Urban Escapee

Eric, our awesome contractor, came by the grocery today to give Brian two things he dug up from the root cellar (aka wine cellar) during our last work installment (when he removed the floors). Eric’s been busy all summer and I know why: he rocks. ...

First: what I get out of it. Well, I live nearby. I’m invested in two home renovations, a business, and an urban farm here. That’s because I believe in this up-and-coming neighborhood and the city in general. Here’s why I think, at $72K, this house is a bargain: Hello?! It’s only $72K!! Even i...

My grandfather died recently. He was 93. He’s already missed. Here’s a shot of my father and I with Granddaddy shortly after I was born. Granddaddy was many things and this short post couldn’t begin to do justice. I’ve struggled to put it into words internally. Forget...

Just came across this press release, confirming the trend of leaving cities and working from points once considered “off-the-map”: New communications technology, coupled with increasingly congested and expensive business climates in large metro areas, has driven many large employers to base ope...

Whew! Very busy lately. But it’s all good busyness so without further ado, our four and one-half announcements: First, the 1/2: Work begins again at Jefferson tomorrow morning. Our contractor will be removing all of the flooring. ...

I call my experience here “New Ruralism”, but in truth, I’ve traded one very large city experience (Manhattan) to a microcosm city experience (downtown Staunton, VA pop. 25,000). At both locations a sidewalk leads to restaurants, cultural events, and the arts! And yes: I know I’m lucky. I coul...

An omen? He uncovered this on Saturday. Ah, the lucky horseshoe. It seems appropriate. There are increasingly good things happening…and more to announce soon enough. Meanwhile… we await our carpenter’s estimate to start on the floors. a...

First, the “Meat” of This Post Last night was a real treat! We were invited to a Mary Baldwin College “Global Food Politics” class and meal featuring Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms. Here’s a photo of Brian scrambling eggs with Joel. For any...

The economy is forcing more people to reconsider leaving an urban center for another lifestyle. Here’s the story of one young couple who left Beverly Hills. ...

We found this antique gas heater on a brief trip to Kentucky. Sure, it may be unsafe and possibly kill us in our sleep — doesn’t it LOOK interesting?? Love the claw feet. I was very pleased to discover it fits perfectly in the firebox! It weighs a ton. Do...

Hooray! The demolition phase of the project is over — and what a difference it made! We’re extremely pleased with our crew. They cleaned up everything, covered the open windows, removed very stubborn nails, and even swept it out. (No more pigeon poop!). Th...

Hooray! The Jefferson project is officially under way. First order of business? Clean up...

Here is an excellent audio clip about the planned re-development of Tysons Corner (outside Washington, DC, in Northern Virginia). Tysons Corner was originally built on the outskirts of DC. It’s design depended largely on the automobile. ...

Last Saturday we re-launched George Bowers Grocery to elbow-to-elbow crowds. The response from the community continues to be very encouraging. (Thank you, Newtown/Staunton!) Now we start work really dialing it in so that the store can find it’s place in the community again. ...