Long before I had ever heard of Lake Anna, Virginia, my screensaver was a peaceful lake scene. You've probably seen one just like it...setting sun, reflective waters and trees blowing in the breeze. Never in my wildest dreams (well, OK maybe in my "what would I do if I won the lottery" daydreams) did I believe that some day I would have a view just like my screensaver outside my own window.

In 2000, my husband and I loaded up our young daughter and hit the road on a daytrip from Washington, D.C. We found several "surprises" along the way, Lake Anna being the largest. A few trips later and we took a walk on a lakefront lot (not planning to buy, mind you) and a few hours later we were land owners. Land owners?!?! We didn't know a drainfield from cornfield. We'd never even built a house and certainly didn't know diddly about the unique challenges of building on the waterfront.

That now seems like a long time ago. We can tell you all about septic systems, building on lakeside slopes, wells and beavers (and their fondness for young weeping willows). We've been in our lakefront home for several years and now have an investment condo on Lake Anna, too. We're hooked. Chances are if you've ever visited then you are too.

I suppose that's why I'm blogging. It seems a crime that so many of us in the D.C. and Richmond area who are overscheduled, overstressed and overworked don't even know Virginia's biggest "hidden treasure" is just down the road.