Rural Living July 2020
Of Change and Constancy There’s no longer a Monday or Tuesday, just a ‘Nextday’ July 2020 As I write this in late May, I can only imagine what July might be looking like. Right now, Virginia businesses are like an early spring flower: Poking up their heads and looking...Rural Living June 2020
Is It Over Yet? Months after the onset of COVID-19, much uncertainty still abounds June 2020 Is it over yet? The deadline for this column is six weeks before the issue date. That means I’m writing this in late April. So: I don’t know what I don’t know. Are the tests...Rural Living May 2020
From Happy to Sad and Back to Happy I was going to feel like Queen for a Day at the Apple Blossom Festival, but fate intervened May 2020 I was happy and proud and excited, all at the same time. Throw in a little nervous, and you’ve got my state of mind for early May....Rural Living March-April 2020
The Luck of the Irish Fortuity in overcoming misfortune March-April 2020 Will you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this month, regardless of whether you’re Irish? I probably should be among those dancing in the streets. (Although there is no way I’ll drink beer, especially...Rural Living February 2020
For the Love of Food And it’s not all ‘Greek’ to me February 2020 This is the month that’s all about love. Therefore, I will write about … food. George Bernard Shaw once wrote or said, “There is no love greater than the love of food.” A dear, departed friend once sent...Rural Living January 2020
Shoveling My Way Out of Trouble I get the snow before the snow gets me January 2020 Sigh. It’s January, and while I am (always) more than ready to shovel snow, I still haven’t gotten rid of all the leaves that hide in the corners of the porch steps. I still haven’t...Rural Living November-December 2019
The Holidays Are Looming Are houseguests on your horizon? November-December 2019 Ah, houseguests. We are happy to see them arrive. And we are happy to see them go. Houseguests take a lot of prep work. Every room must be vacuumed and dusted and as artfully arranged as...Rural Living October 2019
Wildlife in My Living Room If you want true reality, turn your TV to Animal Planet for a few hours. October 2019 I’ll admit: I’ve become addicted to several shows on the Animal Planet. It’s almost all I watch at night. What I did on my summer vacation was write first,...Rural Living September 2019
September...Rural Living August 2019
July...Rural Living July 2019
July...
THAT STORM WAS RUFF. Joni Butler of Smithfield, a member of Community Electric Cooperative, sent us this photo of her bulldog, Gracie, modeling her rain gear before the arrival of Hurricane Isaias.
Thanks for sharing, Joni! And, more importantly, thanks for reading Cooperative Living!
"Discovery Channel’s Shark Week starts Aug. 9th. We’re ready." --Aleta Shelton, Powhatan, Va. (member of Southside Electric Cooperative)
We are sad to report that our upcoming August advertiser, the Belle Grove Wine Fest, has had to cancel their event set for August 29.
Belle Grove is still open to visitors and in August will be open Monday-Saturday 10-4 and Sunday 1-5 for guided Manor House Tours (with a limit of 10 guest per tour and some restrictions for physical distancing). And the grounds are a great place to visit and have a picnic! All information at www.bellegrove.org. Belle Grove Plantation
