On Sunday afternoon, Mike’s son pulled out of the driveway after a quick weekend visit to Mendota, and I decided to take the dear girls for a ride. They are so stiff that I have to lift them into the truck, but they so enjoy their rides. My back is going to break before they are gone, but that’s okay. We took the camera on our ride and took a few pictures of the road work at Barnrock Road.

Here’s where Swinging Bridge Road intersects with Barnrock Road.    The new road will be behind that black plastic…I’m not sure how the cut off onto Swinging Bridge will look.    The Elk Knob folks who are working on this road seem to be focused on the other end at the present time.

And here’s where Granny Bott’s house was…

Here’s how it looked a few months ago…

I drove up to where Barnrock intersects with the Mendota Road which I still call “802”.   Before the county actually named the roads, we called them by their route numbers.   For instance,  I live on 614. If I go up through Rich Valley, I’m traveling 700.

There is a new  huge culvert/drain area running along the onset of Barnrock Road.   Does VDOT know something we don’t? It’s true we have had water running across the road in this area but this thing could divert the North Fork of the Holston River!  Here it is….

Another picture…I told you it was huge!

Here’s another…it’s as wide as the road.

I walked up the road (802) a bit and saw something I’ve been looking for. It was right under my nose. If you don’t know what this is, you aren’t over 40 and you weren’t raised in Washington County, Virginia.  It’s the “premium leaf”…Burley tobacco.

Mr. Burley…I’ve been looking for you….

Mr. Burley, I smell you…yes sir I do….

You’ll be “in case” or “in order” soon and then you’ll be sold. There will be a check to cash. I remember Mother and Daddy getting their check, and I’d get shoes!     So long ago…so much has changed, so it’s nice to see your familiar face.  

Cozart #1…Cozart #2…hey Mr. Burley I’ve been lookin’ for you!

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