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...]
Broccoli Cornbread
I was going to make a big pot of chili and thought about some sort of side dish – other than oyster crackers - and saw a recipe for broccoli cornbread. That would work. I tried it and it was good. But the best part of this discovery is that this recipe can cover lots of bases, simply by substituting for the broccoli. For example, instead of broccoli, put a can of chilis or jalapenos in the recipe … [Read more...]
Introducing Alex Mikutin
By Nancy B In 2007, I started Nancy B’s House of Lights. You (my loyal customers and friends) have been with me every step of the way. Lighting is fun and you have made it even more so, thank you. It’s almost time for me to consider the next chapter in my life (whatever that may be) and I am blessed to have met someone who has the same excitement and passion about people and lighting as I … [Read more...]
A Master Angler VI
Stephen Miklandric and his 4-lb.-3-oz. citation Saugeye By Molly Kirk/DWR Stephen Miklandric became the first Virginia angler to achieve the Master Angler V title through the Online Virginia Angler Recognition Program (OVARP), which is awarded when an angler catches citation-size fish from 25 species on the trophy fish list. He did so in April 2019. And now, he’s the first angler … [Read more...]
Not Much Happening
The big bluefins are dominating the Gulf Stream scene, a handful of pups and specks ae biting in Virginia’s rivers, and tautogs are out there if you can stand the cold. An occasional red drum is caught at Hatteras while a few skates and sharks are biting at Nags Head. Some nice bass are being caught at Lake Anna, and the yellow perch are beginning to make their move in the Rappahannock. Some … [Read more...]
My First Nice Bass
Life was not easy for a young bass fisherman in West Virginia in the 1950’s. First, there weren’t that many ponds and lakes. This was limestone country where water typically slithers through the soil and rocks and ends up 100 feet below the surface. The winters were cold back then so the growing season for warm water fish was short and sweet. I had been fishing now for 8 years and had nothing to … [Read more...]
Yeah for Harris Teeter
I shop at Harris Teeter on occasion, but not regularly. It’s not as convenient for me, and the prices seem higher. But I went there recently to check out their seafood. They often have great Argentine Shrimp and fresh flounder. The flounder looked good, so I bought it, then saw some breakfast sausage in their custom meat counter and bought a pound. Over in their hamburger display I noted Ground … [Read more...]
Pure Panic!
I had mis-placed my wallet. That’s not unusual since I routinely leave it at various resting places around the house. So, I began my search, and I couldn’t find it. I wasn’t on the top of my dresser, nor on top of the microwave, not on the table in the foyer, not in any of my jackets or sweaters, not on the front seat of my car. Panic began to set in. I pulled up my credit card records and saw … [Read more...]
I Like Spam A Lot
As a teenager, one of my go-to lunches was a Fried Spam sandwich slathered in mustard. Usually, I had two. For Christmas this year, one of my kids gave me a can of Spam as a gag gift, but we ate it the next morning for breakfast and I still enjoy it. When we cruised in Hawaii, I was amused by all the Spam offerings aboard both the cruise ships and even at fancy restaurants. Spam is the … [Read more...]