If a picture is truly worth a thousand words, and we believe that good ones are, then why do some photographers take beautiful photographs and then write 1500 words to describe them?

Sunday’s first-ever NASCAR Nextel-Cup Series win by driver Casey Mears in the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte also brought home the gold for Floyd Countian Darian Grubb, Mears’ crew chief at Hendrick Motorsports.

I love shooting musicians and singers performing at Frank and Sally Walker’s Cafe del Sol.

The dramatic backdrop of colorful art illuminated by natural light streaming in from the coffee shop’s large windows is a photographer’s dream.

That’s why I had to include more shots from Friday’s shoot while prowling the streets of Floyd.

Windfall (above), minus the lilting voice of Kari Thomas Kovic, are always worth a listen. I first encountered their music in 2004 while photographing the late, unlamented Spring into Summer festival. Called Brother Wind" in those days, the band featred guitarist Dave Fason, mandolin and fiddle player Michael Kovic (right) and Kari. Their harmony and music while singing on the courthouse lawn fascinatedme and I told Amy later that day "you’ve got to hear these folks."

Shooting in the Floyd County Store is also much improved, thanks to the many improvements in staging, sound and lighting by owner Woody Crenshaw and Friday night gave me a good chance to shoot the Jugbusters up close and personal (below).

Floyd kicked off the three-day Memorial Day weekend Friday night with crowded streets, packed night spots and lots of music.

Friday nights are always the big night in Floyd for music and dining and the official start of the summer season, with weather to match, brought the crowds.

At The Floyd County Store (top), an enthusiastic crowd clogged the night away, Friday Night Jamboree style, to the music of the Jugbusters (above) while a dinner crowd at Oddfellas Cantina listened to the more soothing sounds of Kat Mills (right).

For the coffee house bunch, you could find music at both Cafe del Sol and The Blackwater Loft.

The male contingent from Windfall entertained at Cafe del Sol (below) where the large windows provided a dramatic backdrop as the Friday evening light faded.

All things considered, a good kickoff to Memorial Day and the official beginning of the tourista season for both Floyd and the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway.

The music continues tonight with Roni Stoneman (of Hee Haw Fame) performing at the Country Store.

And for the consumer in everyone, Flea Market and Yard Sale Season kicks off as well with the roads lined with yard sales and the Memorial Day Flea Market underway in Hillsville.

One word of caution. Virginia State Police has stepped up traffic enforcement for the weekend. Let’s be careful out there.

When it costs $60.00 to fill up a Jeep Wrangler, you know you’ve got trouble right here in Blue Ridge city. And that starts with "T" and that rhymes with "G" and that stands for "gas."

Each year, as the summer travel season approaches, oil companies find an excuse to raise gas prices: An oil refinery goes down, a purported "threat" emerges in an oil-producing nation or demand spikes.