Field of Gold

For me, part of the fun of moving into a new house is finding the little suprises that seem to spring up overnight!

Snakes Alive!

Yesterday Nick and the boys took the boat down the creek. I wandered down to sit with them and couldn't find them, or hear them so I figured they were already quite a distance down. I decided to walk along the railroad track, which follows the creek and find them that way. I barely took 10 steps down the track when I was frozen in my own tracks!

This snake appeared to be dead, didn't move at all, even when I tossed a couple of rocks in his direction. He even looked a little flat in spots so I thought maybe he was a casualty from the passing train, even though he still looked pretty good. I wasn't completely convinced that he was a goner so I kept my distance when I thought I noticed his tongue stick out then he slowly started to move and disappeared into a hole under the tracks.

Too scared to move on, I decided to head for the house and do a google search on "Snakes of Virginia" so I could correctly id him. I matched him up to an Eastern Hog Nosed snake which thankfully are not poisonous and according to the description, they don't even bite at all. They do however play dead by sucking in air and flattening themselves out, which explains his flattened appearance when I found him!

Sunday Dinner

Last Sunday was absolutely beautiful. We couldn't have ordered more perfect weather! We couldn't pass up the opportunity to enjoy our meal out on the back porch.
Today is supposed to be warmer than it has been the last few days, but with a 50% chance of rain. I do love to sit on the porch and listen to the rain!

Football Saturday

One game down, one to go. Woke up this morning at 7:00 to the sound of rain. Called the cancellation hotline to see if our 9:00 game was cancelled, nope, games still being played as scheduled. Woke Braden and Dalton up, fed them, got them dressed and we headed out to Waldron Park for their game: Botetourt Bulldogs (us, in blue) vs North Roanoke. The rain poured on the way to the field and during drills but let up just in time for the boys to play. The Bulldogs won, even if it's only instructional and no score is really kept.

Now a brief break before Christian's game at noon.

Last night we attended Lord Botetourt's Homecoming game. LB played the Blacksburg Bruins and won 20-17 in the last few seconds of the game! Ashlyn is going to the Homecoming dance tonight so after Christian's game I get to play hair stylist and do something with her hair. Guess I better start looking at some styles to copy, ack! She thinks because I went to Cosmetology school 20 years ago that I remember this stuff,lol.

Have a great weekend!

SkyWatch Friday

One night last week I was tending the burn pile when my son Christian noticed the sunset. He ran in and grabbed the camera and this is what he got! Pretty nice!

Today is COLD and rainy. Sure feels like winter set in. We about froze at football practice last night. Happy we don't anything tonight!

For more SkyWatch Friday photos from all over the world, see Skyley

The Utz Truck

During our 45 minute drive to Franklin County for Christian's game last night, we were behind this Utz truck for most of it. I never heard of Utz till moving here and not sure if it's pronounced with a long or short U sound. Whatever it is, I'm sure I'm saying it wrong,lol.

The little Utz girl is cute though :)

Bojangles

Bojangles is a neighbor of mine. They have the best chicken and sweet tea! Since Christian has a football game tonight, and it's a bit of a drive, and we have to be there an hour and a half early, we should probably pick up a bucket of chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans (love their green beans, like grandmas!) and a jug of tea!
Ashlyn loves their cinnamon biscuits, which they used to serve those in the morning at her school in Georgia (and they wonder why American kids are overweight?!)
I rarely visit this neighbor, and it's a good thing or I'd be big as a house!

I just want to add that yesterday, I really wasn't dogging the local historical society. I love historical societies since I'm a huge genealogy buff and use several around the country. Being new to this area, I want to learn all about it and it's just discouraging when you can't find alot of information on the history of the structures. I really didn't mean to slam the historical society!

Nininger's Mill (Tinker Mill)

This morning after dropping my daughter off at school, I took Tinker Mill Rd home. It's a nice little road with historic homes and this old mill. I came home to read up on it and I have a small complaint towards the Botetourt Historical Society, no offense to them but honestly there's not alot of information on their website regarding historical buildings in the area. I did manage to find this one article:

Nininger's Mill (Tinker Mill)...When Peter Nininger built this brick mill on Tinker Creek in 1847, he was continuing a milling tradition in Botetourt County that began with the county's first settlers. Besides the Pittsylvania-Franklin-Botetourt Turnpike, which connected the farmlands of western Virginia with bustling Southside markets, the mill operated for decades as a quasi-public utility, offering one of the rural economy's most important services. Like most of Virginia's old gristmills, Nininger's Mill was forced out of business because of an inability to compete with the modern milling complexes. The mill was converted to a restaurant in 1965, but some of the original machinery was preserved. The structure is now a private residence. A late 19th century overshot metal wheel remains in place on the north wall.
(taken from The Virginia Landmarks Register)

First Day of Fall

Every other Saturday night my husband's employer puts on a car show. It's alot of fun with a dj and loads of people and hot cars!

This orange car reminds me of the color of fall. Soon I imagine the valley will be all aglow with oranges, reds and yellows!

Orange Salamander

The other day, Christian and I were out moving Bucky's water trough trying to use it to block a hole in the fence where the dogs are getting out (will have to do something more permananent with that this week since Bucky will be home shortly!). Anyways, when we lifted the trough, we saw this orange salamander under it. It just sat there, so still and rubbery looking that I wasn't even sure if it was real. A little scared of it myself, I told Christian (good mom,lol) to poke it and see if it's real or a toy. He gently gave it a poke and it moved the slightest bit, not much though. I ran in to get my camera and of course that's when it decided to move quicker, guess he's camera shy!

I took a guess that it was a salamander and googled "orange salamander" and sure enough, that's what it is! Don't you just love Google?!

This morning I've got a pan of biscuits baking in the oven. My little one, Dalton requested biscuits and gravy this morning, it's hard to deny his requests! After breakfast, it's off to church then not sure what is planned. Nick is off on Sundays so we've always set this day aside as "family day" to spend together.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Oh, and I just learned from my friend WebRadio that it's National Friends Day so call on a friend to say hi!

Good Morning!

Not sure what this flower is, I've got quite a few of them around. I think it's a member of the hibiscus family. Any takers?

Today is football of course. Christian has to be at the field at 10:30 and Braden and Dalton at 2:00. Dosn't leave much time for anything else today. Nick will get off work about dinner time and we're going to grill steaks, haven't done that in a while.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Skywatch Friday

The clouds rolling in. Shortly there will be a hazy mist across the pasture giving it a magical look. For more Skywatch Friday shots from all over the world see
Skyley

Happy Skywatch!

Bucky

This gorgous creature is our Bucky. When we moved to Georgia, we had to board him. Before we knew we were going to be moving to Georgia, I leased him to a person who wanted to use him on her drill team. She was supposed to keep him till the middle of October, per our lease agreement.

Today has been a bit of an emotional roller coaster due to few email exchanges from the woman who has him. She's going through some issues and threatened to sell him if we don't pick him up by this weekend. I called our vet down there and they hooked me up with someone who is going over this afternoon to pick him up and keep him till the 10th. What a lifesaver! I'll be much more relieved when he's home safe and sound!

Black Walnuts

I have several Black Walnut Trees around my yard. You have to be careful this time of year because they drop from the trees and you don't want to be under the tree when they drop. I was outside the other day and it was a bit breezy and walnuts were flying right out of the trees, in all directions. Honestly, one of these could do serious damage if you happen to get beaned in the head, ouch!

I have no idea what to do with these walnuts in this form. When we lived in Missouri, people would fill their truck beds with the walnuts they've gathered and go sell them. I remember the first time we saw this, we were driving past some sort of weigh station they had set up one weekend. Trucks were everywhere, filled to the brim with these green things that we had no idea what they were. So, we stopped and asked what was going on. One local must have thought we were ignorant "furriners" (a Missouri term for people who aren't from there. Example: "you ain't from around here are ya? You must be some sort of furriner.") lol, because he told us they were walnuts of course, but then preceeded to explain to us what walnuts are and what people use them for,lol. We thanked him for his plethora of information and drove off knowing more than we ever knew about walnuts!

Anyone want some walnuts? I've got plenty!

My Key Ring

One of the many interesting things about my new old house are the doors. This house has so many doors. In fact, I just counted and there are 20, unless I mis-counted which is easy to do. Each room can be totally closed off. I love all these old doors and amazingly enough, these old keys still work!

The Circus

The circus was in Salem this weekend. My husband was given tickets at work. I'm not a huge fan of the circus because of the treatment of the animals, but we all had a fun time although when we saw the elephants come out and do their tricks, my daughter and I felt so bad for them. They actually looked so sad and when one walked past, I could have sworn I saw a tear rolling out of his eye. My daughter, who is 14, turned to me upset and said she thought the elephant was crying.

The camels were cute and the dogs performed well and looked happy to be there but I couldn't get past the sad look in the elephants eyes.

This photo was taken during intermission. We went out and the kids got funnel cakes, cotton candy and snow cones, all for an outrageous $5.00 a piece! In the photo is my daughter Ashlyn, my husband Nick, and my boys, Braden (wearing black tshirt), Dalton (blue tshirt) and Christian.

It's A Nice Day For A White Wedding

Today is my anniversary. My husband and I have been married 23 years today! We had just turned 19, the year, 1985!
We met in high school, 10th grade. After graduation, Nick went into the Marine Corps. We missed each other terribly and after boot camp and some more training, we got married. I can't believe that was a whole 23 years ago!

Friday Night Lights

Last night we had a great time at the high school football game. Our Lord Botetourt Cavaliers vs Brookville (have no clue who and where they are from since we're new here!) but by halftime, when we left, our Cavs weren't doing so well. I tried to find the score online this morning but nothing is up yet. But all in all, we had a super fun time, although it's hard not to have fun at the games!

I took Ashlyn and Christian a little early and dropped them off so they could meet up with friends. Then Nick and I brought Braden and Dalton and met up with their team. During half time, they announced all the rec teams and they got to walk out on the field and the cheerleaders through candy at them. MY 3 boys were busy trying to gather as much candy as their little hands would carry!

We left shortly after so I could get my littlest football players to bed as they have a game this morning and then Christian has one this afternoon. The weather will be warm and sunny, if not a bit too hot!

Have a great day!

Oh, I forgot to mention, during the game there was a bit of a scare. One of the refs got ran over, full force by a player. I didn't see what happened but looked when the ref was laying flat out on the ground, on his stomach, not moving. I heard the football player's helmet hit the refs head. He layed there for minutes it seemed, very still. Then he finally, very shakily was able to get to his feet with some help. I sure hope he is doing ok this morning!

Sky Watch Friday

For more Sky Watch Friday pictures:
CLICK HERE

Tonight is rec night at the high school football game, Lord Botetourt. We'll go, meet up with our coaches and during the game, they announce all the kids teams and introduce them and let them come out on the field. My little guys are so excited to go tonight!

Have any fun weekend plans?

Happy Sky Watch!

Weeds?

These pretty purple flowers are popping up all over the pasture and around the pond. I don't know what they are, if they are weeds, but they sure are pretty and keep the bees abuzzin'...

Anyone have any idea what they are?

School Picture Day

Today is picture day at Braden and Dalton's elementary school. It's hard to get the boys in something nice and Braden, who does not like shirts with collars, settled on at least a nice t-shirt, but when we were walking out to the car, the boys couldn't help themselves and slid in the grass (note the dirty knees already)...oh well, school pictures are usually only from the shoulders up,lol.

Have a great day. We're in for a rainy one here!

The Bus Stop

This is the bus stop at the end of our road. The bus stops here to pick up my kids, and bring them back home at the end of the school day.

Yesterday, some men were working in the cemetery using this tractor. They had dug a hole, not sure if it's for a burial or they are fixing something but my older son had to investigate what was in the hole. I couldn't believe his boldness when he lifted the piece of wood they had covering the hole so he could see inside. When I noticed what he was doing and I quickly called out his name, I caught him off guard and he was so startled that he almost toppled into the hole himself!

I'm not sure I would have the courage to look under the wood myself!

I *think* this cemetery is called "Daleville Cemetery". Some of the earliest graves that I have seen are about 1830. 30 years before my house was built.

Football Season

All across the nation, it's football season. This weekend was spent going to our boys' football games. Saturday was Braden and Dalton's first game of the season. They are the Botetourt Bulldogs (white jerseys) and we played the Hidden Valley Titans. This is the 6 year old age division. Even though we officially don't keep score, our Bulldogs won! Great way to start the season!

My older son Christian, is on the Botetourt Cavaliers, 11-12 age division. They had a make up game on Sunday against the Vinton Raiders, which we won that game as well!

All teams played great and gave those of us in the bleachers a good show!

Tinker Creek

Tinker Creek runs through the back of our property. The boys enjoy playing in the creek and riding their boat through it playing "river pirates"! The dogs swim right along.

Christian was supposed to have a football game this morning but we have had rain all night and it hasn't slowed down. His game has been canceled. Braden and Dalton have their first game tonight, if the rain stops!

Sky Watch Friday

Taken somewhere along the Blue Ridge Parkway, looking down on Roanoke. For more Sky Watch Friday photos, CLICK HERE

1860 Kitchen-For Kerry!

I've been told that the original "kitchen" is down in the cellar/basement. There's not much down there but the old fireplace where the cooking was done. So come along and see for yourselves!


This is one of the entrances, don't be afraid! (I know, it's a bit dirty still...I'll get on that soon!)


There it is, in there, through the other doorway...I have to admit, I don't like coming down here. It's dark and I have seen a snake skin!


And voila! A quick picture and I'm out of here! There is a little light that comes in from the window on the opposite side, which suprisingly lights it up pretty good.
Can you imagine cooking down here?!

Weeping Willow

My favorite tree of all time is the Willow Tree. I was excited to find out that we have one here at the new house, on the edge of the pond. It was home to many birds and squirrels.
Last week we had rain. ALOT of rain. After 2 days of rain, my son Christian came in to tell me that I had to go to the pond and see my tree.
Sadly my tree fell over during the rain. We've walked over to the backside of the pond but can't really tell what happened. It's not uprooted but a bit of the trunk is snapped, not much though.
So I finally have my Willow Tree, only to have it fall over 2 weeks after moving here,lol....hopefully some of it will continue to grow.

Ice Cream Float

Yesterday was Labor Day here in the US. My husband, who is rarely off on Labor Day, actually had the day off! We took about an hours drive to Smith Mountain Lake to go swimming. While there, we heard "ice cream truck music" but noticed it was coming from the water. That's when we noticed the "Ice Cream Float"! This boat goes around the lake and pulls up beside boats who want ice cream! It docked nearby where we were swimming so we ran over and got popsicles and ice creams. I've never seen an ice cream boat before! You can see my kids already beat me to the boat!

Country Boys

Braden and Dalton, taken by the pond in our new yard. They love all this open space!

We finally made it to Virginia! Been in the new house for a couple of weeks now. The kids are in school and are really happy here, making new friends, etc...
I've still got a few boxes left to unpack, ugh.
Been trying to find out the history on our house. Have been told it was built in 1860 by a Colonel Sperry. He was a Col in the Confederate Army and at one time this property had 1000 acres.
I have been in contact with some of the Sperry descendents who are planning a reunion in the area next month. I have invited them to come and see the house their ancestor built so that will be fun!
I've missed visiting all of my CDP friends but will now be able to participate once again on a regular basis!