My Grandmother, Mama Ida, rarely used the word “potatoes.” Rather, she always said “Irish Potatoes”. I didn’t think much of it until a few weeks ago when I was in Wal-Mart and needed some potatoes. While poking around, I saw a 5-pound bag of White Potatoes. Maybe this is what Mama Ida meant by Irish Potatoes. White Potatoes. My recent potato buying experience has been limited to – in no … [Read more...]
One That Got Away
Donald Taylor sent me this picture of an albino deer near his home in North Garden. By some miracle, the pure white animal made it through the hunting season, and also avoided a deadly encounter with a natural enemy, such as a coyote or bobcat. White deer lack natural camouflage and stand out (except in the snow) and are easily identified by hunters and predators. Albinism is … [Read more...]
A Fallen Sparrow
He didn’t make it. He was a male house sparrow. I found him in the yard. No ruffled feathers, so he didn’t die in a skirmish with a hawk or a cat. Rather, the winter was too much. He was weakened and died. When you consider what birds must go through to last even one night in the bitter cold with the ground covered in ice and snow, it’s a wonder any of them make it. Nature is a cruel … [Read more...]
Cold Water? Who Cares?
Cold water? The bass don’t seem to mind a bit. Bags weighing 22 pounds won events at both Anna and Buggs. The water temps at both lakes are in the low 40’s. That usually slows things down, but not the bass. Crappie, either. At Buggs a winter crappie event was won with 12 pounds for a 7 fish limit. They fish are deep at Buggs, but they’ll eat if you can reach them, The yellow perch run is also … [Read more...]
Remembering White Buck Shoes
In 1956, a fellow named Elvis Presley released his version of Blue Suede Shoes, originally recorded by Carl Perkins. Soon after, Pat Boone, a handsome young crooner began wearing white buck shoes on stage and screen and every young man wanted a pair. In 1957, I begged for and got a pair of spiffy white buck shoes, despite the warning from my parents that they would be difficult to … [Read more...]
A “Slap Ya Mama” Catfish Fry
One of my daughter’s friends, Rene Fay from New Orleans, gave me a box of Slap Ya Mama Cajun Fish Fry mix for Christmas and I knew immediately what would happen next. A catfish fry at the Brewer house. Fresh catfish are hard to beat. They are raised in small farms and delivered to grocery stores fresh and ready for the frying pan. They are usually, but not always, available in the Kroger’s … [Read more...]
“Be Prepared” Strawberry Brownie Bars
I was so pleased with the ease and tastiness of the Devil’s Food Cookies I made from a box of cake mix that I decided to try another cake mix recipe. I saw a Betty Crocker recipe for Strawberry Brownie Bars, and I thought I’d give that a shot. The recipe basically called for strawberry cake mix and butterscotch chips. How can you go wrong with that? But… There were no butterscotch chips in the … [Read more...]
Jimmy Crack Corn
“Jimmy crack corn and I don’t care, “Jimmy crack corn and I don’t care, “Jimmy crack corn and I don’t care, “My master’s gone away.” If you’re as old as I am, you may remember this Negro spiritual. Mama Ida used to sing this to me when I was a child. It is said that this was one of Abraham Lincoln’s favorite songs. There are several theories about the lyrics. One is that a slave boy … [Read more...]
Western Virginia Sport Show
Things may be getting back to normal, or at least more normal than they have been in a while. There will be a Western Virginia Sport Show at the Augusta Expo in Fishersville on February 25-27. Once again, it will be a star-studded affair. Hank Parker, out of tiny Denver, NC, will be on hand. Hank was a two-time winner of the Bassmaster’s Classic, one of only four anglers to ever … [Read more...]
Lake Anna: A Winter Hotspot
By Dr. Peter Brookes When Jack Frost blows into Virginia in the winter every year, a lot of anglers get off the water, put down the ol’ rod and reel, pick up a trusty rifle or bow, and head to the hunting grounds to chase game. Nothing wrong with that—winter brings hunting season after all. But if you’re looking for a way to beat cabin fever, there are good fishing opportunities in … [Read more...]
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