About this time 30 years ago, sportsmen headed for the coasts of Virginia and Carolina to catch bluefish. Big, gator-sized bluefish to 20 pounds. Then, they went away, perhaps victim of the netters who caught them by the truckloads and sold them as catfood for a nickel a pound. Well, maybe they are back. Capt. Reese Stecher and parties have been catching them up to 10-pounds in the sounds at … [Read more...]
The Do’s and Don’ts of Hawk Chasing
I had just put a handful of mealworms in the bowl near the bluebird house and stood back to watch the male fly to the feeder and secure a beak full of worms. Suddenly, a hawk swooped over the fence, talons stretched, heading for the bluebird. Fortunately, the hawk missed as the bluebird ducked quickly, but these bluebirds are like my children, only better behaved. Startled and extremely upset, I … [Read more...]
Parmesan Turkey Tenderloins
I don’t know why I bought a turkey tenderloin. I had no earthly idea how I would fix it, but it looked good. I knew it was healthy and it was under ten bucks, so I bought it. Maybe I should say “them” because there are always two turkey loins to a pack. You don’t often see turkey tenderloins in the grocery stores. They are the loin cuts from the bottom of a turkey breast – the tender … [Read more...]
Smyrna Brings the Mediterranean to Cville
I’ve never been to the Mediterranean, but I have eaten some of their exquisite foods. Last week, in fact, we dined at Smyrna Restaurant on West Main Street which specializes in Mediterranean-Aegean dishes. It was outstanding. The service, first of all, was impeccable. Our server carefully explained the menu and made recommendations. His suggestions were spot on. Our water glasses were kept … [Read more...]
It’s Finished
My garden, that is. Every row has been tilled and planted and every hill has been filled. All but my one row of beets and 3 hills of squash have green occupants and I hope the recent sun will encourage those stubborn seeds to emerge. The only thing to do now is dust the squash plants with Sevin, water the tomatoes and cukes and hope for the best. I sympathize with actual farmers whose … [Read more...]
Plant Milkweed and Butterfly Bushes
Besides bluebirds, the most welcomed guests in my backyard are Monarch butterflies. They are like miniature, fine-art paintings flitting from bush to bush and flower to flower. They are magnificent creatures, and they are threatened. Their fiercest enemies happen to be human beings, who are rapidly destroying meadows and the milkweed plants that Monarchs must have to survive. One of my biggest … [Read more...]
Pearl Mini Feeders
I had been filling a small tray with meal worms as my resident pair of bluebirds had several new mouths to feed. They knew the drill. When I approached the tray, it was meal worm time. Unfortunately, a robin also knew what I was up to and swooped down and quickly gobbled up all the worms. I ordered a Pearl Mini Feeder which arrived in two days. I have had domed feeders before with mixed … [Read more...]
Stripers on the Move
The striped bass of Buggs Island Lake are now on the move up the Dan and Staunton rivers where they will spawn. The Staunton, in particular, is a great spot to intercept and catch nice fish to 15 pounds and more. Walleye are also available in the same spots. Some huge blue catfish are now biting at Buggs Island. These fish can exceed 100 pounds. Crappie throughout Virginia have largely … [Read more...]
Hey! Back me Up Here!
Sportsmen face many obstacles in their outdoor careers. Driving a Jeep down a muddy, rut-filled logging road deep in a grouse covert comes to mind. But that’s not the most difficult challenge. Stepping squarely on a hornet’s nest while creeping in on a spring gobbler is no walk in the park, but worse can happen. An outdoors type might even find himself or herself between a mother bear and her cubs … [Read more...]
A Little Gem of a Salad
We were having a tossed salad to go with Grilled Shrimp “On the Barbie” as Outback would say. I originally was going to put the shrimp on the salad, but changed my mind. And instead of making a big bowl of salad, I decided to make individual bowls – one for me (a Papa Bear-sized salad) and one for Nancy (a Mama Bear portion). So, I made an ordinary salad except I used Little Gem Mini-Romaine … [Read more...]
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