There are times in our lives when we are so overwhelmed by the circumstances that surround us, that nothing seems to work and everything seems to be headed downhill.

At last, we are heading east again leaving Stevensburg and aiming for Lignum.

Now that the worst of winter is over, we find ourselves in the midst of visiting season as family and friends find their way across the Atlantic to visit us in our beautiful and at times, breathtaking part of Virginia.

Pets need a bailout too

It is spring, which reminds me of an important lesson of nature. We reap what we sow. This is most evident in the agribusiness community.

My secret is out. I spend the better part of my current time writing about history and volunteering with the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield so that I may rub elbows with the likes of Richard Dreyfus. I confess it was a thrill!

Taken by itself, it’s easy to see how “Cotton Patch Gospel” would inspire everything from knee-slapping enthusiasm to smiles of confusion to the occasional red-faced rage. Religion is a very personal thing, and people like what they’re used to.

The year of the garden seems to be upon us as there is an awakening in general to this useful plot of land, a tradition for most rural families but a discovery for some, even at the White House.

Today’s business environment requires a circumspect view of opportunities.

If you are planning to show or compete with your horse this spring, it is essential that you get your horse into shape as muscle strength and stamina will be a big factor in how he (or she) handles rigorous work.

Considering your plans for the summer? Be sure to put Thursday, June 4 on your calendar for the annual 28-year young tradition — CulpeperFest.

The farm lane is a half-mile fortification between the house and the rest of the world unremarkable in physical attributes while teeming with beguiling tales.

I drove across Cherry Hill Road last Saturday on the way to a youth cattle working team practice on Route 729 and noticed along the way that an avid gardener had already worked his his or her land.

If you think that talk is cheap, think again.

Ah, March. Despite its blustery winds and possibilities of lingering snowfalls, it just cannot escape what it is best known for — the beginning of a brand new life cycle.

Even in the world of make-believe, one reality hits hard. In an economic depression — and if this isn’t a depression, it’ll do till one comes along — people cut the extras first.

We’ve entered into March and spring is finally on its way, or at least that is what it is supposed to be like as I sit here now and look out of my window at the biggest snowfall we have had so far this winter.

Are you ready? Economic recovery begins the first quarter of 2010.

We can all agree that our teenagers have a number of needs. The No. 1 need is the desire to belong or be a part of something.

Henry Clay Lewis Jr., a black man with strong family ties in Culpeper County, set his sights on becoming a successful farmer, a Lewis family legacy begun by his father.

Spring forage establishment plans started last fall and are now coming to a head.

Humane thoughts

Yes, we are in a shifting global economy!

For the past few years, we have seen the economy taking a downturn.

Who in the world was Jim Crow and why is he credited with such a prominent role in the history of segregated America?

The “Green Cards” arrived in the mail the other day amongst whoops of joy at our finally becoming “legit” members of US society.

Are you a solopreneur?

On Feb. 7, Rize-Up Youth Ministries hosted a food packaging event at Culpeper County High.

Mollie Coleman Beck, resident of Culpeper, and a member of Free Union Baptist Church was a lifelong educator in the Culpeper and Orange County Schools.

If you have not fed any hay yet you are now a member of the Graze 300 club.