I have been living with bluebirds for over 30 years. I had never seen a bluebird in our yard until a pair first came to our water bowl. Bluebirds love water and that’s the first way to attract them. The next spring we had a small pottery-type bird house hanging on an old clothesline pole (yes, it was that many years ago.) One day, I noticed a bird with brilliant blue plumage going in and out of … [Read more...]
Here Come the Cobia
Cobia start out as little fellows (see the above picture of a juvenile), and then they grow, and grow, and grow. The world’s record cobia went 175 pounds. They don’t get that large in Virginia waters, but some can push 100 pounds. Cobia are the “snowbirds” of the fish family. They winter in the tropical Gulf waters, then gradually begin to migrate north. Recently, cobia made a blitz through North … [Read more...]
The Ice Cream Man
An ice cream truck came through our neighborhood last night. We heard the jingles and jangles playing from several blocks away. There is something about an ice cream truck that brings joy and anticipation to your heart. This is a repeat article, but it’s timely and it sure brings back good memories. It took about three weeks for the euphoria of getting out of school for the summer to … [Read more...]
Reverse Sear Steak
I have my opinion on how to cook a Perfect Steak – basically a great piece of meat on an extra hot grill to sear, then turn down the heat and bring it to the correct temperature. Floyd Hollier, a fellow steak lover from Richmond, cooks his just the opposite. Here are Floyd’s instructions for his Perfect Steak. Says Floyd: If your grill is not available, here is a different way to cook your … [Read more...]
Signs of Our Times
Kroger’s Artisan Bread: Uncommonly Good
We were packing our lunch for a road trip to NC. I always like to make sandwiches ahead, so we don’t have to stop so often. I had made a nice batch of Egg Salad and wanted some sliced bread worthy of my creation. I went to Kroger’s to check out their choices and found that all the brand names were $4-plus and none were thick. Then I saw a loaf of Kroger’s Private Selection Artisan Bread. It was … [Read more...]
Hilltop Market: Blue Ribbon Sandwiches
Hilltop Market used to be just a small convenience store. They sold lots of live bait to fishermen headed out to the Rivanna Reservoir. They sold some canned goods, drinks, snacks and fresh produce. Then they opened a small deli. Since then, Hilltop Market (now called Hilltop Grocery) has become one of the best go-to lunch destinations for many in Charlottesville. You’ll find men in business … [Read more...]
King of the Road
Drive along most any road or street in town and you’ll see one or more. They will be perched on a mailbox, a utility pole, a tall shrub or a tree limb, and ready to swoop down and nail an unsuspecting insect. They are mockingbirds, one of the most interesting of all backyard birds and one of the best singers on the planet. This time of year, mockingbirds stake out their territories, most having … [Read more...]
No Fail Brisket
I have never had much luck with briskets. I have cooked them on the grill, I have smoked them, I have slow cooked them in the oven and the best I ever produced was just edible. My briskets often turned out dry and tough. I see those barbeque shows on TV, salivate over the delicious-looking briskets, but for me, no luck – until I decided to put the brisket in my slow cooker. And it turned out … [Read more...]
Customer Service Isn’t Just a Phrase
By Nancy B Isn’t it disappointing and frustrating to go into a store and you seem invisible. No one says hello or welcome or asks” may I help you”. Well, that doesn’t happen at Nancy B’s House of Lights. We offer exceptional customer service, and we have a very attentive and professional sales staff. Customer service is a key component of Nancy B’s House of Light’s success as the retailer of … [Read more...]
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