Road Trip to Staunton

I started out the day with the intention of attending the Clover Hill football game this afternoon. But the best laid plans can be changed in a heartbeat, especially when a road trip is involved. Over lunch it was decided that we would make a run up to Sunspots Studios in Staunton. I had been informed that I really needed to go and pick out an ornament for the tree from there.

We headed out to make a run for gas before getting on the road and found that the car was suffering from a flat rear tire. Thank goodness for full sized spares. Walt changed it out in no time flat, no pun intended, and we were on the road.

Even though the trees were well past their peak color, the scenery was still pretty. We passed one tractor trailer headed West on I-64, with an interesting logo, a Cavalier with a carrot for a lance. Just way too funny.

Sunspots Studios was awesome. Our timing was perfect, we arrived in time to watch the glassblower create a couple of ornaments. It was interesting to see the difference between the craft Italy and here.

We had a great time browsing through the gallery, and of course, picking out all kinds of things to bring home. Ornaments for the trees, a couple of really nice magnets for the fridge, and then the jewelry. They carry Pandora jewelry, which is awesome. How is it that I end up finding some piece of jewelry just about every trip I go on? Even in places that you wouldn't think that it would be... Craziness.

We on Afton mountains to take a few photos of the sunset. I was able to get a few before the light gave out. I particularly like this one with the crescent moon visible in the sky.

The rest of the trip home was incredibly boring. I just hate the drive down 64, but when you're shooting for speed it is the fastest way. Just boring. We got off exit 124 to pick up some food, but somehow missed the restaurant. I followed the road on back to the interstate, where we got off at exit 120 for fast food. Easy no problem. But then I discovered that we had somehow managed to back track. I still don't know how I ended passing the first exit twice. Very confusing.

Tomorrow Sean's coming over to help get the leaves up. Let's hope the weather holds out.

More Trip Photos

Email & Newsletter Gleanings:

T'was the Month Before Christmas
*T'was the month before Christmas*
*When all through our land,*
*Not a Christian was praying*
*Nor taking a stand.*
*See the PC Police had taken away,*
*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*
*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*
*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*
*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*
* December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.*
*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*
*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*
*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*
*Something was changing, something quite odd! *
*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*
*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*
*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*
* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found..*
*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*
*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*
*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*
*Are words that were used to intimidate me..*
*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*
*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !*
*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*
*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*
*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*
* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*
*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*
*The reason for the season, stopped before it started..*
*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*
*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*
*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*
*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,
not Happy Holiday !*
Please, all Christians join together and
wish everyone you meet
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christ is 'The Reason' for the Christ-mas Season!