Since I took no photos in Central VA, here is a photo of the Cape May lighthouse in the background dedicated to my brother-in-law and his love of lighthouses.
It is Monday September 15th now and time to move into new territory. As I head up I-81 N, I listen to WETS-FM, the NPR state which broadcasts from the campus of East Tennessee State University, hearing the BBC news and the Diane Rehm show. I pass Abingdon, VA remembering going to Barter Theater and visiting several restaurants there. I remember Allan's and mine first official date as I pass South Holston Dam where we walked around, and then went to eat broasted chicken. As I head further north, I notice how some of the exits are larger now and some seem less remote than they did during the first times I traveled through Southwest VA over 25 years ago. Traveling on I-81 was the first time I came into contact with the isolated mountain culture of the Appalachia; I had never seen such tiny shacks with satellite dishes such a paradox. I think about the people that I met while getting my associate degree in Administrative Technology at National College of Business and Technology in Bristol,VA. Some of my classmates were first generation high school graduates and many would be the first generation in their family to have had any kind of higher education. I hope that the growth in Southwest VA has brought expanded opportunities to these families some of whom have struggled and been isolated for many generations.
The old fades away and now I must pay close attention as I leave I-81 and head east towards Richmond. This part of Central VA is filled with many beautiful farms. Unfortunately since I was in new territory and nervous about traffic once I got to I-95; I did not stop at any of the scenic overlooks and take pictures. As I passed through these farmlands, I recalled a book series that I read which takes place in VA and involved fox hunting. Driving through the countryside gave me the patience and strength to face the traffic as headed onto I-95. Arriving at my brother-in-law's and his wife's home in the late afternoon, I was ready to get out of the car and be with people. Being my first time, I enjoyed seeing their home filled with treasures of their travels and other collections. My sister-in-law loves the Denver Broncos while my brother-in-law enjoys collecting beer cans. After an enjoyable supper and more conversation, I sleep well as tomorrow will be a full day of driving and visiting for me. By the way if you have never tried blue cheese crumbles in your mashed potatoes I highly recommend them.
Some links to my brother-in-law and his wife's favorite things:
http://www.denverbroncos.com/
http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=was
http://www.lighthousechallengenj.org/
http://www.honolulumarathon.org/
If you love animals and mysteries, I recommend the Mrs. Murphy series by Rita Mae Brown:
http://www.ritamaebrownbooks.com/
http://www.etsu.edu/wets/ - 89.5 public radio from Johnson City, TN
http://thedianerehmshow.org/
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