28 The Roanoker FEATURES 28. Traditional, with Touches: The Mickey Nelson Home The long-time decorator likes to brag that he hasn't changed a thing over the 28 years in his home. Well, maybe. by Liz Long 38. Cabinetry! The art and science of putting things away has made great leaps of late. by Liz Long 44. Roanoke Real Estate: Moving in the Right Direction Sales and values are up, days on the market are down. by Kurt Rheinheimer 46. Landscaping! Yes, fall is the right time, and yes, there's much more to it than putting stuff in the ground. by Liz Long 51. Chickens in the Backyard More Roanoke-area families are going out in the morning to fetch the eggs. by Dan Smith 58. Chicken-Sitting What else would a teacher do over the summer? by Brian Paiement 60. The Nickel How did a $6 million coin end up in Roanoke? Or did it? by Mason Adams 66. Recollection of a Run A one-time marathoner looks back at the thrills of New York. by Warner Dalhouse DAVID HUNGATE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 I VOLUME XLII NUMBER 9/10 68. Along the River On a summer afternoon, you can meet some nice people along the Roanoke. by Bruce Ingram 72. Dining: Out and About Visits to Floyd Country Store and Liberty Station. by Shari Dragovich SPECIAL SECTION RETIRE-VA: Guide to Senior Living (after page 50) DEPARTMENTS 8. Worth a Click 10. From the Editor 12. Lunch With . . . 14. Streets of Roanoke 16. The Gist 22. Events 72. The Dish 82. Where are They Now? ON THE COVER David Hungate photographed the Mickey Nelson home. See page 28 for Liz Long's story on the home.