Category Archives: Life

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Southwest Virginia Culture: From the NRV Fair to FloydFest

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Disclaimer:  This post  is not intended to show favoritism for one event style or another, nor is it to make fun of the people who choose to attend one event over the other.  This is all about fun and is a lighthearted comparison of the Fair and FloydFest.

It is also not a journal of my time at FloydFest (which was amazing!).  I have become a fan of Michael Franti and his way of thinking and living:  http://michaelfranti.com/.  What a great experience this festival was!

Now … on with the post!

I certainly never intended to spend so many years living in southwest Virginia.  Even still, I sure do have a good time here.

For much of my life, I have dreamed of living out west and anyone who knows me has heard me talk about my love for northern Idaho and western Montana.  While not perfect, and we all know there is no perfect place, this part of Virginia has an abundance of beautiful natural areas to explore and I surely can’t complain about my 8 minute, traffic free commute.

But what about the culture, people often ask.  How do you manage without the shopping, the nightlife, the restaurants, the culture?  I do admit to wishing for more diversity in restaurants.  It gets tiring choosing from the same places time and time again, and because of that, it’s a rare thing to find me  eating in a chain restaurant when I leave SWVA.  Shopping I can do online or when I travel to more urban areas, and nightlife, in my opinion, is what you make of the places and the friends that surround you.

For example, I loved the pub crawl through Roanoke with Ruth and Ralph this past Friday.  We were able to walk from one place to the next, exploring the revitalization of Kirk Ave and the Patrick Henry Hotel, while at the same time soaking up the beer, food and music of this small SWVA city.

 

First Stop: Blue Five                                                     Second Stop: Martin’s Bar and Grill

        

The Penny Deux Lounge in the Patrick Henry was the Third Stop, followed by Fork in the Market, the final stop

Friends would come and go as we walked from one place to the next and I had a great time meeting new people and enjoying new experiences.  Yes, I had to drive 45 minutes to get to Radford when the crawl was done, but the significant amount of water I drank before heading home assured that I arrived safely.

So what does a Roanoke Pub Crawl have to do with the NRV Fair and FloydFest?  Nothing really, but since I’m writing about culture in this part of the state, I decided to mention it.

So last Wednesday, I went with friends to the New River Valley Fair to play Bingo and to experience the sites and sounds of the county fair in Pulaski (I never did play bingo).

Then yesterday, I spent the day with friends in Floyd County at FloydFest 11, an outdoor music festival that features roots and progressive music from around the world.

What a contrast in styles and missions!  But there are similarities too.  One of which is that both events require us to get outside and mingle with others.  Garrison Keillor said this about attending a fair (National Geographic, July 2009):

“American life tends more and more to put you in front of a computer screen in a cubicle, and then into a car and head you toward home in the suburbs, where you drive directly into the garage and step into your kitchen without brushing elbows with anybody. People seem to want this, as opposed to urban tumult and squalor. But we have needs we can’t admit, and one is to be in a scrum of thinly clad corpulence milling in brilliant sun in front of the deep-fried-ice-cream stand and feel the brush of wings, hip bumps, hands touching your arm (“Oh, excuse me!”), the heat of humanity with its many smells (citrus deodorant, sweat and musk, bouquet of beer, hair oil, stale cigar, methane), the solid, big-rump bodies of Brueghel peasants all around you like dogs in a pack, and you—yes, elegant you of the refined taste and the commitment to the arts—are one of these dogs”.  

So True!  Many people told me that they wouldn’t set foot in that county fair (Oh no! The Rednecks!)  Others told me that they couldn’t imagine going to FloydFest (No way! The Hippies!).  Folks go to the fair for the rides, the food, the contests, the produce and the animals, and to shop at the vendor stalls.  Folks go to FloydFest for the music, the food (and drink), the connecting and loving, the camping, the parties, and to shop at the vendor stalls.

You might want to instinctively argue that there are no similarities; that someone who goes to one event, would not go to the other.  I know for sure that someone will (me!) and I am quite sure that there are others as well.

One big difference between the two events is the cost!! It was FAR less expensive to spend an evening at the fair!  FloydFest requires a significant amount of ready cash.  On the other hand, I was not able to get beer and wine at the fair and, believe me, a cold beer would have tasted great after a long, hot evening at the fairground.

Consider what both events have to offer:

Food

    


Elephant Ears, Funnel Cakes and Deep Fried Oreos at the NRV Fair

    

Black Bean / Chicken Quesadillas, Fried Egg Sandwiches, and Coconut Curry Tofu at FloydFest

Fashion for Sale

  

NRV Fair                                                           FloydFest

Styling 

     

NRV Fair                                                              FloydFest

  

NRV Fair                                                            FloydFest

Games

  

Bingo at the NRV Fair                                                            Carrom at FloydFest

Scenery

  

NRV Fair

  

FloydFest

“Patriotism” (sort of)

  

NRV Fair                                                            FloydFest

Blowing in the Wind

  

NRV Fair                                                                                     FloydFest

Flying High

   

The Cliff Hanger at the Fair                                                  Trapeze Artists at FloydFest

Friends

I found two of my most favorite things at both events.  The first favorite was my friends.  I am truly a fortunate woman to have such diverse, energetic, loving, and FUN people to spend the days and evenings with!  I’m grateful to Sarah for serving as DD for the NRV Fair adventure, and to Greg for getting Shelly and me to FloydFest and back safely!

  

Dianna, Vanessa, Juli, and Whitney                               With Sarah, our DD

 

Jessica and Colton (in the cab with Sarah) joined in on the fun – but not on the mechanical bull!

   

Amy and Dianna enjoying a Deep Fried Oreo                Peacock and I enjoying a cold beer

  

Greg and Shelly                                                                           Rick and Kristie

   

Christine  …                                                                                     and the girls!

Moon

Another favorite thing became visible towards the end of each day.  The moon … and it was shining brightly over both places!!

    

Pulaski County                                         Floyd County

So … Goodnight Moon!  Until next year, where I feel sure you might find me spending time in both Pulaski and Floyd Counties.

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Derecho

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Everywhere I’ve gone over the past week, people have been sharing their stories … where they were, what it looked like, what it sounded like and what kind of damage it left in it’s wake.  What is this thing that everyone is talking about?  The Derecho!

The what??

Derecho! Now a familiar word in the everyday language of most people who live in the mid atlantic states.

While we were in the middle of this incredibly scary wind storm, most folks kept uttering the word “tornado”.  It came with a fury and was gone before we had time to know what hit us.  Stories of flying debris, being trapped in darkened movie theaters, and racing to get home on roads without lights or traffic signals, soon gave way to massive trees being pulled up by their roots, often times blocking roads, bringing down power lines and falling into houses.  Five hundred thousand Virginians were left without power and 9 people lost their lives.

Everyone has a story … but almost no one had heard the name Derecho.  Fewer still, and I am one of them, didn’t learn the right way to pronounce it until a week after it had wreaked havoc on hundreds of thousands of people.  Now we know that Derecho is pronounced “day-RAY-cho”

A derecho, the Spanish word for straight, is a widespread and long-lived, violent convectively induced straight line windstorm that is associated with a fast-moving band of severe thunderstorms.  A warm weather phenomenon, derechos occur mostly in summer, especially June and July.  They can occur at any time of the year and occur as frequently at night as in the daylight hours. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derecho

Check out this video link from the NASA satellite: http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/derecho.html

Wikipedia offers a list of modern day derechos and our storm of June 29, 2012 is on this fairly short list.  As often is the case in our modern tech world, Facebook became a source of information, of comfort and for the sharing of stories.   Folks offered rooms, refrigerator space, pet care, laundry facilities, and a helping hand with clean up.  Praise was heaped upon the officials and front line workers trying to keep people safe and power restored (although after 9 days, some are understandably frustrated with the continuing power outages).  As of July 7th, over 7000 Virginians were still without power http://articles.wdbj7.com/2012-07-06/dominion-power_32475857.  In my own New River Valley, many friends were without power up to one week after the storm, and as I write, a few remain a part of that 7000.

It has been so sad to see stately old trees pulled up by their roots, an example being this giant pecan tree in Radford.

Of course, even more devastating is the destruction to homes and businesses, and the blocking of roads, and downed power lines.

 

Photo Credit:  Lucinda                                                  Photo Credit:  Pam

  

Photo Credit: Lucinda                                                     Photo Credit: Pam

Friends like Pam described coming through Fairlawn and being caught in a shower of blue gas station towels after the container had been blown apart by the wind.  Bev and B talked of racing across Memorial Bridge during the middle of the storm, with the car being pushed and pulled by the wind.  Amy and Pat watched the wind blow across Claytor Lake from their house up on the hill.  Many, many people ran for their basements if they had one, grabbing children and pets as they ran.  A group of friends were sitting in a movie theater when the place went dark.  Cell phones were turned back on and movie watchers were alarmed to read messages about a possible tornado passing through.  Diana, Juli, Vanessa, Leslie, and Amy were moved, along with everyone else, from the theater to the lobby and back into the theater, in the dark, having no idea what was happening outside and fearing for the safety of friends and family.

I was at Cherie and Tim’s house with other friends.  Their house is up on a plateau of sorts, and the moaning of the wind through the trees was wild and frightening.  (I do have to confess, however, that being the adrenalin junkie that I am, I was pretty exhilarated by the whole thing).  The hot tub cover and plane fuel tank (and a whole lot of other stuff, too) flying over the house into the neighboring field was startling to see.  No, it wasn’t a cow, but it was impressive none the less.  As soon as the wind died down, we put on our post storm chasing gear (ie shoes), jumped in the 4WD and headed out to recover debris scattered through out the fields (including that “fuselage”, right Cherie?).

Cherie and Kelsi ready for the post storm hunt

How ironic that power and water were unavailable but FB kept right on humming along!  Calls for help and storm stories were soon shared. I loved the story that Ian and Meredith posted: “we made it down from Mill Mountain in the windstorm, only stopped by fallen trees three times, but with a dozen other people, we dragged them aside (with help from a pick up truck and my tow rope, for the last one), while being pummeled by small branches all the while.  There was definitely a sudden sense of community, and the team of youngsters in particular (high school seniors) leapt into action with gusto”.

I am inspired by the teamwork and camaraderie between strangers that occurs during times like these.

My friends Liz and Wilson sent a message asking for help taking care of a downed tree in their driveway.  Wilson and his “all woman crew” made short work of clearing the driveway and stacking the wood, and Michael finished the job later (Tree Beaver Tree Services).

 

Wilson, me, Katy                                                              Wilson, Liz, Katy

 

                                                                                                       Michael (photo credit: Liz)

A few folks resorted to humor in the days after the storm.  Kristie sent a message by FB, noting that “We have air conditioning, plenty of room, and cold beer for any friends still without power – of course Rick and I will be leaving as soon as you get here – don’t mind the 3 screaming overly dramatic girls fighting over the TV, popsicles, and “privacy ” -you’ll hardly notice them…really”.

Mary noted that “It would not surprise me a single bit if male children conceived during this lengthy power outage (yes, that is what people will do when TV, computer, radio, telephones are unavailable) will be named Derecho”.  This long time labor and delivery nurse, now Women’s Health Navigator, would know!

People have talked of gratitude for having little or no damage, or for friends who came to the rescue during difficult times.  Frustration has been expressed for lengthy times without power and water, or maybe even worse, being teased by the cycle of power being on briefly and then right off again.  We have all been reminded of the power of Mother Nature.

Yet, we also remember that it could have been so much worse.  We are not Joplin, Missouri, New Orleans, or the eastern coast of Japan.  Most of us will clean up and move on …

… and we are all grateful for being able to do just that.

Unknown's avatar

Nothing Like Water to Improve the Mood

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This is a re-blog of one of the very first posts I pusblished.  It is also one of my favorites … but since it was one of my firsts, no one saw it. Maybe someone will this time!

Most of the time I am in a pretty upbeat mood, with no lack of energy or enthusiasm for what the day holds in store.  And then there are other days.  The ones when I seem to be focusing only on the negative instead of all the good in my life.  More accurately when I find myself starting to wallow in self pity.  It would be easy to stay in that world, to drift in that woe is me attitude.  Something has to be done to banish the black clouds and quickly!

Some choose exercise, others music or prayer, assuredly others choose drink.

For me and for many, the soothing balm is water.

Thankfully I have friends with water craft and I now have a truck.  One quick text to Debbie and Sandy I am on the way to pick up a kayak.  Within 20 minutes of getting a “come and get it” reply, I am putting in at the Sportsman, ready to paddle around below the dam.  Just me, and a few other guys fishing.

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It is amazing how quickly my mood begins to improve.  The colors of the late afternoon, the coolness of the water, and the lower temperatures of the air all begin to elevate my spirit.

The lushness of the trees .. 

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The opportunity to practice photography

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Even the bridge over the New River provides a beautiful setting for a photo shoot, and soon I don’t even hear the noise of the tractor trailers going by.

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In no time, my heart and soul feel better.

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I enjoy the occasional chat with a passing fisherman who asks me if I’m having any luck.  Knowing that after 20 minutes, I finally get what for me is the perfect picture of a Blue Heron, I enthusiastically say that I am!!

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As many have said before me, I am reminded again of just how fortunate I am to live in such a gorgeous area of the country and indeed to have friends like Debbie and Sandy who were ready and waiting with kayak, life jacket and paddle to send me on my way without questioning my grumpy mood.  I am grateful.

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Friends, water, and a lovely evening: mission accomplished … foul mood gone … peace restored!

Unknown's avatar

Learning To Ride, Part 2

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So the search for the “middle bike” was on and at the suggestion of a friend, I turned to Ebay.

Now, I had never bought anything off of Ebay, let alone a motorcycle, so I was pretty ignorant about buying and selling online.  I did have a basic idea about what I wanted in the next bike.   I knew I wanted a used bike – I didn’t want to spend a fortune on a new one only to find it wasn’t what I really wanted and I didn’t want to worry about messing up a brand new bike because of beginner’s mistakes.  I was also looking for a bike with mid range controls, meaning that the clutch and the brake were within reach of my short legs.  Other priorities included a lower seat height, low mileage and of course, it had to be within my price range.

A bike that seemed to fit my needs was available and I jumped into bidding.  I was the high bidder for a couple weeks, slowly increasing the amount I would pay, always staying within my budget but slightly ahead of the other bidders.  On the evening of the final bidding, I sat down at my computer, a gin and tonic by my side and played the game in earnest.

The problem with drinking gin and tonics while bidding on Ebay is that it’s easy to get excited and exceed the budget.  Which is exactly what I did.  Happily I moved onto my second G&T, entering in more bids and thinking “I WILL own this bike”!  Well … anyone who has bid for items on Ebay knows what happened next.

I lost the bike in the last 5 seconds.

Initially I was devastated, but when I woke up the next morning I was somewhat relieved.   Just two hours later, though, I received a call saying that the high bidder had dropped out!  I had won the bike AND they would let me have it for my original budgeted amount.  Needless to say, I was thrilled and the 2008 HD Sportster XL 883L with only 300 miles on it was  mine!!  Well, it was almost mine … first I had to get it home from North Carolina.

My good friend Michael agreed to drive me the two hours to pick up the bike.   Just like with Billy and my Honda Rebel, I was so glad to have an experienced biker with me.  Michael checked out the bike, loaded it up on the trailer and we headed back home to Virginia.

    

Buying the “new” bike, meant selling the old bike, so for a short period of time before I sold the Honda (not without some sadness I might add) I actually had two bikes in my carport!

I brought the Sportster home in November of 2009 and rode as many  miles as I could in preparation for the next phase in my biking life:  a 50th Birthday Solo Ride!   I gained experience by riding solo, riding with friends and with my local HOG chapter.  Slowly my confidence level grew and I was ready for my first solo trip.  I’d taken a long trip before (1000 miles) but this time I would be the driver and I would be alone.

In July of 2010, I left on a 925 mile, 5 day, 3 state trip, (which will someday be the subject of another blog entry).  I tamed the Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee; rode through mountains and along rivers; on beautiful sunny days and during rain storms.  I also rode the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway.  I ate at great local restaurants, visited fun local pubs, and every where I went people asked me about riding solo and celebrating being 50 years old!

        

     

I absolutely loved the freedom of those five days—no plan and the opportunity to spontaneously pick my route. I went from one town to the next, choosing the roads as I went along. The folks I met and who helped to guide me added depth to the ride. I often hear bikers talk about the wind in the face and the freedom of the road. I feel like I finally get it.  Even still, when I finally pulled back into Radford, that traditional end of the day beer sure tasted good (thanks Amy!).

So what’s next in this journey of learning to ride?

After 12,000 miles of riding, I’m dreaming about my final, “big girl” bike.  I’m still not sure what that bike will be but I do know that I am ready for it!

Unknown's avatar

Learning to Ride, Part 1

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I’ll never forget my first ride on the back of a motorcycle (okay – not counting that ride on the back of a dirt bike in 1981,heading down a forest service road to the Salmon River in Idaho).  This time, I was immediately and completely hooked!  I got off the bike and wooped it up as I ran and threw myself into the arms of my friend.  A passion for motorcycles was born that night for sure!

I spent the first year riding on the back of a 2003 Anniversary Heritage Softail (“the Springer”) and I loved every moment!  Some women long to be the driver from the get go.  Me?  I was happy sitting  in the back, watching the scenery and acting the part of the “traveling, babbling companion”.  Yep, that describes me pretty well.

In May of 2009, I took the motorcycle safety course at New River Community College, and while I passed the class without a problem, I was the only one in the class who dropped the bike … in a parking lot … yeah, a flat parking lot.  Despite that less than stellar beginning, I got my license the very next week and immediately started looking for a bike.

My good friend Billy helped me to find the perfect starter bike and I’ll forever be grateful to him for that.

Having an experienced biker with me gave me the confidence I needed to take what was for me, a huge step.  Billy had a friend who was selling a 20 year old Honda Rebel and I jumped at the offer.  He took me to meet the seller of the bike, checked it out for me, watched me ride it in a church parking lot (where I did NOT drop it) and even rode it home for me.

      

Looks like he’s riding a toy bike, doesn’t it?

Home for the bike for the first two months was a storage unit.  I live at the top of a fairly steep driveway so having the storage unit gave me time to gain experience starting on, and getting up, hills.  A nearby parking lot offered just enough of a hill to practice on (I look back on it now and chuckle that it presented even the mildest of challenges).  Soon enough I brought the bike home and I was riding as much as I could.

I had such great support from my friends during this time.  Billy kept encouraging me to get out of town,  into the country and to stop “waving like Miss America” when I passed people I knew.  Amy, Debbie and Jan insisted that I let at least one of them know when I left on a ride and when I returned home.  Once I got my first HD bike, the GOAs and Tim gave me my first leather in the form of a vest and my father even gave me a HD winter cap to wear under my helmet.  My friends have supported, encouraged, and been very excited for me!

Soon enough I was begging to ride with the big boys and I managed to keep up pretty well, considering that I was riding a little 250cc bike (I called it my “baby bike”).  Within 3 months I was ready to move up to something bigger.  I rode that little Honda so hard during one ride that the muffler vibrated right off the bike!  It was the perfect starter bike.  I encourage new riders to start small like I did.  The confidence I gained as a novice on that little bike was invaluable.  But after riding 1500 miles, it was time to move on up.  I wanted my next bike, my “middle bike”, to be one that would offer me more of a challenge but still not push my capability.

The kind of bike that would be was still to be determined.  All I knew is that I was ready!