How Come Eugene Didn't Catch Any Fish? — Donna Hopkins

Teams of men paired up: Hunter and Brad, Justin and Dustin, Earl and Allan. Big fish and total weights recorded. From the chart on the shed wall, it looks like there’s been a fishing competition. Can’t help but feel a little sad for Eugene who scored a big zero. But hey, maybe the joy of the time outdoors was reward enough.

I love this boat landing along the Rappahannock Basin Trail. In all seasons, the view helps me to tend and befriend myself. It’s freezing cold today, and I really don’t want to get out of the car. But once I do, I don’t want to get back in. The cold air is invigorating, and there is always something to discover.

I am fascinated by the osage oranges. I had never even seen one until a few years ago. Also called Hedge Apples, the bumpy, yellow-green spheres, fall from the small deciduous tree, Maclura pomifera. They were once believed to repel insects, but this has been found to be untrue. They are often used in fall decorations and provide food for squirrels, deer and birds. A very unusual, inedible fruit (tough with milky, super sticky goop inside!).