Yes, you see a lot of flat retail sprawl here — but there are gorgeous rural roads among the mountains behind. It’s actually a lovely place to live. Just watch out for bears.
Yes, you see a lot of flat retail sprawl here — but there are gorgeous rural roads among the mountains behind. It’s actually a lovely place to live. Just watch out for bears.
Roanoke, Virginia.

I aspire to be a ne’erd-do-well.
That’s a ne’er-do-well who is also a nerd.
No … this blog has not been hijacked. That is me that you see in the picture. I can now blend seamlessly into my adopted Southern City with this official Roanoke trucker’s cap — a fine Christmas present from one of my Mary Washington College alums.
The next time you see me on the street, you probably won’t even realize it’s your favorite Yankee. It’s like I’m an undercover reporter again!!!
[Update 12/26/22: Yes, the (inevitable, as I see now) Jim Varney comparisons have begun in response to this photo. Sigh. Do what you have to, Vern.]

(The actual title for the poem is “A Visit From St. Nicholas.”)
I just love this one shot from yesterday’s video of Jefferson Street in the rain. (I just figured out how to export frames from a video.)

Roanoke, Virginia.