OVER TO WALMART

Walmart is one of the few options for shopping here in Covington, VA.  They now have one less competitor as KMart is closing in a couple of weeks.  I needed several items so I headed out "over to Walmart" as they say here.  As I pulled into the parking lot, there is still evidence of the big snow we had some weeks ago.

The weather report was calling for light snow on this day.  You could see the snow coming from the mountains as you stood in the parking lot.

The creek next to the parking lot reminded you of how much water has been accumulating in the creek beds that feed the Jackson River.

Glad I left Miss Dolly home where she is comfortable and warm.

A WINTER'S DRIVE IN ALLEGHANY COUNTY VA

Some weeks have passed now since the last big snow.  It was a beautiful snowfall and did not last long.  But it did last long enough for a drive around Alleghany County.





















The drive also included Lake Moomaw.













The road eventually led to Camp Appalachia.










And finally home again.

A DOLLY A DAY 3/5/16

VISITING HUMPBACK BRIDGE IN COVINGTON VA

The locals here in Covington, VA are proud to claim the only remaining humpback bridge in the United States. It was constructed in 1857.  The reason for the humped design was to increase its life expectancy and to keep the midpoint above flood waters. The bridge was built with a broad axe and assembled with hand hewed locust pins.  Back in the day (until 1929), you could drive across it. It was restored in 1953 and has since been the place of picnics and swimming. Many tourists stop by just to photograph the bridge. My family had our share of picnics here. I also attended some very early morning Easter Sunday services here. As a child, I was certain I was going to fall through the cracks that are formed between the wooden boards that make up the floor. "Don't look down!"  But I couldn't help it.  Today you can see the old road that crossed the bridge, the newer state highway bridge on Route 60, also known as Midland Trail, and the CSX railroad bridge.
The bridge is often photographed from these angles.









I thought it would be interesting to see the bridge from the road. The train was actually coming through when I was there.








A very relaxing place it is.

BAD KITTY SIGHTNING - NEW PLACE TO HIDE

Bad Kitty often greets me when I pull into the driveway.  On this day, Bad Kitty was nowhere in site.  Or so I thought.

Miss Dolly was not quite sure how she was going to get to Bad Kitty.

Wrights Dairy Rite - Staunton VA

The return trip from Fredericksburg was quite pleasant.  Isn't the world beautiful after the rain leaves?



And I love the part where you first see the mountains again.



Returning from Fredericksburg, we stopped at Wright's Dairy-Rite for lunch.  Have you been there?  It is an institution in Staunton, VA. They have great burgers, hot dogs, bar-b-que, fries, salads and milkshakes.  A few other things, too. 

The clock on the wall says they celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2002.  That would make it 63 years old.  Almost as old as I.  



The old jukebox is still loaded with oldies.

Don't wait for the waitress to come by for your order.  That is what the phone on the wall at each booth is for.  Don't worry...they have instructions.  You can also eat in your car in the drive-in area outside. Just like in the old days.





Dolly had been in doggy lockup where she got the a bath and nails clipped. I don't think she would consider it spa treatment but she forgot all about the unpleasant stuff when she saw me.  Somebody give that dog a bone.

A DOLLY A DAY 3/1/16

Miss Dolly was tired from a weekend with her cousins.  Last night she cuddled with her toys while resting from a day of  watching things and begging for treats.