Wythe Notes

In Memoriam

Ron Dees — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:50:41 +0000

ELIZABETH DEES GATTI

January 31, 1970 – March 9, 2009

Your courageous spirit and loving grace

touched all those who knew you.

You will live in our hearts forever.

peeeeeeeeeeehew…spring is in the air

Ron Dees — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:05:57 +0000

Crossin’ the highway late last night
He shoulda looked left and he shoulda looked right
He didn’t see the station wagon car
The skunk got squashed and there you are!
You got yer
Dead skunk in the middle of the road
Dead skunk in the middle of the road
You got yer dead skunk in the middle of the road
Stinkin’ to high Heaven!

-Dead Skunk by Loudon Wainwright III

For most of us, a sure sign that spring is on its way is the hardy little crocus poking through the frozen ground in mid-February, its cheerful, delicate-looking little bloom portending the explosion of color to come in April and May. But what with the foot-deep snow pack last month, we haven’t seen them yet.

Another sure sign of spring, are these unfortunate little critters showing up all over the place.

From our humble little cottage to I-81 4 1/2 miles away, there were a total of 3 of the odiferous carcasses on Rt. 52 this morning. In a couple of weeks, there will be double or triple that number.

It’s skunk mating season.

Skunks have very limited vision and love to get busy at night. So drive veeeeery carefully.

james and susan blevins your garbage is calling

Ron Dees — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:48:44 +0000

Who are James and Susan Blevins? I don’t know, but I can tell you where their garbage is. It’s strewn up and down Rt. 52 near Archer Road. A check of the phone book lists a James and Susan Blevins at 1096 Archer Road.

Folks, this has got to stop. The money for roadside clean-up was eliminated from the state budget this year. So the crap you throw out your window, or that blows off the back of your truck, or whatever will stay there. It’s disgusting. Not even an animal fouls its own nest, and Wythe County is our collective nest. A lot of this trash will end up in our waterways endangering the health and welfare of humans and animals alike. The glass bottles that are part of the Blevins’ roadside gift will remain in the environment FOREVER!

Not only is littering disgusting, it’s illegal and down right stupid. In the Blevins’ case, the envelopes with their names and address on them constitute prima facie evidence of guilt. There is also this little problem going around called identity theft. Ever hear of it?

So Mr. and Mrs. Blevins if you read this or if someone who knows you reads this, COME AND PICK UP YOUR DAMN TRASH. The Blevins’ phone number by-the-way, is (276)637-6145. Have a nice day.

surviving I-81

Ron Dees — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 17:44:47 +0000

Interstate Highway 81 stretches some 846 miles from Dandridge, Tennessee to Wellesley Island, New York, on the Canadian border. Virginia contains 325.53 miles of the interstate. It largely traces the path of the Appalachian Mountains, and, for the most part, parallels US Route 11. I-81 traverses some of the most beautiful and dramatic scenery on the east coast.

The first section of the highway opened in 1959 in Pulaski County. Though essentially completed by 1969, the final portion near Fort Chiswell wasn’t finished until 1987. When originally conceived, 20% of the traffic was expected to be large trucks. Latest estimates put that figure at 36%.

If you are one of those unfortunates like me who has to drive I-81 on a regular basis, then you know the true meaning of fear. I-81 is simply the most dangerous highway in Virginia. Trucks own this road.

According to a study done by the Washington Post, even though I-95 carries twice the amount of traffic, I-81 has double the number of fatal accidents. Trucks account for one of every four vehicles on this road, far above the number it was designed to carry, and the number is growing every year.

Although truckers are responsible for much of the misery, they aren’t the only ones who should shoulder some of the blame. Aggressive drivers who tailgate at excessive speeds and lane hogs who feel the left-hand lane has been deeded to them add to the mayhem. The woman in the red car pictured below was driving below the speed limit and absolutely refused to move over, all the while chatting on her cell phone.

And this dimwit just defies explanation. The SUV was not tailgating, it was being towed.

I don’t know if the truck driver was truly handicapped (shudder) or just retarded.

Here are a few tips I’ve learned in the 50-odd trips I’ve made from Wythe County to the DC area in the last 6 years:

Fill your gas tank either at Go Mart in town or the Flying J in Ft. Chiswell. Gas gets more expensive the further north you go. If you’re driving out of state, fill up in Virginia regardless of the price, both North Carolina and Maryland are much more expensive.

If your car has cruise control, use it. It saves gas and your average speed per hour will be higher. Set it at NO MORE than 9mph above the posted speed limit. I was told by a state trooper that they don’t ticket unless you’re doing 10mph or more over the limit, and I’ve passed by hundreds of speed traps with no problem.

Don’t carry a gun in a location where you can reach it. Trust me. Sooner or later you’ll want to use it.

Experience has taught me it’s best not to flip the bird at some asshole even if he deserves it.

If you have a passenger and a camera, have them take a picture of anyone be it trucker or automobile driver who is tailgating you. It’s truly amazing how fast they will back off.

The best food and cheapest gas are at Exits 213 and 222 in Staunton. The Edelweiss Restaurant at exit 213 serves some of the best homemade German food Anne and I have had since we left Germany. The Pilot truck stop directly across the road usually has gas for only a few cents higher than Ft. Chiswell.

Less than a mile off Exit 222 going towards town you’ll find Five Guys Burgers and Fries. If you’ve never had a burger at Five Guys, they’ll ruin you for anyplace else. Their burgers and hand-cut fries are cooked to order and are simply THE best.

Adjoining the back of the Five Guys parking lot is Martin’s Gas. There have been a couple of times when they were even cheaper than the cheapest gas in Wythe County.

The day I took that picture, the Sheetz less than a quarter mile away was charging a whopping 11 cents a gallon more for regular.

That’s it dear friends. If you’re going to make a trip north, have as many people as possible put you on their prayer list.

Good Luck.

birdshots

Ron Dees — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 19:54:32 +0000

Last month after the second big snow of the season, we started tossing out birdseed figuring the poor starving little things would literally flock to our yard. After all, their normal foodstuffs were buried under a foot of snow. I flung a few handfuls of seed off the front porch and waited to see the show. After a couple of days with little or no action, Anne carefully placed some seed in other areas and we waited…….and waited…….and waited. The next storm came along and covered up all the seed (a whole 5lb bag’s worth) and we still hadn’t seen very many birds. I don’t know whether the two free-roaming cats that hung around for a week or so had anything to do with it or not.

Finally, a few days after the last storm when things had really crusted over, Anne put out more seed by the bamboo grove and the show began:

Of course there are always one or two bandits who show up:

Click on this to view a two minute video I posted on youtube.com of the “action”.

our evolving look

Ron Dees — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:59:14 +0000

You may have noticed a few changes to the appearance of Wythe Notes and the information we’re offering. Some were planned, some involve new software, and at least one was an accident.
One of the most noticeable of the changes is the pictures on the banner. Prior to a month ago, I used stock photos provided by Word Press, the software program I use to write Wythe Notes. I’m now using my own shots. In October, I took the one above of a bee swarm in our front yard. The wild hive that had located itself between the studs on an outside wall of our humble little cottage decided to move when we started putting up the new lap cedar siding. Pictures of wild swarms are rare, but so are many of the things I’ve observed in the mountainous micro environment of Chestnut Ridge and Galena Creek.

The picture of Galena Creek was taken New Year’s Day. We obviously still had a pretty good snow cover from the December 18th storm, a cover that pales in comparison to the one we have now. For me, the creek is a daily reminder of the reasons we chose to live in Wythe County.

As I’ve stated in previous posts, Anne and I love to go toodling (driving around aimlessly with no particular destination in mind). I took the shot of the red barn on one such trip this past fall. I love old barns. For me, they symbolize the rural way of life. Neither one of us remembers where the barn is located, but I’m pretty sure it’s in Wythe County.

The final picture of the three crosses was taken just over the line in Carroll County. I included it, not because I’m particularly religious, but to symbolize just how important the Christian religion is in Southwest Virginia. The history of the crosses is fascinating. Follow this link to read the story of Rev. Bernard Coffindaffer, the self-proclaimed Methodist minister from West Virginia who founded Christian Crosses, Inc. and financed the initial installations.

I’ve also made some changes to the blog roll. Unlike some bloggers who fill their sites with dozens of links, I want the links on Wythe Notes to be useful and informative to both local readers and folks from outside the region as well. Blue Ridge Muse is written by my friend of nearly 30 years, Doug Thompson. Doug chronicles the daily soap opera that is life in Floyd, Va, one of the more charming and unique towns in the state. Kevin Myatt is a copy editor for the Roanoke Times, and a self-described weather geek. His blog is informative without being condescending, is area specific, and is usually far more accurate than the National Weather Service or the voodoo-hoodoo radars of the various television stations that cover our areas.

Southwest Virginia Today links you to a number of small town newspapers and is the only way I know to read the column, A Mountain View, by Liza Field, online. Liza is a teacher, writer, philosopher, environmentalist, and when needed, a community activist. Her column is one of the more insightful I have read anywhere, including those that are nationally syndicated. She writes with both her heart and her brain and her love of these mountains and the people who inhabit them are immediately apparent. Click on the Lifestyles section of the Wytheville Enterprise to find her column.

Aside from being my neighbor (from their driveway to mine is .06 miles), West Wind Farm is a prime example of the type of venture I intend to promote. Southwest Virginia is slowly changing, and West Wind is among the vanguard of those who are leading the change.

In the coming weeks as I become more adept with my camera and You Tube, I plan to add video to the blog. Stay tuned.

Oh…the accident I mentioned in the beginning? I wiped out the green Wythe Notes logo and replaced it with a generic black. I have no idea how the hell I managed to do that. Until I figure out what I did, the generic one stays.

this and that…..

Ron Dees — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:31:21 +0000

HAD ENOUGH?

GETTIN’ BACK MY COUNTRY

For the last week or so, Hank, Jr.’s song, A Country Boy Can Survive, has been playing over and over in my head. Whereas I was born and bred in the briar patch, nearly 40 years of living in the Washington, DC, suburbs beat the country right out of me. This spring (35 days and counting) will mark the 6th year we have owned our humble little cottage on Galena Creek, and I’m finally learning how to be a human being again.

Here’s a little test to determine how long someone has lived in the country:

You open your sugar and find it crawling with ants.

1 – 2 years: You throw away the sugar and buy another bag.
3 – 4 years: You sift out the ants and use the sugar.
5 years or more: “Ya ever notice them sugar-coated ants are tasty little suckers?”

Now I’m not suggesting country folks eat bugs. . .well, most of them don’t. There was that kid, Booger Johnson, who I was in grammar school with. My point is: country folks don’t waste anything if they can help it.

THE FARMER’S ALMANAC

If you’re new to country living and only read one publication, let the Farmer’s Almanac be the one. Founded in 1818 and available both in print and online, this original “green” periodical is the bible of country living. It only took me a few minutes perusal to learn something I didn’t know that will save me money. (Here’s a hint: It’s a common sense way to conserve gasoline.) Online membership is free and entitles you to a wide range of benefits.

ROADKILL RECIPES

Some folks think squirrels are cute. Some folks think they’re the spawn of Satan. A lot of the old-timers around these parts think they’re just plain good eatin’. Here’s my recipe for squirrel gravy:

1 squirrel cleaned and dressed and cut into pieces [I don't recommend a PSD (Poor Squirrel Decision) off the highway unless you run over him yourself.]
1/2 cup each of roughly chopped onions, carrots, and celery
a half dozen sprigs of parsley, a dozen peppercorns, and a bay leaf
bacon grease, vegetable oil and flour
1 qt cold water
salt and pepper to taste

Salt and pepper the squirrel pieces and roll in flour. In a Dutch oven, saute in hot bacon grease until lightly browned. Remove the squirrel pieces and add a little vegetable oil. Cook the vegetables until the onions begin to brown. Add enough flour to make a roux and cook stirring for 3 minutes. Slowly add the water, whisking to prevent lumps and then return the squirrel to the pot. Add the parsley, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Bring the liquid to a boil then reduce to a slow simmer. Cook for 45 mins or so until the squirrel is falling off the bone. Remove the squirrel pieces and strain the vegetables out. While the squirrel cools, reduce the broth to gravy consistency. Shred the meat and return to the gravy. Salt and pepper to taste. Spoon over hot biscuits and serve. If you prefer a lighter colored gravy, stir in some heavy cream or half and half with the shredded meat.

SPEND LOCALLY

Don’t forget to visit our local merchants first, especially restaurants. Wythe County has precious few restaurants that aren’t one of the national chains or part of the fast food industry. If you haven’t visited West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery or it’s been awhile since you’ve been there, now is an excellent time.

David and Jason Manley and staff are ready to welcome you to one of the best boutique wineries in Virginia. Go out and taste some terrific wines and tour the the facilities. The first three wines you taste and the tour are free. As you can see from the pictures below, the scenery is beautiful.

we still have power, but……

Ron Dees — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:10:07 +0000

I took this photo of our driveway yesterday around 4pm after what I expect will be our last trip out for awhile. I nearly slid down the ravine because of the icy conditions and the depth of the snow. The tracks between the wheel ruts were made by the universal joint dragging through the crust.

I woke up this morning around 5am to one of the periodic snow showers we’ve been experiencing since Tuesday night.

So far, it’s showered another 3-4 inches, and it’s still going. With expected wind gusts of up to 65 mph, I will be very surprised if we don’t lose power again. It was out for 7 1/2 hours Saturday, and it got pretty chilly in our humble little cottage. Our only heat source is electricity.

While I was out, I managed to restock our pantry and stop by the New River General Store. Kathy and crew were doing a pretty decent lunch time business.

She’s smiling at a remark I made after two teenage girls came in. You just have to love their spirit sometimes. Teenagers generally look at the glass as half full rather than half empty. Wythe County has done an excellent job of keeping side roads plowed so I was able to drive to Jackson Ferry and Foster Falls to take a few more photographs. The blue heron looked so elegant as it skimmed over the New River looking for lunch. I took this and the next two pictures standing on Rt. 52 in the middle of the Jackson Ferry Bridge. One is of the magnificent Sycamore tree on the left bank, and the other is of the dilapidated ferry tender’s cottage overlooking the right bank beneath the old Norfolk and Southern railroad trestle that is now part of the New River Trail.

I’ll publish the pictures from Foster Falls in the next post. In case it hasn’t occurred to you, there is one thing the snow and ice are good for:

Cheers!

postcards from wythe

Ron Dees — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:38:24 +0000