Truth be told, I (Susan) have yet to see a single cicada.  So I asked on Facebook, and more than 80 people responded within hours that they were seeing them everywhere.  Reports came from Summerduck, Caroline, Beaverdam, Amissville, Massaponax, Timberlake, Cosner's Corner, Aquia Harbor, the FBI Academy in Quantico ...  They were noticeably present at the Univerisity of Mary Washington's outdoor graduation ceremonies, according to Pat Wilson.  Other readers commented: Courtney Janeski: They are all over my house... Hartwood Jennifer Leigh Dodson: Infested in Salem Station, but my neighbors are…

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team performed at two local schools Tuesday.  They visited Parkside Elementary School at 10 a.m., then performed at 2:30 p.m. at Salem Elementary School. The Honor Guard Drill Team showcased their five-person performance. A centered and stationary drill commander was flanked by four team members who simultaneously hurled their 11-pound bayoneted M1 rifles over and around the commander in a sequence. Following the performance, students visited with Honor Guard members, to view the weapons and ask questions. Members of the guard visiting the schools were: …

The cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. have reached peak bloom, perfectly timed for the 2013 Cherry Blossom Festival, which runs through April 14. Peak bloom is when 70 percent of the blossoms are open, according to the National Park Service.  The average peak bloom date is April 4.  The 2013 Cherry Blossom Festival continues through April 14.  Remaining events include: Boat Tours Along the Blossoms & Monuments Tidal Basin Paddle Boats & the Cherry Blossoms Spy Cherry Blossom SCVNGR downloadable, free-of-charge scavenger hunt The 21st National Japan Bowl Beyond the Tidal Basin: Introducing …

Dog Krazy invites you to the store's Grand Opening 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday (April 6) at the new location on William Street. After more than six years in her storefront on Caroline Street, Nancy Guinn moved her business because she needed more room.  "I have inventory stored in my garage and throughout my home," she told Patch in February. The new store at 307 William St. is in the space once occupied by Read All Over Books. The larger space has enabled Tosha Collins to join Guinn, moving her grooming business from Central Park into downtown.  Fur the Love of Dogs pet grooming is on the …

Related weather stories for March 25, 2013. Fredericksburg Area Weather Closings and Cancellations Snow, Rain Mix Through Monday Afternoon Check back throughout the day for updates, and follow Fredericksburg Patch on Facebook Twitter Your Smart Phone Our Email Newsletter

Other Spring themed stories on Fredericksburg Patch: Weekend Planner: Sir James Galway, Home & Garden Show and More (March 15, 2013) Easter Egg Hunt for Visually Impaired and Blind Individuals (March 14, 2013) UMW Students Build a Habitat for Humanity Home During Spring Break (March 13, 2013) Cherry Blossoms Expected to Peak in Two Weeks (March 12, 2013) Subscribe here to the free daily email newsletter from Fredericksburg Patch.

March has arrived like a lion.  Total daytime snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches in the Fredericksburg area is possible, with an additional 1 to 3 inches possible tonight, according to the National Weather Service. For all snow updates, read: Winter Storm 2013: Fredericksburg Forecast, Snowfall, Roads, Radar, More Grab your camera for some winter fun. Click on "Upload Photos and Video" to share your adventures in the snow on Patch. You can also email pictures to susan.larson at patch.com. Don't forget to tell us from which neighborhood you're enjoying the snow. Happy snapping! For more …

Exit ramp 130B from northbound Interstate 95 to Route 3 westbound was closed for several hours Thursday, due to a tractor-trailer crash involving a fuel spill, VDOT said. The ramp was reopened at about 1 p.m. No one was injured in the accident. Read more at Overturned Tractor-Trailer Shuts Down I95 NB Ramp to Rt. 3 W Subscribe to the free daily newsletter from Fredericksburg Patch.

Which photo do you like best?  Tell us in the comments. Feel free to add your photos to the collection! -Susan

Photos of Inauguration Day events by Fredericksburg Patch editor Susan Larson. For more, see the Presidential Inauguration 2013 Guide on Fredericksburg Patch. Find Fredericksburg Patch via: Facebook Twitter Your Smart Phone Our Email Newsletter

Fxbg.tv shared with Fredericksburg Patch their photos and video (attached) highlighting the sights, sounds and flavors of Pohanka Nissan Hyundai Fredericksburg First Night 2013. What did you like best about Fredericksburg First Night? Tell us in the comments. Related Stories: Fredericksburg's First New Year Baby (Jan. 4, 2013) Fredericksburg First Night 2013 (Dec. 30, 2012) Happy New Year, Fredericksburg (Jan. 1, 2012) First Night Lights Up Downtown (Jan. 1, 2011) Subscribe to the free daily email newsletter from Fredericksburg Patch.

The White House Christmas card this year features a painting of Bo, the Obamas' four-year-old Portuguese water dog. The reproduction of an oil painting by Des Moines, Iowa artist Laressa Kabel features the pooch prancing through the snow on the South Lawn of the White House, wearing a winter scarf. Each year the coveted cards are created by work commissioned by an artist or from a photograph taken at the White House.  In her book "Season's Greetings from the White House," published in 2007, historian Mary Seeley delves into the details of the annual White House Christmas card, from Calvin …

Historic downtown Fredericksburg is decorated for the holidays.  Daylight or darkness, there are twinkling lights, animated window displays and festive adornments in celebration of the December holidays: Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza. While viewing the decorations, you may way to participate in the 'Window Wonderland' contest, sponsored by the Fredericksburg Department of Economic Development and Tourism and The Free Lance-Star Companies. See 'Window Wonderland' Supports Downtown Business for details. The Holiday Guide 2012 on Fredericksburg Patch has information on additional holiday …

James Monroe lost to Brookville in the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Group AA Division 3 state final at Liberty University.  The Yellow Jackets played tough, but the Bees held onto their lead to previal 24-14. James Monroe finished the 2012 season 12-2. The game was a rematch of last year's state championship, in which Brookville beat James Monroe 34-33. Nations Best Athletes Fredericksburg provided these photos to Fredericksburg Patch.  Share your photos of the game by clicking on the "Upload Photos and Videos" link above. Related Stories: Photos: James Monroe Wins Semifinal James …

My thermometer read 38 degrees.  Freezing, to my mind. I wondered if the weather would keep people home on "the" shopping day of the year. I drove to Best Buy first, and the parking lot was packed with cars looking for an empty spot. Traffic was slow. Every driver was hoping and wishing that maybe, just maybe, someone would leave and they would be the lucky ones to get that coveted parking spot. Lucky for me, I had my "chauffeur" drive my car in circles as I ran about taking pictures. Paying for children on my auto insurance policy has its benefits. The line ran the front of the store and …

Share your voting stories, comments and photos with Fredericksburg Patch in the comments section below, by clicking the "Upload" button on the photo gallery above, on Facebook and/or onTwitter @FburgPatch. Related stories: Live Updates: City of Fredericksburg Heads to the Polls The Fredericksburg Ballot on Nov. 6 Where to Vote in Fredericksburg Absentee Voting Increased in Fredericksburg and Virginia Will Virginia Stay Blue This Presidential Election? Cook, Parker, Wittman Vie for 1st District Seat Speak Out: Who Won the Third Obama-Romney Debate? Note: Come back to Patch after the polls …