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Dragon Preservation Society of Staunton, 10 S New Street, Staunton, VA (2026)

12/21/2025

Journal entry for the fourth week of December 2025 – A Dragon’s Christmas, Part Four

To say what happened next was Chaos, would be an understatement. It was pure, unadulterated Turmoil! The Lady in question, reared up so quickly that she knocked over the plates of cookies, she sent the mugs of hot chocolate flying and the table tumbled over with a crash!

As for Brandi, she was off like a shot! She could barely be seen as she bounced off every wall, the ceiling, as well as the floor in a few spots. She sprang at every window, only to find them all closed. People were screaming, children were yelling, “Look” they cried. “It’s a Bat! No, it’s a Monster! No it’s a Dragon!”

Brandi then flew into the other cars, where the entire scene was repeated in each. The Train Staff were doing their best to restore order, however it was not until Brandi entered the car with Santa did things take a turn for the better. It was at this time when Brandi flew smack dab into Santa’s shocked and surprised face! He heard the yells and commotion, then he heard the word, Dragon. “Ahh” Santa said to himself, “I know a thing or two about Dragons!” He then gently withdrew Brandi from his beard and slipped to the doorway, which he opened. “Now, off with you little girl! Or you will surely be on the Naughty List after tonight!” He watched her fly off into the darkness, then chuckling to himself, he returned to his seat.

After the Train returned to the Station, all was well in hand again. The entire incident was written off as too much Christmas Cheer being consumed. As the last Passenger stepped down for the railcar, the Conductor and Santa were in deep discussion. You see, both were friends of the Dragon Preservation Society of Staunton VA. It was at this time that they made a telephone call.

Shortly thereafter, Professor Wild Ridge, Dani Dakota and I arrived at the Santa Train on our World Famous Tricycles. Valka also joined us, as she had an idea of who was behind all the excitement. Everyone looked over where things had occurred and Santa gave a description of the Dragon that had made such an impression on him. “That would be Brandi, for certain.” said Valka. “And I think I know where she can be found.” At this point they all departed, following Valka.

Valka led the group to the Bandstand at Gypsy Hill Park. Surrounding the Bandstand were thousands of twinkling Christmas lights and decorations. On the Stand itself was a brightly decorated Christmas Tree. Walking up to the tree, they could hear soft sobs. Valka called gently, “Brandi, come out.” “No!” was the reply. “Now come out here young lady.” said Santa. Well, one cannot just tell Santa no, now can one?

Brandi crept out to the end of a branch, she was quite beside herself, sitting there with tears in her eyes. “What do you have to say for yourself?” asked Santa. Brandi took a deep breath and it all came out at once. “I just wanted to see the Christmas fun and eat a cookie and drink some hot chocolate and all I did was ruin everything!” Santa and the others had to turn aside to hide the smiles on their faces.

I spoke up at this point, “Dani, why don’t you and Valka talk to Brandi for a minute? The rest of us have some things to discuss.” So the group formed a small circle and they considered the matter very quietly and very seriously. “All right,” the Conductor said, “it’s settled.” Turning back to Brandi, Santa said, “Tomorrow night is Christmas Eve. You be there at the train at sunset!”

The next night, the Passengers were stepping up into the Festive Railcars. As before, there was much excitement and laughter. Once everyone was seated and the Train began to move, Santa stood up to make his announcements. However, tonight was different, for perched upon his shoulder was a bright eyed little Black Dragon. “And lastly, Ladies and Gentlemen,” Santa said. “This is Brandi, the Christmas Dragon and she will be handing out gifts for each and everyone of you!” “Off you go young lady” he whispered.

Brandi then flew from one table to the next handing out brightly wrapped chocolates to the Guests. At one table there was a small family, the Mother pulled a gold wrapped chocolate from the little bag Brandi carried. “Ohh!” exclaimed Brandi, “You have been nice!” The Boy pulled out a gold chocolate as well. Brandi clapped her hands, “You have been nice too!” The Father pulled out a black round candy that looked like coal. “What’s this?” he exclaimed. “Oh, you have been naughty!” Brandi declared. “Don’t worry, that’s the good stuff!”

We at the Dragon Preservation Society of Staunton VA wish all and singular a most Happy Christmas and a Joyful New Year!

12/14/2025

Journal entry for the third week of December 2025 – A Dragon’s Christmas, Part Three

It was a few evenings later that we find Brandi perched in a tree above the most amazing sight she had seen this Christmas Season thus far. The Buckingham Branch Railroad Santa Express! She had seen it traveling happily along through Historic Downtown Staunton the night before. She was flying along and nearly flew into a streetlight when she saw it!

The train was sitting in the railyard preparing for another Excursion. Excited passengers were just beginning to arrive and the lights upon the train and the yard were so festive! Suddenly she saw her chance. A door to one of the cars was left open a bit longer than before, she swooped down and into the car before anyone might see her. Brandi can fly very fast you know.

The Santa Express runs each December to celebrate the Holiday Season. It is a one hour excursion featuring beautiful decorations, cookies and hot chocolate, as well as Festive libations for the grown- ups. There is even a domed Observation Car to see all the Christmas lights and decorations along the way.

Brandi had found a hiding place under a table and it was good timing she did! The passengers were now boarding the train. There was much laughter and conversation as the people viewed the beautiful interiors. Each car was brightly decorated. One car had a magnificent Christmas Tree, beside which sat a rather rotund man in a red suit trimmed in white fur. Brandi watched the children go up this fellow and each sat on his lap and whispered in his ear. “Well,’ she thought. “They seem to like him!”

Once everyone was on board, some announcements were made and the train began to move! Even though Brandi expected this, it was still quite frightening. However, like the passengers, she soon settled into the sights and sounds of the excursion. It was thrilling!

Everything was going along just fine, Brandi had managed to snag a Christmas Cookie and was enjoying the Carols being played. When suddenly a napkin fell down in front of her. A woman’s face appeared and turned to look straight into Brandi’s wide, frightened eyes. Then they both screamed at the top of their lungs.

12/07/2025

Journal entry for the second week of December 2025 – A Dragon’s Christmas, Part Two

Brandi awoke the next day from lovely dreams of Christmas Decorations and Christmas Trees. In fact, the dreams of the Trees were most vivid. She could still smell the wonderful scents of Balsam, Pine and Fir! She opened her eyes and found herself deep in the boughs of a Spruce tree. Ah, she remembered now! She had found a place where there were hundreds of fresh cut Christmas Trees. “What a wonderful place!” she thought.

Suddenly an enormous head thrust itself into her tree! The glaring eyes and sharp teeth were only inches from her face! “Ohh!” Brandi screamed! She no longer thought this was such a wonderful place! “Who are you!” the head thundered. “I, I, I am Brandi, please don’t eat me!” Brandi wailed. The head replied, “You are too small to eat and besides, I don’t eat Dragons!”

“Who are you?” Brandi asked. “I am Valka, the Guardian of the Christmas Trees!” Brandi was quite impressed with such a lovely Title. She carefully crept out onto the end of a branch to get a better look at Valka. Now Valka is not actually enormous, in fact she is rather compact. “Party size”, she likes to think of herself. She is a Gold Dragon and her particular specialty is the protection of Christmas Trees to be sold for decoration in Homes and Businesses.

This latter aspect fascinated Brandi and she asked more about it. “Of course!” said Valka. “People buy these Trees and once placed where they wish, they decorate them. Colourful lights are strewn around the Tree, then Garlands of beads, paper or even popcorn are added. Beautiful Balls and Ornaments are carefully placed upon the Tree. Then lastly a bright Star is placed on the very top of the Tree.”

“Do Dragons decorate Christmas Trees?” asked Brandi. “Many do indeed!” replied Valka. “Especially at the Dragon Preservation Society’s Sanctuary!” “Hmmm,” thought Brandi. “I wonder?”

11/30/2025

Journal entry for the last day of November and the first week of December 2025 – A Dragon’s Christmas, Part One

There is a little Dragon that resides at the Sanctuary. She is the sweetest, kindest little Dragon you shall ever know. Brandi is a young Black Dragon. She is a miniature of the Species, being no larger than a house cat. She is rather shy, but once she gets to know you, is quite friendly. She enjoys the company of the other Dragons at the Sanctuary, as well as the Members of the Dragon Preservation Society. One thing she loves more than anything is Christmas.

It all began several years ago. Brandi was flying over Historic Downtown Staunton, when she saw the most amazing sight. The Staunton Christmas Parade was in full swing below her! She was thrilled by all the lights and sounds. The Marching Bands delighted her, the beautiful Floats and Displays entranced her and the happy cheering crowd brought her to tears.

As she perched above the spectacle, she gasped with astonishment. There were Dragons in the Parade! There was a Red Dragon, a Green Dragon and a beautiful shimmering White Dragon. There were people marching with lights and a glowing Dragon Egg. And the whole group was led by a kindly looking gentleman, with a white beard, careening in circles on a tricycle! Who was this? She then saw the banner being carried by the Troupe, the Dragon Preservation Society of Staunton VA. Poor Brandi was overwhelmed.

But the Best was yet to come! For around the corner came the most spectacular sight! There were flying reindeer pulling a sleigh and who else could it be but Santa Claus! Now Brandi was truly beside herself with excitement. So much so, that she flew from her perch and began flying with the reindeer!

This was to be just the beginning for this Dragon’s Christmas!

11/23/2025

Journal entry for the fourth week of November 2025 – Dragon Cake

It is almost Thanksgiving Day! As always, we have so much to be grateful for. It seems to me that for the Feast, Turkey always takes the spotlight. And well it should, for it is indeed the centerpiece of the meal. Be that as it may, I for one believe that dessert is just as important. There is nothing quite like a delicious treat with a cup of coffee after the Dinner.

Now we each have our favourites! Traditionally, pies are first and foremost. Apple, cherry, pumpkin and my personal favourite, pecan pie. Regardless of choice, all and singular should be topped with ice cream or whipped cream.

Cakes are surging to the fore these days. Just the other day I was eyeing a pumpkin cake with especial interest. And why not? Cakes can be easier to take to Grandmother’s house than a pie. As well, the aforementioned ice cream and whipped cream go just as well with cakes as with pie.

The Dragons at the Sanctuary particularly enjoy Professor Wild Ridge’s Dragon Cakes. Oh the variety she makes! All of the traditional flavours of course, however, her Black Forest with Cherries is decadence incarnate! Served with cookies or Welsh Cakes, well, there is always room for this dessert!

We at the Dragon Preservation Society wish each and everyone a most Happy Thanksgiving!

11/16/2025

Journal entry for the third week of November 2025 – Dragon Soup

At this time of the year, Professor Wild Ridge prepares soups for the upcoming months of cold weather. They are a wonderful way to warm up, as well as being very therapeutic when ill. My favourite is bean and barley, while the Professor and Dani Dakota prefer tomato bisque. Of course, both are accompanied by grilled cheese sandwiches!

The Dragons at the Sanctuary enjoy a tasty, hot soup as well! Dragon Soup is their preferred choice. To be sure, there is no Dragon in Dragon Soup. However, quite often there is Dragon Soup in a Dragon! Ha ha ha!

Dragon Soup is a hearty Chinese dish. Typically, the soup consists of chicken or lobster, lemon, chili peppers and vegetables. Sometimes mushrooms, carrots and noodles are added as well. This soup is often enjoyed at the Chinese New Year, that being said, it is also wonderful during the cold months of Winter.

Dragons enjoy it immensely, especially when feeling under the weather. The soup renews the body and warms the Soul. Professor Wild Ridge prepares Dragon Soup in great quantities to have on hand whenever the need arises.

There is nothing quite like a fragrant bowl of soup on these cold days, what are your favourites? Be sure to get a nice cup of tea to go with it!

11/09/2025

Journal entry for the second week of November 2025 –
Military Dragons

Yesterday, Professor Wild Ridge and I attended the Veteran’s Day Parade in Historic Downtown Staunton. It was wonderful seeing all of the Veterans and those who came out to support them!
While waiting for the parade to begin, I thought of how Dragons have symbolized so much of the Military, both Ancient and Modern.

In the 2nd Century, Roman Cavalry carried the Draco, a Standard bearing the head of a Dragon. It is thought that this symbol had even more ancient origins in the Sarmations and Alans Cultures. At the battle of Hastings in 1066, Harold Godwinson’s Army carried a Dragon Banner.

The United Stated Army, 14th Infantry Regiment's Distinctive Unit Insignia, features a gold Imperial Chinese dragon to commemorate its role in the China Relief Expedition. In particular, the Battle of Yangcun in 1900. This regiment's nickname is the "Golden Dragons".

The Sky Dragons is the nickname for the US XVIII Airborne Corps (U.S. Army). The term refers to the unit's distinctive insignia, a Blue Dragon. A U.S. Army rapid deployment force. Its mission is to quickly deploy to any global hot spot by air, land, or sea to deter or defeat adversaries, and it serves as a strategic response force for the Army.

The U.S. Air Force Cyber Security Forces has a Dragon as part of their Unit Emblem. The Dragon symbolizes the importance of protecting critical information and observable actions about mission capabilities, limitations and intentions in order to prevent or control exploitation by an adversary.

Dragons represent Courage, Strength and Honour. A fitting symbol for our valued Veterans. Thank you for your Service!

11/02/2025

Journal entry for the first week of November 2025 – Dragon Lotions

It is now November and Winter is fast approaching. The air is colder and much drier as well! For myself, this is when I start using hand lotions. I tend to be out of doors a good bit and my hands get dry and the skin cracks. Terribly uncomfortable!

The Dragons at the Sanctuary have the same issue. Believe it or not, their scales can become irritated by the dry conditions. In the Wild, Dragons will roll in mud or other materials of which we shall not expound upon. They do this to condition their skin and scales. While at the Sanctuary, Professor Wild Ridge has developed lotions for the Dragons comfort.

Professor Wild Ridge makes a great variety of wonderful Lotions, Body Butters and Scrubs. She even makes Beard Butters to keep my beard in proper order. Besides the Dragons using these Products, Humans do as well. They are all formulated with natural ingredients and made to be gentle for the most sensitive complexion.

My personal favourite is Dracones Sanguine Handcrafted Body Butter. No, it is not made from actual Dragon blood! Instead, it comes from the Socotra Dragon Tree. The sap of this tree is collected in a similar manner as maple sap is collected from Maple trees. This sap is dark red in colour and has a lovely aroma.

Be sure to visit Historic Downtown Staunton and see Professor Wild Ridge at The Gyfte Shoppe! She will be happy to assist you with this Lotion as well as all her other wonderful Products!

10/26/2025

Journal entry for the last week of October 2025 – Halloween time!

It is my favourite time of the year, Halloween time! Already there have been Parties to celebrate the Season. Doubtless there will be many more this week. The leaves are falling in the cool winds and it feels perfectly Spooky! Bwhahahaha! Sorry about that, I became impassioned.

Yesterday in Historic Downtown Staunton, Trick or Treaters came out in droves! The costumes were remarkable and the selection of treats and candy was vast! I did notice several Dragons out and about enjoying the revelries. This is one time of the year that the Dragons that dwell Downtown may be seen walking side by side with our fair citizens and guests. And many of these are none the wiser for it!

Trunk or Treat is going on at many churches and other locations today. I always find the way that the cars are decorated so amazing! From simple designs to elaborate displays may be seen. Of course, the attendees are always so fantastically costumed.

We enjoy Halloween at the Sanctuary as well. The Dragons here have decorated so wonderfully! There are Jack O Lanterns everywhere, as well as ghosts, skeletons and spiders. We have gathered the Dragons favourite treats as well. It looks to be a most glorious night!

We at the Dragon Preservation Society of Staunton VA, wish you a safe and Happy Halloween!

10/19/2025

Journal entry for the third week of October 2025 – A Blustery Day

It certainly is a blustery day at the Sanctuary! The trees are dancing back and forth and the Dragons are having a grand time flying in the wind! The large Dragons are flying stately in the gusts while the smaller Dragons are whizzing by like little maniacs!

One must take care in such a wind, there are many walnut, oak and hickory trees in the forests of the Sanctuary. These, like the leaves swirling down, are falling everywhere. And when these nuts hit you on the head, it hurts!

The Bushytail Scurrydrakes are loving the bounty of nuts that are falling. There are an abundance of the Squirrel Dragons here at the Sanctuary, just as there are in Historic Downtown Staunton. In particular, Mary Baldwin University has a sizable population of the little Dragons. This is no doubt due to the sizable number of great oak and walnut trees upon the grounds.

Another small Dragon that enjoys a tasty kernel are the Mapache Dragons. These rotund little Dragons resemble Raccoons down to the masks upon their face. Like Raccoons, their diet is wide, varied and opportunistic. They enjoy delicious nuts, especially pecans that are found further south.

Lastly, there is the O’ Possum Dragon. They will be found now scurrying about, filling their pouches with all manner of nuts and goodies. I have seen some of these Dragons waddling about with their marsupial pouches so full that they could scarcely walk. This Dragon prefers the Hickory to all others.

Do take care in the wind today. Should you be so kind, gather up some nuts and leave them in a pile in your yard. I am sure a Dragon will be by soon to enjoy them. As well, watch out for those insane little Dragons flying by in the wind!

10/12/2025

Journal entry for the second week of October 2025 – The Mouth of the Dragon

It is a rainy day at the Sanctuary and we are receiving some much needed precipitation. On such days I can sit by the fire in the Study with a nice hot cup of tea. While doing so, I enjoy reading legends of Dragons around the World.

As tomorrow is Columbus Day, I began looking into if he and his crew encountered any Dragons. Boca del Drago, or the Mouth of the Dragon, is located between Trinidad and Venezuela. A particularly nasty bit of water, known for its turbulent currents and waves.

It was while exploring this area that a Landing Party found more than they were looking for. They excitedly returned to the ships, informing Columbus that they had found a monster, a Dragon! Wishing to see this marvel for himself, Christopher had the men lead him to where the beast had last been seen.

As they made their way through the wilderness, they found strange tracks, large in size, with great claws clearly evident. The lead man held up his hand and motioned for the Party to come up quietly. There in the swamp before them was a great creature, fully twenty feet long. It was obviously very heavy, yet it moved through the water effortlessly. The huge head was covered with sharp horns and spikes. The mouth was filled with razor sharp teeth and a strange mist or smoke issued from it’s nostrils. One sharp eyed crewman noted there were leathery flaps along it’s back, similar to furled wings.

The men were amazed at the sight of this Creature. In later journals, except for one private diary belonging to Columbus, no mention was made of the Dragon. Some crewmen bragged of seeing the creature in sea front drinking establishments after their return. All these boastings were considered to be tales of drunkenness and fantasy by the locals therein.

10/05/2025

Journal entry for the first week of October 2025 – Fall Migrating Dragons

Of late, I have been spending a good bit of time at the Dragon Sanctuary. The Fall Migration Season has been keeping me quite busy. There is always much to do throughout the year, be that as it may, Migration time is a particularly demanding time.

There are always a certain number of Dragons at the Sanctuary. Whether they are Dragons stopping by to visit or rest on a journey. And there are those Dragons seeking medical assistance for an injury or an illness. During the Migrations, we see great numbers of Dragons at the Sanctuary. Of course, being hospitable, we provide food, water and shelter during their stay.

As you may imagine, the food supplies alone must not only be sizable, but of great variety as well! Dragons can be so different in their appetites! Some Dragons are quite particular in their preferences.
Just the other day, Professor Wild Ridge and Dani Dakota were driving through Historic Downtown Staunton, when they saw this Migrating Dragon perched upon a window ledge above Bricks on Augusta St.

They pulled over and Dani approached the Dragon to see if she could be of assistance. The Dragon was looking for a meal Downtown and wondered if she had any recommendations. As Dani and the Professor were on their way to the Sanctuary, Dani suggested she follow them there. Which they all did after calling me on the phone to let me know we had a new Guest arriving.

We hope you enjoy this lovely Fall Day and keep an eye out for Migrating Dragons. Be sure to send them our way should they have any need!

Dragon Preservation Society of Staunton

12/21/2025

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