It’s hard enough to hit a golf ball into that elusive piece of real estate known as a fairway when it’s resting on a dead level, manicured tee box. But when the ball comes to a stop on a slope steep enough to make a mountain goat stumble, the average golfer is in trouble. That is, unless he or she knows how to adjust the swing, the equipment and body weight to compensate for the uneven … [Read more...]
Duncan Yo-Yos
If you look closely at the middle finger on the right hand of an average Boomer, you may see the feint shape of a ring imprint embedded in the skin. That likely came from the ever-tightening string of a Duncan Yo-Yo, one of the most popular toys of Boomerhood. But yo-yos were really more than just toys, they were instruments of wonder, so much so that a half-hour of school time was often … [Read more...]
Turkey Burgers! Yumm!
I went on a mini vacation last week. Four days of food and fun, along with multiple adult beverages. I was with my 4 amigos on our semi-annual retreat from reality. When I returned, the bathroom scales added 4 1/2 pounds to my person. It was time to get back to a healthy lifestyle and lose those dreaded pounds, but no crash diet for me. I have found ways to eat like a champ and still lose weight. … [Read more...]
Meet Wrenfield, the Troubador
We call him Wrenfield, our tiny troubadour. Wrenfield is a Carolina wren. We think he’s been around our house for several years. He wakes us each morning with a cheerful song and is one of the last birds to stop singing in the evening. He has quite a repertoire of songs and chirps. For a little fellow, he sure makes a lot of noise. Wrenfield is always cheerful. He seems happy to just be alive … [Read more...]
A South River Rainbow
Trout Streams Valley Report Kevin Little at South River Fly Shop says the South River in Waynesboro is in ideal shape, full of fish and some very nice trout are coming to nets. The South will have been stocked three times this year by the state, with fish averaging 9- to 12-inches. There have also been three private stockings of larger fish, 14- to 20-inches. Plus there are some huge holdover … [Read more...]
Quick and Tasty Catfish Chunks
Catfish is one of my favorite occupants on a dinner plate. Fresh catfish is mild and sweet and goes down mighty easy with a dollop of tartar sauce. I catch catfish from time to time, and if they are 14-inches or better, and less than 5 pounds, I’ll skin them and fry them for dinner. I’m leery of larger catfish. If there are any contaminants in a body of water, the larger catfish are more likely to … [Read more...]
A Visit to the Principal
“Report to the principal’s office!” For young Boomers, those words were the equivalent of “Uncle Sam really wants you!” or “Is it contagious?” An invitation to the principal’s office in the 1950’s and 60’s was not for discussing world events or even for a chat about your future pursuit of higher education. It was not to find out your thoughts on the Homecoming Dance décor for the gymnasium … [Read more...]
A West Point Getaway
Need a saltwater fix? If you’re in Central Virginia, the closest place is West Point, which happens to be one of my favorite places to catch croakers. A West Point getaway? Why not? It turns out that West Point is ideal as a home base for those who like to catch a few fish, see some beautiful countryside and enjoy some terrific food. West Pont is located on Route 33, about a dozen miles east … [Read more...]
Fast Closings at PrimeLending
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...]