I don’t like washing machines. Never have. My earliest recollection of a washing machine was a big bucket-looking thing with ringers on top. I figured that if those ringers could squeeze the dirt out of blue jeans, they would mash hell out of small fingers. So I avoided washing machines at all costs. Later, of course, my family owned newer, more modern washing machines, and even … [Read more...]
Chick-fil-A
Drive by any Chick-fil-A restaurant and there is a line. From 7 am to 7 pm, there is a line. People are willing to wait as long as it takes, to order (usually) a Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich. Other fast food establishments have taken notice. Now, they are all trying their versions of a Fried Chicken Sandwich. Even Wendy’s, as in “Where’s the Beef?” If you ask my wife Nancy … [Read more...]
Madison Motors: For the Best Deal
Have you checked car prices recently? The used car business may be hotter than real estate at this point. That’s because car companies cut down on production for rental cars last year and now the inventory is super low. Recently, however, we happened upon a really good deal on a newer van for Nancy B’s House of Lights. The old van, a 2000 model with 145,000 miles, was still trucking … [Read more...]
Lost Blue Birds
Our second nesting of bluebirds had just hatched. I saw both the male and the hen entering the house with worms and leaving empty handed. The next morning, we discovered the bad news. Something had gone in their house and taken all the baby bluebirds. My suspicions are either a snake or a racoon – probably a raccoon. This was the first time I have ever lost a bluebird nest to predators, and I … [Read more...]
The Cicadas are Coming
The cicadas are coming. The Brood X, or 17-year cicadas, emerge from their beds in the earth every 17 years. That’s a long nap. There are a number of different types of these locust creatures. Some pop out every 13 years and some more frequently, but these big, fat red-eyed monster-looking cicadas are due this year. Right now, actually. They will be in parts of Virginia, but not all. If they … [Read more...]
Buttermilk Cole Slaw
When I go out to eat, I often judge a restaurant by the quality of cole slaw it serves – especially a seafood restaurant or BBQ joint. Cole slaw is the ideal complement to fried or broiled fish, and pork as well. It offers the palette a change of pace and enhances the entrée. Cole slaw is also a powerful side dish with a bucket of chicken. I have been searching and swapping cole slaw … [Read more...]
Fishing With Simon
(This is the third in a five-part short story by Jim Brewer called "Let Down Your Nets") There was a knock and Nathan went to the door. It was Simon. “What, sir, can I help you with,” Nathan asked. “May I speak to your mother, Shaina,” Simon responded. “I have a favor to ask.” Shaina had been baking bread as the next day was the Sabbath, but went quickly to greet … [Read more...]
Many Boats Remain in Port
While demand for saltwater recreation is surging, the number of charter boats available for trips is diminishing - not because of labor shortages but because of a parts shortage for engines. As many homeowners are discovering, it is hard to get parts these days. Most come from China and that overseas highway is filled with potholes. So if you are thinking about an offshore or even a nearshore … [Read more...]
When the Lilies Bloomed
When the lilies bloomed, it was time. It was time to pack up all our stuff and go camping – at least that’s how it once was. The kids typically got out of school the second week in June – when our backyard lilies were in full bloom. The last day when the kids came home, it was off to an enchanted place called Cherrystone Campground on the Eastern Shore, the Land of Pleasant Living. And pleasant it … [Read more...]
The Fields of Flax
(This is the second in a five-part short story by Jim Brewer “Let Down Your Nets”) The nets were the lifeblood of the fisherman of Galilee. Maybe even more important than the boats, the nets captured the fish. Their strength and durability were critical. And the nets that Shaina made were superb, the envy of every fisherman in Capernaum. To construct the finest nets, Shaina relied on … [Read more...]
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