
The 7 year project to upgrade the Springfield Interchange is barely behind us and now the extension of the Fairfax County Parkway will once again make Springfield commuting a challenge.
Starting in a few weeks the Fullerton Road exit off of I-95 (166B) will be closed. If you are a local commuter who likes to sneak off the I-95 at this exit when southbound traffic is stacked up you will now need to remember to get off at the Backlick Rd exit instead.
A study done by VDOT during the morning peak, an average of 345 vehicles an hour travel along the two lane Fullerton Road to Rolling Road. That becomes 873 an hour at the afternoon peak. On southbound Backlick Road, you will find 1,776 vehicles an hour in the morning peak and 2,918 in the p.m. peak.
Anyone who has sat in the traffic in Springfield knows the extension to the parkway and providing an exit directly from the Parkway to I-95 is sorely needed. With the influx of 21,000 personnel to Fort Belvoir area unraveling the roads around Springfield is a major priority for the VDOT. The parkway project is Virginia's largest Recovery Act project.
If staying off the roads in Northern Virginia during another road construction project appeals to you then check out :

During the month of October you can enjoy Ghost tours at Country Morning at 203 Washington St open daily to 5 pm or call 703 494 6983. Tours October 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31, 2009 at 7 and 8:30 pm.
Read more about Historic Occoquan in Prince William County VA
There are a lot of great things that can be said about yesterday's Real Estate Bar Camp DC. Besides the knowledge shared by our peers across the area the biggest part of any ReBar Camp is the moment when we give back to our community.
ReBar Camp DC selected DC Central Kitchen as an organization to support with donations from the event. The DC Central Kitchen has been serving the DC by compating hunger and providing culinary training to "prepare unemployed, underemployed, previously incarcerated persons, and homeless adults for careers in the foodservice industry."
We were fortunate yesterday to have lunch catered by the staff of Fresh Start Catering part of the DC Central Kitchens program.
ReBar Camp DC raised $1000 from donations from the attendees and sponsors of the event. It is a great feeling to know that ReBar Camps not only in our area but around the country and make donations to help support our communities.
Thanks to everyone who donated to this terrific organization!

As native of the Northern Virginia area I've had a chance to see most of the extremes that have hit the area. Blizzards and hurricanes we've had a few. Sometimes you can even get three seasons in one week. As a military spouse I've also had the opportunity to experience the weather in a few other choice locations and learned a thing or two about how weather forecasters throw around terms that don't necessarily make sense unless you've never lived anywhere else.
When you hear the term "monsoon season" when you live in the Far East you know what that means. However when you later move to Arizona and you hear the weather guessers use the term "monsoon season" you think they are off their rockers. Trust me they aren't the same. In Europe the definition of "oppressively hot" is far different than spending August in Little Rock Arkansas and hearing that same term used. It is indeed "oppressively hot" in Little Rock!
So when it comes to the seasons in Northern Virginia I've learned to ignore what the calendar might say and have come up with my own definition to know when we've gone from one season to another.
When the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom around the Tidal Basin and you can't move for everyone stopping to take pictures then you know that spring has officially arrived.

Summer is here when you see the fireworks exploding around the Washington Monument and you hear the National Symphony Orchestra playing the 1812 Overture.

If you sense a change in the air and the leaves on the trees strut their brightly colored leaves like proud peacocks then fall has arrived.

Winter is the easiest season of all to spot. In fact you don't even have to open your eyes to know it has arrived. When your radio goes off in the morning and you hear the news that cars are sliding on the ice at the Springfield interchange, a veteran of the seasons in the area knows just what to do. Turn off your radio, pull the covers back over your head and wait until the Cherry Blossoms bloom again before you get up!
The great news is that Northern Virginia has all of the season to offer both visitors and residents alike to enjoy. So forget what the weather forecasters have to say and make up your own seasonal calendar. You will be just as accurate and maybe even more so than they are! Check today's weather in Northern Virginia.
If relocating to Northern Virginia is in your plans in the near future give me a call at 703-346-2213. I'd be glad to help you navigate not only our four seasons but the home buying process as well.
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This morning 30,000 runners took off through the streets of Arlington Va and DC to run the Marine Corps Marathon aka the Peoples Marathon. It is fitting that the end of the race everyone should see how the dedication and sacrfice of our military keep us free. Congratulations to all who ran and thank you to all who have served and continue to serve our country.
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