth Talmage seemed unhappy even though she had originally <a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/news/virginia_politics/former-augusta-supervisor-candidate-said-he-complained-to-justice/article_227f93ec-cef8-11e2-bc0b-001a4bcf6878.html">requested the visit be held off</a> until after the June Democratic Primary:<br /><blockquote>"Voters ought not to have to worry with some strange person from Washington watching and asking questions," Talmage said.</blockquote><a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/news/augusta-electoral-board-tells-justice-to-stay-away-on-election/article_67de2d68-ce30-11e2-b122-001a4bcf6878.html">She also said,</a> "The message is that they (Justice) are welcome to come, but not on election day.''<br /><br />An <a href="http://An email response sent to Justice on Wednesday through Augusta County Attorney Patrick Morgan said the electoral board "has concluded that permitting such inspections is not in the best interest of Augusta County, at this time. Therefore, I regret to inform you that the board of elections will not authorize you to inspect the polling places as previously planned."">email from the county's attorney</a> closed the door on the June visit:<br /><blockquote>An email response sent to Justice on Wednesday through Augusta County Attorney Patrick Morgan said the electoral board "has concluded that permitting such inspections is not in the best interest of Augusta County, at this time. Therefore, I regret to inform you that the board of elections will not authorize you to inspect the polling places as previously planned."</blockquote>It's rainy and drippy out there today so hope they've all got their umbrellas and golashes as they traverse the second-largest county in Virginia.<br /><br />As former magisterial district chairman in Pastures District located west of Staunton, I have personal knowledge of the time it takes to travel its five precincts, the most of any district in the county. Pastures' borders touch Staunton City and extend to Bath and Highland counties with the George Washington National Forest in between. It's a gorgeous district but you'd better be driving your reliable vehicle because it will rack up the mileage. <br /><br />That does not include the rest of Augusta that runs as far north as Rockingham County, south to Rockbridge County, and east to the tiptop of the Blue Ridge Mountains as it borders Nelson and Albemarle counties.<br /><br />The visit is in response to a complaint filed by Churchville resident Steve Morris who questioned a North River precinct located in the Churchville Fire Station in Pastures District, and handicap accessibility to that precinct. Morris ran an <a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/news/virginia_politics/former-augusta-supervisor-candidate-said-he-complained-to-justice/article_227f93ec-cef8-11e2-bc0b-001a4bcf6878.html">unsuccessful bid as supervisor</a> in 2011.<br /><br />The electoral board <a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/news/local/justice-department-delays-visit-until-july/article_6818dd36-d309-11e2-aa7c-0019bb30f31a.html">has defended the Churchville Fire Station precinct</a> location:<br /><blockquote>Talmage said both the precinct location and handicap access are  appropriate. Talmage said Virginia law allows for a polling place within  one mile of the border of a precinct boundary, and said North River  lacks such a needed facility. She said the fire station's ramp and  access door offer sufficient access. </blockquote>Talmadge complained in the <i>Waynesboro News-Virginian</i> that the tour would take "an unnecessary amount of time'' on Monday and Tuesday.<br /><br />Hmm. It's not wise to tweak Uncle Sam's nose.<br /><br />Reporter Bob Stuart <a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/news/justice-department-to-visit-augusta-county-precincts-monday-tuesday/article_90c93bfe-e0dd-11e2-94f5-001a4bcf6878.html">reported</a>:<br /><blockquote>[Talmage] said the electoral board had asked to work with Justice on a  schedule for touring the county precincts, but said the federal agency  has not been cooperative.</blockquote>I guess once the June date was postponed, Uncle Sam decided to get his work done before his holiday, and this week was it. Maybe the federal agents will stick around for a Smalltown USA Fourth of July.<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> <a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/news/local/justice-begins-investigation-in-augusta-county/article_c5a1f696-e2c1-11e2-b5ab-001a4bcf6878.html">Justice begins investigation in Augusta County </a>by Bob Stuart

U.S. Justice Department drops by to investigate Augusta County

Augusta County Blue Ridge Mountains Bob Stuart Churchville Fire Station Pastures District Ruth Talmage Steve Morris U.S. Justice Department Uncle Sam Waynesboro News-Virginian U.S. Justice Department drops by to investigate Augusta County

Just in time for Independence Day, Uncle Sam is taking a stroll around Augusta County 's 26 voting precincts today and tomorrow with the...

Storm clouds over the Blue Ridge Mountains

8:08 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcPMmmuNxleOtVn4OurySgMCBMfwM2KMLsubIrCVrP5LxAL7J6Ff6ZXeew-FeEuqTQTDWOCJfFa2JO_3AGYgp5nexSs5NlaY5BoNnk4ZccEQMKKK9_ootxQXLWX01n0lHJt1hpYRsvph_/s800/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcPMmmuNxleOtVn4OurySgMCBMfwM2KMLsubIrCVrP5LxAL7J6Ff6ZXeew-FeEuqTQTDWOCJfFa2JO_3AGYgp5nexSs5NlaY5BoNnk4ZccEQMKKK9_ootxQXLWX01n0lHJt1hpYRsvph_/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Storm clouds gather over the Blue Ridge Mountains. Photos were taken from Weyers Cave.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRP8cAjuqJeL0sIEsYc-6DpHpqQOTBx-gRWoJ8pGShIAmUMCyom8DTC6J7ru5InztKmz6CH70AKnriB7IeMzLc5rFCFqCkgUz_sXijEtOeF91fwneAFJTXzl0BLarxf5CDxh8PQ9tz6_l/s800/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRP8cAjuqJeL0sIEsYc-6DpHpqQOTBx-gRWoJ8pGShIAmUMCyom8DTC6J7ru5InztKmz6CH70AKnriB7IeMzLc5rFCFqCkgUz_sXijEtOeF91fwneAFJTXzl0BLarxf5CDxh8PQ9tz6_l/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvu1fRsQH6GolyOwwPFcPpTQTrqP1xOksEKCtWRn-1hfPPLaaGjQFPgp4Zx9vECSKVJtpsaFHl9C1FpvGUEuhoIK7ZcxKGUAkEXLyTHJXdk5GF1k66z7YGtn-s_gaI7eKyh9d_VxCd0gf8/s800/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvu1fRsQH6GolyOwwPFcPpTQTrqP1xOksEKCtWRn-1hfPPLaaGjQFPgp4Zx9vECSKVJtpsaFHl9C1FpvGUEuhoIK7ZcxKGUAkEXLyTHJXdk5GF1k66z7YGtn-s_gaI7eKyh9d_VxCd0gf8/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfriWFGDwm4PJQz32Be4GsCFLtu_QSDu1-HKy1KY9ZXtWfqAyY6qJLwuYnp6MWDPmtOB3lbSkggkz5dFKDhTf5OswoiAu6P50XhzMg1IEDROIJi5PmGb7lyGXOd3rvynsk1qrb5J4TBRU/s800/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfriWFGDwm4PJQz32Be4GsCFLtu_QSDu1-HKy1KY9ZXtWfqAyY6qJLwuYnp6MWDPmtOB3lbSkggkz5dFKDhTf5OswoiAu6P50XhzMg1IEDROIJi5PmGb7lyGXOd3rvynsk1qrb5J4TBRU/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />June 28, 2013

Augusta County Blue Ridge Mountains storm clouds western Virginia Weyers Cave Storm clouds over the Blue Ridge Mountains

Storm clouds gather over the Blue Ridge Mountains. Photos were taken from Weyers Cave. Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell June 28, 2013

Sunday sunset

7:53 PM Tukiyooo 0

Appalachian Mountains Augusta County Shenandoah Valley sunset western Virginia Sunday sunset

Sunday sunset over the Appalachian Mountains. Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell June 30, 2013

Meandering

6:42 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClm2ZkZhLXg4HS04LEVGIcgu_Fc_VTfG98AnlstsBHUfsuLQ2_07YZdbwYvrIbvK2mk4W1Jvwap_Y1KZP9Zm5HhF89XSra-Jrh2AnXJ6h2DU4pmOAbmiMWineXcQscQecBievdHC7fvPE/s800/36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClm2ZkZhLXg4HS04LEVGIcgu_Fc_VTfG98AnlstsBHUfsuLQ2_07YZdbwYvrIbvK2mk4W1Jvwap_Y1KZP9Zm5HhF89XSra-Jrh2AnXJ6h2DU4pmOAbmiMWineXcQscQecBievdHC7fvPE/s400/36.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> While driving to Churchville recently for a meeting at the library, I took photos of the "neighborhood," that area west of Staunton that I call home. This is a neighbor's driveway.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuiOkgY0CmRujNjD7vLnFAvnUSddZOCEBCNx244_SxUtJG6d4gNfgPdN59AChkaoQ6QfPlBOWsPlGNG-2WxQpbjk6TvVDYu8Qa_apREOpZ0-79O9qMlyij2vf0d09m5D8-lR34fdK8m1v/s800/37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuiOkgY0CmRujNjD7vLnFAvnUSddZOCEBCNx244_SxUtJG6d4gNfgPdN59AChkaoQ6QfPlBOWsPlGNG-2WxQpbjk6TvVDYu8Qa_apREOpZ0-79O9qMlyij2vf0d09m5D8-lR34fdK8m1v/s400/37.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Looking west toward Elliott's Knob and Buffalo Gap.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeqaYmT8KoShfcKFXiLroc31OY1MkCtrjJT3N1gGyH4Nr42yWKaGwYvnZVSHOKkMmdhe1t-glxndnPGzLTecWaZodWtaNflqr9ZKide9KsmGqrQyjASUoP82lWBaJAcVqNRJr_U_yRjE-/s800/38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeqaYmT8KoShfcKFXiLroc31OY1MkCtrjJT3N1gGyH4Nr42yWKaGwYvnZVSHOKkMmdhe1t-glxndnPGzLTecWaZodWtaNflqr9ZKide9KsmGqrQyjASUoP82lWBaJAcVqNRJr_U_yRjE-/s400/38.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCxJK5913Ohv7r4GTswqe2dawM7MXVUU2-p-b91Cqhv99aAeMfwtwF-j3o3Txk24gebPmlqHT3l9DoI2TqrurPj0Tock4s7g97juadyTGbQL4KLCr__UOrRWmRDG9S4159149J-Wwi7f9/s800/45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCxJK5913Ohv7r4GTswqe2dawM7MXVUU2-p-b91Cqhv99aAeMfwtwF-j3o3Txk24gebPmlqHT3l9DoI2TqrurPj0Tock4s7g97juadyTGbQL4KLCr__UOrRWmRDG9S4159149J-Wwi7f9/s400/45.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1pBtkOK0UQ7OuSUcvSdd1vwSt4JolAUhcPAaWYd9p2UpioxAqIyUKa7AJ3rdMih6gbVsM0bcCDdODl3TZuTuIGNmf8zltwKp65TfmMamrkFRmkIK5dunJwGmTkDeli74rRfG31jicNSN/s800/40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1pBtkOK0UQ7OuSUcvSdd1vwSt4JolAUhcPAaWYd9p2UpioxAqIyUKa7AJ3rdMih6gbVsM0bcCDdODl3TZuTuIGNmf8zltwKp65TfmMamrkFRmkIK5dunJwGmTkDeli74rRfG31jicNSN/s400/40.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfqjiUu0_VRSh5UQlhCQOz6G-dn4roDFXDGwhAg78QVjayf9yQ1B4OWRTKQ3yf50tmWI_2pdgswk_uMyJDbCcjvXqT4BsKKDS2fvIrCkP5OvcvLGB4DyiqYjvh2_L-FvEjwf1hmPSleLi/s800/41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfqjiUu0_VRSh5UQlhCQOz6G-dn4roDFXDGwhAg78QVjayf9yQ1B4OWRTKQ3yf50tmWI_2pdgswk_uMyJDbCcjvXqT4BsKKDS2fvIrCkP5OvcvLGB4DyiqYjvh2_L-FvEjwf1hmPSleLi/s400/41.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgdP6T6v1C5u3C05XRdOtZocgtviHz8hPaDUSFY3KJvRlf5jQaH4fK2Tp8hffzEeTrmuZkuSIkNXNmiyNwN2O91fn-tWh267-BmLc9XVJn_4cKYNFNuXM8wYKTiyY4MqwmBdmWt5GPHJk/s800/39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgdP6T6v1C5u3C05XRdOtZocgtviHz8hPaDUSFY3KJvRlf5jQaH4fK2Tp8hffzEeTrmuZkuSIkNXNmiyNwN2O91fn-tWh267-BmLc9XVJn_4cKYNFNuXM8wYKTiyY4MqwmBdmWt5GPHJk/s400/39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />June 27, 2013

Augusta County Buffalo Gap Churchville Elliott's Knob western Virginia Meandering

While driving to Churchville recently for a meeting at the library, I took photos of the "neighborhood," that area west of Staunt...

Hay season

5:43 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhuHHG2UyFItCnnmJCmqkBjoMhjoKuxe80vYUMLchR75J8ODJJHT1LtG_eE52HHg-_EmVs21Qj6wkxQC-aMRXVR0a2_y_J-43hNReqyf8iMwC0fVK7sShAeqI8Y2FVYK2-Sbbgu0S1wrn/s800/33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhuHHG2UyFItCnnmJCmqkBjoMhjoKuxe80vYUMLchR75J8ODJJHT1LtG_eE52HHg-_EmVs21Qj6wkxQC-aMRXVR0a2_y_J-43hNReqyf8iMwC0fVK7sShAeqI8Y2FVYK2-Sbbgu0S1wrn/s400/33.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's hay season. I enjoy sitting on my porch and watching as they bale.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7dTEecoz3J238vosdm0R9NxZZjs3FtxBMRPAuAJhWO0hSkBloXs9NSljRq6_-QlrHwZ_7km7v_LPvE28uI2qIRYixX19Gd_BnhyphenhyphenJVzXJVoUOGZaAfb4HlQ1UdPo-G1FWkASKfUPkJWBf/s800/34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7dTEecoz3J238vosdm0R9NxZZjs3FtxBMRPAuAJhWO0hSkBloXs9NSljRq6_-QlrHwZ_7km7v_LPvE28uI2qIRYixX19Gd_BnhyphenhyphenJVzXJVoUOGZaAfb4HlQ1UdPo-G1FWkASKfUPkJWBf/s400/34.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6FFcDCnCIVO8z01hmwpZ8EmGEP-NUNPKtn0611vGVMcmchWN1hIRFge-h2smPdnybuFhQ-8hgBBTgXNpKFEUBGi128q4jB-3l_yvfhnDQACiq_et71yTsFlSKwnTZUiA1DGrNVy9TtZ4/s800/44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6FFcDCnCIVO8z01hmwpZ8EmGEP-NUNPKtn0611vGVMcmchWN1hIRFge-h2smPdnybuFhQ-8hgBBTgXNpKFEUBGi128q4jB-3l_yvfhnDQACiq_et71yTsFlSKwnTZUiA1DGrNVy9TtZ4/s400/44.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKgQXF3h_xyX215iQNakdmVpHTsmHchkRInb_rgeqNxLsnog2_xqZwGsW2k1VilPldWGY_Wymyw0ep-I7QMpRt9dYr_W5iSiCc-1nyzaFuAUnkiVL5ut2iYsv0uBFvzEyoDuxatRVNndl/s800/45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKgQXF3h_xyX215iQNakdmVpHTsmHchkRInb_rgeqNxLsnog2_xqZwGsW2k1VilPldWGY_Wymyw0ep-I7QMpRt9dYr_W5iSiCc-1nyzaFuAUnkiVL5ut2iYsv0uBFvzEyoDuxatRVNndl/s400/45.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFzBbRk6azOWXnyd4ucly76eciJHVamUvco1CDW3v2x55iIYOTYoPAc2Es0TE3M1qWkX_DtXWDwFY2xqRr6e5A-NQt5p-7cS_8_TFFzWiDGXP7ajnLkBar0VZ40DMz5WVd7ZAHg6fBoUt/s800/32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFzBbRk6azOWXnyd4ucly76eciJHVamUvco1CDW3v2x55iIYOTYoPAc2Es0TE3M1qWkX_DtXWDwFY2xqRr6e5A-NQt5p-7cS_8_TFFzWiDGXP7ajnLkBar0VZ40DMz5WVd7ZAHg6fBoUt/s400/32.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />June 28, 2013

Augusta County farmers hay season Shenandoah Valley western Virginia Hay season

It's hay season. I enjoy sitting on my porch and watching as they bale. Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell June 28, 2013

Saturday morning on the porch....

5:39 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXgdc6jMdfvJMX1Bsyt-fGHlfcP3LIpFsDc2oKuJXgZ5Q3zUZ99L2ke8GmEUq8LW93GToFNz18_lXNV5q51OiwI9ftawpv0RhKsmJD7ppqd0JS7I1pLk7CdVBQHF5SqrlY6bQFMTqHkFT/s800/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXgdc6jMdfvJMX1Bsyt-fGHlfcP3LIpFsDc2oKuJXgZ5Q3zUZ99L2ke8GmEUq8LW93GToFNz18_lXNV5q51OiwI9ftawpv0RhKsmJD7ppqd0JS7I1pLk7CdVBQHF5SqrlY6bQFMTqHkFT/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Wow, what a gorgeous morning in the Shenandoah Valley ... a sweater morning! The sky is blue, the sun is out, temps are in the 60s, low humidity, and there's a stiff breeze with a cool edge to it that requires a sweater to ward off the shady chill. I can't help but think how nice it must be up on the mountain for those camping this weekend in Shenandoah National Park. <br /><br />We've had lots of rain this spring and into summer so the grass is green and lush, unlike some years when it's dried up and crispy by the July 4th holiday. The shade trees in our little oasis are blowing in the breeze, their leaves rustling and making dancing shadows on the yard. <br /><br />I just heard a sound in the gutter overhead so watched to see who was intruding on my quiet, and then a bright red cardinal flew from the roof to a nearby tree. He must have found a bug for his breakfast. Rabbits are munching on the smorgasbord that is our front yard ... nibble, hop, nibble, hop hop.  The birds are loud as they are every morning with their various chirps and calls to one another. The mournful sound of a dove can be heard in the distance.<br /><br />The bright orange daylilies are blooming as are the cheerful yellow coreopsis moonlight, and bright red roses. My potted annuals got a late start this year since I was about three weeks behind in planting them but they are catching up -- petunias, zinnias, impatiens, geraniums, heather, and other colorful additions on the porches and in the back yard around the outdoor tables. Flowers can be time-intensive but the reward of those overflowing blossoms that add splashes of color as well as fragrance in the air is well worth the effort.<br /><br />The wind, the leaves, the birds ... those are the only sounds this morning. It's going to be a great day....<br /><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Augusta County flowers Lynn R. Mitchell Shenandoah Valley Virginia Saturday morning on the porch....

Wow, what a gorgeous morning in the Shenandoah Valley ... a sweater morning! The sky is blue, the sun is out, temps are in the 60s, low humi...

Western Augusta County

5:04 PM Tukiyooo 0

Alleghany Mountains Appalachian Mountains Augusta County Shenandoah Valley tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Western Augusta County

The honeysuckle is blooming.... Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell June 12, 2013

Country serenity

8:23 PM Tukiyooo 0

Augusta County Country serenity

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell June 11, 2013

From my yard: thunderstorms rolling (again) into Augusta County

1:14 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38s9yzCo_xwagei7yC4rdZDEtXB1ZCfXxNZGVb5RZLU_y1RQ2rAykCJN5BHLHFz7m0D9cJFS3T50p5BoyzIUhZvGrGEjBiOpwp1Ep_U5Uw6itCBjYp6fCW-qHDSA3sFSPomaOilbRUsp0/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38s9yzCo_xwagei7yC4rdZDEtXB1ZCfXxNZGVb5RZLU_y1RQ2rAykCJN5BHLHFz7m0D9cJFS3T50p5BoyzIUhZvGrGEjBiOpwp1Ep_U5Uw6itCBjYp6fCW-qHDSA3sFSPomaOilbRUsp0/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The sky west of us was black as the latest round of thunderstorms approached around 3:45 this afternoon. This is looking northwest from our yard.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlaADpyXIi-e6ECf8Cd-42aJUbHd4xc8Lg5g35dEdmXLZyu7FR97HEr0QifEQ794YtG0ZSCA6lrUwDyMTe7PWZDShMxTT-HMRpqNb8LOnzvBNx6DCjVHpv9UCt8JR-NYIFXgb9-xBhuNa/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlaADpyXIi-e6ECf8Cd-42aJUbHd4xc8Lg5g35dEdmXLZyu7FR97HEr0QifEQ794YtG0ZSCA6lrUwDyMTe7PWZDShMxTT-HMRpqNb8LOnzvBNx6DCjVHpv9UCt8JR-NYIFXgb9-xBhuNa/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The is looking southwest.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcXDyY9ekIJAJYa-teM-Yw9cgGr4hajT3KVtLKhqyD1ErorpBXZ-b4yQ15j4w5mcxPQSN6yFnA5_bwcYCP10iColhdqK5RdCGv8oZn1y9djFKFtFWlOKN155vlN90CcqAaUumuB3TWueN/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcXDyY9ekIJAJYa-teM-Yw9cgGr4hajT3KVtLKhqyD1ErorpBXZ-b4yQ15j4w5mcxPQSN6yFnA5_bwcYCP10iColhdqK5RdCGv8oZn1y9djFKFtFWlOKN155vlN90CcqAaUumuB3TWueN/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> This is looking south.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nLDdMTJOAAaY9otVUoCIaq68FEbTRI5j2fyiR4l0DqMJunr7aLp6u7S9gPmVlJwd1JBewKeHU_W-_P7n37iWANDEgv1_2ti5sxMbqAul74IPCFspmVF6_kKcv1hx3CvVoVGGlW9xMgzH/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nLDdMTJOAAaY9otVUoCIaq68FEbTRI5j2fyiR4l0DqMJunr7aLp6u7S9gPmVlJwd1JBewKeHU_W-_P7n37iWANDEgv1_2ti5sxMbqAul74IPCFspmVF6_kKcv1hx3CvVoVGGlW9xMgzH/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Northwest ...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUO-s90_1Ru3Jy0r5uPWX3SEsFrjVO7yM5RcIImMXja8CiHCyoiOpvnbPXej5Zblp7nxlCWXJD7KeBdSoYVw3f3WdZJIlQUDUHnCzzhgjUXlsfBgdmVv5LtI1tsp_nJLR_7AhPa6FCZJjN/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUO-s90_1Ru3Jy0r5uPWX3SEsFrjVO7yM5RcIImMXja8CiHCyoiOpvnbPXej5Zblp7nxlCWXJD7KeBdSoYVw3f3WdZJIlQUDUHnCzzhgjUXlsfBgdmVv5LtI1tsp_nJLR_7AhPa6FCZJjN/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">... and north-northeast.</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />June 10, 2013

From my yard: thunderstorms rolling (again) into Augusta County

Augusta County flash flood watch severe weather thunderstorms in Virginia tornado watch western Virginia From my yard: thunderstorms rolling (again) into Augusta County

The sky west of us was black as the latest round of thunderstorms approached around 3:45 this afternoon. This is looking northwest from our...

Rainy nights

7:50 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3da9jM5nPYv1wK6IJrBRHUX_T99FKV19K_ANxOl5u89ObNHOgYF6HvtWpcCpFfO7RJ9SbOxUbCl57QaVVEGnNZ0U5F4MdOu2FyfbJCsYDGO5MpJndHt0I9tptT6XMl6mkFeJyCVI2F5L/s1600/Rain+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3da9jM5nPYv1wK6IJrBRHUX_T99FKV19K_ANxOl5u89ObNHOgYF6HvtWpcCpFfO7RJ9SbOxUbCl57QaVVEGnNZ0U5F4MdOu2FyfbJCsYDGO5MpJndHt0I9tptT6XMl6mkFeJyCVI2F5L/s1600/Rain+1.jpg" /></a></div>Lightning streaks across the western sky as thunder rolls along the ridges of the Allegheny Mountains of Augusta County. Weather forecasters have issued flash flood warnings for up to three inches of rain through Monday afternoon as powerful storms roll through the area.<br /><br />The windows are open as the cool night air drifts in ... it will be a night to fall asleep to the sound of falling rain and the smell of freshly soaked dirt.<br /><br />It's raining in Augusta County....

Augusta County Virginia Rainy nights

Lightning streaks across the western sky as thunder rolls along the ridges of the Allegheny Mountains of Augusta County. Weather forecasters...

A stroll in the yard and the sweet smell of honeysuckle

7:17 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafIUy46vSUln9jr8r_W8pNdnlnr3wguNFj8smP6RH6foXwFG4M8PaxFE7MKP8X-OFuiX6SMBVAvmYjU3AdOjeSh-Hcqw9x01ugAB4jFzRP7okMRq8d0N2ZPzbtn-JZHCRM01YdmBGpOOD/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafIUy46vSUln9jr8r_W8pNdnlnr3wguNFj8smP6RH6foXwFG4M8PaxFE7MKP8X-OFuiX6SMBVAvmYjU3AdOjeSh-Hcqw9x01ugAB4jFzRP7okMRq8d0N2ZPzbtn-JZHCRM01YdmBGpOOD/s400/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> With windows open on these cool late-spring days, the intoxicatingly sweet smell of honeysuckle has wafted in on the breeze, filling the house with its aromatic scent.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogr19UfQKv54vFc0i4i_7-Q2LoPxcuCiW-mWOKByxpgDAh6zlwcWMSKKutKonG6mDslSa7GV_gKhcj8NuyUnu1yktN1lrXORrNw7zfemfPSAFOp7Tc1Skp85zxlFS6yjaO6N9YJnyONcK/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogr19UfQKv54vFc0i4i_7-Q2LoPxcuCiW-mWOKByxpgDAh6zlwcWMSKKutKonG6mDslSa7GV_gKhcj8NuyUnu1yktN1lrXORrNw7zfemfPSAFOp7Tc1Skp85zxlFS6yjaO6N9YJnyONcK/s640/11.jpg" width="460" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Roses and peonies are blooming, adding to the sweet fragrances in the yard.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlB2gFwQ5JN3KKrqVpNP-NRBrJjYFJAIupu9MWJhmFyjbwizdlRV7ChOD7ChDIBfs498eHhrhsAzE6BDO_UUFns-ngMJavsiF6Asl2sAcdH7u5V7Xykr-Kw8q0BR3kQfdPxer1ChBnbIk/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlB2gFwQ5JN3KKrqVpNP-NRBrJjYFJAIupu9MWJhmFyjbwizdlRV7ChOD7ChDIBfs498eHhrhsAzE6BDO_UUFns-ngMJavsiF6Asl2sAcdH7u5V7Xykr-Kw8q0BR3kQfdPxer1ChBnbIk/s400/12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkP8bE4DF4RvAGgUzoYwT5JJLOBSell7iqWmaQfJvfKgEU7lNpmQUh747HMvq7LMX_VBTiqtSfeXd-D3Dx3z3fPvkrdl6f9TKEJ2E_jOZQHlyzk6rCR6dE2FLPMmP0Ag2afm_RRp0oQIr/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkP8bE4DF4RvAGgUzoYwT5JJLOBSell7iqWmaQfJvfKgEU7lNpmQUh747HMvq7LMX_VBTiqtSfeXd-D3Dx3z3fPvkrdl6f9TKEJ2E_jOZQHlyzk6rCR6dE2FLPMmP0Ag2afm_RRp0oQIr/s640/13.jpg" width="404" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The rain gauge bench <i>aka</i> the resting bench while working in the yard.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKi2M4w6-jQG63Op-vsfUjUYjagx0sg9Lz2JBu2bxIKljNPSub9tgxOZaZ0M9N1xKSzSbkbZ0pgkU-BPYG-zASyVAXq67B9IcXbaRpjHEbwO-yCc8is2P0HhxV-k4Q08O025w35yVDDseI/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKi2M4w6-jQG63Op-vsfUjUYjagx0sg9Lz2JBu2bxIKljNPSub9tgxOZaZ0M9N1xKSzSbkbZ0pgkU-BPYG-zASyVAXq67B9IcXbaRpjHEbwO-yCc8is2P0HhxV-k4Q08O025w35yVDDseI/s320/14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Time for a bonfire to burn piled-up brush in the fire pit.</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />June 5, 2013

Augusta County fire pit garden honeysuckle peonies roses Shenandoah Valley yard work A stroll in the yard and the sweet smell of honeysuckle

With windows open on these cool late-spring days, the intoxicatingly sweet smell of honeysuckle has wafted in on the breeze, filling the ho...

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