I saw a praying mantis on our front porch recently. It was the first one I’ve seen in quite a while. Back when there were meadows and open spaces, we saw lots of mantids. As kids, we would catch them, put them in glass jars with holes in the lid, observe the interesting creatures and let them go, but woe be to any kid who let a praying mantis take hold with her pincers. They would bite you! I … [Read more...]
The Beach on a Budget
Perhaps lots of people didn’t take a vacation this summer for the obvious reason that money is tight within family budgets. People are working longer hours these days just to stay even and are sometimes working two and three jobs. But with all the pressure and long hours, a little down time is needed more than ever. I have found that it is possible to take a fall vacation to the Outer Banks … [Read more...]
Oven Baked Stripers
My wife thinks I eat too many fried foods. That’s nonsense, of course, but have you ever tried a fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich? They are fantastic. Well, maybe I do like fried foods a little too much – which is why I developed this recipe for oven-baked striped bass. I like whole, baked stripers, but when pressed for time, I fillet the fish. I find that the best eating stripers (or … [Read more...]
Getting Off the First Tee
There is nothing in golf to match the feeling of stepping up to the first tee and connecting solidly with your driver, sending the ball screaming down the fairway. This is a somewhat rare occurrence for the ordinary golfer. “Duffers” will hit a good one every now and then – just enough to keep from giving up the game completely – but more often than not, it’s a slice, a hook or something even … [Read more...]
Cartoons at the Movies
For Boomers, going to the movies was a regular, often weekly, activity. The entertainment at the local movie theater began with the previews of coming attractions, followed by a plea from the concession stand to buy some snacks and drinks, and then the cartoons. Sometimes the theater manager played two, but generally one cartoon. Boomers remember that the cartoons were often more entertaining than … [Read more...]
Cinnamon Buttermilk Muffins
There are seemingly as many diets as stars in the Milky Way, and a new one pops up every week. “Don’t eat carbs. Eat more protein. Eat grapefruit. Don’t eat grapefruit. Drink 8 glasses of water. No, maybe not. Avoid sugars. Foods have points - eat 22 points a day. Eat lean meat. Eat fish. Take Fish Oil Pills. Don’t eat bread, etc., etc., etc.” Wouldn’t it be nice to have a diet where you make … [Read more...]
Mastering The Flop Shot
On occasion I’ll hit a decent drive on a short par 4, followed by an iron that is just right in distance, but a little left of the green. Like many average golfers, I tend to pull short irons. The problem I now find myself in is being within sniffing distance of the pin, but looking into the bowels of the nastiest sand trap this side of the Sahara. Even worse, the green is sloping away and I only … [Read more...]
Aberdeen Barn: Consistently Excellent
Fifty years is a long time to be in business, particularly for a restaurant, as few make it to even five years. Yet, 50 years ago George Spathos, an immigrant from Greece, started the Aberdeen Barn, serving the finest Angus Steaks, Roast Beef, Seafood and more. They still do. The Aberdeen Barn is a Charlottesville institution. Businessmen know that when it’s time to seal the deal, there is no … [Read more...]
On The Road for Spadefish
Years ago, I went to St. Simons Island off the coast of Georgia to spend a week with good friends, including my joined-at-the hip fishing buddy, Ray Pruitt. One afternoon, Ray and I took his 14-foot skiff out into the dead calm waters off the island. We were bottom fishing for whatever would bite, ideally a grouper. The water was gin clear and I recall a hammerhead shark about the size of our boat … [Read more...]
Saving S & H Green Stamps
In today’s world of self-service, it’s hard to conceive that stores would actually give premiums to entice and retain customers. But Boomers clearly remember S & H Green Stamps and a national era of stamp collecting so profound that many people went around with green tongues from licking so many stamps. In the 50’s and 60’s, filling station personnel not only put gas in your tank, they also … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 463
- 464
- 465
- 466
- 467
- …
- 477
- Next Page »