The bane of every bird lover is a squirrel. Put out a feeder, and a squirrel, rather than birds, invites himself to dinner. A baffle on the feeder pole works well, but not if there is overhead cover nearby – like a limb or a roof or anything a squirrel can use to pounce down on the food. We discovered one method, however, that absolutely keeps squirrels at bay and that is a bag of Wild Delight … [Read more...]
While Shepherds Watched, Part II
Tending Special Sheep Amos, his father Benjamin, and his uncle Shimron had just finished driving their sheep herd some ten miles to the outskirts of Bethlehem. Two other groups of shepherds were using the same ancient fold erected from stones as the shepherds settled into their open quarters that cold, clear winter night. Amos, a young man of 14, had placed his bedding at … [Read more...]
The Tuna Are Here
At least they are "here" off the coast of North Carolina. Country Girl Charters out of Manteo fished Wednesday and loaded up with Yellowfin Tuna and Triggerfish. Fishing offshore has been excellent when weather permits. Sea bass are also being caught in good numbers off structure in deeper water. At Nags Head, when the wind isn’t blowing, fishing has been good. On Wednesday, the … [Read more...]
A Richmond Tree Hedge
A few years back, our good friends Charlotte and Dick Forrester took us on a Tacky Light Tour in their hometown, Richmond. All I can say is that those folks in RVA really do it right when it comes to Christmas decorations. But as we passed by many houses, I noted a common theme. Many had a single tree decorated that made absolutely no sense. There would be green lights on one branch and … [Read more...]
Bear On the Loose
The Louisa County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Officers have confirmed a bear in the Bumpass area. It has reportedly killed 3 pigs and now a sheep and seems to be roaming between Louisa Farms Rd and Little River Farms Rd. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has been made aware. Please refer to their web page for what to use as bear deterrents to protect your livestock and … [Read more...]
Perfect Pork Loin Chops
Beef, chicken, fish, and pork. Pick one. Chance are it wasn’t pork. Yet, lean pork is as healthy as chicken and fish. But because it’s lean, though, it tends not to have as much flavor, and it often turns out tough and dry – at least mine did. Until… I figured out how to make Perfect Pork Loin Chops. Tender, juicy, flavorful, easy. Boneless pork loins are a staple in the meat … [Read more...]
Birds of a Feather
Not only do they flock together, they feed together. All of them. At the same time. My passion is watching birds, sometimes from the kitchen window and sometimes from my vantage point in a lawn chair in the back yard. One thing I have noticed is that all of the birds seem to feed at the same time. You’ll see bunches of birds - cardinals, sparrows, chickadees, finches, and the like, … [Read more...]
The Remarkable Ivy Inn
I understand there are over 200 restaurants in Charlottesville. It seems like there that many on the Downtown Mall, but regardless: All these restaurants can be divided into two groups. The Ivy Inn and the others. Not one compares to the consistent food, service and ambience offered by Charlottesville’s premiere eatery. We eat at the Ivy Inn mostly on special occasions. It was my … [Read more...]
While Shepherd’s Watched
Following is a 4-part short story I wrote a few years back. It’s my attempt to describe how that first Christmas might have been. We will print a chapter each week. Feel free to reprint or use as you choose. Seeking Pasture Near Bethlehem The sheep had gone easily into the fold that evening. Young Amos was pleased that he had not been called … [Read more...]
Looking for Big Rocks
The water temperature in the Bay has dipped into the mid-50s. It’s Rockfish time. The Big Rocks have now drifted out of the rivers into the main bay and some ocean-run fish from the Atlantic have also squeezed in, all looking for a wad of menhaden to attack. Boats found the big stripers this week, many on the Eastern Shore side. The Plantation Lights and Cape Charles areas were … [Read more...]
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