What are those little black dots?

After checking my blog on my IPOD I realized that you can't see the horses.  So made a close-up.  Actually when I was photographing this scene I originally thought these were cows!  Only after I zoomed in did I realize they were horses.

See the horses?

There they are!

Unfortunately by the time I got my telephoto lens out they had made it to the trees.  Oh well.  Looked like they were enjoying themselves running around on that mountainside.  What a life!

Sharon

West Virginia Bound - The Home Stretch

Mountains!

What can I say?  That long stretch of Interstate 81 has rolling hills, mountains and livestock spread here and there.

It makes for a peaceful ride.  Oh, except for the big trucks.  They always seem to want to go a lot faster than me (most people do).  I keep my cool though.  I'm just anticipating my next turn.

So we merge back onto 64 and there it is.  My longtime friend.  Or I could say 'friends'.  This is House Mountain, also known as Big House Mountain and Little House Mountain.  The most welcome sight that always greets me on my way home and lets me know it won't be long now.

House Mountain - Lexington, VA

 

One of these days I'd like to get a closer look.  There is hiking on both Big House Mountain and Little House Mountain.  And now that I found out there is a resident goat I want to go even more!  It sounds like a great day trip.  Well maybe not a day trip.  After hiking I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have the energy to drive home.  So maybe a weekend trip.  I'll just have to force myself to stop there and not continue on to WV.  I think I can.  I think I can.

Finally we cross the line into Heaven.  We always stop at the West Virginia Welcome Center and get out to enjoy the view and catch our first breath of mountain air.  Bliss.

Gates of Heaven

The sprint to the finish is on!  Sometimes this seems like the longest part of the trip.  For those who have just driven through West Virginia on the Interstate, let me just give you a little advice.  Get off the highway!  You will never know what WV is really like until you drive the back roads.  I'll warn you though.  It can get a little hairy at times if you have a fear of heights!  But it's totally worth it.

Sharon

Sandstone Falls

Christmas Is Coming and I'm Determined To Be Ready (for once)

I've finished my first Christmas project of the season!  It's funny to think we're not even close to Halloween and I'm already excited about Christmas.  I really enjoyed working on the Halloween stuff but I'm ready to move on to the holly jolly.  Christmas just makes me happy!

I was out shopping yesterday.  Sad to say I don't even remember where.  (Nothing to do with age, of course.)  They actually had Christmas music playing and for once I didn't think it was too early.  I guess I'm ready for it.  Hope my wallet is.

So I'm busily working on my new Christmas products.  It will be here before you know it!  I hope my latest work brings you a little early Christmas joy!

Christmas Red Brick Fireplace Box by Sharon Stroud Designs, Custom made, Hand painted, Christmas keepsake

Leaving The Flatlands!

First Leg Of Our Trip To West Virginia

On the first day of our mini vacation we stopped off in Staunton, Va.  For one thing I wanted to try out a local restaurant named Mrs. Rowe's.  I have a cookbook from this restaurant which has a reputation for it's pies.  I actually have made the Pineapple Cream Pie and the Original Coconut Cream Pie.  I highly recommend either of these recipes.  You can find Mrs. Rowe's Restaurant Cookbook here.

As for the food, it was OK and the portions were generous.  I made the mistake of trying to eat all of mine.  Then I found that I absolutely had no room left for the pie.  I thought about taking one with me but I knew my hotel room didn't have a fridge.  Sadly I left my pie behind.  I had to settle for some cookies and a massive cinnamon roll.  We all have to make sacrifices at times.

Mrs. Rowe's Restaurant

After eating our fill, we took a short drive around Staunton.  They have some really fun artwork that's well-known in these parts.  I love to find unusual pieces and these are some of my favorites.

Water Spout

This is actually a Chesapeake and Ohio Railway water column but in this setting works perfectly as a water spout.

Giant Watering Can

 

Giant Flower Pots

We left the hills of Staunton and headed to the mountains.  It's impossible to explain the feeling you get when get a glimpse of that first mountain!

Onward to West Virginia!
Sharon