Profile of Robert L. Elliott7888 Roanoke Rd.
Fincastle, Va 24090 [since 1978]
Profile of Robert L. Elliott
7888 Roanoke Rd.
Fincastle, Va 24090
[since 1978]
Married Age: 59 Occupation: Retired &Teacher
Interests: Farming, Gardening, Landscaping, Music
Family Pets
I am a recently retired middle school teacher in
Botetourt County Virginia with an interest in Appalachian folklore and raising
sheep of the hair breeds. Our small farm is approx. 4.4 acres with over half of it in
pasture for our 14 sheep. The general rule for pasture is 4 sheep
per acre but this may vary depending on condition of the land and the breed of
sheep. Our pasture is well fenced, open and in good condition plus the Katahdin hairsheep breed require less area for food than many of
the larger breeds. We also have a garden which provides an ample amount of
food for canning and freezing. I enjoy growing heirloom and less known
varieties of different vegetables and fruit but modern types make up the
majority of the garden, especially in the corn area. English and
heirloom roses are another interest. Hopefully in the near future the rose
beds along with the perennials will create that English old time look, if the
weather cooperates.
Other interests include a variety of computer work such as digital photography and developing web pages. I maintain four web sites plus work during tax season updating tax programs for an accounting firm. I use a standard windows PC for most of my work but occasionally use Mac's when employed for the school system. I feel both types of computer have their advantages and disadvantages but since I learned on a PC and basically they are less expensive I use a PC for most computing. I do think Apple produces a good product, is more innovative and progressive but I'll stick with windows for right now. Hopefully Apple will continue being a competitor and alternative to windows systems. I enjoy working with web pages but my lack of artistic ability does not help the final result.
One of my favorite pastimes especially in the winter months is reading. I enjoy several areas and subjects but historicals and history are probably my favorites. My aim is to read at least one book a month. My favorite bookstore is Givens Used Books in Salem, Va. and is highly recommended for depth and value. Two other bookstores in the Roanoke Valley worthy of mention are Books-a-Million, for its value in discounted books and Barnes & Noble for its eclectic selection and quiet atmosphere. Writing the book reviews on this webpage makes reading even more fun and enjoyable.
Future Plans: We will probably stay in Botetourt County for the time being but sometime in the future may relocate to a more rural area, probably in Floyd County Va., to expand our sheep herd. Also of great interest is the Buffalo Mountain area of Floyd/Carroll Counties Va. and the stone Presbyterian churches built in this area by Bob Childress, the Man Who Moved a Mountain during the Depression and 40's.
Links to Favorite Places to Visit
http://www.meadowcreekdairy.com/
Meadow Creek Dairy - cheese maker, Galax, Va
http://www.asheville.com/ Asheville, NC
http://ncnatural.com/Parkway/ Blue
Ridge Parkway
http://www.nps.gov/blri/ Blue Ridge
Parkway 2
http://www.greenbrierwv.com/lewisburg/lewisburg.html Lewisburg, WV
http://www.blueridgeinstitute.org/
Blue Ridge Institute & Museum at Ferrum College Va
http://www.floydva.com/ Floyd
County, Va
http://www.lexingtonvirginia.com/
Historic Lexington Va
http://www.frontier.state.va.us/
Frontier Culture Museum, Staunton Va
http://www.roanokenaturalfoods.com/ Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op
Roanoke Va
http://www.virtual-shropshire.co.uk/shrewsbury-abbey/ Shrewsbury Abbey
& Shrewsbury, England
http://www.glencoe.u-net.com/
Glencoe Scotland
http://www.visitbath.co.uk/ Bath
England
http://www.thehomestead.com/
The Homestead Bath Co. Virginia
http://www.isle-of-iona.com/ Isle of
Iona webpage
http://www.lexingtonvirginia.com/
Lexington Va. webpage
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