A quarter-century of pickle-making experience and a catchy recipe like "Million Dollar Pickles" have transformed retired school principal Donna Henderson into "The Pickle Lady."

Donna, husband Jerry, and son Jeff and family reside on Cave Hill Dairy Farm on Catawba Road in southern Botetourt County.

As a city girl who knew very little about cooking, Donna was taught well by her mother-in-law, Virginia Henderson, a well-known Botetourt teacher.

In addition to pickles, Donna makes red and green pepper jellies, as well as an Italian Cream cake with a following all of its own.

From 1961 through 1995, Donna Henderson taught and rose through the ranks to become principal at Northside High School in Roanoke.

Since her retirement, it is doubtful that she has sat still for more than two minutes.

She has perfected her canning and cooking skills as well as her golf and bridge games, held offices in clubs, served on more boards and committees than one can count, enjoyed her three grandchildren, travelled, and is prepared for her daughter's outdoor wedding.

Somehow, Donna has found time to join the Botetourt Farmers and to sell her homemade pickles at the Farmers' Market.

She has ideas for holiday gift baskets, noting that the red and green pepper jellies look festive for Christmas.

She can be reached at 992-5333 or dhh98@aol.com.