When Trees Talk

Take a close look at the facial expressions on the  trees. They appear to be laughing and talking. Wonder what they are saying. An audience of bright yellow buttercups, billowy white clouds, soft blue sky, a field of  lush green grass, or  the wild life on Mountain Run Lake? Certainly a peaceful setting among views of the Blue Ridge mountains on this perfect day in Virginia's Northern Piedmont for such imaginations.

Culpeper Sheep Dog On Duty

I stopped along Route 3 South of Culpeper to take the picture of the sheep. The surprise was the very protective sheep dog watching over the flock. He is in the left center of the picture and blends in well with the sheep.... until he barks...

Mountain Run Lake - Culpeper Virginia

The north western corner of Mountain Run Lake in the Spring. Saturday afternoon fishing is a favorite pastime. The lake acts as one of Culpeper's Reservoir's. The mountain views that surround the lake remind me of Colorado with tall mountain backdrops. Families use the park and recreational area for picnics most of the year. Ducks and Geese use it year round....

Blue Ridge Mountain Flowers - Mothers Day

I took this picture yesterday at an overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Shenandoah National Park.
A perfect picture to commemorate Mother's Day. Natural beauty in a bright clear setting... Happy Mothers Day.

Blue Ridge Parkway Cyclist - Shenandoah National Park

Traveling along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Shenandoah National Park - A breakaway cyclists surges over the top of the mountain. I can imagine the satisfaction as he peers to a downhill stretch. The views are magnificent. The temps in the low 60's. The air mountain fresh.... Wow what a day to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway. There were cyclists everywhere today. The Parkway entrance is just west of Culpeper approximately 30 - 40 minutes through Sperryville or through Stanardsville. Culpeper is a perfect base to experience a Blue Ridge Parkway ride adventure. Check with local experts at the Bike Stop in Culpeper for regional ride information.

Culpeper All American Yard

Spring in Culpeper brings the beauty of a wide variety of flowers and blossoms. Many of the downtown historic homes have well manicured yards. One of my favorites is shown here with a crisp American flag swaying in the breeze complimenting the traditional white porch rail. Colonial style columns fit perfectly in the traditional architecture. Nothing says stability more than towering oak trees and maple trees in the background. The serpentine brick walkway is reminiscent of a Williamsburg setting. Picture perfect!!

St. Stephens Episcopal Church - Culpeper Virginia

As we celebrate the National Day of Prayer on May 5th, 2011, I am struck by the steeple of St Stephen's Episcopal Church and what it means.  The church has stood tall for almost two centuries with it first recorded minister in 1814 and being erected in 1821. The steeple remains a visible landmark and reminder of influence whose roots date back as early as 1731 in the nearby Germanna Colony. The Church was originally located in it's current location on one acre of land willed by the Revolutionary Patriot, Brigadier-General Edward Stevens, as a memorial to his young son. The cornerstone reads: “James Madison, President U.S.A. 46th Year of American Independence.” (source:  www.StStephensCulpeper.net).

This is also a very picturesque landmark to consider with rich Civil War period history as we commemorate the Sesquicentennial of Culpeper's Civil War heritage. 

Culpeper Spring Highway

Culpeper Virginia in Spring 

Traveling on the southern part of Route 29 in Culpeper County, the Blue Ridge Mountains appear in the distance as a majestic backdrop to the Daffodils trumpeting springs arrival in the Virginia Piedmont.

Culpeper Va in March - Snow on Cherry Blossoms

We can always count on a surprise snow sometime

before Easter in Northern Virginia. This was a 

beautiful light snow in late March. Just enough to

soften the pink Cherry blossoms. The blossoms 

survived into April. A perfect snow. 

Downtown Culpeper Virginia - Snow Storm January 25, 2011

The weatherman called for snow. It hit at 3 PM with a wall of sleet. Drivers were blinded and everyone else stayed indoors. The snow storm of January 25th closed schools for 3 days. The video is of Downtown Culpeper, Virginia. Ironically the video ends at the Frost Cafe on Main and Davis Street.