Meditation...

From time to time I venture off the Jamison Family Farm and make my way into West Virginia to a town called Union.  Year round - the drive is spectacular and today was no exception.  The roads are straight, rolling and lined with farms and mountains - it is truly a time for clear thought and meditation for all things worth pondering.

We had snow and ice last night and with Church canceled, I got myself into the Jeep and began the drive...

Soon - I crossed the Great Eastern Divide.

Just beyond the slight hill ahead - on which this sign rests, the valley and scenery fully open...

Looking over my shoulder...

As I continue my trek towards Union, I come to a place called Gap Mills...

In Gap Mills, there is a terrific store that sells all sorts of nuts, chocolate, deli-meat, flour - cheese and more.  It is worth a stop - but they are not open on Sunday...

The store is called Cheese N More...

Moving along on Rt-3 West...

The scenery continues...

Another stop along the way (when it is warm and snow/ice free) is the Rehoboth Church.  It is hard to believe this area was once the Western edge of the frontier.

Continuing along a soothing, meditating, stress relieving drive...

One soon finds themselves upon Union...

An integral part of our haying is soil inputs based on soil tests.  We send the soil samples to Va Tech for analysis and with their recommendations, we buy our lime and fertilizer from Mountaineer Farmer Center in Union.  They are great folks with whom to do business.

Throughout the drive - there are many quilts...

At the end of the journey to Union - I recommend taking time to break bread.  Sometimes I stop at the Korner Kafe or the Kalico Kitchen...

Today I had a relaxing breakfast just beyond Union in a place called Pickaway - at a resturant called the Pickaway Pickins...

As you begin to exit Union - to the North, there is the Union Presbyterian Church with wonderful stained glass and a beautiful sanctuary with a balcony.

Behind the Church to the left is a Civil War monument...

If you'd like a good read, I recommend buying, or better yet, subscribing to the weekly news paper, The Monroe Watchman.

After the drive to Union and a big breakfast - for desert, make a U-turn and enjoy the scenery again as you make your way back to - The Jamison Family Farm.