I-64 over Afton Mountain to receive improvements

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYV2puNRVb06I1LnDdTJRuCSW_2uW8kv3hp_EONaV6vy9tqyUptQefpZEbICeAKn5Jh4ZQ21eVfEVXp_LCRr0Q3lq8DzkE71L5pYPLgi6-rqpm8mTrOf7a4UtHVcEuOjrHhnuAiBrN5YM/s1600/Afton+Mtn+pileup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYV2puNRVb06I1LnDdTJRuCSW_2uW8kv3hp_EONaV6vy9tqyUptQefpZEbICeAKn5Jh4ZQ21eVfEVXp_LCRr0Q3lq8DzkE71L5pYPLgi6-rqpm8mTrOf7a4UtHVcEuOjrHhnuAiBrN5YM/s640/Afton+Mtn+pileup.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>For years I-64 over Afton Mountain has been a foggy gap through the mountains in bad weather as well as icy, snowy, windy, and every other weather condition possible. Since it was completed in 1972, this interstate that connects the coast of Virginia westward to the mountains has been used by millions of travelers. It's gentle grade and curves made crossing the Blue Ridge Mountains far easier and safer than in the past, and in good conditions it's a breeze to drive.<br /><br />That is, until bad weather hits, and one particularly nasty deterrent over the years has been fog that can be as thick as pea soup, literally limiting visibility to about as far as the front of your vehicle. With eyes squinting to see through the thick, opaque haze, it can make for a white-knuckle, heart-stopping drive as you go up against Mother Nature.<br /><br />And then there's the other drivers. That's where Russian roulette comes into play because some drivers feel completely safe continuing at the 65 mph posted speed limit even though they can't see beyond their noses. Others slow down ... but how much? Some almost stop while others feel safe at 55 or 45 or 35. That's a dangerous mix on foggy or wintry Afton.<br /><br />For years those living in the area have suggested that a variable speed limit would be helpful under such conditions. Improvements have been made as far as automatic fog lights that outline lanes making it easier not to drive over the side of the mountain, and electronic signs with messages warning of inclement conditions. But the speed limit issue was still there. And pileups still happened even with the improvements.<br /><br />Thankfully, according to the <a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/improvements-planned-for-i--over-afton-mountain/article_0e894fc3-9f94-5394-97bf-9b31ac75f5c4.html"><i>Richmond Times-Dispatch</i></a>, a new phase of improvements is going to be put in place and, included in Phase 2, will be the variable speed signs:<br /><blockquote>The variable speed limit would allow VDOT to not only detect inclement weather or changing traffic patterns but automatically alter the road’s legal speed limit to prepare drivers for the conditions.<br /><br />In Afton, Shiley said, “we looked at crash types, not just number of crashes, and it led us to this solution: We really need to have something to get motorists to slow down when we have fog conditions or winter weather conditions.”</blockquote>Afton is legendary for the pileups that have occurred over the years:<br /><blockquote>In April 1992, state police responded to a 60-car pileup that resulted in two fatalities. In April 1998, a 65-car pileup sent 40 people to area hospitals. Then, less than three weeks later, the road was the site of an 18-car collision. In all three incidents, police reported that fog was a major factor.</blockquote>The new improvements will be welcomed. Now if we could just get climbing lanes....

Afton Mountain I-64 VDOT Virginia I-64 over Afton Mountain to receive improvements

For years I-64 over Afton Mountain has been a foggy gap through the mountains in bad weather as well as icy, snowy, windy, and every other w...

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Governor Bob McDonnell: 9/11 a day of remembrance, patriotism, and prayer

On the 12th anniversary of the terrorism attacks that came to America on September 11, 2001, Virginia's Governor Bob McDonnell called on his fellow citizens to pause at 9:37 a.m. to remember when American Airlines Flight 77 impacted with the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.<br /><br />Today has been proclaimed a <a href="http://www.governor.virginia.gov/OurCommonwealth/Proclamations/viewproc.cfm?id=390">Day of Remembrance, Patriotism and Prayer in the Commonwealth of Virginia</a>.<br /><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">9/11 Day of Remembrance, Patriotism and Prayer</span></b><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">WHEREAS,</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> the events of September 11, 2001 profoundly affected - and continue to affect - all aspects of our society, and the lives of Virginians, Americans and people across the world were changed forever following the destruction of the World Trade Center complex in New York City, the attack against the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the crash of Flight 93 in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania; and</span><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">WHEREAS</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">, twelve years later the citizens of our Commonwealth and these United States continue to mourn for the more than three thousand innocent voices that were tragically silenced-including 184 in Virginia at the Pentagon-by terrorists on that infamous day of death and destruction; and</span><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">WHEREAS,</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> it is imperative that we never forget our shock and revulsion at the needless destruction, the bravery of our first responders who risked all for their neighbors, our anguish from the sudden loss of so many precious lives, or how we as a people did not succumb to a state of fear as the terrorists intended, but instead set aside our differences and united as patriots in our country's hour of need; and</span><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">WHEREAS,</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> while we reflect upon the memory of the departed, it is important that we also pause to remember and honor the sacrifices of all those members of our armed forces who have given their lives in heroic service to our country and all members of our military who have volunteered to bring those responsible for the 9/11 attacks and their supporters to justice during the Global War on Terror; and</span><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">WHEREAS,</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> prayer has long served as a measure of our nation's strong heritage of faith and has been an indispensable source of moral and spiritual guidance for citizens throughout our Commonwealth's history, and it is fitting that our Commonwealth reserve a day in which our citizens may reflect and mourn - consistent with their own faith traditions - with those who have suffered as a result of terrorism, to humbly ask God for the strength and fortitude necessary to protect our lives, liberty and property from future transgressions, and to give thanks for the freedoms with which we as a people are fortunate enough to be blessed;</span><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">NOW, THEREFORE</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize September 11, 2013 as a DAY OF REMEMBRANCE, PATRIOTISM AND PRAYER in our <b>COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA</b>, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens; and</span><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">FURTHERMORE</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">, I urge all citizens of our Commonwealth to display the flag of the United States of America wherever possible, and I invite all to witness a one-minute, statewide Moment of Silence starting at 9:37 AM - when American Airlines Flight 77 impacted with the Pentagon in our County of Arlington - and I encourage all Virginians to reflect upon the lives lost and heroic sacrifices made on that fateful eleventh day of September.</span>

9/11/2001 Bob McDonnell Day of Remembrance never forget Patriotism and Prayer in the Commonwealth of Virginia Terrorism Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell: 9/11 a day of remembrance, patriotism, and prayer

On the 12th anniversary of the terrorism attacks that came to America on September 11, 2001, Virginia's Governor Bob McDonnell called on...

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Rockingham County on a rainy afternoon

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOx9qb00FmQiuFJYMZkd-w0AyXx0_vR7nCD2GyBYBzjoBIA1KPbg-JZSkWp8kKVDLmASgrLMaCeqLIdvHdH2N9VZr0bG7q5p7GQjPfbwabPY00rij5H9248USi_BHAHQwXM-jk_GV6jhb/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOx9qb00FmQiuFJYMZkd-w0AyXx0_vR7nCD2GyBYBzjoBIA1KPbg-JZSkWp8kKVDLmASgrLMaCeqLIdvHdH2N9VZr0bG7q5p7GQjPfbwabPY00rij5H9248USi_BHAHQwXM-jk_GV6jhb/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQ_8MCHHRhFRO6TfRnx6OUIt0TreLjiASUu3BoYFjRvvmgL62EAshfb1jldwBGosr4FSM8xzbHytaM7pREDKHI9QHPCtACcv22YJGhY7v0cOnLlBQI-pEukH5IwnYkGsLUBIPoeXgiVaE/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQ_8MCHHRhFRO6TfRnx6OUIt0TreLjiASUu3BoYFjRvvmgL62EAshfb1jldwBGosr4FSM8xzbHytaM7pREDKHI9QHPCtACcv22YJGhY7v0cOnLlBQI-pEukH5IwnYkGsLUBIPoeXgiVaE/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />August 18, 2013

Rockingham County rural America Shenandoah Valley Virginia Virginia Is For Lovers Rockingham County on a rainy afternoon

  Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell August 18, 2013

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Historic Downtown Staunton, Virginia

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPcmNbIFZUM62v-3c-iiiwotZe37ii4_WfXTXLs34ApF8vkaCt1k-XM4m7pmfbqz33ZWAiO2YeW7gfoD_PaYbYSzhidHrdD0fV9L0PQfTq-DtYs6SylR72P0m2k2LJIeMvkZUKi9lODV7/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPcmNbIFZUM62v-3c-iiiwotZe37ii4_WfXTXLs34ApF8vkaCt1k-XM4m7pmfbqz33ZWAiO2YeW7gfoD_PaYbYSzhidHrdD0fV9L0PQfTq-DtYs6SylR72P0m2k2LJIeMvkZUKi9lODV7/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Staunton, Virginia <br />In the heart of the Shenandoah Valley as seen from Sears Hill Observation Deck.</div><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />August 17, 2013<br /><br />Cross-posted at <a href="http://www.vapolitics.us/">Virginia Politics On Demand</a>

Sears Hill Shenandoah Valley Staunton Virginia Historic Downtown Staunton, Virginia

Staunton, Virginia In the heart of the Shenandoah Valley as seen from Sears Hill Observation Deck. Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell August 17, 2013...

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Photo: Bill and Jean Ann Bolling on Staunton's Sears Hill bridge

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKb9Dvs5qo3a-apfUYn4h5lBO7jXDvEbSG0q8pU7fboiDARVy9ZK8LPA_3tjzOqAGZ4PS2dMs6DO4W6Bye-W6pZquG9lWh5idtKuxmxklHUgR36YWxCHi07wElq1go9MIVQFd9VLN_4eK/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKb9Dvs5qo3a-apfUYn4h5lBO7jXDvEbSG0q8pU7fboiDARVy9ZK8LPA_3tjzOqAGZ4PS2dMs6DO4W6Bye-W6pZquG9lWh5idtKuxmxklHUgR36YWxCHi07wElq1go9MIVQFd9VLN_4eK/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="userContent">Lunch Saturday with Lieutenant Governor <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=12220636661&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/bollingva?directed_target_id=0">Bill Bolling</a>, <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100003218640991&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/jeanann.bolling?directed_target_id=0">Jean Ann Bolling</a>, and Dr. <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1118178617&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/Kurt.Y.Michael?directed_target_id=0">Kurt Michael</a> at Depot Grille on a beautiful day in historic Staunton, Virginia. My life is richer for longtime friendships with people who have servant's hearts.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="userContent">"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="userContent">–Martin Luther King Jr.</span> </div><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />August 18, 2013

Bill Bolling Depot Grille Jean Ann Bolling Kurt Michael Lynn R. Mitchell Sears Hill bridge Shenandoah Valley Staunton Virginia Photo: Bill and Jean Ann Bolling on Staunton's Sears Hill bridge

  Lunch Saturday with Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling , Jean Ann Bolling , and Dr. Kurt Michael at Depot Grille on a beautiful day in hist...

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Flurry of excitement as Governor visits Redskins training camp in Richmond

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfcp2mrkunXbveAccTH2p8unTDZ3QnhwlFFt4C95ap03KIzKq6MbuHPiTItIrDr-Yf38KCTs3fSO1905gplBhGBG5d_XfdwoKbF6kS2cr78873Jox_I96gE3rm2PG9tJMpta-ClSQI6WF/s1600/Bob+McDonnell+Redskins+practice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfcp2mrkunXbveAccTH2p8unTDZ3QnhwlFFt4C95ap03KIzKq6MbuHPiTItIrDr-Yf38KCTs3fSO1905gplBhGBG5d_XfdwoKbF6kS2cr78873Jox_I96gE3rm2PG9tJMpta-ClSQI6WF/s400/Bob+McDonnell+Redskins+practice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Governor Bob McDonnell at Friday's last day of <a href="http://www.redskins.com/trainingcamp">Redskins Training Camp</a>.</i></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/AVvXsEgLJcU_p54lseWjf88E_Nvo_d-Rdf3ut9WYWi5m6aMQqt59Q-lplM5Z-a4brsuZYgaCzRhgLu5YEr-fjLkhy6S77jiUd7g8BGLlWmUHVMHIwAL5UUAcMd-HHMa-o6iACuA3lnZpvxtplOxR/s1600/Bob+McDonnell+Redskins+practice+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJcU_p54lseWjf88E_Nvo_d-Rdf3ut9WYWi5m6aMQqt59Q-lplM5Z-a4brsuZYgaCzRhgLu5YEr-fjLkhy6S77jiUd7g8BGLlWmUHVMHIwAL5UUAcMd-HHMa-o6iACuA3lnZpvxtplOxR/s400/Bob+McDonnell+Redskins+practice+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan and the Governor as owner Dan Snyder (center) looks on. General Manager Bruce Allen (not pictured) was also on hand to greet the Governor.</i></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/AVvXsEgJnE007ULl0_HurIzAwIXNL41wZQ-WMd4uzD1ocb5QAeD5FSYxEDq8ku57WTd0VHgpBDUJ3Xl8ERF1qmY3c7EEK6CvnYsgtpeghfRDWo3h8LMJeHkdO6OcmwHMvzOhqP1QQbQD-0dBNY5C/s1600/Bob+McDonnell+Redskins+practice+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnE007ULl0_HurIzAwIXNL41wZQ-WMd4uzD1ocb5QAeD5FSYxEDq8ku57WTd0VHgpBDUJ3Xl8ERF1qmY3c7EEK6CvnYsgtpeghfRDWo3h8LMJeHkdO6OcmwHMvzOhqP1QQbQD-0dBNY5C/s400/Bob+McDonnell+Redskins+practice+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Photos with a young Redskins fan.</i></div><br />Virginia's Governor Bob McDonnell made an <a href="http://trainingcamp.blogs.timesdispatch.com/2013/08/16/governor-makes-visit-at-redskins-camp-discusses-future-va-stadium/">unannounced stop at the Redskins Training Camp</a> in Richmond on Friday, causing excitement and a flurry of photos. Reporter Michael Phillips with the <a href="http://trainingcamp.blogs.timesdispatch.com/2013/08/16/governor-makes-visit-at-redskins-camp-discusses-future-va-stadium/"><i>Richmond Times-Dispatch</i></a> wrote:<br /><blockquote>Speaking with reporters, [McDonnell] praised the site and the team as being a business driver for the state.<br /><br />“When they approached us about looking at different sites, we said we didn’t want them going back to Carlisle, to Pennsylvania or someplace like that,” he said. “Our economic development people did a tremendous job putting together an incentive package to keep them here. And then we’ve got the long-term commitment of the Redskins to Virginia – $30 million of improvements in Loudoun County, Bon Secours teaming up with the Redskins to have the beautiful facility here – it means the Redskins will be headquartered in Virginia for a long time.”</blockquote>That's music to the ears of thousands of fans who have flocked to training sessions, interacting with players and coaching staff and enjoying fan gatherings in the Richmond area.<br /><br />At Fan Appreciation Day on August 2, when over 25,000 supporters lined up along the street and around the block, McDonnell expressed the excitement of Virginians at having the facility in Richmond. Commenting to the <a href="http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Redskins-Surpass-100000-At-Richmond-Camp/3122bd5e-bafb-4def-b1c7-350272f49ae2">Richmond Times-Dispatch</a>, he said:<br /><blockquote>"Richmond is Redskins Country! We knew Virginia loved the 'Skins, and today we can give 100,000 examples of just how much. Through the hard work of so many individuals from the Redskins to Mayor Dwight Jones and his staff to the great people at Bon Secours, the Commonwealth has won already, a month before the NFL season even kicks off,” said Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell. <br /><br />“The Redskins have a world class training facility, Richmond is the place to be for football fans this August, and Virginia's long and important relationship with a storied NFL franchise has only deepened.<br /><br />"I hope fans have a great time today, and as Governor of Virginia, it's my pleasure to say 'Hail to the Redskins!’"</blockquote>As training ends, it's time for the 2013 season to begin. Hail to the Redskins!

Bob McDonnell Bruce Allen Dan Snyder Mike Shanahan Richmond tourism Virginia Virginia Is For Lovers Washington Redskins Flurry of excitement as Governor visits Redskins training camp in Richmond

Governor Bob McDonnell at Friday's last day of Redskins Training Camp . Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan and the Governor as owner Dan Snyde...

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Governor McDonnell tends injured Times-Dispatch reporter

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAatZKxHBtKKD2DEeMiWJeuJm_AFaRAWTG1KIc1cQtaNBFibN7EEHdRkm12i5LWrAaOJoQKsnxf4o3HSAONjndT6eFeDA_-WbO-wO8enap1o5q7dZzR1ekN3eqtN7YMP34iZonZIwXsxm/s1600/Bob+McDonnell+and+injured+reporter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAatZKxHBtKKD2DEeMiWJeuJm_AFaRAWTG1KIc1cQtaNBFibN7EEHdRkm12i5LWrAaOJoQKsnxf4o3HSAONjndT6eFeDA_-WbO-wO8enap1o5q7dZzR1ekN3eqtN7YMP34iZonZIwXsxm/s400/Bob+McDonnell+and+injured+reporter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Governor Bob McDonnell with injured Times-Dispatch reporter Rex Springston.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo by Mark Gormus with the <a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/reporter-injured-while-covering-oyster-tour/article_d6d2324d-97b6-5549-85b9-75909b75b022.html">Richmond Times-Dispatch</a> </i></div><br />When Richmond Times-Dispatch reporter Rex Springston passed out while covering a boat tour with Governor Bob McDonnell on Thursday, one of the first people to spring into action was the Governor himself.<br /><br />Springston, the newspapers environment reporter who was covering McDonnell's tour of an oyster shucking facility in the Northern Neck, had earlier lost his footing and fallen. He had broken his arm in the fall but didn't realize it at the time.<br /><br />Reporter John Hoke picks it up from there:<br /><blockquote><i>The tour included a boat ride to a nearby oyster ground. Springston said that when he jumped into the boat, he stumbled and reached out with his left arm to catch himself. </i><br /><i><br /></i><i>“He landed kind of funny,” said Todd P. Haymore, Virginia secretary of agriculture. “The governor caught him.”</i></blockquote>Even though his arm was hurting, Springston carried on with his interview of McDonnell. It was while reviewing those notes that he fainted and crumpled onto the floor of the boat and, when he came to, the Governor was leaning over and tending to him until EMTs arrived to take him to Rappahannock Hospital where the broken arm was discovered and treated.<br /><blockquote><i>Springston said the governor called him at home Wednesday evening to see how he was doing.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>“I’m just glad Rex is doing alright,” McDonnell said in an email. “That was a frightening moment for everyone. It did give me a chance to use some of my old Army medical skills, but I think we both would have preferred to not have had that opportunity.”</i></blockquote>It's nice to see a human interest story and a <a href="http://bearingdrift.com/2013/08/15/bob-mcdonnell-isnt-in-the-washington-post-today/">break from the negativity</a>. Here's wishing a speedy recovery to Mr. Springston.<br /><br />Cross-posted at <a href="http://vapolitics.us/2013/08/governor-mcdonnell-tends-injured-times-dispatch-reporter/">Virginia Politics On Demand </a>

Bob McDonnell George W. Bush John Hoke Lynn R. Mitchell Northern Neck Rex Springston Richmond Times-Dispatch Virginia Governor McDonnell tends injured Times-Dispatch reporter

Governor Bob McDonnell with injured Times-Dispatch reporter Rex Springston. Photo by Mark Gormus with the Richmond Times-Dispatch When Rich...

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New superintendent named for Blue Ridge Parkway

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvVY5xdZm5NFoIGG4uAIBgUZbsLHjNCkuuEQ5vl_soyCK6yhmtMUmH9umWlSBgvBPAlRta8l2a9dzxuPIhgoJ656akq331V1-DaDLznjIHB0ys8i6LxxHlJAJmqbwNCZIaxKDz8YoqdIp/s1600/41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvVY5xdZm5NFoIGG4uAIBgUZbsLHjNCkuuEQ5vl_soyCK6yhmtMUmH9umWlSBgvBPAlRta8l2a9dzxuPIhgoJ656akq331V1-DaDLznjIHB0ys8i6LxxHlJAJmqbwNCZIaxKDz8YoqdIp/s400/41.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Mark Woods, 53, has been named the new superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway, according to Thursday's <a href="http://www.roanoke.com//news/2137308-10/new-leader-named-for-blue-ridge-parkway.html"><i>Roanoke Times</i></a>. A long-time veteran of the National Park Service, the <i>Times</i> noted that his leadership comes at a rocky time in Park history:<br /><blockquote>Woods takes over during a precarious time in the parkway’s 78-year history. The parkway has a $400 million backlog of maintenance projects. The federal budget sequester forced automatic 5 percent cuts, which amounted to a $740,000 reduction. Several sites along the parkway were forced to close this year, including Roanoke Mountain Campground, the Rocky Knob Visitor Center and the Smart View picnic area.</blockquote>Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />Milepost 0 of Blue Ridge Parkway<br />Afton, Virginia

Afton Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway BRP Mark Woods National Park Service new superintendent North Carolina Virginia New superintendent named for Blue Ridge Parkway

Mark Woods, 53, has been named the new superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway, according to Thursday's Roanoke Times . A long-time vet...

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Senator-elect John Cosgrove wins 14th Senate District special election

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sd8tqTRQmR5hPuC2W2R_HRe4BN8LZeSaIPVHNePzGjkkLdBmqsaWKbGvZVcfkysz1Jt82s3_QPO70YNQPDs3-f1XR8TnV0S5jvyeB6AV6n3oAmJTKKecBD6pltkKjFH_BG8lnDzoEC0X/s1600/John+Cosgrove+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sd8tqTRQmR5hPuC2W2R_HRe4BN8LZeSaIPVHNePzGjkkLdBmqsaWKbGvZVcfkysz1Jt82s3_QPO70YNQPDs3-f1XR8TnV0S5jvyeB6AV6n3oAmJTKKecBD6pltkKjFH_BG8lnDzoEC0X/s400/John+Cosgrove+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://www.johncosgrove.org/">John Cosgrove</a>, the Republican delegate who served for 10 years in the Virginia House of Delegates, won Tuesday's special 14th Senate District election after the Democratic candidate dropped out in July, leaving him unopposed in the race. He will serve the remaining two years of retired Senator Harry Blevins' term.<br /><br />Virginia House Speaker Bill Howell congratulated Cosgrove on his win:<br /><blockquote>"I want to congratulate John on his election to the Virginia Senate. For over a decade John has served the greater South Hampton Roads community and the Commonwealth of Virginia with dedication. John has been a valued member of the House of Delegates and a personal friend to many of us. We will miss his insight and expertise on the issues, and know he will be a tremendous addition to the Virginia Senate. On behalf of the entire House of Delegates, we wish him the very best in the years ahead."</blockquote>In May Cosgrove <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/05/john-cosgrove-wins-14th-senate-district.html">won the Republican nomination</a> in a three-way firehouse primary after his endorsement by Congressman Randy Forbes.  Other endorsements included the man he is replacing, Senator Harry Blevins, as well as Senator Tommy Norment, Senator Ryan McDougle, Delegate Chris Jones, Sheriff Jim O'Sullivan, Eric Wray, Commonwealth Attorney for Chesapeake Nancy Parr, Treasurer Barbara Carroway, and Mayor Alan Krasnoff as well as others.

14th senate district Hampton Roads John Cosgrove Lynn R. Mitchell politics special election Virginia Senator-elect John Cosgrove wins 14th Senate District special election

John Cosgrove , the Republican delegate who served for 10 years in the Virginia House of Delegates, won Tuesday's special 14th Senate Di...

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Fodor's: '4 U.S. road trips to take before you die' includes one close to home

Only four destination roads are listed in the group of <a href="http://www.fodors.com/news/4-us-road-trips-to-take-before-you-die-6995.html">"4 U.S. road trips to take before you die"</a> from Fodor's, the travel people, and since one is right here in Virginia, there's no reason not to hop on and go!<br /><br />Travel writer Jimmy Im includes the Blue Ridge Parkway as one of those four coveted road trips:<br /><span class="blog-text"></span><br /><h2><span class="blog-text">Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia to North Carolina</span></h2><span class="blog-text"><img alt="blue-ridge-pkwy-nc.jpg" height="300" src="http://www.fodors.com/wire/blue-ridge-pkwy-nc.jpg" width="452" /><b> </b></span><br /><span class="blog-text"><b>Distance: </b>470 miles<br /><br /> Road trippers can expect lush forestry and some majestic mountains on the <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/north-carolina/the-north-carolina-mountains/blue-ridge-parkway/">Blue Ridge Parkway</a>, a 470-mile drive connecting <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/virginia/central-and-western-virginia/shenandoah-national-park/">Shenandoah National Park</a> in Virginia and the <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/tennessee/great-smoky-mtns-national-park/">Great Smoky Mountains National Park</a> in North Carolina. While it averages roughly 10 hours to drive, plenty of highlights along the way ensure you'll want to take several days to explore the route. Locals call the Blue Ridge Parkway a "window" to the region as several cultural and unique towns are right off the highway.<br /><br /> Visitors stop for a photo opp at the Humpback Rocks in Blue Ridge, VA, a natural rock outcrop that has a storied history. Nearby is the <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/virginia/central-and-western-virginia/review-166229.html">Natural Bridge of Virginia</a> in Rockbridge Country, one of the oldest tourist destinations in the country and constantly voted as one of America's best natural wonders. Stop in Roanoke, the largest metropolitan city along the route, to visit charming farmer's markets. <br /><br /> Several attractions await in <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/north-carolina/the-north-carolina-mountains/blowing-rock/">Blowing Rock</a>, North Carolina, but a road tripper's favorite is the actual Blowing Rock itself, a cliff looming 4,000 feet above sea level, harboring magnificent views of Hawksbill Mountain and Table Rock. For the mother of all views, stop at <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/north-carolina/the-north-carolina-mountains/blue-ridge-parkway/activities_h2447231_hiking.html">Waterrock Knob</a>, which, at 7,000-feet high, showcases breathtaking mountain views.</span>

4 US road trips to take before you die Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway Fodor's getaways Jimmy In Lynn R. Mitchell North Carolina Virginia Fodor's: '4 U.S. road trips to take before you die' includes one close to home

Only four destination roads are listed in the group of "4 U.S. road trips to take before you die" from Fodor's, the travel pe...

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It's evening in the Valley ... thoughts while sitting on the deck

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkiUVd5hNtgOqyvIeaj7Diro1RuWDQ1R5jCxu30Mfy_E0Ijjaa4K3imJiOtzRAufdyJ1KfpnDUO31DlDDyfhZs5449eC-uemVo0w69X7eZ44TeI4DcPL0tvSP4WF2wYI2Zj1O3eVVTy2A/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkiUVd5hNtgOqyvIeaj7Diro1RuWDQ1R5jCxu30Mfy_E0Ijjaa4K3imJiOtzRAufdyJ1KfpnDUO31DlDDyfhZs5449eC-uemVo0w69X7eZ44TeI4DcPL0tvSP4WF2wYI2Zj1O3eVVTy2A/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I love the quiet of the hours before dark. I'm sitting on the deck in the cool of the evening, a slight rustle through the leaves, with temperatures in the low 70s. The weather has been fantastic the past week and so we've enjoyed smelling the freshly dampened soil when it rains, listening to the summertime cicadas and crickets and tree frogs, hearing as rain drops plop on leaves outside the window, and enjoying just being alive in such a peaceful, beautiful place.<br /><br />It's been a busy summer spent with family and friends as we've traveled, visited, and enjoyed just being together and doing things. We've entertained company here at home, and we've traveled to visit others. Many memories have been made and stored away.<br /><br />I still cannot believe it's August. AccuWeather has forecasted an early fall with temperatures below normal beginning the end of this month. It's been a comfortable summer ... a few patches of hot, hot weather but mostly cool nights, comfortable days, and low humidity when cold fronts pass through. For campers like us, the beauty of living in the Shenandoah Valley is "camping" from home. We have all the privacy and convenience, yet can enjoy the beauty of the mountains -- you know, the things people pay to do in this part of Virginia. That used to be me while growing up in Chesterfield. I've lived here 17 years now ... I'm still pinching myself to believe that it's real.<br /><br />I still see the majestic mountains, the breath-taking vistas, the fields of freshly baled hay, the wildflowers and birds and wildlife. And when I look at those things, I see God's hand at work. Just wait until October's blaze of autumn colors take over!<br /><br />Ahh -- a hummingbird just buzzed me, coming in from three directions, hovering and making that little squeaky sound they do. I looked at him as he buzzed in front of me -- he looked at me, I looked at him -- and he hung in mid-air before finally lazily zipping away.<br /><br />There's a butterfly on the deck railing. I've noticed this week the butterflies are all over the deck and the trees whose branches shade the table and chairs. We have a maple and bass tree adjacent ... blue swallowtails, orange monarchs, and some smaller species that I'm not familiar with have covered the railing and branches. They have added a new dimension to enjoying the outdoors.<br /><br />Yellow bass tree leaves are beginning to litter the ground as they do toward the end of summer each year and, in the past, I attributed it to the hot, dry weather. However, this year has been rainy and fairly cool -- grass and trees are still lush and green -- so it must just be part of that tree's life cycle.<br /><br />Our deck is on the second story of our house which gives me some added comfort in an area that has seen black bears, coyotes, deer, wild turkeys, some have said they've seen some type of panther over the years, and other wild creatures.<br /><br />Tonight our next door neighbor, who has 60 acres of pasture and woods, informed us that a bear visited him this week, killing one of his goats and causing havoc in his barn. His motion camera caught photos of it that I hope to get and post ... he said it was the larger of the two bears that have been seen in this area all summer. Thank goodness he hasn't yet discovered our garden.<br /><br />So I'm sitting on the deck with my chair facing into the yard, camera on the table beside me, because you never know when that Kodak moment might pop up. I don't want to be surprised like SWAC Husband was in the spring when he was sitting in a chair near the garden and had kind of dozed off in the sunshine, waking up just in time to hear a panting sound as a bear came up the yard right toward him. I don't know who was more startled -- him or the bear -- but they both took off in opposite directions. <br /><br />No deer yet under the trees at the back of the yard which is kind of unusual since it's 8:00 and this is when they come out to graze. Maybe they are wary of the furry visitor next door.<br /><br />And the hummingbird just came back. I've got purple Mexican heather and blue dwarf potted morning glories out here ... perhaps I'm disrupting his evening snack. As I look across the yard toward the garden, a bunny is nibbling on this side of the fence. Good bunny. Eat the grass and not the veggies. Still no deer under the trees at the edge of the woods ... very unusual this close to dark.<br /><br />So I'll sit out and enjoy the coolness a while longer. Sometimes I stay out until after dark, watching as the stars come out, and sometimes the bull frogs in the neighbor's pond add their deep bass to the chorus of night sounds.<br /><br />It's August in the Valley....<br /><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br /><br /><br />

Augusta County black bears bull frogs coyotes deer gardens hummingbirds night sounds solitude summer in Shenandoah Valley Virginia It's evening in the Valley ... thoughts while sitting on the deck

I love the quiet of the hours before dark. I'm sitting on the deck in the cool of the evening, a slight rustle through the leaves, with ...

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Charlottesville: Fry's Spring Station restaurant

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzBoSQOnBSpdudIrRpNbXdQoHVCXVPCc0qS0sMvOJRJvD7mrXP29MQyKt2qP9unqsgf_FyGHXB4riI4U_dNscPtYJkbOM0BGgr4EjzS1rmvuZl6bxwOCjyoaw7bwktwTxytbwnQ9vbZ61/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzBoSQOnBSpdudIrRpNbXdQoHVCXVPCc0qS0sMvOJRJvD7mrXP29MQyKt2qP9unqsgf_FyGHXB4riI4U_dNscPtYJkbOM0BGgr4EjzS1rmvuZl6bxwOCjyoaw7bwktwTxytbwnQ9vbZ61/s640/8.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In a renovated 70-year-old service station on the corner of Charlottesville's Jefferson Park Avenue and Maury Avenue, <a href="http://www.frysspringstation.com/menu.php">Fry's Spring Station</a> is an award-winning restaurant offering gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan courses that are appetizing for all palates.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0zTY30EmoI-3YFPWRzFFut8KuJ_Eykpppa-GohuXvLKgNIlYPmLw5LQNATXzEGx-fow-27l8R-aQsRyvRoNsG2qLbjxzcNmWMhCgC_Igaf73YjF4XW3P-MryOpCq-h_OmUVKpfjwlduT/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0zTY30EmoI-3YFPWRzFFut8KuJ_Eykpppa-GohuXvLKgNIlYPmLw5LQNATXzEGx-fow-27l8R-aQsRyvRoNsG2qLbjxzcNmWMhCgC_Igaf73YjF4XW3P-MryOpCq-h_OmUVKpfjwlduT/s640/1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">A brick oven is capable of cooking 22 wood-fired pizzas at once. They also offer crisp and crunchy salads, pastas, and Paninis on Foccacia bread, with a variety of entrees, sides, and appetizers as well as a large <a href="http://www.frysspringstation.com/menu.php#drinks">selection of adult beverages</a>, many from local vineyards and breweries.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Plentiful outdoor seating beckons guests on warm and cool evenings, thanks to year-round heat lamps, while inside 100-person seating ofers exposed brick and reclaimed heartwood pine floors. With a mixture of Spanish, Jeffersonian, and Art Deco architecture, Fry's Spring Station offers a sophisticated, one-of-a-kind dining experience in the heart of Charlottesville.</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/AVvXsEjNU4aMSo3KvW1wr0b1zLMQAJ4zWvGlAxI78vVZdsIzNAXYS9CXJboUe4R6Rx7Gn8ohcYFrXIm-NHK7w4HyE5hSL1tBy2cObZb1cAvqkR6UiC_KMwPXy00LEUqRdPl5VWQxUpAZWOjFwbg2/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNU4aMSo3KvW1wr0b1zLMQAJ4zWvGlAxI78vVZdsIzNAXYS9CXJboUe4R6Rx7Gn8ohcYFrXIm-NHK7w4HyE5hSL1tBy2cObZb1cAvqkR6UiC_KMwPXy00LEUqRdPl5VWQxUpAZWOjFwbg2/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Margherita Supreme wood-fired pizza: roma tomatoes, fresh basil and fresh mozzarella. Scrumptuous.</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/AVvXsEiJLr5NTvQRQvgmu7KNdYs_eESpwTgv35_ep3tPPzR2YdrULM_NlSnpXPsjl0qS900j58YDh7JiFkfJJSCVqGenoRAiSYwHn1FiWQm2kzeaVpHaawnROS_6ISJv9yFP2LiygumieYfTavk-/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLr5NTvQRQvgmu7KNdYs_eESpwTgv35_ep3tPPzR2YdrULM_NlSnpXPsjl0qS900j58YDh7JiFkfJJSCVqGenoRAiSYwHn1FiWQm2kzeaVpHaawnROS_6ISJv9yFP2LiygumieYfTavk-/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fry's pretzel appetizer with three dipping sauces -- honey mustard, ranch, and marinara. Also pictured: spinach salad with roasted red peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, hard boiled egg, bacon, and tangy vinaigrette.</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/AVvXsEjdXyXrxk2ugpSiQkEHdQBw3qFQnw0pWbDqHTpeeuXOlXpzRzSLj7-Pj7udQOb9pZwOtolvra1OZJQsD_270TJRMmKJf5x75pOueF_l-qid7M6ZvqtqclU7FEZJbaSm9y9pNNNjILeIlnIo/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXyXrxk2ugpSiQkEHdQBw3qFQnw0pWbDqHTpeeuXOlXpzRzSLj7-Pj7udQOb9pZwOtolvra1OZJQsD_270TJRMmKJf5x75pOueF_l-qid7M6ZvqtqclU7FEZJbaSm9y9pNNNjILeIlnIo/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chicken Club panini with side garden salad. Not shown: Bold Rock cider from Bold Rock Cidery in nearby Nellysford, a crisp and refreshing hard cider crafted with care using Virginia Apples. The guys in our group proclaimed it some of the best they had ever tasted.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_yK5w9qSp5gNXz-MKD15k7SjrYqKxFCklbIHYwrtVAiAC3tSUS2F8mfhAOptytJjJLYZT97MiNTV7qf47q37U-yjZ-B-Z1KDHllMpmoYLws6y2eCbe9b1990jNkAUu73zhbHhkYbPu8b/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_yK5w9qSp5gNXz-MKD15k7SjrYqKxFCklbIHYwrtVAiAC3tSUS2F8mfhAOptytJjJLYZT97MiNTV7qf47q37U-yjZ-B-Z1KDHllMpmoYLws6y2eCbe9b1990jNkAUu73zhbHhkYbPu8b/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Jefferson wood-fired pizza: white pizza with fresh arugula and prosciutto. Not shown: Pear and Gorgonzola salad made of mixed greens, grape tomatoes, candied walnuts, sliced pear, gorgonzola, and orange vinaigrette. <br /><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/AVvXsEjO8udatJX-G8b7__zOu_0j4dDAhCKHNRnvF4SJICv6EPkfew6jGsKOQk9t_ZOvDrBAKiwwkWaibWg6La3Bv3XPU36GN3BEZ_5AwYHfjnHeSttDbMi0s9eF1tvko07K_mErqr-b9woPSmnn/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8udatJX-G8b7__zOu_0j4dDAhCKHNRnvF4SJICv6EPkfew6jGsKOQk9t_ZOvDrBAKiwwkWaibWg6La3Bv3XPU36GN3BEZ_5AwYHfjnHeSttDbMi0s9eF1tvko07K_mErqr-b9woPSmnn/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Framed prints on the walls are scenes reminiscent of service stations from an earlier time. By the time we left, patrons were inside and enjoying the outdoor patios.</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/AVvXsEhbGU8uT-2tzdn9sEn1oIsqGJjZEUU5DFq1xQe609FpaHU5ZvSyKNMClYWnix6TNque6S14yDKBtnlr2rVKRhbGFItyp-uGbsQzRl327CRozbyRnwPBcNVaAUQ9kEYlUWpvSckgFuWPOK6H/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGU8uT-2tzdn9sEn1oIsqGJjZEUU5DFq1xQe609FpaHU5ZvSyKNMClYWnix6TNque6S14yDKBtnlr2rVKRhbGFItyp-uGbsQzRl327CRozbyRnwPBcNVaAUQ9kEYlUWpvSckgFuWPOK6H/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One down side: There are five tight parking spaces behind the building and no on-street parking. It's obvious they have a lot of foot traffic. Other than that, the food and atmosphere definitely make it a popular choice for lunch or dinner.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell</div><div style="text-align: left;">August 1, 2013 </div></div>

Charlottesville fire-roasted pizza Fry's Spring Station glutten free Charlottesville restaurant Jefferson Way Avenue Lynn R. Mitchell outdoor dining vegan vegetarian Virginia Charlottesville: Fry's Spring Station restaurant

In a renovated 70-year-old service station on the corner of Charlottesville's Jefferson Park Avenue and Maury Avenue, Fry's Spring S...

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Richmond is #7: 'Hot U.S. cities that offer both jobs and culture are mostly Southern and modest sized'

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcLrGWkd5N2B25THZjS4nXuWzUF10gZaV-JseBRMf0oMpBSjppJ8N4T22Ub-2CjqJaC55pu6agzCif1hyphenhyphenVnMQR_Egbsf8LRhpR1psFzd2j0sWu6cj_X6Ds42pm-FXA2e4eNnnR8yxzF6x/s1600/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcLrGWkd5N2B25THZjS4nXuWzUF10gZaV-JseBRMf0oMpBSjppJ8N4T22Ub-2CjqJaC55pu6agzCif1hyphenhyphenVnMQR_Egbsf8LRhpR1psFzd2j0sWu6cj_X6Ds42pm-FXA2e4eNnnR8yxzF6x/s400/24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Looking from Rocketts Landing along the James River to the skyline of Richmond.</i></div><br /><a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/07/30/hot-u-s-cities-that-offer-both-jobs-and-culture-are-mostly-southern-and-modest-sized.html">Another day, another poll</a> ... but Richmond has really turned itself around since its decline in the 1970s and '80s as it continues to attract young people with its James River urban recreational sites as well as housing, business, restaurants, and entertainment. It deserves to be a top city pick.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sMw_pQE8xwSnXI9OkAY2xzP55u9lGrNUfgJjmX-61VYQtWXlUUy90l_cUmxF33g5XFhuTAWxhGItJAih-SDisCKr3PVYTp3G5Y6Png0vo4b55TAG1cCFUmOD-8Nc1DnG0QWixp5apUSK/s1600/25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sMw_pQE8xwSnXI9OkAY2xzP55u9lGrNUfgJjmX-61VYQtWXlUUy90l_cUmxF33g5XFhuTAWxhGItJAih-SDisCKr3PVYTp3G5Y6Png0vo4b55TAG1cCFUmOD-8Nc1DnG0QWixp5apUSK/s400/25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i><a href="http://boathouserichmond.com/rocketts_landing/">The Boathouse Restaurant</a> at Rockett's Landing has indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the James River.</i></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell

Boathouse Restaurant Commonwealth growing cities Old Dominion Richmond Rocketts Landing Virginia young leadership Richmond is #7: 'Hot U.S. cities that offer both jobs and culture are mostly Southern and modest sized'

Looking from Rocketts Landing along the James River to the skyline of Richmond. Another day, another poll ... but Richmond has really turne...

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Quinnipiac: 61% of Virginians want Governor to stay in office

The just-released <a href="http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-and-centers/polling-institute/virginia/release-detail?ReleaseID=1923">Quinnipiac University poll</a> shows the overwhelming majority of Virginians are not clamoring for the Governor to resign, with 61 percent saying no, he should not, and 24 percent undecided. Quinnipiac also noted, "Among voters who say they voted for McDonnell in 2009, 84 percent say they would vote for him again...." <br /><br />Also, a new <a href="http://roanoke.edu/News_and_Events/News_Archive/RC_Poll_July_2013.htm">Roanoke College poll</a> shows that most Virginians are not paying attention to the story involving Star Scientific, Jonnie Williams, and Governor <a href="http://vapolitics.us/2013/07/the-mcdonnell-affair-context-and-perspective/">Bob McDonnell</a>:<br /><blockquote>... more than half (60%) of registered voters said they have not been following it closely at all. Only 9 percent said they have been following closely, and 25 percent said they have been following it somewhat closely.</blockquote>Radio host <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheJohnFredericksShow">John Fredericks</a> recently weighed in on the issue: "Gov. McDonnell gifts: Get over it. Governor Bob McDonnell broke no laws and didn't do anything we can find that is legally unethical or in conflict with Virginia's very liberal gift laws. If you don't like it, change the laws. But don't impugne the Governor. Did he exercise poor judgment? That is speculative. Did he break any laws? From what we have seen so far: no, he did not. So right now, this amounts to a hill of beans, although we acknowledge the depth of different gifts is reaching critical mass. Should he resign? That is his personal decision, but certainly not over this nonsense."

Bob McDonnell John Fredericks leadership Quinnipiac University poll Roanoke College poll Star Scientific Virginia Quinnipiac: 61% of Virginians want Governor to stay in office

The just-released Quinnipiac University poll shows the overwhelming majority of Virginians are not clamoring for the Governor to resign, w...

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Calm down and take a breath

From <a href="http://thejohnfredericksshow.com/">radio host John Fredericks</a>:<br /><blockquote>Gov. McDonnell gifts: Get over it.<br /><br />Governor Bob McDonnell broke no laws and didn't do anything we can find that is legally unethical or in conflict with Virginia's very liberal gift laws. If you don't like it, change the laws. But don't impugne the Governor. Did he exercise poor judgment? That is speculative. Did he break any laws? From what we have seen so far: no, he did not. So right now, this amounts to a hill of beans, although we acknowledge the depth of different gifts is reaching critical mass. Should he resign? That is his personal decision, but certainly not over this nonsense.</blockquote>Conservatives are proving to be very good at joining their liberal counterparts in taking part in the court of public opinion <i>without even hearing from the Governor's side.</i> Last I heard, in America we are innocent until proven guilty....

Bob McDonnell John Fredericks Virginia Calm down and take a breath

From radio host John Fredericks : Gov. McDonnell gifts: Get over it. Governor Bob McDonnell broke no laws and didn't do anything we can ...

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Downtown Staunton decked out for the 4th

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGf1jdTsdSWuEPXi14mqodp31TnOQYb8pcdY2iq388MLzW1w_8NvTEo1TlqZDofUAJQUzBnfWvnbhnt_LxQf3CDkilXIsYlTWrsgDfy1RX-gJY3N82DJ1BUuPg3VJ_0cZKDoiZB3kzfEHA/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGf1jdTsdSWuEPXi14mqodp31TnOQYb8pcdY2iq388MLzW1w_8NvTEo1TlqZDofUAJQUzBnfWvnbhnt_LxQf3CDkilXIsYlTWrsgDfy1RX-gJY3N82DJ1BUuPg3VJ_0cZKDoiZB3kzfEHA/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />July 3, 2013

4th of July Independence Day Shenandoah Valley Staunton Virginia Virginia Is For Lovers Downtown Staunton decked out for the 4th

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell July 3, 2013

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Governor Bob McDonnell: 'I wish all Virginians a happy and safe Fourth of July'

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9NRZAyNRqayVnyvsY3zyjhYftnGkN_SYC25Td4TZ0nTHKsolgRmBKpmQeQsjktQQTpb8E17WLgH3xibLKBLHzTUWKf_N0-xZXAdBwKpeCnSAZjOkfOP-wQAOAQZ-YDhoaROfARrGkAup/s960/American+flag+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9NRZAyNRqayVnyvsY3zyjhYftnGkN_SYC25Td4TZ0nTHKsolgRmBKpmQeQsjktQQTpb8E17WLgH3xibLKBLHzTUWKf_N0-xZXAdBwKpeCnSAZjOkfOP-wQAOAQZ-YDhoaROfARrGkAup/s400/American+flag+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />From Governor Bob McDonnell in observance of Independence Day: <br /><blockquote>It was a Virginian, Richard Henry Lee, who 237 years ago brought forth a resolution stating ‘Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.’  That resolution led to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, by Virginia’s second governor, Thomas Jefferson.  The Declaration, adopted on July 4, 1776, marks the birth of American freedom, and the timeless principles that continue to govern this great nation: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.<br /><br />“Tomorrow, Americans will continue to celebrate our independence with fireworks, parades and picnics.  As we celebrate with our family, friends and neighbors, let us also pause to remember our service members who have gone before us while protecting our great nation.  And let us also recognize the brave men and women who continue to protect our freedom and liberty, both at home and around the world, and pray for their safe return.  May we never forget, freedom is not free.<br /><br />“Tomorrow, in recognition of our active, reserve and National Guard service members, their families and all veterans living in Virginia, Maureen and I will be attending the first annual ‘Fourth at the Fort’ open house at the Fort Monroe Freedom Support Center.<br /><br />The Freedom Support Center, a Department of Veteran Services program, developed by Maureen and her tremendous team as part of her Serving Our Service Member Families initiative, provides assistance to military members such as one-stop access to benefits and programs and career planning and guidance, and support for families whose service members are deployed.<br /><br />During this event, we will celebrate those who have given so much to protect this nation, and those who are on the front lines of freedom still today, culminating with music and fireworks at the beach hosted by USAA and the Fort Monroe Foundation. I hope active duty and veteran military and their families in the area will join us for this patriotic event in honor of our men and women in uniform: our American heroes.<br /><br />“I wish all Virginians a happy and safe Fourth of July.”</blockquote>For more information about “Fourth at the Fort” please visit: <a href="http://www.fmauthority.com/" target="_blank">http://www.fmauthority.com/</a>

Bob McDonnell Department of Veteran Services Fort Monroe Foundation Fourth of July Freedom Support Center Maureen McDonnell National Guard Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell: 'I wish all Virginians a happy and safe Fourth of July'

From Governor Bob McDonnell in observance of Independence Day: It was a Virginian, Richard Henry Lee, who 237 years ago brought forth a re...

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Frontier Culture Museum wedding

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObg3hylrxt0BINaCrstxncE_djLZiuEdXp2ZxfGQfPWr2atnjU1ri8j-Gvn7-5VZtxZnm5BZPX8oqze-x3AabCHiJD9ZQKKSbHjx6pUQv0W8J7d4k6vM2lkf3PHeAka1njRAxKz51zczp/s800/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObg3hylrxt0BINaCrstxncE_djLZiuEdXp2ZxfGQfPWr2atnjU1ri8j-Gvn7-5VZtxZnm5BZPX8oqze-x3AabCHiJD9ZQKKSbHjx6pUQv0W8J7d4k6vM2lkf3PHeAka1njRAxKz51zczp/s400/24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Saturday not only saw the Wine & Jazz Festival at the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton but also a wedding that was directed by a close friend.  Since I was there for the wine festival, it presented the opportunity to visit with my friend before the nuptials.</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/AVvXsEhIJawRzfp1xjGbWOQzd8HWyt-M7JNpkTw_X3z2C4xijXuixWIhFctyKoANgfN2gZK6LJjd2RhcdcTHGKaq8p4-cPa0TM7qwjqFx99hhQ0QfAfuIGfptDcgRFF2pAsmO_QmXW8SGd-Wux7k/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/AVvXsEhIJawRzfp1xjGbWOQzd8HWyt-M7JNpkTw_X3z2C4xijXuixWIhFctyKoANgfN2gZK6LJjd2RhcdcTHGKaq8p4-cPa0TM7qwjqFx99hhQ0QfAfuIGfptDcgRFF2pAsmO_QmXW8SGd-Wux7k/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIdZIizVyRcJN2XsnDNH4JW8T7kVt3cSx2KwewgDX8HhRtchygg4TnO-8OcT-l9I6aZyrvnKVC0TthJ4_pokRlXu3oM6fzHPAcoJAZ5MyUt6yqWU7pJWrB7AdUqZaICNWGK4u3F6zm9Nc/s800/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIdZIizVyRcJN2XsnDNH4JW8T7kVt3cSx2KwewgDX8HhRtchygg4TnO-8OcT-l9I6aZyrvnKVC0TthJ4_pokRlXu3oM6fzHPAcoJAZ5MyUt6yqWU7pJWrB7AdUqZaICNWGK4u3F6zm9Nc/s640/2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8DQTll4W1Y7nkX-_FJuIStPXKOOudqF80n4Tw1BAaSWIKyKK4pUfM5zERoenDrn-7bmcW94DalhiL-aJrpkc4Zigwq_TrAbRmHydrf9FmrfRNFIxd1W4Gta1F66xwkrtI-bL5A5g8kJV/s800/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8DQTll4W1Y7nkX-_FJuIStPXKOOudqF80n4Tw1BAaSWIKyKK4pUfM5zERoenDrn-7bmcW94DalhiL-aJrpkc4Zigwq_TrAbRmHydrf9FmrfRNFIxd1W4Gta1F66xwkrtI-bL5A5g8kJV/s640/3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fonda was getting the sides in place to keep the sun and brisk breeze off the cake.</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/AVvXsEi4sOrzreGz9zOa7VTA7G3BaWWfO6P8O1bWFZtKi0ve6ihA4KO6Odw6OpUcaKSW57UXpHeenewje97vDV5gH5nRSnrrqIS_cXtMHjIWcGGGZqy0J4QhY1zWAF6ZS26RNr_X71SZD7uY8pmv/s800/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sOrzreGz9zOa7VTA7G3BaWWfO6P8O1bWFZtKi0ve6ihA4KO6Odw6OpUcaKSW57UXpHeenewje97vDV5gH5nRSnrrqIS_cXtMHjIWcGGGZqy0J4QhY1zWAF6ZS26RNr_X71SZD7uY8pmv/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chairs were set up for the ceremony on the lawn outside the Pavilion followed by dinner and music under roof. Congratulations, Danielle and Mark!</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />June 29, 2013

Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia Shenandoah Valley Staunton Virginia weddings Frontier Culture Museum wedding

Saturday not only saw the Wine & Jazz Festival at the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton but also a wedding that was directed by a clos...

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Saturday morning on the porch....

<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...

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Virginia's mowing blitz to spiff up for Independence Day

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7tjQQbXp8foNF5rJDQ4bSZx82BWDxapVotolwRF514bWqFBwvAdZfwY697DFxLHzHbFjtAc8yrGDE_uTU9hDAaGQBezK_4g1nD6VO7A5vNjV_lu1CL7Sa2EoF1bPS_x126b4upUJ1Sqb/s1600/VDOT+truck+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7tjQQbXp8foNF5rJDQ4bSZx82BWDxapVotolwRF514bWqFBwvAdZfwY697DFxLHzHbFjtAc8yrGDE_uTU9hDAaGQBezK_4g1nD6VO7A5vNjV_lu1CL7Sa2EoF1bPS_x126b4upUJ1Sqb/s1600/VDOT+truck+2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo from NBC-29.</i></div><br />Virginia is spiffing up the roadways for the upcoming 4th of July holiday as the Virginia Department of Transportation goes on a mowing blitz during the next week. Shoulders and medians will be mowed and trash picked up as the Commonwealth readies for America's birthday.<br /><br />Governor Bob McDonnell announced the cleanup on Tuesday, noting:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> “A clean, well-cut roadway enhances the state’s appearance for residents and visitors, but of greater importance is the effort to improve a motorist’s ability to see signs, guardrail and oncoming traffic, and to pull over during an emergency. Additional mowing will be ongoing throughout the year, but we wanted to make sure that our roads and highways are ready to welcome the public to the Commonwealth ahead of the holiday weekend.”</span></blockquote>As always, be mindful of VDOT workers who are out there beautifying the Old Dominion. They want to spend a safe Independence Day with their families, too.

Bob McDonnell Commonwealth Fourth of July Independence Day NBC-29 Old Dominion VDOT Virginia Virginia Department of Transportation Virginia's mowing blitz to spiff up for Independence Day

Photo from NBC-29. Virginia is spiffing up the roadways for the upcoming 4th of July holiday as the Virginia Department of Transportation go...

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