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CornerShot, Aug. 20, 2013

To submit a CornerShot

The Roanoke Times welcomes CornerShot submissions from its readers. Here are the guidelines:

Length: about 200 words
Topic: CornerShots can run the gamut, but we generally prefer unique and clever observations on the human experience.
No poetry, please.
Email your submission to extra@roanoke.com with your full name and hometown and “CornerShot” in the subject line. You can also mail submissions to Kathy Lu, CornerShot, The Roanoke Times, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, VA 24010.
Submissions are subject to editing.

1. Britney Spears spotted at Lynchburg restaurant

2. One person injured in Friday night shooting in Roanoke

3. Roanoke resource officer's quick action saved young girl

4. East Carolina poses new challenge for Virginia Tech football

5. Lowe's tapes may hold clues to Roanoke woman's death

6. William Byrd stuns Salem in football win

7. Roanoke County electrical short quiets 5 Wheeler radio stations

8. Captive in Roanoke County describes harrowing time with angry friend

9. Concert review: Timeless Willie Nelson plays to appreciative crowd

10. History says this one will matter for Virginia Tech

Ellen Arnold | A reader in Salem

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

I grew up in Carroll County, where some of the best cabbage in the world is grown.

Recently, I was visiting near the Blue Ridge Parkway for a few days. On a Wednesday morning when I needed to return to Salem, it was very foggy. In order to find a less foggy route, I decided to go by way of U.S. 58, Virginia 100 and Interstate 81.

The fog and clouds were gone before I got to Hillsville, so I decided to go to the farmers market to find some fresh vegetables.

I found some cabbage heads that had been harvested after 7 a.m. that morning and bought three perfect heads. When I got to Salem about 2:30, I packed two cabbages in a box to ship by UPS to my sister in Williamsburg (formerly of Carroll County).

She called me at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday to say that the UPS man had left her a most wonderful surprise package. The box weighed eight pounds and cost $15 to ship. Hearing her express her joy and appreciation was "priceless."

So fog is not always bad, when you take the right road.

Saturday, September 14, 2013