May Morning at Standiford Creek

This part of eastern Franklin County is beautiful in the spring. Even though our rainfall has been low this year and our hayfields are short, the ferns along the Standiford Creek in Union Hall look green and lush.

Because of Smith Mountain Lake, Franklin County is one of Virginia’s fastest growing counties. It’s hard to believe that within a few years a shopping center will be a mile away from this creek and a power line with 90 foot tall towers will pass within a fifth of a mile.

Meanwhile, on a warm day in May, my elderly mixed retriever can show my border collie pup the joys of wading in the creek on a 72-acre farm that’s been in my family for 90-some years.