Is it just a dream...?

For three years we have vacationed in the Appalachian Mountains. Just this past weekend, we drove up to the Blue Ridge near Charlottesville just because we were itching to be near the mountains once again. I am always excited as we head out and just as we reach Goochland, I am on the lookout for spectacular views and beautiful animals and wonderful people. Since we had to travel back the same day, we only went as far as 20 miles west of Charlottesville. I could have stayed there all day! I have no idea why I have such a fondness for these mountains. I am currently praying for clarification. Is this a vacation fondness or a permanent stay fondness?


We are a military family and have always moved to where duty has called us to serve. Now that we are facing retirement, we are actually entertaining the idea of moving because we want to. I like living in Virginia Beach and would actually recommend this as a great place to live especially if you love the beach. But there is something about those mountains that draws me! I love the laid back and slow pace. I love nature and I love country living, all the way down to the clothesline in the backyard and huge garden on the side. I love fishing –hmmm, well I love going with my husband while he is fishing! But canning, sewing quilts, gardening are my past time hobbies; and towards the end of the evening I would sit out on my porch and read while enjoying a cup of tea. I love the small but close knit communities that we come in contact with. In some of the small communities that are farther from the larger towns, there is poverty and a lot of living off the land. None the less, the people are beautiful and smiling.

One small community we visited during the Maple Fest boasted having an awesome Trout Dinner. You will never guess where it was served –the volunteer fire department! It was great and filled with local people. The desserts were made by the women of the community -it was totally awesome!! Around 5pm everyone helped to clean up and in record time, they we are all headed out to there perspective homes just over the mountain ridge. It was a strange sight seeing all the cars at once head over that mountain ridge but an experience of camaraderie and friendship that I admired.

I have done a lot of research, search property in many different areas. I am always looking at the job market and any news that I can get from that area. Although I truly love this place, I want whatever God wants for me. I am praying, listening and watching…

A love relationship with God is more important than any other single factor in our lives.

                                                                                                           (H. Blackaby)