It’s that time of year when county fairs rotate around the valley. Some surrounding counties have already enjoyed theirs and Shenandoah County’s begins next weekend. Children are preparing livestock, adults are baking, canning and selecting their best vegetables, and mechanics are gearing up for the demolition derby. Fairs bring all…
As many readers remember, my father operated Bowers’ Taxidermy for over 60 years. Not only was his work iconic, but his shop became a landmark along the Valley Pike. I consider it a privilege to have been his son. I’ve shared before that dad’s shop was always fascinating as customers…
Many people around the globe have enjoyed watching the various events of this year’s Summer Olympics. From track to soccer to swimming and more, over 11,650 athletes will have competed in 339 events before it is all over. According to the Washington Post, somewhere in the neighborhood of 5,000 gold,…
When I was a freshman at Virginia Tech many years ago, I had the privilege of meeting another student that would become a lifelong friend. Not only did Marlon and I share the same birthday, we also shared the same Savior and a love for agriculture and the outdoors. A…
The long delayed Summer Olympics got underway in Japan this week with opening ceremonies and great excitement. Athletes from around the world have finally converged in Tokyo for the thirty-second edition of skill and speed. Sadly, the events will be conducted without in-person audiences or even family members due to…
Many readers are familiar with Antony and Cleopatra. Shakespeare immortalized this ancient couple in one of his most memorable plays. Although he took some poetic license, the real life interaction between these two was characterized by passion and power involving Roman and Egyptian kingdoms and every realm in between. What…
Summer is the time for vacations and camping trips. Many families enjoy traveling to see relatives, splash in the ocean, or see new sights. Thankfully we are freer to do that this year due to vaccinations and the retreat of coronavirus. A few weeks ago, Nancy and I traveled to…
A good friend of mine recently returned from a mission trip to a third world country in Africa. Thankfully, he was able to offer hope, help, and encouragement and some real solutions to improve their quality of life, their health, and their economic situation. Because the work is ongoing, the…
I guess I’m one of those crazy people who actually likes snakes. To my wife’s great consternation, I had three as pets (all in aquariums) until divesting them a few years ago. Snakes are truly unique creatures and capable of some incredible feats impossible for other members of the animal…
A few years back, I had the privilege touching a nearly 600 year old scroll consisting of five books of the Bible. It was made from calf skins sewn together to form a 72-foot-long manuscript and was the spiritual centerpiece of a Jewish community in Poland for many years. The…