Virginia's Record December Snow Storm

I got caught in the traffic jam that the storm caused and did not make it all the way home last night.  Many roads are impassable, and I stayed overnight at UVA's Sigma Pi Epsilon Fraternity House last night.  I had pulled in to the Ruckersville Sheets gas station to rest and let the snow plows work the roads some more, and there I encountered a UVA student who had just crashed his Camry while trying to make it home to Tappahanock for the holiday break.  He asked me if I could get him back to campus and said I could stay at his Frat house.  I took him up on his offer and here I remain until I think I can dig my truck out and finish my drive. All photos taken this morning as I set out to forage for food.  Littlejohn's was open and cozy, and most importantly -- within walking distance.

My truck is parked on a one-way street, facing the wrong way.

UVA grounds - Students went home yesterday.

UVA - "The Corner"

Many too-tall vehicles have collided with this trestle.

Happy Thanksgiving/Bleak Black Friday Smash Up Edition

I was merrily driving along on Black Friday when an out of control driver plowed into me.  I saw the vehicle careening (1. To lurch or swerve while in motion. 2. To rush headlong or carelessly) towards me as I braced for impact.  I had my cell phone and camera handy, so I called 911 and snapped a few pics.  Looks like my truck is totaled, and the Audi A4's front end was smashed pretty good.  Her airbag deployed and she seemed okay.  My bag did not because of the angle of the hit, but the seat belt worked as advertised.  We both declined ambulance transport.  My ribs still hurt a little and I am sore where my seatbelt crossed over my shoulder.  I am THANKFUL that neither of us was badly injured.

Windows 7 Installation

I upgraded from Vista and so far, so good.

I am really liking the newest OS from Microsoft.

Taking a Brake

Haha.  I have spent the last few days buying brake parts for my old truck and taking them back to hopefully get the correct part.  After three tries with the brake line, I finally got one that fit.  During the process, I sheared off the bleed screw and had to get a whole new cylinder.  I was surprised that the new cylinder was only $15.  I used a one-man bleed kit to bleed the lines.  No more yelling at someone to hold the pedal down.

Columbus Day Holiday Weekend

I have been back in VA for a few days.  I landed at Dulles last Thursday night. The humidity was in my face right away.  That, and the NoVA traffic. I had become used to the dry desert air and the relative lack of automobile traffic in and around Santa Fe.  I hope Rocky and Mary are sleeping well without me there to snuggle with.

Horse Barn Tack Room Progress

I have been building a tack room for a few weeks.  The 14' x 16' concrete slab was poured 3 weeks ago, and yesterday the exterior wall was stained. The heavy Dutch door was time consuming to install, but fits the frame like a glove.  Amenities include ceiling fan with light, telephone and wireless Internet service, and 4 duplex electrical outlets.  Above the ceiling is 224 sq ft of storage space. Rocky has been ever present as Superintendent on this project.

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2009

This morning my friends and I got up at 4AM and drove to Albuquerque for our first Balloon Fiesta.  The air was crisp, the sky overcast, and the wind erratic.  About a third of the balloons stayed grounded because of wind conditions.  Here are a few highlights from the fiesta.  Actually, the first pic is of the 5AM moon viewed through the doorway of a ruin on the Little Creek ranch.

Fiesta!

Saturday Hike with Rocky

Rocky surveys his domain 

north of the tracks.

6,100 ft high summit

Rocky with cousin Bonnie, visiting from Colorado.

NM Border Patrol

This is how they roll down here in the southwest. No funny business, and these agents follow the letter of the law.

Rocky the Wonder Dog

Rocky has been a close pal on my visit to NM. He is as agile as a mountain goat, and loves to explore the desert with me. I haven't seen him catch a rabbit yet, but he keeps trying. In this photo, he is scanning the horizon searching for the rare jackalope. We are at an elevation of 6,100 feet.

Native Wildlife

This native non-venomous Bullnose snake was merrily crossing the horse pasture when I took this photo. He is a young fellow, about a foot long.

This tarantula was migrating across the garden and posed for me on the stucco wall. From time to time I also see them crossing the gravel roads and fields in the area.

Greetings from the Land of Enchantment

I have been enjoying the desert southwest for a few weeks. Specifically, the area around Santa Fe, NM.

The photo was taken from the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, 650 feet above the river, about 10 miles from Taos.