I never thought much about passwords until I got my first computer. Right off the bat, the computer began asking me for passwords, so I made up stuff and revealed them to my computer, not realizing that I would have to remember them at a later date. In my early years, the only thing I had that was even close to a password was having to remember the combination to open my locker. Now, every … [Read more...]
Attracting Amphibians and Reptiles to Your Yard
Why?Why would anyone want to attract amphibians such as frogs and lizards or reptiles such as snakes and turtles to their yard? Simple. Because these critters eat tons of insects and rodents. According to Virginia’s DNR, amphibians and reptiles are a vital part of the natural world, but urban development and landscaping have caused their habitats to be lost or degraded. By making a … [Read more...]
My Pet Mockingbird
People have lots of different types of pets – dogs, cats, turtles, hamsters, parakeets and goldfish. I have a pet mockingbird. Our relationship began this spring when I was feeding mealworms to my bluebirds in their special tray. The mockingbird, who mostly hangs out on or near our neighbor’s hedge, flew over to investigate, discovered the mealies, had a few and flew back to the hedge. … [Read more...]
Signs of Our Times
Guns of My Life: A Winchester .357 Lever Action
One of the neatest Guns of My Life was a Model 1892 Winchester Lever Action. It wasn’t my rifle, it was Daddy’s. He picked it up at an auction somewhere, but it was a sweet piece. In my late high school and early college years, my buddy, Mike Dawson, and I terrorized the groundhogs of Greenbrier County. Groundhogs were prolific in the limestone country around Lewisburg and farmers welcomed our … [Read more...]
Black-end Rot
Last summer, my small garden overwhelmed us with tomatoes, and almost every one was perfect. This year? Not so much. All but a few tomatoes I have picked this year have had black-end rot where the blossom end of the tomato turns black and leathery. According to the Garden Gnomes, this is caused by a lack of calcium, but in my case, it’s not a lack of calcium in the soil, it’s a lack of water … [Read more...]
Banana Crumble Cake
I had one banana in the fruit bowl which had seen its better days. It was more black than yellow. Nancy will have no part of a banana just beginning to turn, much less a black one, but I remember my Daddy loving overripe bananas, especially in Banana Pudding. I like ripe bananas, too, because the blacker they turn, the sweeter they get. That one banana, though, inspired me to cook something with … [Read more...]
In Search of Snakeheads
My Grandson James and I went fishing last week, in search of the Snakeheads in Lake Orange. We didn’t hook up with any, but they’re in there. Every week Darrell Kennedy of Angler’s Landing posts pictures (like the one above) of lucky(?) anglers who brought one to the scales. In fact, Snakeheads have become so popular that lots of bass guides, particularly on the Potomac River, are booking guided … [Read more...]
Sheepshead Action Continues
This week has brought cooler temperatures and plenty of overcast skies. While the cloud cover hasn't been ideal for sight fishing, it's made for comfortable conditions to stay on the water all day. Water temperatures remain warm, with fewer windy days than in recent weeks, and overall, the fish are feeding well. What's Biting In the Bay/Ocean/Offshore The bay continues to produce some … [Read more...]
The Old Man and the Jon Boat
As one advances in years (gets old), one loses the flexibility of youth. This is particularly true if one has a protrusion on his stomach (a gut) that interferes with things like bending down to pick up a newspaper in the driveway. The once easy task of putting on socks in the morning becomes the equivalent of a Richard Simmons cardio workout. It seems that as we advance in age (get old) either … [Read more...]
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