Robin Purnell's death, a loss to the community

The community was saddened to hear about the sudden death on Saturday of Robin Purnell of Washington.

According to friend and long-time admirer, Richard Lykes of Flint Hill, Robin Purnell will be remembered not only as a distinguished artist here and abroad, she also will be thought of as a kind and gentle person.

Richard has special memories of Robin and her generous nature in a small watercolor she gave him once in return for a small favor.

Among her accolades, Robin was the first American artist to have an exhibition at the Catherine Palace Museum in Pushkin and in the Dostoevsky Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. She was a classical artist in the realism tradition and often painted portraits of the people of rural areas of the world in which she lived, including many in Rappahannock County.

Some of her best work is on exhibit at the Rappahannock County Library and in private collections and museums around the country.

For those in the community staying close to home on weekends because of the high price of gas, and would like to have something to do for pleasure, think no more. You are invited to a series of events sponsored by the Inn Shops at the Inn at Little Washington.

On Sunday, Aug. 3 from 4-6 p.m the Inn Shops will hold a free wine tasting with Barboursville Vineyards in its gallery.

Guests will sample Barboursville's award-winning 2005 Octagon, Barboursville Sparkling Brut, the Inn at Little Washington Chardonnay and Phileo, a blended dessert wine.

The Inn also will feature a new cheese maker from Albermarle County, Caromont Farmstead Chevre, with some amazing goat cheeses. No reservations are necessary. Wine and cheese will be available for sale.

Every Sunday this summer there is an historic walking tour of the town focusing on the architectural and historical buildings of Washington, from 3-4 p.m.

The tour begins at the entrance to the Inn Shops at 439 Main Street and ends with a visit to its famous kitchen while sipping a seasonal cocktail. Cost is free to dinner guests. Special tours and large groups are available at different times.

For more information, call 540-675-3800 ext. 226. Be sure and stop by the Inn's beautiful flower garden in the back. On my walk every morning and afternoon, I have to take a peek to see what new flower is in bloom.

Caulfield Gallery

A fun time was had by all at Steven Kenny's "Dog Days of Summer" reception held at Caulfield Gallery this past Saturday. New friends and old came by, glad for some relief from the heat, and enjoyed ice tea, lemonade and homemade dog biscuits and fire hydrant cookies.

Mr. Kenny's new creations were a hit and several were sold in the gallery. There were many orders for commissions from visitors who wanted Mr. Kenny to paint a portrait of their own pets. The public is invited to stop by the gallery on Middle Street to see this beautiful and fun show which runs through the end of July.

Berry season

July is the month for berries. Blueberries come first, wine berries next, raspberries then blackberries. Blackberries are my favorite. Hope that I can pick some before the bears get them all.

Jenny Stone of Jenny's Stone Soup Catering on Piedmont Avenue has been busy picking berries from Muskrat Haven Farm for her cobblers, jams and pies. She has preserves, pies, cobblers, and fresh fruit salads on her menu.

Ready for a picnic? Her menu includes box lunches and picnic menu selections. She can make up box lunches for as few as two to as many as 40. Picnic service requires a $20 basket deposit unless you provide your own. A blanket and styrofoam cooler also will be provided.

For typical picnic baskets and box lunch menus (for four to 10 servings) she will need at least two days notice. For more servings she will need at least a weeks notice and a menu consultation before confirming the order.

All orders come with plates, cutlery, napkins and any serving utensils you need to enjoy your selections. All menu prices are per serving unless otherwise noted.

She even has a sandwich for the carb-conscious appetites, a turkey bacon wrap. This fresh wrap features fresh sliced deli turkey, crisp bacon strips, lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, your choice of mayonnaise or ranch dressing, and your choice of plain, garlic zesty or sun dried tomato wrap. For more information and pricing, give her a call at 540-905-7963 or stop by her place on Piedmont Avenue

Pat Davis' eight-year-old twin grandsons, Nicholas and Noah Schlunz, placed first over all for Northern Virginia on their swim team for the eight and younger group on July 17.

Her son, Kirk Davis Jr., has started building his clientele for welding and heavy equipment repair services. Keep up the good work Kirk.