(A common ribbon snake) By DWR Snake and Lizard Guide Snakes occur in many places, including yards and homes in rural and suburban areas. Most species are small and secretive and are seldom seen by homeowners, but larger snakes can create quite a commotion. If you live near a creek, woods, or fields, snakes may occasionally show up in your yard. The best way to deal with snakes is to educate … [Read more...]
Health Conscience Residential Lighting
A CFL/LED Dimmer By Nancy B Do I have your attention? Lighting can make a difference in your life, the same as a comfy chair or a bed that fits your physical needs. Your home is your sanctuary. Selecting the right shades for your lamps, the right chandelier for the dining room, the proper lighting for your bathroom is most important. Selecting artwork, mirrors, torchieres, … [Read more...]
Baby Wrens Begging for More
I knew I was feeding live meal worms to my family of bluebirds. They have their special feeder and I keep it well stocked. I also started feeding a catbird family when the female lit at my feet while I was feeding worms to my frogs. So, she is now a regular. Then, a tiny wren joined in the “begging”, and I am feeding her clan as well. I didn’t even know she had a nest, but it’s about 10 feet … [Read more...]
The Rain in Spain
…..is now in Charlottesville. We went from no rain to all of Europe’s quota of rain in a matter of days. But’s who’s complaining? My garden has come out of hibernation and if you listen closely, you can hear stuff growing. Unfortunately, the grass has also noticed the rising rain gauge and is taking advantage, so when it finally lets up, the old mower will get a good work … [Read more...]
Gearing Up for Cobia
Along with drum, Cobia is the most sought-after fish in the lower bay right now. They offer exciting sight-casting opportunities and hard-fighting battles. Cobia can be found from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to Windmill Point. Sight-casting is the most effective technique, as cobia are curious and will often investigate anything that moves near them. Live eels are the best bait, but … [Read more...]
Have You Lost Your Marbles?
“Yes, Mom, I did lose all my marbles. Jimmy Ray Smith used a steely and wiped me out.” “But I just bought you a whole bag of marbles two days ago.” “I know, Mom. Can you buy me another bag, and a big steely to go with it? Next time, maybe I’ll win all the marbles.” Many Boomers will recognize the above conversation because there was once a childhood sport called marbles that was … [Read more...]
My Cucumber Trellis .
I bought my Cucumber Trellis early this spring. The plan was to set this beauty up and have multiple cucumber vines on each side of the trellis climbing the netting to deposit hundreds, perhaps thousands of crisp, green cukes for me to pick and for Nancy to can and make pickles. But there was some assembly involved and by the time I finished putting together the 100 or more parts, I had a much … [Read more...]
Please Hold While I Connect Your Call
I called one of my insurance companies recently. There was some confusion about an automatic draft. The first person I spoke with was an American and I could understand her perfectly. But then I was transferred to another representative – the one in the service department –from Sri Lanka or Botswana or perhaps Mars. I couldn’t tell. All I knew is that she could not speak the type of English I … [Read more...]
Sloppy Josés
I made a fun dish this week. Nothing fancy, just fun, and pretty good. I made what I call Sloppy Josés. Not Sloppy Joe’s, Sloppy Josés. It’s Mexican, you know, and a version of the American Sloppy Joes. When we were Senior High Advisers at church, one of the foods most in demand for Sunday night meals were Sloppy Joes. The kids loved them, and if your kids like Mexican, they’ll love … [Read more...]
The Chase is On
Last week, I saw a hawk with a rat in its talons flying along Rt. 29 near Kroger’s. On the hawk’s tail were a half dozen crows in pursuit. I don’t think the crows were interested in the hawk’s recent kill, they just wanted him out of their area. Hawk’s love to eat baby crows. Then, I saw a small flock of grackles chasing a crow. Crows like baby grackles as a main course when available. I have … [Read more...]
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