My youngest son, age seventeen, recently broke up with his girlfriend. Being a thoughtful parent I had to remind myself that I was once that age and approach the situation accordingly. One of my finer parental moments I must say. However, what I did not see coming was how this event was going to impact me until I noticed that the grass in the front yard had grown to almost knee level in places. What you may ask does the dating habits of a seventeen year old have to do with lawn care? Isn't it obvious?.....Let me give you a little lesson in capitalism.

My son receives financial remuneration for mowing the lawn from mom, as they are wont to do; while Dad just stands by and grumbles about never getting paid for doing chores at his age-- as we are wont to do. But the remuneration itself is not the prime motivator. For most of us older folk our motivation is to provide for our families. Pay the bills, groceries, and occasional night out on the town, and whatever else our wives want. But what is the motivator for a seventeen year old boy? You got it! A seventeen year old girl--or somewhere in that age range--to spend money on! No girl. No motivation to earn money. Which in this case translates into knee high grass in the front yard. Which in the end meant that yours truly instead of being able to waste time posting pictures on this blog was out pulling weeds and mowing the lawn! Thus my dilemma.

So if anyone out there has a spare teenage daughter in the seventeen year old range I've got a seventeen year old son available for rent or lease with terms negotiable. He is in the National Honor Society, loves to cook, very artistic, plays the guitar and drums, and is a perfect gentleman. Any parent would be proud to have their daughter dating him. You can feel good that your daughter is out with someone who will respect her and I will have the time to post pictures instead of having to mow the lawn. Is a win win for everyone!

And yes I do realize that my youngest off spring will soon be leaving the nest and leaving me with lawn care duties. Fear not I've already got plan B in place. A retired friend of mine is planning to sell his house in the county and move into a condo a few blocks from my house. His one regret will not having a yard to take care of. No I'm not making this up. I'm told that when you reach a certain age a chemical imbalance or something occurs in the brain and you begin to enjoy yard work! So I have graciously offered my friend the opportunity to take care of my lawn. What a guy right? So as my son walks out the door to go forth and make his mark on the world my friend Dan will be out front mowing the lawn.

Not one to disappoint I will struggle through with my cut, bruised and blistered hands (yard gloves are for girls) and post a few shots of my recent travels through Olde Virginny.........but first

Boyfriend for Rent
My son Joshua getting ready to go para-sailing during our recent trip to Myrtle Beach. As I write this my fingers are cramping up and my blister is beginning to sting. Don't know how much I will be able to post if I have to do yard work again. Any help in the girl friend department would be greatly appreciated.

Marquis Road, Orange County
Finally got some rain over the past few days so we are beginning to see some green again. Traveling down the back roads of Virginia is the highlight of my job. Never know what is going to around the next corner...........

A Question for the Car Enthusiasts Out There.......

Did You Know.......
That in New Zealand this would be called a, "long drop." In Australia it would be called a, "Dunny," or, "Thunderbox." In Chile an "Aldaco" and in parts of Brazil a, "patente."

In the US a term used to describe it is a, "biffy," which is derived from Browning-Ferris Industries (BFI) who serviced them. It was also referred to as a, "kybo" derived from Kybo coffee. The cans were used to hold the lye used to deal with the smell.

On August 29, 2007, the highest outhouse in the continental United States — which sat atop Mount Whitney at about 4,418 meters (14,494 feet) above sea level, offering a magnificent panorama to the user — was removed.

I could go on but I think that is enough for this, "Learning Moment" on Outhouses. Remember! If you learn one new thing every day you will be a genius by the time you die.

I'll Have the Smoked Turkey on Wheat With the Works But Light on the Mayo....

.......And Then There is Turkey Pot Pies, Turkey Bacon, and Those Yummy Unidentified Processed Meats.
A family portrait. This particular farm has about 15,000 turkeys on site at one time. From the time of arrival until they leave to be prepared for your dining room table is (20) weeks. This farm processes about 45,000 turkeys a year and is considered a small operation.

A Free School
Outside Beaverdam--Free schools were set up, for the most part, by the local gentry, to provide a free education for working class children before the public school system was established in Virginia. In 1659 one Thomas Eaton left 500 acres, buildings, livestock, and two slaves for a school to serve Elizabeth City County. In 1820 the Virginia General Assembly began to oversee the establishments of such schools setting boundaries, appointing trustees, etc.

This particular school was know as the Hall Free School and was established by an act of the General Assembly on February 6, 1846. The establishment of the school was a condition of the will of Arron Hall, "To establish a free school in the neighborhood of my residence in order that the youth of my acquaintance may enjoy the benefit of the school...to include at least reading and writing in the English language and arithmetic."

Not Something You See Everyday......
Caroline County--A caboose sitting in the middle of a field with no railroad tracks in site. Nothing left on the car to determine what company owned it or anything that would give any hint on how it got there. Spent a good half and hour (sorry boss) tramping around it and inside it.

A Church No More?

Unkept But Not Forgotten

To live in hearts we leave behind
Is not to die.

Thomas Campbell

Behind the church is a small graveyard. As with the church itself Mother Nature has begun the process of reclaiming what had been lost. Someone has left a token of their love for the deceased but have not tried to deter Mother Nature's efforts.