blue spruce growing on their property. The tree had to be cut three more times before it would fit in the house! I never was much good at eyeballing measurements. Once the behemoth was in place, my daughter Heather and I strung popcorn and cranberry garlands on it, standing on chairs and the bar to reach the top. The only other decorations adorning it were white lights, red plaid bows and pinecones sprinkled with glitter. I thought it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen and with an old quilt spread around its base, it looked like something right out of a Laura Ingalls novel. When the holidays were over we drug the massive tree outdoors for the birds to feast on. When my first marriage ended, I found myself living back at the camp, sad but determined to be happy in the future. That first Christmas was frugal to say the least. I went to a co-worker’s farm, cut a cedar tree and loaded it in the back of my ’51 Ford pickup and drove home. I dug out the candles with white lights and put them in every window. I hiked up the mountain and pulled garlands of running cedar to place on the fireplace mantle. Turning to come back I remember looking down and seeing the candle’s soft glow in my cabin against a backdrop of evening sky and dark blue mountains and my heart filled with a joy I hadn’t known in quite some time. Suddenly the lack of material goods seemed trivial compared to the richness my heart felt. As I stepped through the door the aroma of cedar filled the camp and I put a pan of water on to boil for cocoa, turned on some Christmas carols and threw a few logs in the woodstove. I filled an antique trunk with wrapped presents for my daughter and strung colored lights in the antlers of a deer head mounted over the fireplace. The whole effect was cozy, especially when I turned out the lights and lit a few oil lamps. The dim yellow glow of their flames cast long shadows about the room and set the scene for simplicity. Heather came in and we ate our Christmas meal, attended a candlelight church service, drove around to see the holiday lights, and came back to open presents. I celebrated two more Christmases in that fashion and although I was alone, I was never lonely. Then the unexpected happened. My family of two turned into a multitude of blessings as December 1992 rolled around. My mother, whom I hadn’t celebrated a Christmas with in twenty-five years, moved to Waynesboro, just a hop, skip and a jump from where I lived. A month before, I began dating a man who just happened to be my “up the road” neighbor and the miracle of love unfolded as Billy Coffey and I began to plan our future together. Although we’ve had many a happy Christmas in our own cabins since, the one spent at the Saunder’s camp will always remain the dearest. For it was there I received the greatest gift one could ever acquire; peace of mind, hope for the future and a heart full of love. For the first time, the Bible verse of Jeremiah 29:11 that I clung to during the hard times, became a living reality as its timeless words spoke to me. “I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil; to give you a future and a hope.” May each of you, regardless of your circumstances, be thankful this Christmas season for the simple blessings God gives as well as the greatest gift a loving Father can bestow; the gift of His Son ... NCL
OLD WORLD CARPENTRY “hoch die zimmererkunst” Jens Müller
6997 Rockfish River Road Schuyler, VA 22969 434.831.5998 CUSTOM SAWING WITH A WOOD MIZER PORTABLE BAND SAW
oldworldcarpentryvirginia.com
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HUNTING AND RECREATIONAL LAND DURRETT TOWN ROAD 74 23.03ACRES ∙ $265,000 ∙ MLS#488478 This property has six subdivision rights, (per owner), and is located in northern Nelson County with quick and easy access to Waynesboro and Charlottesville. Property has a stream and several ideal building sites, all with good views. Private location with year round views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Good location for a small vineyard or small working farm growing hops for the local micro-breweries. It is private and located in one of the most desirable areas of Nelson County. Agent: Tim Merrick 434-825-0866
FOXLAND FARM (FORMERLY CRITZER FARM) 40ACRES ∙ $697,000 ∙ MLS#492994 The property is a short drive to Waynesboro & Charlottesville with Blue Mountain Brewery, A. M. Fog and the Rockfish Country Store in the neighborhood. This is one of the most scenic sites in the Afton area, with a combination of an ancient Oak Grove and open land. The western and southern views are all Blue Ridge. A very unique, one of a kind site. This property would make a great vineyard or horse property; possibly a winery. Agent: Tim Hess 434-361-0545
LAUREL ROAD 60ACRES ∙ $189,000 ∙ MLS#487237 Spectacular mountain views and several home site locations - you will need to walk up the drive to appreciate the views and the beauty of the land. Private location but only a few miles from Lovingston. The property already has an “Existing Well” and “Electric Power” is routed to the property. Agent: Joe Kincaid 434-361-0551
MILL POND ROAD 93.99 ACRES ∙ $375,000 ∙ MLS# 492250 Ideal for a family desiring 4 or 5 elevated, well contoured building sites on three sides of a spring fed stream, which could be converted to a private pond. The property is on Cove Creek, affording a bold stream access for recreation. Agent: Peter Farley 434-361-0567
PAINTERS MOUNTAIN LANE 1675 93 ACRES ∙ $798,000 ∙ MLS#498056 Very rare high mountain meadows & woodlands property is a bowl with magnificent views of National Forest and surrounding area. Agent: Tim Hess 434-361-0545
TAX MAP 43-A PARCEL 5-B 0 48 ACRES ∙ $168,000 ∙ MLS#502359 A protected cove with a 4X4 trail to high and secluded building sites. Adjoining a beautiful, open farm with excellent mountain views from the property line on top of the hill. There is a walk able trail from Rt. 151 thru the property to the top of the hill. The trail is up a cove with hills on either side and proceeds to commanding building sites and magnificent views. Agent: Peter Farley 434-361-0567 * PHONE AND DATA CHARGES MAY APPLY TO TEXT MESSAGES AND INTERNET ACCESS.
www.wintergreenrealestate.com 800.325.2200 DECEMBER 2012 NELSON COUNTY LIFE 25