Our second nesting of bluebirds had just hatched. I saw both the male and the hen entering the house with worms and leaving empty handed. The next morning, we discovered the bad news. Something had gone in their house and taken all the baby bluebirds. My suspicions are either a snake or a racoon – probably a raccoon. This was the first time I have ever lost a bluebird nest to predators, and I … [Read more...]
The Cicadas are Coming
The cicadas are coming. The Brood X, or 17-year cicadas, emerge from their beds in the earth every 17 years. That’s a long nap. There are a number of different types of these locust creatures. Some pop out every 13 years and some more frequently, but these big, fat red-eyed monster-looking cicadas are due this year. Right now, actually. They will be in parts of Virginia, but not all. If they … [Read more...]
Buttermilk Cole Slaw
When I go out to eat, I often judge a restaurant by the quality of cole slaw it serves – especially a seafood restaurant or BBQ joint. Cole slaw is the ideal complement to fried or broiled fish, and pork as well. It offers the palette a change of pace and enhances the entrée. Cole slaw is also a powerful side dish with a bucket of chicken. I have been searching and swapping cole slaw … [Read more...]
Fishing With Simon
(This is the third in a five-part short story by Jim Brewer called "Let Down Your Nets") There was a knock and Nathan went to the door. It was Simon. “What, sir, can I help you with,” Nathan asked. “May I speak to your mother, Shaina,” Simon responded. “I have a favor to ask.” Shaina had been baking bread as the next day was the Sabbath, but went quickly to greet … [Read more...]
Many Boats Remain in Port
While demand for saltwater recreation is surging, the number of charter boats available for trips is diminishing - not because of labor shortages but because of a parts shortage for engines. As many homeowners are discovering, it is hard to get parts these days. Most come from China and that overseas highway is filled with potholes. So if you are thinking about an offshore or even a nearshore … [Read more...]
When the Lilies Bloomed
When the lilies bloomed, it was time. It was time to pack up all our stuff and go camping – at least that’s how it once was. The kids typically got out of school the second week in June – when our backyard lilies were in full bloom. The last day when the kids came home, it was off to an enchanted place called Cherrystone Campground on the Eastern Shore, the Land of Pleasant Living. And pleasant it … [Read more...]
The Fields of Flax
(This is the second in a five-part short story by Jim Brewer “Let Down Your Nets”) The nets were the lifeblood of the fisherman of Galilee. Maybe even more important than the boats, the nets captured the fish. Their strength and durability were critical. And the nets that Shaina made were superb, the envy of every fisherman in Capernaum. To construct the finest nets, Shaina relied on … [Read more...]
Outback Scores Again
The restaurants are now wide open – no masks, no social distancing and no restrictions, except for the lack of enough good employees due to our government paying people more to stay home than to go back to work. With service “iffy” at many understaffed restaurants, Nancy and I decided to give Outback another try. Our experience there about 6 weeks ago was phenomenal – excellent … [Read more...]
Crunch Time For Deer
This is a make-or-break time for baby deer. A good majority of whitetail fawns in Virginia are born the first week of June. Some will come a few weeks later from does who were bred later in December, during the second rut, but right now there are lots of baby deer in our fields trying to survive. For the first week of their lives, fawns are practically defenseless. Their wobbly legs couldn’t … [Read more...]
It’s Squirrel Season – Really
Virginia squirrel season is now in. I kid you not. It’s hot, it’s June, but there is now a summer season for hunting squirrels in Virginia. The ticks must be loving this – all that fresh meat free for the taking. Several years ago, the biologists at DWR decided that since there were no female squirrels carrying babies at this time, June would be a good time to get everybody up and … [Read more...]
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