Lifestyles Columnists for Culpeper Star-Exponent

‘Visiting the ‘Pink Lady’

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:58:00 EDT

The history behind the amazing Don Cesar Beach Resort and Spa will come as a surprise to you.

Jabez Finch, solider and prisoner

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:53:00 EDT

While I have been one of the lucky ones having received neither wounds nor having been captured, many of our patriots were not so fortunate.

23: An insignificant birthday

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:32:00 EDT

Twenty-three. What milestone comes with turning 23?

Another great year for the CMR Farm Show

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:44:00 EDT

A big thank you is in order for the community support received by the Culpeper Madison Rappahannock Farm Show.

Lazy summer days?

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 23:42:00 EDT

Ah, there aren’t many feelings that can measure up to the feeling of summer.

Different names, but similar events

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 23:42:00 EDT

Revivals, Chautauguas, and the Women of Faith Conference have different names, but share some interesting similarities.

Intimacy and style aboard a small ship

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 23:36:01 EDT

Small ships offer the opportunity to explore the world from a uniquely personal perspective.

A Connecticut patriot

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 23:35:00 EDT

Since the commander of our Continental Army is a Virginian it is easy to sometimes forget that men from the north have also served our fledgling nation well.

A farmer’s life for me?

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 23:15:00 EDT

Poop. There’s a lot of poop. That’s the main thing I remember from horse camp when I was a kid.

On the trail with the Keswick Hunt

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:37:00 EDT

It’s been pretty hot these past few days here in our little piece of Orange, and I don’t just mean from the weather, we’ve been working extremely hard in the garden trying to clear the mess of old wood, glass, bits of metal wire fence and tons of fallen and rotting trees.

Coming a long way in 250 years

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:39:00 EDT

You’ve come a long way, baby! The reference is to the modest beginnings of the little town known by various names. It was first called Fairfax, then Culpeper Court House and since 1870, it has been simply and officially Culpeper.

Tired of high oil prices? Blame your television and iPod.

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:38:00 EDT

It’s hard to believe, but the TV you watch or the iPod you listen to may be to blame for the high oil prices.

A most uncommon soldier

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:36:01 EDT

I want to relate to you the story I have heard about the exploits of a young Virginian by the name of Peter Francisco.

I think I can, I think I can: But those Blue Ridge Avenue hills are brutal

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:35:00 EDT

Completing a 5K race may not seem like a lot to anyone who is a regular runner. But for me, running — er, jogging — across the finish line at the end of a grueling 3.1 miles was an enormous accomplishment.

Eastern Shore light show

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:31:00 EDT

Independence Day night arrived on Virginia’s Eastern Shore with a stormy crash-boom-bang, lightning dispersing a crowd of more than 1,000 from the beach at Cape Charles like something out of “War of the Worlds.”

Brush with the law

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:31:00 EDT

It’s been quite a week or two since I last wrote about our move to Orange and in particular the issues I was having getting the phone service connected.

Why is July 4 Independence Day?

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:36:00 EDT

Ever wonder why a particular date was selected to celebrate a particular event?

Land that I love

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:35:00 EDT

I wasn’t going to write a column this week, but all it took was a little inspiration.

Why use a travel agent?

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:35:00 EDT

Travel agents can save you time, money and stress.

Isaac Hayne — An American hero

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:34:00 EDT

During my service with Gen. Francis Marion in our battles up and down the Pee Dee River area, I came to know and admire Col. Isaac Hayne.

How to help your lawn stay green during the hot summer months

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:31:00 EDT

The first heat wave of the summer is almost always accompanied by a sudden decline in cool-season lawn quality and a rapid increase in growth rate of warm-season grasses (both lawn grasses and weeds like crabgrass).

Healthy students

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:36:00 EDT

As summer begins, so does the conditioning and training of many student-athletes.

Thomas Paine: A true patriot

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:36:00 EDT

One of our most remarkable patriots did not carry a musket, nor did he wield a sword but instead with pen and paper he did extol the peoples of our fledgling country to rise forth and fight for our freedom from the tyrannical rule of King George.

Who says you can’t go home?

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:34:00 EDT

A trip to my hometown of Charlotte, N.C. last weekend got me thinking: Who says you can’t go home?

Mountain blueberries a delicious surprise

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:34:00 EDT

And now, the rest of the story.

Angler water-sewer proposal has pros and cons

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:33:01 EDT

Angler Development’s creation of the Culpeper Utility Partners first strikes one as shady given Angler’s recent bankrupted projects and inability to see the oncoming freight train of a housing downturn — but privatizing water and sewer in Culpeper may be the best thing.

Another wreck might lead to more miracles

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:30:00 EDT

I was driving home from the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center on March 4. I had already seen the weather forecast and I had heard the weather in Martinsville (where I live) was supposed to get pretty bad around 4 p.m. It was almost 8 p.m. as I was nearing home and the weather was, indeed, bad.

A trip to the Arikok National Park

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:30:00 EDT

As the planning begins for a great family vacation, consider something fun, exciting and educational.

Service with a smile? Only at the CDCTA meet

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 23:36:01 EDT

You may recall last week how I mentioned my recent move to Orange and how Anita and I were spending our time trying to get things sorted so that we could properly move in.

Tragic loss at Germantown

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:38:00 EDT

I first served under Brigadier Gen. Francis Nash when he was appointed a captain in the North Carolina militia by Gov. William Tryon.

Costa Rica: An intimate discovery

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:38:00 EDT

Our accommodations in Costa Rica ranged from 4-star resorts to very rural, charming lodges.

Buddy and other dogs you can’t trust with berries

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:37:00 EDT

Summer on the farm has always been full of mystery and adventure for me, though there are those who would claim that my idea of adventure is pretty humdrum by current-day cinematic standards.

Don’t blame big oil for high gas prices

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:22:02 EDT

For the first time ever, the average retail price of gasoline, at $4.02/gallon, has cracked the $4.00/gallon barrier, according to the latest research by AAA.

Sorting out higher food prices

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:40:01 EDT

Are you surprised to learn that farmers receive only 20 cents from every retail food dollar you spend?

Moving down the road

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:40:00 EDT

Now whatever you do this week, do not talk to me about the weather, please!

Relay for Lifers are awesome

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 23:30:00 EDT

When it comes to fighting for cancer victims, Relay For Lifers are unstoppable.

Not alone at Yorktown

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 23:29:00 EDT

It sometimes felt as though we were waging this war for our independence without the support of others, particularly here in the south where the effort has been so grueling.

‘Juneteenth’ celebrations abound in region

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 23:20:00 EDT

This July 4 Americans will celebrate the 232nd anniversary of the declaration of our nation’s independence.

Brits adjust to wild, wacky weather

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 03:12:00 EDT

I don’t know, but much as we love America, it is really difficult to come to terms with the wild and “out-of-whack” weather we are experiencing here.

Be prepared for a horse emergency

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 03:01:00 EDT

Emergency responder training with horses is set for June 27, with two sessions planned. From 8:30 a.m. to noon will be a beginners class and from 1-5 p.m. will be an intermediate class.

Our turn has come to spread our wings, and to say ‘thank you’

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 04:30:01 EDT

As we come to the final weeks of Culpeper County having one high school and 2008 graduates making their final preparations for the big day and parties and the summer ahead, there are many perceptions circulating of what this change will bring in our lives.

On top of the world

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 04:30:00 EDT

Breathtaking Alaska a whole new world

It was a dark and stormy night in Washington, D.C.

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 04:30:00 EDT

Terrible clichés aside, the world has seen some devastating weather in recent months.

The front porch: The staple of Southern living

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 04:30:00 EDT

Porches, not to be confused with decks or a patio connected to the house, are often considered the quintessential icon of Southern culture depicted in residential architecture.

Finding love across the pond

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:30:00 EDT

Gillian Holliday, 34, begins a new monthly Culpeper News column today.

Pets can have cancerous tumors too

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:25:00 EDT

Let’s get right to this week’s questions. Q: What can I do to make the most of a trip to the veterinarian?

Enjoying the lesser known wine Tannat

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:23:01 EDT

One of the lesser known grapes that I have come to enjoy is Tannat.

Volunteering opens up new possibilites for everyone involved

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:14:01 EDT

Here at the Piedmont Volunteer Center, connecting organizations with volunteers is our mission.

From dive to destination

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:09:00 EDT

Farmer’s Market continues to grow in former downtrodden area.

Were you raised in a barn? Cover those dirty feet!

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Even in the swankiest of settings, there will always be someone without class.

Progressive thinking, preservation not that different

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:01:00 EDT

The original question was, “Can one advocate for the preservation of what was and be a progressive thinker?” It is time now to answer that reoccurring conundrum or at least give it a hearty effort.

Take a train to NYC

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:01:00 EDT

With summer around the corner and, gas prices rising sometimes twice in a day, a family vacation might not be on the list of things to do.

Big and rowdy: An Alaskan roadtrip

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:01:00 EDT

ALASKA! Everything’s bigger up there. Forget Texas.

Developing a nose for the story

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:01:00 EDT

In my never ending quest to find something vaguely related to the equine world to write about each week, I tend to travel far and wide to find something I can make a story out of.

D.C.’s newest museum worth a visit

Thu, 22 May 2008 00:45:00 EDT

Being that Washington, D.C. is one of the world’s cultural and historical hotspots, it comes as no surprise that the city is an ideal spot for a museum devoted to news.

Method of story-telling impacts learning, retition

Thu, 22 May 2008 00:45:00 EDT

During the past few weeks, you have indulged me while I dissected the basic tenets of “history;” breaking the subject into three parts.

Visitors flock to Culpeper battlefields

Thu, 22 May 2008 00:45:00 EDT

Over the past 23 years, it has been my privilege to conduct hundreds of tours of Civil War sites in Culpeper County for thousands of visitors from all over our country — as well as intrepid folks hailing from foreign shores.

D.C.’s newest museum worth a visit

Thu, 22 May 2008 00:30:00 EDT

Being that Washington, D.C. is one of the world’s cultural and historical hotspots, it comes as no surprise that the city is an ideal spot for a museum devoted to news.

Childlike moments: Finding out what growing up is about

Thu, 15 May 2008 05:38:00 EDT

Well this is it. AP exams are finishing and graduation is only one month away.

I moan and gripe, but I’ve got it made

Thu, 15 May 2008 05:23:00 EDT

Sometimes it’s easy to forget how good we have it.

Self-drive program popular for Ireland

Thu, 15 May 2008 05:22:00 EDT

One of the most popular requests for Ireland is the self-drive program.

A successful Ms. Wheelchair program

Thu, 15 May 2008 05:19:00 EDT

On the weekend of April 11-13, we had our very successful second annual Ms. Wheelchair Virginia Program at WWRC

Amazing the categories we place on each other

Thu, 15 May 2008 05:18:00 EDT

A few weeks ago I met up with some Army recruiters to talk to college students about opportunities in the military.

Moral of the story: Know your storyteller

Thu, 15 May 2008 05:08:00 EDT

I spent this past weekend completely immersed in a tale of the American Civil War, the Battle of the Wilderness to be specific.

Bermuda: Island Queen of the Atlantic

Thu, 08 May 2008 04:50:00 EDT

This island paradise, in the Gulf Stream, is the northern most coral reef in the Atlantic Ocean with a nautical history spanning more than 500 years.

Is something burning? Time to break out the SPF 50-plus

Thu, 08 May 2008 04:27:00 EDT

“You look like you already have skin cancer,” my friend told me Sunday.

Red dirt don’t hurt; hey, it’s historical

Thu, 08 May 2008 04:15:00 EDT

This line of work gets dirty. It’s not all sitting behind a desk.

Enlightened education

Sun, 04 May 2008 05:57:00 EDT

The first thing you notice is the natural light. It floods down halls from huge exterior windows. It streams down from skylights. It washes into classrooms from both exterior and interior portals.

The importance of routine blood tests

Sun, 04 May 2008 05:46:00 EDT

Several times this column has discussed the importance of regular laboratory screenings as part of routine physical examinations. This past week, three patients in my practice were dramatic reminders of the incredible benefit of routine blood testing.

Eastern View High School gets it right

Sun, 04 May 2008 05:42:00 EDT

Let me say first, that I am not an apologist for Culpeper County Public Schools although, to be completely transparent, my wife does work at the central office.

Early Literacy Stations are fun for kids

Sun, 04 May 2008 05:39:00 EDT

Do you want to give your child a great start? Do you want your child to succeed in reading and writing? How about math, science, and geography?

A celebration of older Americans

Sun, 04 May 2008 05:34:00 EDT

Do you realize that the oldest living person just turned 115 years of age?

Auburn: Culpeper’s historical gem

Thu, 01 May 2008 03:43:00 EDT

More than 20 years ago when I first began researching Culpeper’s rich Civil War history, I was fortunate to meet a truly memorable lady—a lady in the truest sense of that distinguished term. It is a fact that Sallie Ratrie Witten, the matriarch of Auburn, helped set the model for Culpeper graciousness, geniality and unselfishness of spirit.

History is simply a story

Thu, 01 May 2008 03:40:00 EDT

Last week we opened Pandora’s Box with a question, “What is more important, the storyteller, the story itself, or the telling of it?”

A new trend: Girlfriend getaways

Thu, 01 May 2008 03:34:00 EDT

More and more we are receiving requests to plan a long weekend with girlfriends, best friends, sisters, daughters and mothers.

Racism and reality TV

Thu, 01 May 2008 03:25:00 EDT

So I’m watching ‘Idol’ last night and a friend and I were talking about one of the contestants who — week after week — has continuously showcased an amazing set of pipes.

Tips to keep your lawn healthy and green

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 03:38:00 EDT

One of the unique features of turfgrasses is that, unlike most other plants in the landscape, lawn grasses tolerate regular mowing at amazingly close clipping heights.

A once in a lifetime event

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:42:00 EDT

Oberammergau is a town in Germany’s Bavarian area with a name that has become synonymous with the “Passion Play” performed there every 10 years.

What’s more important: the storyteller, the story or the telling of it?

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:38:00 EDT

I am obsessed — maybe possessed — by the essence of history in all its forms be they personal, communal or institutional.

Overland Campaign begins in Culpeper

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:35:00 EDT

Of all the vital decisions made by Civil War commanders, one of the more pivotal judgments of the entire war was rendered here in Culpeper.

Overcoming tragedy

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:30:00 EDT

About two weeks ago, I sat for the few minutes I had and thought as I normally do, “What am I going to write about this month?”

A place where history reaches out and touches you

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:16:00 EDT

How many people can a house touch emotionally?

Only you can prevent apartment fires

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:08:00 EDT

If you’ve kept up with local news in the past few weeks, you’ve probably noticed the string of house fires across the county.

Springing ahead at S.A.F.E.

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 04:48:00 EDT

We all seem to feel the need, this time of year, to do some spring cleaning in our homes.

Be careful with cat litter

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 04:44:01 EDT

Last week part of my column included material from one I wrote two and a half years ago on veterinary practice names.

The nose knows when it comes to wine

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 04:38:00 EDT

The smell of a wine is, of course, closely related to its taste.

U.Va. drumline doesn’t miss a beat

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 06:37:00 EDT

“I almost missed the e-mail inviting me to play in the concert,” Lindsay Johnson told me over the phone a couple days before Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood performed at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville

An amazing ‘Carnival Ride’

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 06:35:00 EDT

All I can say is when Keith Urban holds your hand, looks you in the eye and says, “Hi there, thanks for coming,” you lose your mind.

‘Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans’

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 05:09:00 EDT

I’ll admit it. I am not a spontaneous person. I like to plan my days, make my “to do lists” and cross out tasks accomplished.

Business start-up costs

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 05:02:00 EDT

Business start-up costs are the expenses you incur before you actually begin business operations.

My next 30 years

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:45:00 EDT

Tomorrow’s the big day. The day I’ve not been looking forward to for the past two years. As it’s inched closer, the more reflective I have become.

Awarded a world of opportunity through journalism

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:19:01 EDT

I’ve always thought journalists have one of the best jobs.

Nanu, nano: Sweatin’ to the oldies

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:33:00 EDT

My husband continues to force technology on me. But who knew it could connect you with your past and/or help you lose weight?

Slow down (in life and on the road), you might not know what you’re missing

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:04:01 EDT

"I've got to slow down." It's a thought I've had recently as my 30th birthday has crept up on me (eight days and counting, not that I'm keeping track).

The best of both worlds

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:04:00 EDT

The sweet scent of pink cherry blossoms lining D.C.'s Tidal Basin invites a multitude of sightseers to the nation's capital every year, and Saturday I got the chance to play tourist and partake in the festivities. Your comments

Go ahead and call me ‘Jay,’ I’ll just smile and nod

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 19:03:00 EDT

I've had the unfortunate coincidence since the beginning of e-mail to have my address almost always be jsay@someplace. Your comments

Another side of Stonewall

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:03:00 EDT

Documentary delves into Confederate general's past. Your comments

Book gives unique insight on general

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:03:00 EDT

The title alone is enough to elicit a resounding "What the … " In today's era, a book called "Stonewall Jackson: The Black Man's Friend" might make most people scratch their heads or immediately label the author nuts. Your comments

Iceland: Land of fire and ice

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:03:00 EDT

The March issue of National Geographic has a 28-page article on Iceland with outstanding photographs to whet your appetite for this North Atlantic country that so few people know. Your comments

The history of chores

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:03:00 EDT

Chores. How many of you have a positive reaction to that word- Your comments