Violet wildflower at Sherando Lake. (May 7, 2005)

A small island in the middle of Sherando Lake, on the east slope of the Blue Ridge. (May 7, 2005)

Dogwood flowers in our back yard. To see a closeup, click on the photo.

The Bradford Pear trees are in full bloom on Statler Boulevard, named for the Statler Brothers country music group, whose members live in this area and retired a few years ago.

A view south from Betsy Bell Hill, on the east side of Staunton. On the right is Route 11, the main commercial strip which features a humble shopping mall. In the distance is the Blue Ridge.

Mary Baldwin College, on the north side of downtown Staunton, with The Stonewall Jackson Hotel on the left.

Downtown Staunton, from the southeast side. The Stonewall Jackson Hotel, the big building topped by the sign frame on the right, is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation that has stirred quite a bit of controversy in this town. (That CITGO sign reminds you of Boston, doesn't it?)

Downtown Staunton, up close. The Stonewall Jackson Hotel is on the right. Note the construction crane.

A fond farewell to my old Isuzu pickup truck, after 20 years and 96,000 miles. To see our hot new "wheels," just click on that photo.

The set of the upcoming major motion picture War of the Worlds, starring Tom Cruise and Tim Robbins, directed by Steven Spielburg. I was one of hundreds of "extras" for the crowd scenes. In the movie, you will see a long line of haggard refugees lugging suitcases and personal belongings through this valley. On the other side of the hill on the right they filmed the climactic battle scene in which a dozen or so Humvees charge uphill toward the alien invaders, presumbly winning. (I can only imagine how the special effects will look.) I was one of the civilians running alongside the Humvees, wearing a dark blue overcoat and white stocking cap with a Yankees emblem, and carrying a suitcase. This farm is located about 15 miles north of Lexington, just south of the Augusta County line.

Downtown Lexington, VA, with historic Virginia Military Institute visible in the distance.

A view toward the northwest from the Spring Hill area, about ten miles north of Staunton.

The Middle River, near Spring Hill. It is one of the three tributaries of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, the others being the North River and the South River. Very confusing.