The other mortgage company couldn’t approve the loan. Apparently their loan officers didn’t have the experience about how to close this particular VA loan. Then, Steve Hargett and Jeff Johnson at PrimeLending took over and the loan was closed in less than three weeks*, an unheard of time these days amidst the quagmire of banking laws and regulations. But when you have knowledge, … [Read more...]
Mr. Sandman, Bring Me a Wedge
Who would dump a truckload of sand on a nice golf course? Worse, who would dump multiple loads, putting sand on or along every hole on the course? That would be like stocking fire ants on your property or hanging a sign on your front door saying: Attention Burglars. We are on vacation this week. The door is unlocked. Make yourselves at home. The silver is in the drawer of the china cabinet in the … [Read more...]
Tautog Are Biting
Virginia Saltwater Report by Dr. Julie Ball We endured yet another harsh winter, and now spring fever is rampant. But with water temperatures still lagging in the low forties, expect a late start to the much-anticipated arrival of the first species of the season, the croaker, flounder, bluefish, red drum and black drum. Tautog fishing is still pretty much the only game in town until the waters … [Read more...]
Practice Makes Perfect
“The more I practice, the luckier I get.” Ben Hogan. Hogan would have liked the Highlands Golf Park in Ruckersville. One of the most dedicated golf pros of all time, Hogan knew that spending time on the range would improve his game. And great as he was, Hogan never stopped trying to improve. As certified “duffers”, we need practice more than anyone and highland is a great place to hone our … [Read more...]
Grackle Attack
They come in swarms, just as spring arrives. Only this year they came early. The grackles, that is. And they’ll eat you out of house and home. Throughout the winter, I feed my birds sunflower seed hearts. Because it has already been shelled, birds such as robins, mockingbirds and my beloved bluebirds can eat and digest the hearts. But sunflower seed hearts and chips are expensive, about twenty … [Read more...]
That First Best Friend
His name was Freddie Arnold. He was sent by heaven to save a young Boomer from a life dominated by girls. He was my first, best friend. The summer before I would start third grade in Beckley, WV, my family moved across town. I would be in a new school and in a new neighborhood. The day the movers were unloading our furniture, a bolt of lightning hit the refrigerator one of the men was … [Read more...]
Braces in Fourth Grade?
Ever wonder why you see so many elementary school children in braces? As a parent do you feel you are missing something? The answer is, “probably not.” It is true the number of young children getting orthodontic treatment has grown significantly over the past decade according to the American Association of Orthodontists, but, there are only a small number of orthodontic problems where early … [Read more...]
Scenic (and Delicious) Rt. 460
Living in central Virginia and making frequent trips to the Eastern Shore as well as to Nags Head, travelers like myself are faced with the big decision – I-64 or Rt. 460. It’s shorter, as the crow flies, to go 64, but when there is a speck of traffic at Hampton or around Norfolk, agonizing delays occur for the Interstate traveler. Plus, there is this mysterious place on I-64 below Richmond and … [Read more...]
Pendants: Just for Fun
Whether your space allows for a single pendant as a solo style statement or a grouping for a sizable impact, pendants are a great go-to for decorative task lighting. Keep in mind that when placed in an area where people tend to gather, such as a kitchen island, that pendants should be installed high enough that people can see one another, but not so high that they are blinded by the glare of the … [Read more...]
Catching Worms
Boomers had numerous ways to entertain themselves and none involved cell phones or video games. We made the most of whatever was available. If there was a barn around, with hay, that was good for at least a week’s entertainment – hide and seek, springing from one loft to the next, using the stacked bales as a make believe fortress and numerous other amusements. We rode bikes - everywhere. We … [Read more...]