Author: Dee
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Mountain Lake Lodge
When I moved to Virginia, I was determined to see the famous landmarks near me by searching for local events and holiday traditions in the region. When I ran across an ad for Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia, I could not believe what I found! This rustic lodge and resort are nestled in the… Read more
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Valentine Bears
Valentine’s Day is six days away, and our Valentine’s teddy bears have come downstairs to sit by the fireplace with hopes that we will share our chocolate candy with them. Valerie is the matriarch of The Bears and has been featured in several of my blogs. My late husband brought her home to me thirty-five… Read more
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Rainy Winter Days
After the holiday hoopla, a rainy Saturday is what I needed to wind down. Even the birds and squirrels took a break and snuggled in their nests during the downpours, waiting for a lull in the rain, except for the first robin of the season, who hoped to find worms when the sun appeared. Some… Read more
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Christmas Poetry
Preparing for holidays can be hectic, but the flurry of activity leads to good times ahead. Decorating the Christmas tree with red beads and shiny ornaments, placing the lighted wreath on the front door, setting out holiday knick-knacks, and gathering the Christmas teddy bears to sit on the hearth bring back treasured memories of celebrations… Read more
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Thanksgiving Friends
Perhaps you are at the store today to beat the rush buying Thanksgiving groceries. Each family has favorite foods they prepare for their holiday. My parents celebrated Thanksgiving with the traditional turkey dinner. Mom woke up before dawn to roast a turkey stuffed with dressing, make buttery baked potatoes for my sister and me, bake… Read more
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Ruby the Poinsettia
It seems too early to think about Christmas and poinsettias, but October is the time to turn your poinsettia red for the holidays. Every year we buy a colorful poinsettia to add to our indoor holiday decorations. Two years ago, we decided to try our hand at keeping it alive for the next year. It… Read more
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Hello Fall!
Red, orange, and gold leaves are beginning to appear with the cool autumn days in the Roanoke Valley of Virginia—a welcome relief from the summer heat. I know there is plenty of yard work to do this time of year, but all I want to do is take a drive to the country and bask… Read more
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Philpott Lake
This gorgeous 2,880-acre lake is one hour south of Roanoke by way of US-220 S and VA-116 S near Martinsville, Virginia—the perfect day trip any time of year. It’s nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with no residential development along its 100-mile shoreline, creating scenic views for its visitors and adventures for… Read more
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Our Mountain Moon
This week’s full moon was called the “Corn Moon.” The name originates from Native American tribes as a signal to harvest their corn. Alternative names, “Falling Leaves Moon” and “Autumn Moon,” reflect the transition from summer to fall. Walter studies his moon charts and graphs to take photographs of the moon at its fullest. This… Read more
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Draper’s Valley
Walter and I were traveling south on U.S. Highway 11 one summer afternoon on our way to Wytheville, Virginia, to attend to some business. About sixty miles south of Roanoke, we drove through the town of Pulaski, where the highway merges with I-81. But right before it does, it winds up Draper Mountain, and suddenly… Read more