Friday morning’s heavy rains and the afternoon threat of more did not stop the twice-postponed regional varsity track meet at Floyd County High School as students from several area schools participated under a heavy cloud cover and more rain that drenched the later events of the meet.

Fred First knows better. He intruded, without permission, into my “birds against the sky” franchise Thursday with a beautiful Photoshopped image of a raven against a brilliant, cloudlit sky. He also added some pithy comments about what he feels is my annoying habit of finding such photos wherever I go.

Tried out the newly-reopened Pine Tavern Restaurant last night. Some friends who had tried it loved it while others found the food uninspired.

Perhaps the inconsistency comes from being new. We found the food fantastic with excellent service and a convivial atmosphere for a fun evening.

The new Pine offers two choices for dinner: Homestyle dining or off the menu dishes like catfish, chicken, meatloaf and other delicacies.

For 28 years, older citizens in this part of Southwestern Virginia have gathered in April for the New River Valley Senior Olympics where they participate in competitions like the softball throw (and batting), basketball throw, discus and frisbee tosses, bowling and golf.

One of the family of mallards that moved into the stream in our front yard regards me as I arrive home Tuesday. The duck used to run when I approached. Now there is a mixture of wariness and benign acceptance of another intrusion from the human who lives up the hill.