I was settin at the kitchen table this morning lookin out to the east.  Then all of a sudden it struck me.  The entire Blue Ridge skyline was all lit up.  Oranges giving way to pastels, giving way to whites and finally whites bleeding into dark blues.  All the ridgelines were distinct and clear.  I could see the spur ridges dropping off the skyline and gliding down in gentle halfmoon curves towards the valley floor... dropping out of sight behind closer hills. 

Now I've seen this sight 1'000s of times.  While its old hat in a way, it still draws my eye gives me a wistful feeling.  What struck me tho was that this was happening while I was enjoying my English Muffin.... You see it was only 6:20 AM!  Thats right, it was before 6:30 and I could see and discern all these topographic features.  Two weeks ago there was just a slight glow over the Blue Ridge when I left the house at 6:30.  A month ago, I was leaving the house in total darkness and needed to turn on the flood to keep from tripping over the barn cats.

Sping's coming to the Valley.... for sure!