Dave Shockley's (daveshockley) Blog

Below are a few photos that were taken on the Blue Ridge Parkway west of Charlottsville, Virginia.  These new photos were take on Thursday and Friday of this week.  The weather is still great and the leaves are at about 15 to 20 percent in some of the higher elevations.  I hope these pictures wil...

Home Buyers Seminar - Lesson 4 - Your BudgetI know most of us hate to even think about a budget well maybe that is a little strong we think about it but never do anything about it.If you don't have a budget you will never get a good grasp of what you could be saving.  Not knowing where the money ...

Fall Foliage Update for October, 8, 2007 Here are a few more photos that were taken Sunday and this morning.  The leaves are probably at 10 to 15 percent up in the mountains, but down in Charlotesville (in the valley) changes are a little slower.I would recommend not waiting to long to take that ...

 Home Buyers Seminar - Lesson #3 Money Saving Tips cont.We have already taken a general look and mentioned some of the big ones, but in this lesson we are going to recommend that you take a close look at a few specific items.  These are perhaps smaller items that will add up over the months.FOOD ...

As I promised here is mama bear that belongs to the two cubs I posted a few days ago.  She was on her way down off of our deck when I convenced her to pose for a portrait.  The cubs had already climbed down off of the deck.  I still need a photo of the papa bear, but he has not been cooperative.K...

Here is a little something for you nature lovers.  These twins have been visitng our deck with their mother and I finally got a photo.  We try to avoid this type of visit by taking in the bird feeders at night.  However, on this night we were a little late taking everything in.  They do look like...

Here are a few general tips on saving money.You need to know the difference between NEEDS and WANTS.  Don't make the mistake of confusing the two.  This can save you a lot of money over the next few years.  Needs are easily identified.  Those would be any items needed to sustain; food, shelter, c...

If you are thinking about purchasing a home this series of short lessons will provide you with some important advice.  Don't make the mistake of starting the process without taking the time to prepare.  It will make your task much easier.One of your first steps should be to run a Credit Report on...

 "This years festival has come and gone, but I will put out an update as we get closer to the next one" Closely Guarded Secret (Crozet, Virginia) ContinuedIn one of my blogs a few weeks ago I discussed the small community west of Charlottesville, Virginia named Crozet.  I mentioned also that ther...

Blue Ridge Parkway Fall Foliage Update!!!!!!It's that time of the year again.  Autumn or Fall if you prefer.  So I thought I would give you an update on the colors on the Parkway.  You may ask why I would consider myself an expert on this.  Here is your answer.  I drive the Blue Ridge Parkway eve...