“City sidewalks, busy sidewalks. Dressed in holiday style” Those were some of the comforting lyrics from an old Christmas favorite – “Silver Bells”. But there’s nothing comforting about City Sidewalks if you live in the People’s Republic of Charlottesville. If you have a dwelling in town, you must clear the sidewalks in front of your house even though it’s not your property. You must … [Read more...]
Snow Derangement Syndrome
Even the thought of snow makes some people go a bit crazy. This week’s storm, named Fern, was highly advertised and anticipated. It was on Labor Day last year that they first announced a severe snowstorm or about January 24, 2026, so you damned well be prepared. And were we ever. Last Wednesday, I had to go to the grocery store for a few items and the parking lot at Kroger’s was jammed pack. … [Read more...]
Grrrrrr!
When I was a teenager, I often took my shotgun with me when I drove to school. I left it on the floorboard of the back seat along with my hunting coat and a box of shotgun shells. That’s because I would sometimes drive after school directly to a patch of woods to hunt squirrels. I rarely locked my car, and no one stole my gun. But! A recently approved Virginia Senate Bill 496 states that … [Read more...]
Birds Need Water – Especially Now
Here is my annual plea to fellow birders to put out a heated bird bath. Our little friends need water, especially in freezing weather, to survive. Many, many people put out feeders – something like $500 million is spent annually on bird seed, but for bird baths – not so much. I have a ton of songbirds in my yard, but it didn’t happen by accident. I provide multiple food sources and seed … [Read more...]
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Nancy wanted some more oatmeal. She eats it often for breakfast, so I bought her a box when I went to the store. Except, I bought old fashioned oats – the original whole grain variety and she likes the oatmeal you can cook in a couple minutes. So, I went back and bought what she wanted, but now I was the proud owner of a box of Old-Fashioned Oats, and I eat eggs for breakfast. I probably should … [Read more...]
The One That Got Away
There have been lots of fish in my life – big ones, little ones and lots in between. Strangely, the ones that really stand out in the scrapbook of my memories are the ones that got away. Fish that you catch and land are embedded in reality. If that smallmouth measured 21-inches, that’s as big as he’ll ever get. The ones that got away, however, are not limited by a set of scales or a yardstick. In … [Read more...]
The Mitchell 300
This was the fishing reel that changed my life – at least as far as fishing was concerned. When I began my career as a Devout Angler, there were cane poles and Pfleuger rods and reels. That’s it. Choose a cane pole and your casting was restricted to about 12 feet, depending on the wind; or choose a bait casting reel and you had to use a lure with approximate weight of a bowling ball to make a … [Read more...]
Blister Packs Give Me Blisters
I bought a package of Flonase Nasal Spray the other day. It was “blister packed”, meaning if you weren’t really desperate, you’d never be able to open and use it. I used a hammer, a chisel, kitchen shears and a butcher knife before I could finally penetrate the plastic armor the manufacturers decided to apply. By the time, I had cajoled one of the spray bottles to give itself up and come out, my … [Read more...]
Dog Lovers: Beware of Raisins
A handful of raisins adds lots of fiber and satisfaction to a bowl of cereal or a tossed salad, but that same handful can be deadly to a dog. I found that out last week, when my daughter’s dog, Sampson, got into a cake of suet with raisins and ended up in the Vet’s emergency room. Not every dog is susceptible to the dangers of grapes and raisins, but even one raisin, which contains tartaric … [Read more...]
Banana Peel Fertilizer
Most anything organic can be added to a garden plot to increase productivity, but I read recently that banana peels might be the best of all. According to those who know, banana peels are super rich in potassium, calcium and other nutrients which promote strong roots, bigger blooms, and healthier growth. They're especially beneficial for potassium-loving plants like tomatoes, peppers, and roses, … [Read more...]
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