I saw them last week. Snowbirds. And then I realized I had not seen them since, well, last winter. They had vamoosed. But there they were, 4 or 5 black and gray snowbirds, scratching on the ground for spilled seeds from the feeder. The official name for snowbirds is Dark-Eyed Junco – Junco hyemalis, to be exact. Snowbirds often spend their springs, summers and falls to the north, then … [Read more...]
Born This Day
While Shepherds Watched, Part IV by Jim Brewer Amos was now alone, a sole shepherd guarding the sheep, as the others departed hastily towards Bethlehem in search of the newborn King, the Anointed One of God. The Angels had come and gone, leaving the shepherds with amazement and joy. The Messiah, promised from the beginning of time, had been born that night in Bethlehem. But someone … [Read more...]
Road Trip to Machu Picchu
By Sherman Shifflett Do you like wild and exotic places? Places shrouded in mystery? How about rugged and outdoor adventures? Well, American explorer, Hiram Bingham, discovered such a place in 1911. Until then, it was unknown to the outside world. Several weeks ago, one of my brothers, Ralph, invited me to join him on an excursion to Machu Picchu, Peru. I really couldn't afford … [Read more...]
Some Assembly Required
This Boomer looks back on Christmases Past like Ebenezer Scrooge encountering one of his ghosts. Three words come to mind. Some Assembly Required. You see, I was a young parent in the early 1970s and had a daughter, Angelin, who asked Santa for a complete kitchen set. Stove, refrigerator, sink and cabinets. Santa didn’t have the good sense to tell her this was impossible since Santa’s … [Read more...]
Lefty Kreh Belt Buckle Fund Raiser
Stripers Forever is an organization dedicated to keeping our ocean and bay waters teeming with stripers for now and always. As a special fundraiser, Taf Schaefer Design, in concert with fly fishing legend Lefty Kreh along with Stripers Forever, has announced a fund-raising project with the issuance of a bronze belt buckle featuring a sculpted version of the world renowned “Lefty’s … [Read more...]
While Shepherds Watched, Part III
The Glory of the Lord Amos, a young shepherd from Judaea was guarding the gate of the sheepfold while his father, Benjamin, and Shimron, his uncle, were asleep. The three shepherds had 98 sheep in their flock, intended to be sold as sacrificial lambs to the worshippers in the temple in Jerusalem at Passover. The flock had just been moved to pastures outside Bethlehem where … [Read more...]
Eatin’ Out: Signature Dishes?
When guests came from out of town, there are any number of great restaurants in Charlottesville you could suggest. But is there one signature dish in all of Mr. Jefferson’s fine town that stands out? One single dish? Not that I’m aware of. There is lots of great food, but no signature dish that you would “have to try” when in Charlottesville. I enjoy watching the Travel Channel as … [Read more...]
Spaghetti Pie – Sure to Please
A number of years ago, Nancy and I served as Senior High Advisors in our church and often had the responsibility of feeding 15 or 16 hungry kids. I have found over the years that there are two things teenagers will always eat: pizza and spaghetti. In fact, who won’t eat those delightful dishes? Sometimes we made pizza, sometimes we ordered it, but we discovered that an easy way to serve … [Read more...]
Exterior Lighting
Just As Important As Interior Lighting By Nancy Brewer It’s that time of year when we are busy making lists, shopping, baking and decorating the interior of our homes. Here at Nancy B’s, our shop is looking like Christmas as well. But let’s talk about the exterior of your home. While we may string some lights on the porch, trees or lamppost, it is only temporary. As you’ve … [Read more...]
Sunflower Chips
Some folks shop for birdseed by the pound. They pick out the largest bag for the least amount of money. They see a 10-pound bag and it only costs $4.99 so they buy it. But! The cheaper assortments of birdseed all have fillers, most specifically milo, which most birds don’t eat. So you are really paying much more per pound if you are trying to entice bluebirds, cardinals, … [Read more...]
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