Virginia State Inspections Stay

With apologies to all those drivers who came into the shop in December and January to have their vehicles inspected saying, "this will be the last time I have to do this!" I am sorry to inform you that HB130 and SB125 which would have eliminated state inspections in Virginia did not pass. I am happy to inform the citizens of Virginia, and all drivers who drive through Virginia, that HB130 and SB125 did not pass.

So now you're probably thinking oh, this blogger's husband is a mechanic so, of course she's happy Virginia did not do away with inspections. Not true. Yes, my husband is a mechanic, but our livelihood is not based on a $20.00 inspection, but our lives and yours are safer because of that $20.00 inspection.

In 2018 20% of vehicles inspected in Virginia failed, that's one in five vehicles. Out of the 8.2 million inspected, 1.6 million had critical defects, 725,000 of that number were faulty brakes. By the time your foot goes all the way to the floor while pressing that brake it's too late. Your brakes have failed. When your brakes are going bad not everyone can "feel" it or "know" it. I am driving a 2015 vehicle and until my car was on the lift for an inspection I had no idea I needed brakes. I can guarantee you the mechanic (my husband) was not trying to "rip me off," but was performing the duties his inspection training mandated to keep the vehicle, passengers, and others safe. I can guarantee you he takes the same pride and effort for every vehicle's safety that he inspects as he does for his family and friends. After all, we are all on the same roads.

When I first heard the bragging from the Delegate who introduced the bill claiming it was bipartisan and it was about time Virginians were able to keep more money in their pocket by eliminating yearly inspections, it made me scratch my head. Did he seriously think $20.00 per year would greatly improve anyone's quality of life? Is saving that $20.00 on inspections way less than what Virginians are now going to be spending in the added gasoline taxes that they will be paying not once a year, but every single time they fill up their vehicle? I seriously doubt it.

Some folks said it shouldn't be up to the state to dictate to its citizens when they should get their vehicle inspected as we could keep our vehicles safe without having to pay $20.00! Other states don't have it, why should we? Well, let me tell you a story of what happened yesterday and is really the reason why I am writing this blogpost today.

Someone, let's call her "Jane", rolled into the shop yesterday for an inspection. The first thing Jane said of her 1993 vehicle was, "there's nothing wrong with it." Usually when someone says that, there's usually something wrong with it. Another sign that there might be something wrong is if the vehicle is used as a garbage can and ashtray. You see, that shows the occupant doesn't take "care" of the inside of the car, so there's a good chance they don't maintain the rest of the car either. No judging, just protecting, so a thorough inspection is done. Sorry Jane but your brake lights are out. "No they work." I'll show you, they're out. "Oh open the trunk and jiggle that wire." So Jane does and after a while the lights flicker on and then off. "See, I told you." Sorry, Jane the brake lights are not working. That's a hazard for you and others. "Well my boyfriend will fix it." Ok, that's fine. "So you're going to pass me, right?" No. "But he really is going to fix it." That's fine. Have him fix it, and if you come back within 15 days, the vehicle will be reinspected and if there's no problem you will get an inspection sticker. "Why should I have to pay for another inspection?" If you come back within 15 days you won't have to. Jane left with a rejection sticker and hopefully she will get those brake lights fixed before someone crashes into the back of her.

You see, just because a shop spent all that money on getting the proper equipment and hires trained mechanics who undergo testing to become an inspection station, if the vehicle fails, the shop does not have to be the one to fix the problems. You can bring it anywhere and get it fixed and if you don't want to pay for another inspection, as long as it truly is fixed and within 15 days from the rejection, you get your sticker. Now less you think shops are really racking up the funds, you should know for vehicles it's $.70, and for motorcycles is $2.00, of that $20.00 fee (which was $16.00 until last July) goes to the Dept. of State Police.

So how do the State Police feel about losing the inspection program? They are totally against it. And it's not just for the safety issue. The State Police also have an aviation unit. Guess who came up with the funds to replace the helicopter that crashed outside Charlottesville in 2017? The State Police. Not only are the helicopters used at the pleasure of the Governor to fly him here and there, but they are used to perform medical and search and rescue missions. I have a feeling the Governor did not realize that if he eliminates the income for safety inspections, he's hurting the State Police, oh, and himself.

Let's forget about the money for a second. Let's talk safety. Do you really believe that a person jumping up and down for joy because they will be saving $20.00 to have someone give a thorough going over on their vehicle is going to spend money maintaining that vehicle every year? Or, is it more likely that they will wait for that vehicle to break down before getting it looked at? They probably don't realize it actually costs more to repair a vehicle than to prevent a problem from happening. Fixing those brakes before they fail will cost a lot less than crashing into someone when they fail, and I'm not talking just money. Or maybe during a torrential rainstorm that you've just run into on the highway, you realize those wipers are shot to shit and you can't see a darn thing and crash. Could have been easily prevented.

You know who else would not benefit from eliminating yearly inspections? Consumers who buy vehicles from used car lots. At least now they are offered some protection if there is a current sticker on a vehicle they're thinking of buying. I still believe you should take the vehicle you're thinking of purchasing to a mechanic to look over before doing so, like many of our customers do, but a lot of people don't. Some used car dealers are less than, ummmm, honest shall we say, in reporting what the vehicle has been through and many people don't know what to look for. Free tip...kicking the tires will not tell you anything. It's unfortunate that we see too many people who have been taken advantage of after the fact, such as many immigrants who don't speak English well. They don't understand and are probably intimidated to seek any recourse when they are sold a lemon. I can only imagine how much worse it would be if the vehicle didn't have to undergo an inspection before being sold.

We've had jalopies come in held together by spit and duct tape, plastic bags serving as windows, cracked windshields about to fall out, red magic marker covering a rear light bulb, worn out tires with barely any treads, and many other head-scratching conditions that people think are ok to drive around with. They're not. Not everyone "gets it" and I don't want to meet those folks on the road, while driving with them, next to them, bicycling near them, and walking where they drive. So yeah, I'm thrilled Virginia is keeping its state inspections, and you should be too.

Virginia Laws By Loons

Nary a day goes by without me seeing a post somewhere on the internet, a text on my phone, or a phone call from someone asking what the heck is going on in Virginia. I'm assuming they're reading about the same head-scratching laws coming out of Richmond that I am. I briefly touched on some of the news in my last blog post, Virginia is for Tyrants. Since it’s been a couple of weeks, and we’ve reached the crossover deadline, I thought it would be good to once again check in on the state of Virginia’s mind…one word…loony!

For those who don’t know, like I didn’t, Crossover Day is the final day each chamber in Virginia can take action on their own final bills. As you know by now, both House and Senate are ruled by the Democrats. Although the refrain is elections have consequences, I still blame the Republican GOP for that scenario as you can’t vote on a candidate if there isn’t a candidate to vote on. And what we're seeing is the destruction of the state when one power rules it and tries to throw enough crap against the wall, only this time a lot of it is sticking. No use crying over rancid milk, so let’s get back to Crossover Day. Once that happens, sans budget bills, the House and Senate can only vote on bills that the other chamber has already passed. So let’s look at some of them…

There was a big hullabaloo when it came to light after Delegate Chris Hurst was stopped and released after blowing past the alcohol limit one should not have while driving, (skating past a DUI that would cost the average Virginian thousands of dollars,) that while in session the General Assembly are granted immunity from being arrested. That little known constitutional amendment is said to hail from the early days when delegates had to travel far and wide to get to the capitol and sometimes some unsavory characters would arrest and charge a delegate simply to keep them from arriving to the floor to vote.Those days are long gone, however Mr. Hurst did claim that the reason he was wobbly when he was stopped was because he had developed sciatica from having to drive back and forth from Blacksburg to Richmond. Hmmmm. I have sciatica too but my doctor never told me I got it from driving. Makes one wonder if we can expect a disability claim if/when Mr. Hurst leaves the House of Delegates. Anyhow, after the public’s outcry that delegates should not get any “special treatment,” on January 30, SJ87 regarding changing the immunity was introduced. On February 7 it was Passed by indefinitely by Rules of Voice vote. Passed by indefinitely does not mean it was passed. It means it was passed by like a stale doughnut at a cheap motel's free breakfast counter. Since nothing happened by Crossover Day, SJ87 bill is essentially dead. Did you have any doubt? That bill, along with any bill that would call for term limits will never happen. No way are they going to vote themselves out of a jail cell or a job. So the only way is for the citizens of Virginia to vote them out. Again I will say the only way we can vote someone out is to have someone run against them. Hey VAGOP that means get off your freaking ass and find decent candidates! Or VADNC get some moderate folks to run that aren't so far left they tip over! 

Virginia’s passing of gun control laws have by far gotten the most press and pushback. Doesn’t matter how much protesting occurs, Virginia has already passed 7 gun control laws which many believe is due to Michael Bloomberg’s opening his wallet to the tune of $2.5 million. He himself claims it at a rally he held in Richmond on February 15th as he tries to buy his way into the Oval Office. At that rally he was heckled as a fascist. Oh, if you think Virginia is going in a downward spiral, you ain’t seen nothing yet if Mr. Nanny State, destroyer of the Big Gulp, becomes president. But I digress. Back to the guns. I will admit I’m not the best person to speak about all the gun laws as, other than the potential of pissing someone off so much they red flag me, it's not my thing. Frankly, I just want to be able to protect my family and don’t want the government telling me I can’t. I also do not want them making me register guns as that's the first step needed for the government to confiscate them. It's basically handing them a list of where to go first. I’m sure there are many other blogs and sites out there that you can learn more about the specific laws better suited than what I can tell you about, such as the VCDL. As you can see from their page, between the over 22,000 protesters and all the 2nd Amendment sanctuary cities formed, many Virginians are “up in arms” about what’s going on in Richmond. I imagine the same outrage at the destruction of the 2nd Amendment will follow nationwide if Bloomberg winds up in the White House. Mini Mike has said proudly he is coming for your guns.

Onto to driver’s licenses. If you have been to DMV to get your Real ID driver’s license which will be needed if you plan to fly anywhere, or visit some federal sites, you know how difficult it is to obtain…original raised seal birth certificates, social security cards, marriage licenses, divorce papers, name change papers, w2’s, income tax returns, utility bills, blah blah blah needed to prove who you are even though you have your picture driver’s license already. Well, if you’re undocumented illegal alien in Virginia you should sail right through getting a driver’s license since SB34 and HB1211 have passed. The problem with this passing is not so much that someone will have a license to drive, hopefully they will have to undergo driving school and pass a permit test like the rest of us who have had to. Hmmm, will they? I don’t know. From what I've seen they also do not have to show as much verification as the legal citizens have to. The other problem is that it's a privilege given to someone who is illegal, not just an immigrant, but an illegal one. Oh, and let's not forget the perception is that this form of id can lead to voter fraud. Illegals are not supposed to vote in our elections, but do they? If they do, I’d wager it would be for democrats.

Speaking of wagering. Virginia has decided to join the 21st century by passing regulations allowing casino gambling via SB36 and HB4. Richmond, Norfolk, Danville, Bristol and Portsmouth would have to pass a voter referendum to see if their residents approve. If done correctly as a destination which offers more than casinos, these cities could have a major economic boom and attract gamblers away from North Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. If done incorrectly, it could wind up like the side streets of Atlantic City have…run down and crime ridden. The small Rosie's Gaming Emporium in Vinton brought in more than $350,000 in its tax revenue in its first five months. I always thought Explore Park in Roanoke County would have made a great destination for a casino complex, but they opted for the pod cabins, Yurt rentals, and RV site rentals instead. Since everything I like in Roanoke usually fails, as no one else likes what I like, and the crap they love goes on forever, it’s probably for the best they kept the park a park.

Confederate monuments mean little to this Yankee transplant so I really couldn’t care less what they do with them. However, I don’t think one can erase history and pretend it didn’t exist by rewriting it with the removal of said monuments which was passed via SB183 and HB1537, allowing localities to remove them if they choose to do so. I hear the words heritage and racism when people refer to them. Both sides are quite passionate. I can also see both sides, so if a locality does decide to remove a confederate statue one would hope it would wind up in a museum where it’s not destroyed. It is a form of art after all.

Oh art. Let’s talk about art therapy in Virginia. I had to google to make sure this wasn’t an Onion article after seeing it on Facebook. Virginia is about to require a government license because get this…glue and scissors are potentially dangerous! Yes, you read that right. Not only a license, but there is talk that one must get a Master’s degree! Are you freaking kidding me?! Apparently they’re not kidding…read all about it here! So what’s this really about? I think it’s about filling the coffers of universities and local treasurers. I mean c’mon. Do you really think glue and scissors pose a threat and a Master’s degree is needed to wield those deadly objects? What happens to volunteers who use them when they go to places like Goodwill, their children’s classes, adult centers, etc? Will volunteers no longer be allowed to cut pictures out of magazines? Will workers at Goodwill have to get a Master’s degree? Do you know how much they pay at Goodwill…barely over minimum wage. People don’t work there to get rich, well, not unless you’re the CEO or at the top of their food chain. Most of their employees do it because they want to help others and enrich their lives. By the way, Virginia pays slightly over minimum wage to someone who offers “companion services” to a disabled person who stays in their home rather than them living in a nursing home. The person who cares for them is not even allowed to get overtime pay like many other states offer. Why doesn’t the General Assembly focus on real issues like paying a decent wage for someone who is caring for disabled person, not an easy job, and for such little money, that many don’t show back up at after even one day.

Which brings us to minimum wage. It’s my understanding that Virginia has passed a $15/hour minimum wage bill to be implemented in various stages over a couple of years. I need to do some more research on it before writing about it, so will keep that subject, along with a couple of other recently tabled or passed, normal or looney, bills for the next "What the Heck is Happening in Virginia" installment. 

Virginia is for Tyrants

From Merriam Webster - Definition of tyranny

1: oppressive power 

every form of tyranny over the mind of man

— Thomas Jefferson

especially : oppressive power exerted by government

the tyranny of a police state

Tyranny is defined as that which is legal for the government but illegal for the citizenry.  - Thomas Jefferson

When I woke up this morning and found articles all over Facebook regarding Virginia Delegate Chris Hurst's recent driving while impaired episode, which took over three days to actually get to the "news," and his subsequent slap on the back (not even hand!) release with not so much as a ticket, along with the non-apologetic, cavalier attitude, "it is what it is," it really irked me. Mr Hurst, for those that don't know, was an on air anchor at the same station as his girlfriend, Allison Parker who was shot and murdered along with her cameraman Adam Ward in 2015 while covering a story. The killer was a psychotic former co-worker.  After Hurst left the station, he pretty much ran on gun issues platform citing Allison's death as the reason for his run for office.

FYI...In 2017, 1,014 died from gun violence in Virginia. Out of that 65% were suicides. I do hope Hurst  is exploring mental health issues besides restricting gun rights. According to Virginia Traffic Crash Facts published by the VA DMV, in 2017 almost 250 people were killed in Virginia due to the actions of drunk drivers. 7,285 crashes were caused by drunk drivers. These crashes led to 4,430 injuries.

So, Virginia Delegate Christ Hurst who's concerned about "the safety of Virginians" blows over the alcohol limit and gets released with a warning. By the way, for the rest of us, drunk driving laws make it illegal nationwide to drive with a BAC at or above 0.08%. But the same laws apparently do not apply to Virginia representatives because get this: Article IV of the constitution says that during a session, legislators may not be arrested for anything short of “treason, felony, or breach of peace.” Click here to read the article.

You may talk of the tyranny of Nero and Tiberius; but the real tyranny is the tyranny of your next-door neighbor. - Walter Bagehot

And now with SB240, aka Red Flag Law, beware the tyrannical neighbor even more so. Despite heavy opposition, it's going to go through. Have a beef with a neighbor? Have a beef with an ex? Have a beef with a cop? Have a beef with anyone who doesn't like you? You can now be red-flagged.  Read the full summary at the end of this article. 

Don't get me wrong, some of the law makes sense, but it needs tweaking for sure to protect innocent people. As a recipient of some piece of shit making a false charge against me, warranting an after-midnight bang on the door from a couple of cops, I can attest to the danger of this law. I wasn't able to pursue charges that time because the officer was astute enough to not file any report, and I was naive enough to think it would be impossible for a cop to act on something so absurd it defied logic, but now I'm wiser. I realize I will always be an "Eye-talian hot-head" (his words) Yankee no matter how many decades I live in Virginia, and the police are not always my friends. By the way, this was before the time the same cops came to my house in a no-knock raid and held guns to mine and my husband's heads after going to the wrong address! Now I have cameras everywhere and will prosecute to the fullest extent, and the sue the shit out of anyone that files a false claim against me.

Tyranny cannot defeat the power of ideas. - Helen Keller

I have to wrap up this post quick before HB1627, an attack on the First Amendment, becomes law. According to the legislation, it bars anyone from insulting “the Governor, Governor-elect, Lieutenant Governor, Lieutenant Governor-elect, Attorney General, or Attorney General-elect, a member or employee of the General Assembly, a justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, or a judge of the Court of Appeals of Virginia.” So I best not say Governor Blackface, or Coonman (even though that was his nickname in college) under the penalty of crime. You can still read about the governor's blackface forays here in an article from the NY Times and see all the folks who called for his resignation before he sold his soul out.

All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent. - Edmund Burke 

Riddle me this Virginians...How in the world did Joe Morrissey, who had sex with a minor, was arrested five times, disbarred, indicted on federal charges of possession and distribution of childhood porn not only get elected as a Virginia senator, but become the "biggest player in Richmond?"

You know why? Because the Republican party of Virginia did not run anyone against him. In fact the Republican party of Virginia did not put up a candidate in 29 districts! And word is there were lousy candidates in many of the districts they did have someone running. People say elections have consequences and it's true, you have to get out and vote. But, how can you vote against someone if there's no one running against them?! Time for fresh ideas, fresh faces, fresh candidates to step up to the plate. The swamp needs to be drained at all levels. May be long overdue to retire the two party system.

Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem to lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. - Thomas Paine

Right now Virginia is under the total control of the Democrats, and frankly, it's like they're mad with power. Actually, even some of the bills put forth by Republicans are making me scratch my head. Every day is a new "adventure." It was getting to the point that I thought you know what, maybe it's time to get the heck out of Virginia. We had a good run. My kids are older now. I'm about ready to retire. Why do I need to deal with this insanity? The people were never really that friendly with me, and southern hospitality is a myth. But then I think, maybe more than I'd like are unfriendly and not accepting of this damn Yankee, but not all are like that. I look around at the beautiful vistas, my mountains, streams, rivers, valleys, wildlife, fresh air, no rush hour traffic, no subways, no alternate side of the street parking hell, all around a just easier lifestyle, and I say, heck no! I'm not leaving. I'm a fighter. I will stick it out. This too shall pass. Maybe I need to start writing again to "let it all out" and hope they won't come for me. There's plenty of people fighting for the 2nd amendment...we need people to fight for the 1st too.

The National D-Day Memorial - A Pictorial

On Sunday my daughter, her boyfriend, and I made the trip to Bedford to visit the National D-Day Memorial. This was the first time for me, and will become part of the "local tour" sites I suggest to out-of-town visitors. Although a little chilly and the blossoms and flowers not yet in full bloom, it was a perfect day to appreciate the beauty of the region, the history of the memorial, and learn more than I knew before about D-Day. I'll leave the history behind each of the shots below to your tour guide, who I recommend you follow when you visit. If you explore yourself you're bound to miss out on the "aha" moments...

"The National D-Day Memorial Foundation is a nonprofit educational foundation warranted by Congress to establish in Bedford, Virginia, and maintain for the nation, a memorial to the valor, fidelity, and sacrifice of the Allied forces that took part in the landing at Normandy, France on 6 June 1944....The Memorial does not receive federal or state funding and relies on donations to operate. By supporting the Foundation in telling the D-Day story today you ensure its retelling tomorrow."

Noah Thomas Didn't Have to Die to Be in a Better Place

"So long as little children are allowed to suffer, there is no true love in this world."  -Isadora Duncan

The parents of Noah Thomas, the five year old boy from Dublin, VA who was found dead in a septic tank near his parents' rented trailer, were arraigned this Good Friday afternoon. Ashley White, 30, and Paul Thomas, 32, were charged Thursday with two felony counts of abuse and neglect of children.

From this WDBJ package - "Media members were allowed to attend the hearing, but cameras were not allowed inside. White said she did not want media inside of the hearing because this is the worst thing that has ever happened to her and she doesn’t want her life to be the topic of everyone’s dinner conversation."

Excuse me? This is the worst thing that has ever happened to her??? Not her son? Not her boy? Not her child? Not Noah?

And from this Roanoke Times article came this statement by Noah's father, Paul, who also objected to the media present -- “I don’t want my life to be their news story.”

Again, his life? What about his son, his boy,  his child? What about Noah's life? More than likely, it is thanks to the selfish likes of you two, that he no longer has one.

From the same Roanoke Times article, as of today, the parents are charged as follows:

"Thomas was charged under a subsection of the law that relates to “reckless disregard for human life.” His charges are a Class 6 felony and carry with them a minimum of a one-year prison sentence and up to five years for each charge.

White was charged under two different subsections of the law. One charge, like Thomas’, relates to “reckless disregard for human life” and carries with it the same punishment. However, she is also being charged under a more serious subsection that is a Class 4 felony which is punishable by no less than two years and no more than 10 years.

That subsection involves “serious injuries” to a child that were received under an adult’s care. Those injuries, as defined by state code include: “disfigurement, a fracture, a severe burn or laceration, mutilation, maiming, forced ingestion of dangerous substances, or life threatening internal injuries.”

I bet after toxicology reports are completed, additional charges will most likely follow. For this 5 year old boy did not accidentally fall into a shit-filled septic tank. Some sociopath placed him inside. We could only hope Noah met his demise before he wound up inside the tank, and didn't drown in it. Hopefully that, and many other questions, will be answered. Was Noah's little body submerged for all five days as hundreds of concerned folks, traipsed nearby and searched for him? So close, and beyond, yet still in hearing distance of the tank, he never heard his name being called.

And who, or what, could be so evil as to place a 5 year old child in a septic tank? Certainly not a parent! That is what the community hopes. Surely, it had to be an accident. It's hard to admit it wasn't, because to most everyone with a heart, it's an unthinkable situation. But other than falling into in a terrible immediate family, it certainly looks as if Noah did not accidentally fall into anything else. Well, all the evidence is not presented, so we don't know yet if the child fell into someone's stash. If you watch "Shameless," you'll remember that happened to their dysfunctional family. As soon it was realized the child had ingested cocaine, he was brought to the emergency room. He survived, and the older sister went to jail. To their "credit," they didn't wait for him to die and then hide him. We don't know if that happened to Noah. All the public knows is that, according to the mother, he wandered off when she was napping. Let's see how long that story sticks.

These two parents, and I really hate using that word parent, didn't go the Susan Smith route, wailing in public, pointing fingers to fictitious folks. No, these two were silent from the start. What mother, what father, wouldn't be out in the media, begging for help for the return of their son? Probably only ones who knew he wasn't coming back. Every time I heard the sheriff say Noah's parents were cooperating fully I thought of Smith. So did she. Thankfully, the young infant who also lived in the home, was taken to a safer place the night Noah was reported missing. Clearly something was not right in that household.

Was it drugs? Ummmm, again, I don't know for sure, but damn, I'd sure bet it is. Take a look at their mug shots.

Look into those vacant eyes. Those are the eyes of self-absorbed addicts who don't give a shit about anything but themselves. Their drug of choice is more important to them than anything else, even their children.

I am so angry that this beautiful boy was snatched away, even if it was from a hopeless life. To all those people who say over and over again, "He's in a better place now" I say, he didn't have to die to be in a better place. He could have been placed with another family who would have loved him more than anything else. I know of too many parents who have lost a child, and would do anything, anything, to have that child back. I know of too many couples who want a child, more than anything, anything, yet they are unable to conceive. I'm sure they would have welcomed this little boy, yet they, many other loving couples, and especially, young Noah, were never given the opportunity. Tragic.

If any "good" could come from this heart-breaking case, I hope it will help open the eyes of men and women to recognize an abused child, or one living in a dangerous household. Know the signs, and rather than turn a blind eye, make that call to get that child safe before something tragic happens to them too. Never underestimate the power of drugs, and the damage done by them, and poor parenting.

Rest in peace, Noah Thomas...Gone, but you will never be forgotten.

"It's the greatest poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."

- Mother Theresa

18th Century Encampment in Elliston, VA

On Sunday we drove to Elliston to check out an 18th century encampment. I was thrilled I stumbled upon the event via a tiny blurb in the Salem Times, which I never read, but happened to read while at the library on Friday. The book I'm working on begins with early settlers emigrating from England. I've been having a hard time with this era because there's just not as much written about it as there is about the Civil War. I had hoped one of the re-enactors could shed light on The Great Road. From what I've read there seems to be two, maybe more "Great Roads;" one north to south from Pennsylvania through the Appalachians, and the other west to east from Virginia's coast to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Unfortunately, I never found an answer regarding The Great Roads, but I did learn other things. Here are some pics...

 

Very knowledgable fellow who was portraying a fifer. Lots of info from him re. women who stayed with their husbands while they were in the army, and what happened to them if their husband died. He also showed me how to load and fire Brown Bess, his musket.

Didn't get to talk to these folks. If you want more info on spinning check out The Wheel & Distaff blog.

One of my characters is a Blacksmith so this set-up really helped me. There was a young fellow there who wanted to become a Blacksmith so I was able to piggy-back on his tutorial.

I really enjoyed speaking with this lady who was displaying children' toys from that era. Shirley Boone is from Boones Mill and her husband's great X5? grandfather founded the town. Shirely's husband died a couple of years ago and she was telling me how hard it was for her alone, especially with all the problems she has with light bulbs. If she had lived closer I would have given her my husband's number to call whenever she needed help. Shirley let me know that there are going to be many positive changes in Boones Mill's tourist area. It would be nice to know that town for something other than a speed trap.

Do not call this cornhole or you will upset Shirley! This is bean bag toss, and not that "silly game that was invented by Virginia Tech a couple of years ago."

The medical tent

They tried to gross me out with the details of how certain ailments were treated. This girl is holding up a device that was screwed into the skull to remove some flesh, etc. to relieve the brain.

I don't know if he was a leather worker or he  just sold leather goods, no leather workers in my book, but his style of clothes helped me.

The following photos are the backdrop of East Montgomery Park. The mountains and beauty of Southwest Virginia,  still fill me with awe. Even though wires, towers, or poles and splattered throughout them, it's easy to look beyond them and imagine a time when they were gazed upon the first time by settlers. I remember the feeling this first time NYC pioneer did 19 years ago...simply stunning. How lucky I am to live amongst such beauty...

When I zoomed in all the way I discovered there was a house hidden in the mountain. Now, this is what I would call the perfect writer's retreat...

Virginia Beach

My daughter and I just returned from an impromptu trip to Virginia Beach. This was my fourth or fifth time during a span of 45 years. Frankly, I didn't care what beach we went to as long as there was an ocean crashing within spray mist distance. We checked into the Best Western Plus Sandcastle (click here for Trip Advisor review) whose desk clerk very kindly changed our room from the one in front of the elevator and ice machine, to up another floor and far down the corridor. This was the view from our balcony. Perfect.

This is how we felt upon arriving.

The smell and sounds of the ocean cut through our bleakness fairly quick.

Even if I'm not a kid, and would never go on any of those death traps, I mean rides, just the sight and sound of others having unbridled screams of joy, or terror, makes me feel tingly near an amusement park. This is probably from my Coney Island childhood.

In the past I've found Virginia Beach to be tacky and dirty. I was pleasantly surprised how I found it this trip. Oh, it's still tacky, but definitely not dirty. Sanitation workers patrol the strip constantly, emptying out the mostly already empty trash cans, and extinguishing lit butts with their gloved hand, then tossing them into trash. The city must have a problem with cursing because there are "no cursing" signs, expletive symbols with a red slash going through it, on the street poles. What's up with that?

What the city is now providing, new from the last time I was at the beach, are all different sorts of street performers in the parks, the main strip, and the side streets. Some are pretty pathetic, but there were quite a few impressive artists, and this troupe was our favorite. They are the Kenyan Safari Acrobats. They performed a half-hour from their touring two-hour show.

Now, this fellow was quite impressive with his balancing and holding himself ramrod straight on those wooden chairs. You know how strong you have to be to accomplish that? He was really cut, but not in that obscene muscle bound Bobo way.

Now, don't try this at home...

How low did he go...pretty freaking low. They were amazing, and I loved watching them dance to the African beat, not that rap crap, but the continent's songs. It was fun walking the strip, but it got old after two days. The girl is almost 21, but not in Virginia's eyes, so I can't report on any of the bars or such establishments. I can tell you about the restaurants.

One thing I cannot understand is how can a city whose whole existence is built around the sea not have exquisite seafood? Heck, after a while I would have accepted decent seafood. Every restaurant we went to I tried some sort of fish. I'm from the mountains, so if I;m at the seashore I crave something short in supply, fresh seafood locally harvested. Not one place delivered. The only thing that came close was the shrimp and crab cheese dip at the Mexican joint, and with the minuscule amount of shrimp and crab in it, I'd say it was the cheesy part that was a hit.

We went to this one restaurant, Big Italy, and I have to say, as a New York Italian, I was slightly offended. It was so cheesy, (not the good imported stuff) and cliche. Can you imagine being a chef in a "nice" restaurant,  having the sea lap at your feet, and yet serve previously frozen clams in baked clams casino? They were so chewy and disgusting I spit them out in my napkin. I told the waitress they were the worst clams I ever had, and asked her to find out if they were frozen. She didn't report back. We may be tourists, but that doesn't mean we don't know good food. Well, after experiencing a Japanese seafood buffet, maybe too many tourists don't.

Although I had hoped the seafood would be as fresh as it is in Maine, New York, or Florida, it wasn't even close to what I get in Roanoke, but that's okay, the beautiful beach trumped everything. It's so much wider and cleaner than I remembered it. I was fine just bobbing in the ocean,  chilling in a chair, reading a book that wasn't for research,  or flipping through a Vanity Fair magazine, but others were more adventurous.

See that dot? That's on the internal lens I believe. It gets worse when I zoom in.

Still there. POS camera.

So, we're in the ocean and this couple brings their shih-tzu in with them. She would clutch her mother's arms whenever a wave would rock them. Her four little legs were doggy-paddling the air. When they placed her in the water she started swimming. They did hold onto her the whole time.  The lifeguard whistled and told them no dogs were allowed. While she was on the beach waiting for the father to get out of the ocean, I called silently, "Bella." She turned and I snapped this shot.

Every morning I would be awoken by the sunrise peeking through a slit in thick drapes covering the widow. The sun was already beating down directly onto our balcony. I loved sitting there drinking a cup of coffee, listening to the crash of waves, my nose sizzling in the sun. It was so relaxing.

By the third day I was able to leave my troubles behind. And then I made a mistake and checked Facebook where I read reports that a major automotive parts company in Roanoke were set to make an announcement. I knew this wasn't going to be good, so I texted my son, who happens to work for said company. Apparently I wasn't supposed to know anything until I got back, but his position, along with many others from four more divisions were being terminated in Roanoke. They are moving them to Raleigh, NC. He was going to be out of a job. I almost preferred that to him transferring to an even more southern state. Luckily Raleigh's ISP provider is Time Warner, and for a gamer that's a deal breaker. And just like that the serenity was gone...

On the last night a major storm erupted. It was wild watching it from the balcony. I was able to only get this one shot because my POS camera would not stop trying to focus.

When I awoke the next morning it was still raining, but the sun was trying to peek through.

And then what I had been searching for, for four days, came into view...a family of dolphins frolicking close to the shore. You can see one of them at the top of the photo below. I finally put my camera down to just watch them. So beautiful and graceful, they immediately lifted my spirits.

Then a huge beam of light fell from the heavens and goosebumps popped on my arms and legs in the eighty degree heat.

I experienced the proverbial cloud with silver lining. Rather than worry about what my son wouldn't have, I reflected on the possibilities of what he could have in the future.

This girl trip was a major milestone for me. This was the first time in 19 years, since we've moved to Roanoke, that I got in a car and drove away alone along the very highways I had convinced myself to fear. I had become so complacent with my husband handling all the driving on freeways, carrying the heavy luggage, being my "protector," that I had allowed myself to think I couldn't drive hundreds of miles without him, "just in case" something might happen. When I conveyed my fears to my daughter before we left that I might panic on the highway or while driving over a bridge or through a tunnel, she laughed at me. "You drive in Manhattan, along the Belt Parkway and BQE, even around the crazy Grand Army Plaza eight lane roundabout, and that was terrifying, so I wouldn't worry about it." She was right, and she probably doesn't even realize how grateful I am that she opened the cage and allowed me to soar just by asking me if I wanted to get away for a couple of days. I feel like my old self again, and the girl feels like a new self. All in all,  it was a great trip.