Tidewater Times July 2024

Tidewater Times

July 2024

ST. MICHAELS - Just five miles from St. Michaels’ vibrant shops and restaurants, this private retreat has spectacular panoramic sunset views across Harris Creek. From the moment you walk in the front door, water views are everywhere, from the family room with its striking stone accent wall to the first floor primary suite with cozy sitting area. The spacious kitchen with breakfast area leads to a waterside screened porch - perfect for crab feasts or barbecues. The detached office with built-ins is an ideal game room as well. Built with substantial steel framing and brick, this handsome home nestled on 4.7 mostly wooded acres is a must see.

Just listed $1,875,000

About the Cover Artist Kathie Rogers

When I retired in 2015, I knew exactly what I wanted to do and where I wanted to live. So here I am living the artist’s life in beautiful Easton, Md.

I have studied drawing and painting at The Art League of Alexandria, Va. while working full time. After moving to Easton, I continued with classes at the Art Academy. In addition to numerous workshops both local and abroad, I studied with Louis Escobedo and Nancy Tank-

ersley. I am drawn to beauty both in everyday flowers at the market to the gorgeous Easton landscape. My love of dogs has led me to create many dog portraits. I’ve been juried into the Local Color shows, and the Oxford Fine Arts. Currently a member of The Working Artists Forum, St Michaels Art League, Art Academy and the Art League of Ocean City.

My work can be viewed at www. kathiemrogers.com

The Tilghman Street Country Club

by Helen Chappell

It had a couple of names and a lot of events related to it. It was a landmark, a hostel and for the PIPs (Previously Important People) who settled into retirement in Oxford, an outrage and an eyesore.

We’ll get back to the PIPs in a minute, but for now, fondly remembering the bad old days on Tilghman Street is where my wistful memories drift.

To give a little background: I’d been living in Manhattan for quite a while before I sold my first

book. In the go-go decades of the last century, hopeful new novelists could procure very decent advances.

About the same time I signed with Dell, my roommate Hunt Slonim and I were in a loft on Houston and Bowery. We were among the artistic pioneers renting lofts in an area best known for drunks sleeping in doorways and car crashes at the intersection of Second Avenue and Houston. And the famous club CBGBs was only

Tilghman Street

half a block away, so it was a tragically hip neighborhood. And I was getting tired of tragic hipness.

And about the same time as I got my first advance check, Hunt and I had a fight of the sort that only two over-bloated creative egos can have. It involved mean words and ice cube trays flying across the loft at the same time that Con Ed went up and all five boroughs were plunged into darkness.

So, I decided I would move back home to Talbot County. My father had retired, sold the farm and bought a house behind a wall in

Oxford. He had decided it was better for the aging parental units to live in a town with a fire department, ambulance service and town utilities. It was a lovely house, but it had one catch for them: it had a guest house. Bad for them, good for me.

And you know who was going to bunk in that guesthouse while I looked for a place of my own. Foolishly, I thought I’d wrap that novel up in a year and return to New York. That was half my life ago, and I’m still here. But that’s another story.

It didn’t take all that long to find friends my own age, even though

The Ramones

at first, it seemed as if Oxford was the home of the newly wed and nearly dead.

It was very different from Manhattan. For one thing, the guys I was meeting were straight, which was a nice change. They were, pretty much like me, college dropouts, many of whom had chosen skilled labor. Boatbuilders, boat workers, construction guys, sailors, carpenters, even a waterman or two.

And they all seemed to live on Tilghman Street.

In those days, it was not a haven for PIPs, but rather a mixed neighborhood of races and occupations, somewhat down at the heel. Once upon a time crab pickers and oyster shuckers lived and worked on this street, so the rents were affordable and there was a faint whiff of bohemia.

Only the rich retirees who bought up the big old houses on Morris Street complained about Tilghman Street

Annual Summer Sale

Something to smile about!

Monday-Saturday 10:30-5:30 31 N. Harrison St., Easton 410-770-4374

Tilghman Street

us, unless they needed a boat hand or their drywall rehung, or someone told them I was a writer.

So, these were my first friends in my new town, and I was lucky to be accepted. Thank you, Mark, Jim, Michael, Bruce, Bill, the two Woodys and Mitch and everyone else. It was a great ride while it lasted.

If I was going to write about the Eastern Shore, these guys were my inspiration. It was edifying to observer boatbuilding, maintenance and all sorts of manly-man building trades.

My best memories always seem to involve goofing on someone or something. It’s always sunny unless the streetlights are on. Some of us are driving around or down at the Carry Out or over to Pope’s or Ty and Sally’s and we are going to be young forever or until we’re not. It was a lot of fun and a nice sense of poking the bourgeois, which is what our generation did.

At the old Pope’s, Jim and I hatched a cunning plan to stage a coup d’état on the town. We were going to procure two earth movers and some of that heavy cable they laid for international communications, which we would use to connect the two machines. Each of us would take a side of the Oxford peninsula and cut the town in half by running down either water

Tilghman Street

bank. It seemed like a good idea at the time. We’d destroy the phone and electric wires to cut off any communication with the outside, and we’d take over. We were kind of fuzzy on what would happen after that, but it can’t be any worse that what’s happening now.

The last vestige of the old Tilghman Street is gone now, replaced with gentrification, teardowns, and shiny mini McMansions for the PIPs. I seriously doubt Bobby Banks, who was the town cop in those days, would have let us get away with it, but the fun was in the planning; the doing was too much like work.

Create your own art with

from

Of course, the old gang broke up in the course of time. People got married or moved away. Formerly close friends drifted apart, stuff happened, people died and some of us grew up and old.

But Tilghman Street as it was a lot of fun. I miss it. Growing up is no fun sometimes.

Helen Chappell is the creator of the Sam and Hollis mystery series and the Oysterback stories, as well as The Chesapeake Book of the Dead . Under her pen names, Rebecca Baldwin and Caroline Brooks, she has published a number of historical novels.

Bobby Banks - Oxford police officer

1965 to 1978.

Perfect Oxford Weekender with deeded 35‘ deep water boat slip! Bright 3 BR 2.5 BA Colonial with hardwood floors, formal living room with fireplace, dining room. Ensuite primary with newly renovated bath, Large fenced yard and deck. $529k

Whitehall Creek Waterfront! Classic Cape Cod ready for your imagination! 5+ BR home w/3800+ sf of space Living and dining room, sunken family room, fireplace and private office. First floor ensuite primary and additional 1st floor bedroom with full bath. 1+ acre w/pier, gazebo, private pool (being sold As IS) and large patio. $575K

Nelson

Super Aging by Bonna L.

…if we want to outlive our life expectancy and live better and longer, we will have to work hard to earn it through small incremental changes…

Peter Attia, MD

Outlive, The Science and Art of Longevity

Who are Super Agers? What are their secrets? How can I become one?

Come on a super aging journey with me and learn for yourself.

I was awakened to the concept of “Super Agers” when I read an article

with that title in an AARP Bulletin. The author shared various academic and scientific research underway to explain super aging, what it is, and how it is achieved.

I was excited by the idea of learn-

Super Aging

ing how to live longer and stronger. I eagerly read the article, then read more articles, then read several books to figure out the who, what and how?

I pestered family, friends and acquaintances who I think of as super agers (in their 70s, 80s and 90s–I don’t know any centenarians yet, but some friends are close), with questions: “Have you heard of the concept of super aging?” Usually, the answer was “No.” I explained that I was just beginning to read about super aging and think it means to live longer and better, longevity with good health. And I was wondering if they had some insight into their longevity. I wanted to know their secrets.

So next I asked, “To what do you attribute your long, healthy life?”

Chuck

Mangold Jr. - Associate Broker

BENSON & MANGOLD REAL ESTATE

Nestled among the serene loblolly pines, this exquisite 4+/- acre waterfront lot offers an unparalleled retreat overlooking the tranquil waters of Broad Creek. Take a front row seat to colorful sunsets year-round thanks to the south-westerly views. Former Church Neck Road adjacent neighbor, James Michener, undoubtedly drew inspiration from similar water views for his novel ‘Chesapeake.’ Step inside to discover water views from nearly every room on the main level. From the primary suite to the living room, complete with a wood-burning fireplace, the inviting ambiance of the dining room, and the sun-drenched charm of the kitchen’s sunroom, each space invites you to unwind and soak in the natural beauty that surrounds you. The living room boasts vaulted ceilings, to accentuate the sense of space and airiness. Upstairs, two bedrooms and a library office offer a bird’s-eye view of the main living area below. Above the garage, an additional bonus two room office/study space await, complete with a full bathroom, ready to adapt to your every need. Outside, a 2-car garage stands ready to accommodate your vehicles or storage.

ST. MICHAELS | $2,249,900 | www.7930ChurchNeckRoad.com

BENSON & MANGOLD REAL ESTATE Chuck

Open House Pop-Up Gallery featuring artists

Allie and Leigh Coriale 7/20 from 10-4 7/21 from 10-3 during Plein Air

The Chaffinch House is nestled in the heart of Easton’s picturesque landscape. Dating back to 1893, this Queen Anne Victorian residence underwent meticulous restoration in 2019, preserving its timeless elegance. It boasts inviting porches ideal for relaxation and entertainment, including a screened-in dining area and a secluded rear porch overlooking the enchanting garden. Step inside to discover a grand foyer graced by an intricately carved oak staircase, guiding you to exquisitely designed living spaces featuring soaring ceilings and stunning hardwood floors. The living room and family room exude historic charm, each boasting a distinctive fireplace. Entertain guests in the spacious dining room with a bay window, accommodating up to twelve, seamlessly connected to the updated kitchen. Ascend to the second level, where three luxurious bedrooms await. The primary suite includes a fireplace, tranquil sitting room, a screened sleeping porch and a second porch with sauna. The top floor has two additional bedrooms boasting ensuite baths. Embrace the heritage of this remarkable residence, recognized by the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties as a quintessential Victorian mansion.

EASTON | $1,995,000 | www.132SouthHarrisonStreet.com

Super Aging

Their first responses were usually given with a smile, a chuckle and with laughing eyes. They had secrets, I could tell. Would they reveal them to me? I asked for just a one-word or one-sentence answer.

Some of their answers were commonly known wellness recommendations, some were more expansive and some were surprising and amusing.

Of course, the most common answer was, “…well, I eat pretty well, and I stay pretty active.” And then there were some well-known expressions offered, such as, “Move it or lose it,” and “Don’t let the old man in” (Clint Eastwood). And one of my very favorites, “Each day, wake up, get up, dress up and show up!” All good reminders!

There were also answers with the commonly held beliefs in longevity being attributed to “Faith,” or “Fam-

ily” or “Friends.” Those three were also suggested in different order or in combination. They were the most often mentioned as contributing factors to folks living longer and staying happy and healthy. I thought those were terrific passions.

Several respondents said, “Working,” or “Travel,” or “Lifelong Learning” or a combination of the three along with the answers mentioned above, all inspiring.

Adding to the elements of a long, healthy life were these responses, “Helping Others,” or similarly “Giving Back,” and “Having a Sense of Purpose.” I liked everything that I had heard so far and felt encouraged by my friends’ wisdom and willingness to share.

Next, we have the off-the-beatenpath prize for the most unusual

Super Aging

answer, “Moroccan Olive Oil, a tablespoon a day.” And this was from a vigorous eighty-something who lives life to the fullest with family, friends, travel, faith, reading, research and social engagement.

The prize for most amusing answers to the question of how to achieve healthy longevity and super aging is a three-way tie, with the following: “I live longer to spite my daughter-in-law,” or “to go fishing” and lastly “to drink vodka!”

And finally, the first-place prize, drum roll please, goes to “SEX!” I imagine that we can all relate and agree with most of the answers, except for the Moroccan Olive Oil, well, maybe generic olive oil, it is all very good for us.

So, what do the many experts, scientists, doctors, researchers and authors say about super aging? There are commonalities and differences, as you would expect. Some say super

agers are those people who achieve ages over 80, called octogenarians, in reasonably good physical and mental health. Some drop down to the 70s, septuagenarians, or even 60s, sexagenarian, and many say you need to start working hard toward super aging in your 20s to 50s!

Superstar super agers live to their 90s, the nonagenarians; 100s, the centenarians; and even 110 and older, super centenarians. About 1 in 3,333 persons or .03% of people in the US, are centenarians according to Peter Attia, MD and Bill Gifford, in their book, Outlive, The Science & Art of Longevity.

If you are interested in the science, medicine and technical aspects of living long and well, backed by research and/or interested in becoming a centenarian, this book might be for you. Dr. Attia suggests that we switch from traditional modern medicine to seeking proactive medicine.

His recommendations, backed by research and numerous charts and references, include prevention/treatment; individualized health and lifestyle planning and actions; routinely assessing health risks with testing and monitoring key health numbers; and always thinking about health span and quality of life/longevity goals. Attia recommends that you begin to do something about working on your longevity in your 20s!

Key to centenarian health and longevity seems to be resiliency. Dr.

Super Aging

Attia can help you if you can afford it. Become his patient and he will assist you with increasing your lifespan and health span for only $150,000 a year!

Dr. Attia proposes that we can delay or prevent succumbing to chronic diseases and cognitive decline. He says that the most powerful longevity drug is exercising: aerobics, 4 times per week for 45 minutes; strength training 2–3 times per week, including heavy lifting, squats, lunges, push/pulls and grips; and stretch and stability, including breathing to stabilize the spine, feet grounded, hip hinges, a few times a week; and always include recovery time between exercises.

Rounding out his centenarian program are good nutrition suggestions, including eating unprocessed food and less food; confronting and treating diseases; maintaining quality sleep and emotional health. Read the book or summaries of it online to learn more than from my brief interpretation. I found that Attia offers useful information with much technical and medical supporting detail.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta of CNN fame, a neurosurgeon and writer, offers some super aging insight in his 2021 book, Keep Sharp: Build A Better Brain at Any Age. He also published a workbook and follow-up book. Worried about his family history of dementia, Gupta documents his

quest to keep his brain healthy. Key suggestions are to move, discover, relax, nourish and connect.

Exercise contributes to maintaining, repairing and building new brain cells. Discovery involves remaining engaged in the world, trying new things to grow your brain. Relax with good sleep habits and reduce bad stress with exercise, rest and include social engagement. Eat healthy meals to nourish your brain, body, heart, etc. Stay connected socially to improve mental, physical and brain health. Make new social connections to grow your cognitive abilities. Beginning to see similarities in the recommendations of friends, family, and other specialists? All doable and

WHY CHOOSE SANDY LANE

· In-town convenience with privacy

· Quiet cul-de-sac community

· Easy access to Rt. 50 for commute

Welcome to Sandy Lane, in Easton MD, where prime location and rst class design and construction come together. Our ten tastefully-appointed custom-built homes feature a highly e cient, low maintenance lifestyle that boasts rst oor primary bedroom suites, garages and elegant nishes throughout. Home prices starting at mid $400s. $479,900 · Walking distance to downtown · Schools, shopping, and medical nearby · Close to parks, trails and more!

Super Aging

positive.

In the area of exercise recommendations, I am trying a few of Gupta’s ideas that were new to me to improve brain health and stability, including walking in toe separators at home to stabilize and strengthen my feet and connect them to my brain. He learned that our feet are so cushioned in modern shoes that our feet don’t always support us very well.

Dr. Attia also pointed out that the brain controls the muscles, body parts, feet, etc. We need to ground both feet equally at their four corners for stability and balance. He suggests toe and balance exercises.

Also, I am going to try walking

with a weighted vest to stabilize my spine and gait, as Gupta suggested. I’ll let you know how it goes.

When I queried my orthopedic surgeon about super aging or becoming a centenarian, he said, “Keep moving, and eat the least processed food possible. Then he acknowledged those suggestions can be hard to do in our culture, unlike the folks living in the “Blue Zones…They walk everywhere, even to the store every day. They grow their own healthy food and prepare it from scratch.”

He was referring to a popular book that we learned about on the Oprah television show. You may have read, The Blue Zones, 9 Lessons for Living Longer, by Dan Buettner. He conducted studies in five communities where people had lower rates of chronic disease, longer life expectancies and a remarkable number of centenarians.

The five Blue Zones included communities in Costa Rico, Greece, Italy, Japan, and the U.S. He learned that the habits contributing to success in the Blue Zones are, as my orthopedic surgeon suggested: a lifelong plantbased diet and built-in movement behaviors made possible by their environment as well as strong faith and family/social engagement.

Buettner’s follow-up book, Blue Zones: Secrets for Living Longer is now available. In the new book he adds a sixth Blue Zone in Singapore where the government is providing environments which promote

Super Aging

good health habits and longevity! Buettner’s 2023 Netflix series, Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, is very accessible, inspirational and entertaining. The folks that were interviewed are amazing. I want to be able to sit cross-legged on the floor all day and play an instrument and sing and dance joyfully when I am over 100. Can you imagine? Guess I need to get to work.

In my research, I found eight universities in the U.S. and Canada that are conducting studies and research on super aging. One is recruiting volunteer participants. I am sure there are more. I only have so much time in a day. As you would expect, the U.S. National Institutes of Health is involved in the studies, as well as other medical consortiums.

There is also a newsletter on enhanced aging that I now subscribe to at Super Aging News Network. You can, too, at superagingnews.com.

The primary focus of the November 23, 2024, AARP Bulletin, Super Agers cover story, my inspiration for this story is written by Jeanne Dorin McDowell. The article ponders the puzzle of the super ager: what can we do to prevent our physical and mental decline as we age? The author cites numerous studies particularly concentrating on brain health and cites famous super agers with their “secret weapon” to achieving enhanced super ages.

William Shatner, 92, actor, author, astronaut, says his secret weapon is a passion for the future. Ruth Westheimer, 95, sex therapist, author, talk show host, states that her secret weapon is a love of life and talking. Norman Lear, 100, television producer and screenwriter, attributes his secret weapon to gratitude.

Sari Harrar, a contributing editor to AARP The Magazine , also contributed to the story by summarizing 7 Secrets of Super Agers , gleaned from research and studies as follows:

1. Super agers control their blood sugar and blood pressure.

2. Super agers talk to their friends—a lot.

3. Super agers avoid stress and prioritize mental health.

4. Super agers prioritize sleep.

5. Super agers protect their vision and hearing. (Upcoming stories will focus on vision and hearing wellness

Super Aging

and I think we should add teeth and skin wellness to the super ager secrets list)

6. Super agers don’t exercise more than most people, but they push themselves physically. (They have greater speed, mobility, agility and balance)

7. Super agers do more than Wordle. (They may also do crosswords, Sudoku, read frequently, listen to music, travel, play games, attend lectures and concerts—variety is key.)

Learn more about the article and aging well at AARP’s website. My husband, John, reminded me of another fascinating research project related to super aging and brain health, the Nun Study of the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND). And he recommended that I reach out to my graduate school English professor, mentor, writing critic and friend, Sister Kathleen Feeley, SSND.

I graduated with a BA and MA from the Notre Dame University of Maryland where I became acquainted with and inspired by Sister Kathleen, a nonagenarian. So, I jumped on his suggestion and contacted her after I skimmed some research results of the Nun Study.

The ongoing Nun Study looked at data from 325 Roman Catholic nuns in the SSND congregation in the US starting in 1986 and has since expanded internationally to include

almost 700 nuns, ages 75–107. In the study, researchers confirmed that certain health choices provide protection against dementia and Alzheimer disease.

They studied handwritten autobiographies from the orders’ archives, written by study participants at ages 19–21, before they took their vows. According to study results, one aspect of participants achieving a longer lifespan was reflected in the amount of purposeful and reflective behavior shown in those writings. There were additional studies, medical testing, interviews and examination of brains post-mortem.

The positive health choices that led to healthy brains even with evidence of dementia included physical and mental activity, good social networks, eating well and

NEW LISTING - 30603 Dover Rd. Charming brick rancher with picturesque views! Built in 1984 and meticulously maintained by its original owner, this home sits on 2 acres of land. Generously sized rooms perfect for comfortable living. Step onto the welcoming front porch, and you’ll be greeted by a spacious living room connected to a dining area. The large eat-in kitchen boasts ample cabinet space and convenient laundry facilities just steps from the garage. Two expansive bedrooms include a primary with its own private dressing room. Downstairs, a partially finished basement serves as a cozy family room with a gas propane heater for added warmth during colder months. Oversized two-car garage features a workshop area with plenty of storage. Room for customization. This home is ready for its next chapter. $399,900

7121 Station Rd. Perfect location minutes to St. Michaels or Easton on 2 acres Zoned VH. Lots of possibilities here! Consisting of 3 bedrooms each with an attached bath, 4th bedroom or den, attached 2 car garage and huge screened porch. Public landing less than a mile away which connects you to the Miles River or to explore the Tred Avon River, Bellevue landing isn’t very far. $499,900

Super Aging

controlling health conditions, such as blood pressure. Researchers also discovered that the quality of written language ability, higher education levels and exercising verbal language abilities also contributed to the enhanced brain health of the nuns, as well as positive outlooks evidenced from an early age in their writing.

Now to my dear Sister Kathleen, former President of Notre Dame of Maryland University, I learned that I should have contacted her first before reading all those articles, studies and books. (But then that did help my brain, right?)

Sister Kathleen, my brilliant professor and friend, is still teaching,

advising, consulting and writing at age 95 and has been practicing the principles of enhanced longevity since she was a young lady.

I asked Sister Kathleen, “To what do you attribute your remarkable lifespan concurrent with retaining remarkably good health?” This is what Sister Kathleen shared:

Come Fly With

Serving the Mid-Shore from the Easton Airport

TIDE TABLE

OXFORD, MD JULY 2024

1. Mon.

2. Tues.

3. Wed.

4. Thurs.

5. Fri.

6. Sat.

7. Sun.

8. Mon.

9. Tues.

10. Wed.

11. Thurs.

12. Fri.

13. Sat.

14. Sun.

15. Mon.

16. Tues.

17. Wed.

18. Thurs.

19. Fri.

20. Sat.

21. Sun.

22. Mon.

23. Tues.

24. Wed.

25. Thurs.

26. Fri.

27. Sat.

28. Sun.

29. Mon.

30. Tues.

31. Wed. AM

SHARP’S IS. LIGHT: 46 minutes before Oxford

TILGHMAN: Dogwood Harbor same as Oxford

EASTON POINT: 5 minutes after Oxford

CAMBRIDGE: 10 minutes after Oxford

CLAIBORNE: 25 minutes after Oxford

ST. MICHAELS MILES R.: 47 min. after Oxford

WYE LANDING: 1 hr. after Oxford

ANNAPOLIS: 1 hr., 29 min. after Oxford

KENT NARROWS: 1 hr., 29 min. after Oxford

CENTREVILLE LANDING: 2 hrs. after Oxford

CHESTERTOWN: 3 hrs., 44 min. after Oxford

3 month tides at www.tidewatertimes.com 12:27 1:25 2:19 3:10 3:59 4:46 5:30 6:12 6:52 7:30 8:06 8:42 9:19 10:00 10:48 12:21 1:08 1:53 2:39 3:25 4:13 5:00 5:47 6:34 7:20 8:06 8:54 9:46 10:43 12:11 1:11

2007 Kadey Krogen 44WB

“PARADOX” is in remarkable condition. Low engine hours, Stabilized, 2020 AB tender, 2-owner yacht. Call Pete Dierks · 410-200-0116

Both of my parents lived over 90 years: I have good genes. As a young woman, I gave myself some life principles. Eat three meals a day and don’t snack. Take a walk (short or long) every day and enjoy your environment. Stand up straight and throw your shoulders back. Always wear sensible shoes. Every year, take a vacation and leave all duties behind; make a retreat (a time of aloneness, peace, silence and reflection) to renew the inner Spirit of God. Look with love on the world of nature and be open to its inspiration. Make good friends and cherish them. Always have hands outstretched to help others. I am 95 years old, in good health, still driving and I am filled with gratitude for the gifts that I have been given. It is amazing to me that Sister Kathleen developed her own super aging principles as a young woman and how closely they align with

the recommendations of scientists, researchers and doctors who have studied super agers and centenarians.

Also interesting to me is that Sister Kathleen was not included in the SSND Nun Study. She thinks she was out of the country on one of her many teaching ministries or teaching fellowships when SSND nuns were recruited. She would be the perfect nun to study.

The information that I gleaned during my research was inspiring, overwhelming and exhausting! I found, but, of course, did not read all, fi fty-plus books on the subject. I am sure that there are many more books as well as more articles and research to be discovered.

If you choose to take your own super aging journey, do your own research and check with your doctor on how to proceed before making any major changes to your life. I am not a medical expert, and this article is for informational purposes only. I have much more to learn, much to change and much to work on.

I learned that we can live an enhanced, vibrant, vital life at any age by honoring our body, mind and spirit. Join me on the journey?

Bonna L. Nelson is a Bay-area writer, columnist, photographer and world traveler. She resides in Easton with her husband, John.

Indigo Buntings and Other Delights

by Michael Valliant

It took me eight years to see an Indigo Bunting. I first became fascinated by these deep blue birds in 2016. Blue is my favorite color, Eastern Bluebirds are my favorite songbird and seeing pictures of these incredible midnight-winged beauties and talking to friends who had seen them, I couldn’t wait to see a Bunting in the wild. And there are plenty of them around the Eastern Shore. I made a philosophical decision early on: I wasn’t going to drive around looking for them or make it an ob-

session, I just wanted to see one in my everyday comings and goings. There are different approaches to birding, just as there are different approaches to life. Some people travel to find specific birds to check off their life list; they might go out with the goal of seeing, hearing, or encountering one specific bird— their success or failure that day depends on seeing that particular bird. There are people who track how many birds they have seen in their lives—these are all wonderful, fulfill-

Indigo Buntings

ing and noble goals. When it comes to birding, my approach is different: keep it simple and enjoy whatever is in front of me.

If I sit out back on the deck with my coffee and the birds at and around my feeders are Cardinals, Nuthatches, Chickadees and Mourning Doves, I am enthralled and fascinated by the birds who are there on a given morning. If a bird who is not one of the regulars, or a bird I haven’t seen before shows up, then I appreciate them on those days. But I don’t think less of a morning with my familiar bird friends. I don’t want to discount whatever blessings a day might hold because they aren’t different or maybe aren’t what I hoped for.

21876

Indigo Buntings

I don’t mean this as a passive approach to life—don’t go out looking for things, wait for everything to come to you. One of my happiest early birding days was running into a friend on his lunchbreak who mentioned there were tons of Cedar Waxwings down around a cul de sac on Bachelor’s Point in Oxford and we went with binoculars, and I saw a bird I’d been hoping to see for the first time. There is joy to be found in the seeking of it.

But when it came to Indigo Buntings, I didn’t want to obsess. I kept my eyes out and I went to places they might be, which happen to be places I go frequently.

Cornell Lab’s “All About Birds,” advises:

“Look for Indigo Buntings in midsummer along rural roads, where they often sing from telephone lines or wooded edges for hours on end. One of the best ways to find them is to learn to recognize the bouncy quality of the paired notes in their song…these brilliantly colored yet common and widespread birds whistle their bouncy songs through the late spring and summer all over eastern North America. Look for Indigo Buntings in weedy fields and shrubby areas near trees, singing from dawn to dusk atop the tallest perch in sight or foraging for seeds and insects in low vegetation.”

Research. Prepare. Show up. Then appreciate what’s there. It’s an approach to life that author, advicecolumnist and Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker Cherly Strayed encapsulated perfectly by quoting her mother:

Indigo Buntings

“There’s always a sunrise and always a sunset and it’s up to you to choose to be there for it,’ said my mother. ‘Put yourself in the way of beauty.’”

Put yourself in the way of beauty. Choose to be there. And be open to what you experience.

On a recent weekend in Chincoteague, we stayed in a small cabin on the Bay. Its screened-in porch faced the water and was perfectly positioned for both sunrises and sunsets. I was up drinking coffee, writing and watching before 5 a.m. as the sun came up and the colors were uncanny. A bit later in the morning, a pod of dolphins surfaced, fed, played, and for the first time (for us), they were close enough and it was quiet enough that we could hear them clearing their blowholes as they broke the water.

We could have decided to watch the morning shows on television or to sleep in. Or we could put ourselves in the way of beauty. We did

the same thing that evening as we sat on the porch with friends who live on the island and have a surf shop there, and together we had happy hour and talked and took in one of the most sublime sunsets.

I saw my Indigo Bunting on a Sunday morning. During the week leading up to it, Holly saw one in her yard at the edge of the woods. She sat and studied it and later when we were looking at pictures, she identified it straightaway. On that Friday, we were setting up for our annual church picnic, held on a farm off Oxford Road. We were talking about birds, and I brought up Buntings and my co-worker was sure she saw one driving up on the long, dirt (rural) lane leading up to the farm.

Sunday morning, I got to the picnic early to help set up. I was driving up the dirt lane and had the band Royal Blood playing on my stereo. It was like a slow-motion scene in a movie: an Indigo Bunting flew from the fields to the right, just in front of my windshield, with its wings spread to show off the black and

Indigo Buntings

white markings atop the deep, dark, blue and seemed to pause for a bit before disappearing into the woods on the left.

It was an incredible delight that left me speechless and smiling. At the end of the picnic, we were walking the grounds and I turned on Cornell Lab’s Sound ID app on my phone. As we walked, it picked up multiple Indigo Bunting songs to the point where we could pick them out by ear whenever they sang. It was an Indigo Bunting Day, made sweeter for the anticipation over the years of seeing one.

Poet and essayist Ross Gay made

a practice of writing down something that delighted him during the day every day for a year. He recorded these short essays in a book called, “The Book of Delights.” He writes about the practice of it all:

“It didn’t take me long to learn that the discipline or practice of writing these essays occasioned a kind of delight radar. Or maybe it was more like the development of a delight muscle. Something that implies that the more you study delight, the more delight there is to study…I also learned this year that my delight grows—much like love and joy—when I share it.”

Birdwatching. Indigo Buntings. Dolphins playing. Happy hour with friends at sunset. Putting ourselves in the way of beauty and recognizing the delights that each day holds, both in building up over time or the unexpected in the moment. What are some of your daily delights? Thank you for letting me share a few of mine.

Michael Valliant is the Assistant for Adult Education and Newcomers Ministry at Christ Church Easton. He has worked for non-profit organizations throughout Talbot County, including the Oxford Community Center, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and Academy Art Museum.

Foremost Massage & Spa Delivers a Fantastic Experience

by Tracey F. Johns

“I’m sorry, I can’t make it tonight” are the words my close friends often receive from me. “My head hurts,” or for those that understand without laughing, “my face hurts.”

I’m one of thousands of people who have chronic sinusitis, triggered by allergies including this spring’s most recent tree pollen surge. It leaves my face and head hurting so badly that it wakes me up at night, despite sinus surgery, daily sinus

saline rinses and a slurry of medications for allergies and asthma.

So, I jumped at the opportunity to try Foremost Massage, Spa & Salt Cave’s halotherapy when Tidewater Times publishers Anne and John Farwell reached out and asked if I wanted to do a story on their salt cave. (Also, who would say no to writing a story on a spa?)

Foremost is easily found in Easton, tucked in along businesses

on Commerce Drive. From the outside, it looks like a regular storefront, but step inside and you will instantly feel like you need to lower your voice to a whisper to go along with the soft, relaxing, softly lit spaces. The aromas of lavender and

peppermint are carried throughout the air as clients indulge in therapeutic services that include massage, facials and Reiki, all from certified practitioners in private treatment rooms.

To the right of the lobby is where I’m headed on this day, however, to see what the salt cave might do to relieve me of my daily, constant headaches. Even with the tree pollen waning, a dose of steroids and antibiotics, I was still suffering.

I sat outside the salt cave’s entrance to stow away my belongings and head inside. The outside looks like the door to a medieval secret place, with the inside bringing a much larger transformative experience in the dim lighting and am-

Foremost Spa

bient music. With the door closed, and even before the fine salts are turned on, the room’s air already has me breathing better.

I spent 45 relaxing minutes in the salt cave—twice—because I went back one more time before writing this story. My experiences included a relaxing foot and head massage, with all the benefits of breathing in clean, salty air. The afterward of my halotherapy treatment—what they call breathing in pharmaceuticalgrade sodium chloride, or salt— included not only relief from my headache but also from the aches and pains of arthritis.

The day immediately following

my salt cave therapy came with me drinking lots of water, and before the day was done, my sinuses had finally cleared. By the next day, the headache was gone, and it stayed away for weeks before my return to the cave a month later. I’m hooked.

The experience was so fantastic that I made sure to reach out to friends that I knew were searching for relief from knee pain, psoriatic arthritis and more. I went away from my salt cave experiences so relaxed and without pain that I bought a gift certificate for my adult son, who also suffers from allergies, with the hope that he’ll enjoy the benefits so much that we’ll go back to the cave as a family.

Foremost Spa isn’t new to the

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

& Saturday by appt.

Foremost Spa

Mid-Shore. Since opening its doors 25 years ago, Foremost Massage, Spa & Salt Cave has become a cherished sanctuary for relaxation and wellness and a destination for bridal parties, weekend retreats and more.

The spa, owned and operated by Julie Janeen, LMT, offers a unique array of services, including the area’s fi rst salt cave, which opened in 2020.

Janeen’s journey to spa ownership began with a career in the Navy, where she served as a dental technician. “I was stationed at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, and after my service, we moved to Easton in 2002,” said Janeen. Her husband, Edward, is a fellow U.S.

Marine Corps. veteran and supports the business, which has since become a family endeavor with their adult children now involved.

The inspiration for the salt cave came from a family vacation. “We visited a salt cave in Williamsburg, Virginia, and noticed how it improved our breathing,” Janeen explained. “It was such a transformative experience that we wanted to bring it back to Easton.”

Foremost Spa’s salt cave offers 45-minute sessions in a serene, cave-like atmosphere where clients can relax in zero-gravity chairs, breathing in pharmaceutical-grade sodium chloride. “The salt particles help cleanse the sinuses and respiratory system,” Janeen said. “Many clients feel immediate relief from conditions like allergies and asthma.”

She’s spot on. I finally feel like someone hasn’t socked my eyes until they are nearly shut or poured concrete into my sinuses. This is for real, coming from a thirty-year sufferer.

The spa also provides a range of massages, including myofascial release, hot stone and prenatal massages. Janeen, along with five other licensed massage therapists, two aestheticians, yoga instructors, and a licensed Reiki master, caters to a diverse clientele. “We tailor our sessions to each individual,” Janeen noted. “Whether it’s a deep therapeutic massage or a relaxing prenatal session, our goal is to make

Foremost Spa

every client feel rejuvenated.”

In addition to the salt cave and massage services, Foremost Spa also features a Vichy shower, which brings an entire body exfoliation into your relaxation experience. Much like a toss in the sand after taking a ride on a salty wave will bring you, sans the sunscreen, heat and sand crabs.

“The Vichy shower is incredibly relaxing and exfoliates the skin, leaving you feeling refreshed and pampered,” Janeen said. “Afterward, clients often enjoy a 60- to 90-minute massage, which enhances the overall experience.”

Janeen attributes the spa’s success to its commitment to customer satisfaction and the diverse range of services offered. “We have something for everyone, from sound baths and yoga classes to guided meditation,” she said. “Our space is larger than most local spas, allowing us to accommodate bridal parties and other groups.”

The spa’s ambiance, a blend of professionalism and tranquility, appeals to both new guests and regular clients. “Our regular clients have seen the spa grow and evolve, and they appreciate the consistent quality of service we provide,” Janeen said. “We aim to create an atmosphere where people can escape

their daily stresses and feel like a new person.”

When asked where she finds her greatest joy, Janeen shares that the spa is her happy place. “Making people feel good and helping them heal is incredibly rewarding,” she shares as she massages my feet and I nearly fall off into a slumber during our interview. “Even when I’m on vacation, I can’t wait to get back to work.”

Janeen also has a special place in her heart for other people that serve and offers special discounts and services regularly offered to veterans, medical personnel and first responders

“We value our veterans and service members, and it’s important for us to give back to the community,” Janeen said.

Looking ahead, Janeen is content with the current scale of the business. “We’ve found our sweet spot,” she said. “We have a strong client base, and our focus is on maintain-

4930 Bucktown Road, Cambridge · 410-228-3090 info@baywateranimalrescue.org · www.baywateranimalrescue.org

Foremost Spa

ing the high level of service our clients have come to expect.”

With glowing TripAdvisor reviews from clients like Tiffany H., who praised the spa for its professional and effective massages, and Jennifer W., who found the salt cave

“beautiful and relaxing,” Foremost Massage, Spa & Salt Cave continues to set the standard for wellness in Easton.

Online booking is super easy for Foremost’s services using their website. Whether you seek relief from respiratory issues like me, or simply a place to unwind, Foremost Spa offers an unparalleled experience designed to soothe the body and mind. Plus, you’ll bring joy to Janeen and her team in the services that they provide to help you feel fantastic.

Oh, and you’ll be seeing more of me out and about with friends, now that I can say ‘yes’ more often to experiencing life without constant pain.

Foremost Massage, Spa & Salt Cave 8706 Commerce Dr., Suite 2 Easton, MD 21601 410-310-7510, (text or voice message for best response)

www.foremostmassage.com Hours by appointment only Evening & weekend appts. available

We have lots of beautiful new carpets, flooring, tiles, fabrics, cabinets, countertops and much more to complete your new look! 3109 Ocean Gateway Cambridge · 410-228-9022 Facebook · Instagram · Online

Tracey Johns has worked in communications, marketing and business management for more than 30 years, including non-profit leadership. Tracey’s work is focused on public and constituent relations, along with communication strategies, positioning and brand development and project management.

Queen Anne’s County

The history of Queen Anne’s County dates back to the earliest Colonial settlements in Maryland. Small hamlets began appearing in the northern portion of the county in the 1600s. Early communities grew up around transportation routes, the rivers and streams, and then roads and eventually railroads. Small towns were centers of economic and social activity and evolved over the years from thriving centers of tobacco trade to communities boosted by the railroad boom. The county is named for Queen Anne of Great Britain, who reigned when the county was established in 1706.

Queenstown was the original county seat when Queen Anne’s County was created, but that designation was passed on to Centreville in 1782. It’s location was important during the 18th century, because it is near a creek that, during that time, could be navigated by tradesmen. A hub for shipping and receiving, Queenstown was attacked by English troops during the War of 1812.

Construction of the Federal-style courthouse in Centreville began in 1791 and is the oldest courthouse in continuous use in the state of Maryland. Today, Centreville is the largest town in Queen Anne’s County. With its relaxed lifestyle and tree-lined streets, it is a classic example of small town America.

The Stevensville Historic District, also known as Historic Stevensville, is a national historic district in downtown Stevensville, Queen Anne’s County. It contains roughly 100 historic structures, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located primarily along East Main Street, a portion of Love Point Road, and a former section of Cockey Lane.

The Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center in Chester at Kent Narrows provides and overview of the Chesapeake region’s heritage, resources and culture. The Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center serves as Queen Anne’s County’s official welcome center.

Queen Anne’s County is also home to the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (formerly Horsehead Wetland Center), located in Grasonville. The CBEC is a 500-acre preserve just 15 minutes from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded in the area.

Embraced by miles of scenic Chesapeake Bay waterways and graced with acres of pastoral rural landscape, Queen Anne’s County offers a relaxing environment for visitors and locals alike.

For more information about Queen Anne’s County, visit www.qac.org .

Caroline County – A Perspective

Caroline County is the very definition of a rural community. For more than 300 years, the county’s economy has been based on “market” agriculture.

Caroline County was created in 1773 from Dorchester and Queen Anne’s counties. The county was named for Lady Caroline Eden, the wife of Maryland’s last colonial governor, Robert Eden (1741-1784).

Denton, the county seat, was situated on a point between two ferry boat landings. Much of the business district in Denton was wiped out by the fire of 1863.

Following the Civil War, Denton’s location about fifty miles up the Choptank River from the Chesapeake Bay enabled it to become an important shipping point for agricultural products. Denton became a regular port-ofcall for Baltimore-based steamer lines in the latter half of the 19th century.

Preston was the site of three Underground Railroad stations during the 1840s and 1850s. One of those stations was operated by Harriet Tubman’s parents, Benjamin and Harriet Ross. When Tubman’s parents were exposed by a traitor, she smuggled them to safety in Wilmington, Delaware.

Linchester Mill, just east of Preston, can be traced back to 1681, and possibly as early as 1670. The mill is the last of 26 water-powered mills to operate in Caroline County and is currently being restored. The long-term goals include rebuilding the millpond, rehabilitating the mill equipment, restoring the miller’s dwelling, and opening the historic mill on a scheduled basis.

Federalsburg is located on Marshyhope Creek in the southern-most part of Caroline County. Agriculture is still a major portion of the industry in the area; however, Federalsburg is rapidly being discovered and there is a noticeable influx of people, expansion and development. Ridgely has found a niche as the “Strawberry Capital of the World.” The present streetscape, lined with stately Victorian homes, reflects the transient prosperity during the countywide canning boom (1895-1919). Hanover Foods, formerly an enterprise of Saulsbury Bros. Inc., for more than 100 years, is the last of more than 250 food processors that once operated in the Caroline County region.

Points of interest in Caroline County include the Museum of Rural Life in Denton, Adkins Arboretum near Ridgely, and the Mason-Dixon Crown Stone in Marydel. To contact the Caroline County Office of Tourism, call 410-479-0655 or visit their website at www.tourcaroline.com .

Kent County and Chestertown at a Glance

Kent County is a treasury of early American history. Its principal towns and back roads abound with beautiful old homes and historic landmarks.

The area was first explored by Captain John Smith in 1608. Kent County was founded in 1642 and named for the shire in England that was the home of many of Kent’s earliest colonists. When the first legislature assembled in 1649, Kent County was one of two counties in the colony, thus making it the oldest on the Eastern Shore. It extended from Kent Island to the present boundary.

The first settlement, New Yarmouth, thrived for a time and, until the founding of Chestertown, was the area’s economic, social and religious center.

Chestertown, the county seat, was founded in 1706 and served as a port of entry during colonial times. A town rich in history, its attractions include a blend of past and present. Its brick sidewalks and attractive antiques stores, restaurants and inns beckon all to wander through the historic district and enjoy homes and places with architecture ranging from the Georgian mansions of wealthy colonial merchants to the elaborate style of the Victorian era.

Second largest district of restored 18th-century homes in Maryland, Chestertown is also home to Washington College, the nation’s tenth oldest liberal arts college, founded in 1782. Washington College was also the only college that was given permission by George Washington for the use of his name, as well as given a personal donation of money.

The beauty of the Eastern Shore and its waterways, the opportunity for boating and recreation, the tranquility of a rural setting and the ambiance of living history offer both visitors and residents a variety of pleasing experiences. A wealth of events and local entertainment make a visit to Chestertown special at any time of the year.

For more information about events and attractions in Kent County, contact the Kent County Visitor Center at 410-778-0416, visit www. kentcounty.com or e-mail tourism@kentcounty.com . For information about the Historical Society of Kent County, call 410-778-3499 or visit www.kentcountyhistory.org/geddes.php . For information specific to Chestertown visit www.chestertown.com .

Easton

Map and History

The County Seat of Talbot County. Established around early religious settlements and a court of law, Historic Downtown Easton is today a centerpiece of fine specialty shops, business and cultural activities, unique restaurants, and architectural fascination. Treelined streets are graced with various period structures and remarkable homes, carefully preserved or restored. Because of its historical significance, historic Easton has earned distinction as the “Colonial Capitol of the Eastern Shore” and was honored as number eight in the book “The 100 Best Small Towns in America.” With a population of over 16,500, Easton offers the best of many worlds including access to large metropolitan areas like Baltimore, Annapolis, Washington, and Wilmington. For a walking tour and more history visit https:// tidewatertimes.com/travel-tourism/easton-maryland/.

Dorchester Map and History

Dorchester County is known as the Heart of the Chesapeake. It is rich in Chesapeake Bay history, folklore and tradition. With 1,700 miles of shoreline (more than any other Maryland county), marshlands, working boats, quaint waterfront towns and villages among fertile farm fields – much still exists of what is the authentic Eastern Shore landscape and traditional way of life along the Chesapeake.

For more information about Dorchester County visit https://tidewatertimes.com/travel-tourism/dorchester/.

Are you tired of spending your weekends battling unruly grass and overgrown shrubs? Look no further! Sanchez Lawn Management is your one-stop solution for all your property management needs.

• Grass cutting

• Mulching

• Power washing

• Leaf removal

• Estate management

We're here to turn your lawn into a verdant oasis you can be proud of. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing quality service. Whether you're in need of routine maintenance or a complete lawn makeover, we've got you covered. At Sanchez Lawn Management, we understand that your lawn is more than just grass—it's a reflection of your home and lifestyle. That's why we go above and beyond to deliver exceptional results that exceed your expectations.

Ready to experience the difference with Sanchez Lawn Management? Let us help you achieve the lawn of your dreams! We’re just a phone call away. 410-253-4906

TIDEWATER GARDENING

by K. Marc Teffeau, Ph.D.

Ripe Corn Moon

July is known as the Full Buck Moon or the Thunder Moon, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. July was called the Full Buck Moon because that is when the new antlers of buck deer pushed the coatings of velvety fur from their foreheads. Because a lot of thunderstorms occurred in July, they also called it the Full Thunder Moon.

I volunteer at the Funk Heritage Center at Reinhart University here in Cherokee County and have

Tidewater Gardening

learned a lot about Cherokee culture and traditions. The Funk Heritage Center is Georgia’s official Frontier and Southeastern Indian Interpretive Center and a National Parks Service Trail of Tears Interpretive Site.

The Cherokee calendar is traditionally defined as a Lunar calendar marked by 13 moon cycles of 28 days and kept track of each month by giving it a descriptive name. Here in North Georgia, the Cherokee called July the “Month of the Ripe Corn Moon.” My late stepgrandmother, Nona, who raised my father, was half Cherokee from Hall County, Georgia. She always

planted her vegetable garden by the signs of the moon and followed other Cherokee gardening traditions.

No matter what you call the month of July, we still need to tend to our landscapes and gardens. Some of us take vacation time during July. Are you ready for your vacation? You can’t take your garden and landscape with you, so take care of a few things before you hop into your car and drive off. A few minutes in the garden before vacation can save hours when you get home. It is much easier to remove small weeds now than large, well-established ones later. Put down a good mulching material

Tidewater Gardening

after weeding. A layer of mulch two inches deep will control most weeds. Use grass clippings, pine bark, hay or straw. The mulch will conserve soil moisture and keep the soil cooler. If your vegetable garden is in full production, make plans for someone to harvest while you are gone. Your neighbors will be glad to help you deal with excess tomatoes, cucumbers and squash while you’re away!

It’s time to think about fall vegetable planting. You can grow a variety of vegetables to harvest this fall, and some food crops can survive through the winter under protective row covers. Start cool season broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower seeds now so you can set out your fall transplants in August. These “cool season” crops do better in fall than in spring.

At the end of July, direct plant beets, carrots and turnips into the garden. Wait until August to start lettuce and spinach transplants. Another fact of a fall garden is that if you have a well-drained soil or a well-draining raised bed, by covering the carrots, turnips and beets that are growing with straw mulch after the first or hard frost, the plants will continue to grow and produce for you during late fall and early winter. These fall crop seeds may be a little slow in germinating because of the high temperatures in late July and early August. Try lowering the soil temperatures by covering the seed bed with a floating row cover like “re-may” or some other shading material. Wait until August for the fall planting of edible pod peas.

In your existing vegetable garden, keep any empty space filled with producing vegetables. Succession plantings of green beans can go in until the first of August. Late plantings of cucumbers, summer squash and tomatoes can also be made. If your spring planting of squash has been ravished by the squash vine borer, pull the infected plants, toss them in the garbage can—not the compost pile—and plant fresh seed. Although tomatoes are self-pollinating, they need movement to transfer pollen. If it is hot and calm for several days, gently shake plants to ensure pollen transfer and fruit set. Hot tem -

Tidewater Gardening

peratures can interfere with blossom set.

Do not let the green and yellow squash, cucumbers and eggplant get too large on the plant. Growing baseball bat-sized zucchini might look impressive, but they will have a diminished taste and texture.

The smaller, the better. It is also important to harvest the squash when they are smaller—6 to 8 inches—and frequently to keep the plant producing. Also, a good rule of the green gardening thumb is to collect your vegetables in the early morning before they have time to absorb the summer heat. They will store better.

If you have an asparagus bed, stop cutting asparagus in mid- to late June when spears become thin. After the last cutting is made, fertilize by broadcasting a 10-10-10 formula at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square foot. Allow the tops to grow during the summer to store food in the roots for the crop next spring.

Custom Yearly Programs

Mosquito and Tick Control

Fertilizing Weed Control

Insect Control

Disease and Fungal Control Soil Amendments Overseeding Aeration

Complete Lawn Renovations Grading

July is the time to renovate your strawberry planting. Select the most vigorous strawberry plants for next year’s crop. Remove other plants, including runners, that developed over the last year to ensure

that all the plant’s energy goes into the development of the primary plants. Cut the foliage 1 inch above the ground to eliminate insect and disease problems. Remove dead leaves and stems. Be careful not to cut the crown of the plant, however. Fertilize the plants with a slow release 10-10-10 fertilizer or an equivalent organic fertilizer. After applying the fertilizer, irrigate the plants to wash the fertilizer down into the soil. Be sure to water the plants regularly so they will set the flower buds for next spring’s crop. Regarding the ornamental plant side of the landscape, now is the time, if you have not done it already, to prune spring-flowering shrubs like azaleas, rhododen-

LANDSCAPE & SCULPTURE DESIGN

Tidewater Gardening

drons and lilacs. If you wait until August, you risk cutting out the flower buds that are forming on the old wood. Continue to do a general cleanup around the landscape. Monitor for insect and disease problems and treat appropriately. Deadhead or cut off the spent blooms of perennials in the perennial bed. Do this also for annuals to keep them blooming. You want the plant’s energy to go into producing more flowers and not seeds. You can also divide and replant crowded, early-blooming perennials now.

Be sure to stake tall perennials to keep them from falling over. Cut the first flowers of lavender to

encourage a second crop. Also try rubbing your hands with lavender leaves to remove strong odors, such as garlic or onion. Cut back and fertilize delphinium and phlox to encourage a second show of bloom and be sure to pinch chrysanthemums for the last time in mid-July. Many of us have bearded iris plantings in the landscape. July is the time when your bearded iris should be divided and replanted. Dig them up carefully and throw out the diseased and borer-infested rhizomes. Discard the old center portion of the old rhizome cluster. Separate the rhizomes and dust the cut ends with sulfur to reduce potential rot problems. Remove any remaining flower stalks and cut the leaves or “fans” back to about eight inches before planting. Plant the iris with the top of the rhizome barely showing above the ground.

Propagate bleeding heart and Oriental poppy when growth has stopped and foliage has disappeared, indicating a dormant condition. Dig up a root and cut it

into one- to two-inch pieces. Plant root pieces in a mixture of sand and rich loamy soil. Keep the soil fairly moist, and soon tiny leaves will shoot up. The new plants will be ready for permanent planting in spring.

Annuals in the landscape in midto late July usually start to fade. You can rejuvenate them by cutting them back to approximately half their height, then fertilize them with 1/2 cup of 5-10-10 per square yard of planted area, water and apply a 1–2-inch layer of mulch. You can also apply a liquid fertilizer or a manure or compost “tea” to give them a “shot in the arm,” so to speak. Remove any annuals that didn’t make it and add them to the compost pile. You can replant beds with hardy annuals or perennials

such as calendulas, globe thistles or sea pinks.

Think about starting some fall annuals for transplanting later on in late August. Snapdragons do well as a fall annual flower and will continue to flower until the first hard frost. Other annuals that can be planted include Alyssum, Cosmos and Zinnia.

Happy Gardening!

Marc Teffeau retired as Director of Research and Regulatory Affairs at the American Nursery and Landscape Association in Washington, D.C. He now lives in Georgia with his wife, Linda.

Acupuncture and Natural Health

Acupuncture & Moxibustion · Cupping Women’s Health · Children’s Health Homotoxicology · Ion Cleanse Foot Bath Polyvagal Therapy & Acupuncture SAAT/Soliman’s Aricular Allergy Treatment

We specialize in a form of acupuncture based upon the teachings of Kiiko Matsumoto and functional medicine principles which result in a wholistic and highly effective treatment for all types of patients.

410.310.3717

933 S. Talbot St., Suite 14 St. Michaels halowholistics.com

St. Michaels Map and History

On the broad Miles River, with its picturesque tree-lined streets and beautiful harbor, St. Michaels has been a haven for boats plying the Chesapeake and its inlets since the earliest days. Here, some of the handsomest models of the Bay craft, such as canoes, bugeyes, pungys and some famous Baltimore Clippers, were designed and built. The Church, named “St. Michael’s,” was the first building erected (about 1677) and around it clustered the town that took its name.

For a walking tour and more history of the St. Michaels area visit https://tidewatertimes.com/travel-tourism/st-michaels-maryland/.

Independence Day by A.M. Foley

Americans of all persuasions celebrate Independence Day. Many travel to observe the holiday on the Eastern Shore, preceding their pleasure with the pain of Bay Bridge traffic. Were the Founding Fathers still with us, they would find our celebrations far beyond their ken, from the car itself to the idea of crossing the Chesapeake without a boat. But one common characteristic endures across the years: political differences.

The Fourth date became notable even before 1776. George Wash -

ington issued a General Order on the Fourth of July 1774, two years before Independence. His order inducted militia of various colonies into a united force, “Troops of the United Provinces of North America…” Some surely resented the General’s “most earnestly” expecting troops would observe restrictions “which forbid profane cursing, swearing & drunkenness…” Spiritous liquids enjoyed even greater popularity then than now. From this distance, it’s not possible to compare Maryland militia

consumption with other colonies, but our men proved courageous if not abstemious.

Two years after issuing the Order, General Washington was encamped on Manhattan as a British fleet sailed into the harbor—uncomfortably close to Philadelphia, where the Continental Congress debated rebellion. Deemed to be traitors, delegates met behind closed doors in supposed secrecy.

Benjamin Franklin reputedly said, “We must hang together or we will surely hang separately.”

A speech on the second of July by John Adams swayed a number of moderate delegates. Thomas

Jefferson said the chunky congressman from Massachusetts was “not graceful nor elegant” in appearance but spoke with “a power of thought and expression that moved us from our seats.” Adams described Congress as “in the very midst of revolution, the most complete, unexpected, and remarkable of any in the history of the world.” He foresaw a vote for freedom would be of “stupendous magni-

Oxford Business Association

July 2024 Calendar

Oxford Kids Camp is in session, please drive carefully.

7/5 – Oxford Fireworks – at dusk (around 9 p.m.) from the Tred Avon River

7/6 – Cars and Coffee - Oxford Community Center, 8:30 – 10:30 am. Come enjoy the incredible array of automobiles! Free. Sponsored by Prestige Auto Vault, Eat Sprout & Doc’s Sunset Grille. https://oxfordcc.org/

7/6 – Mystery Loves Company – come celebrate MLC’s 33rd Anniversary, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 33% discount on a book purchase.

7/6 – Art on the Porch – this pop-up event features quilts and gifts by Jean Konopacz of JKThreads as well as paintings by ArtworkbyIngrid (Ingrid Matuszewski) and Julia Yensho Ceramics. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 206 S. Morris St.

7/14 – Pancake Breakfast - Oxford Fire House, 8 – 11 a.m., $15

7/14 – Paint Oxford Day – part of Plein Air Easton. Come watch the artists at work around town all day, stay for a show and sale at Oxford Community Center, 5 p.m.

7/16 – Annual Ice Cream for Breakfast Day - Scottish Highland Creamery, beginning at 9 am. Come in your PJ’s and enjoy a variety of breakfast themed ice creams. Prizes for best PJ’s. Anyone wearing PJ’s gets free sprinkles!

7/20 – Oxford Museum Movie Night – Come enjoy a circa 1960’s movie at the Oxford Community Center. More info available at https://www.oxfordmuseummd.org /. If you haven’t yet seen the 1960’s exhibit at the Museum, stop by before it closes the end of July!

7/27 – WHCP Music Festival - An all-day music event full of fun and fundraising! Area music favorites include Heartside with Sam Pugh, Steven & The Lowe Downs, Daphne Eckman and Black Dog Alley. On the terrace at the Oxford Community Center for one fantastic Music Festival! Proceeds benefit WHCP’s Live Music Series. Go to https://whcp.org/events/ for tickets.

Fridays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Doehrn Tea Co. Jacks Point Rd www.doehrntea.com Monthly Caronna Estate Sales caronnaestatesales.com . Check restaurant and shop websites or Facebook for current days/hours.

Oxford Map and History

Oxford is one of the oldest towns in Maryland. Although already settled for perhaps 20 years, Oxford marks the year 1683 as its official founding, for in that year Oxford was first named by the Maryland General Assembly as a seaport and was laid out as a town. In 1694, Oxford and a new town called Anne Arundel (now Annapolis) were selected the only ports of entry for the entire Maryland province. Until the American Revolution, Oxford enjoyed prominence as an international shipping center surrounded by wealthy tobacco plantations. Today, Oxford is a charming tree-lined and waterbound village with a population of just over 700 and is still important in boat building and yachting. It has a protected harbor for watermen who harvest oysters, crabs, clams and fish, and for sailors from all over the Bay. For a walking tour and more history visit https://tidewatertimes. com/travel-tourism/oxford-maryland/.

tude…in the lives and liberties of millions, born and unborn…”

Congressmen debated over a heavily edited and marked up version of Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence until it was adopted unopposed on July 4, 1776. Unanimity required much comproIndependence Day

mise. To achieve agreement, some congressmen consented either to abstain or to absent themselves from voting. That evening, a good number who voted “Aye” to permanent separation from the King surely raised toasts in Philadelphia taverns. If New York delegates missed the signing, they were likely needed at home, where women and children were evacuating.

General Washington, encamped with the army, had to keep informed of congressional proceedings from a distance. Ever more British warships and transports— ultimately over 400—were disgorging thousands of troops onto Staten Island. A considerable number of Tory supporters welcomed the

202 Morris St., Oxford 410-226-0010

Years in Business We Know Books! Saturday, July 6th Come celebrate with us Mystery Loves Company Booksellers’ 33rd Anniversary in business with refreshments. For one day take 33% off any one book.

Friday to Monday 10 to 3 *Listen Fri. mornings on WCEI 96.7fm *20% off your book clubs’ books *Books of all kinds & Gifts for Book Lovers *Special orders *Online ordering & e-newsletter @ www. mysterylovescompany.com

sight one observer likened to “all London afloat.” On July 8, a printed copy of the adopted Declaration reached the General, who read it to assembled troops. Formalities culminated with jubilant troops toppling an equestrian statue of King George III from his perch at the foot of Broadway. Washington thought this a breach of discipline, but had the larger-than-life likeness melted down into 42,000 rebel musket balls.

Back in Philadelphia, Adams wrote home to Abigail, predicting Independence day would be “celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival… solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns,

bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.” Adams was slightly

The Treasure Chest

off when he added, “The second of July 1776 [date of his speech] will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America.”

The following month, British forces launched overwhelming numbers against Washington’s army in the Battle of Brooklyn, the first major post-independence assault. With America’s army outnumbered nearly 10 to 1, Maryland’s infantry held their line as others on either side retreated. Seeing his “Old Line” nearly wiped out in order to cover his retreat, General Washington reportedly said of Maryland’s men, “Good God, what brave fellows I must lose this day.”

Washington was to have little time to celebrate before 1783, when the war finally ended. Five

Tidewater Residential Designs since 1989

years later the Constitution was ratified and he was elected the nation’s first president, sworn in at New York on ground once lost. Two years later, the government had returned to Pennsylvania. President Washington spent the country’s anniversary at Lancaster “with an address, fine cuisine, and walking about town.”

Capital celebrations found a home on the banks of the Potomac River, the General’s favorite spot and center of the original States.

Second president John Adams first occupied the Executive Mansion, still under construction and unfit for July guests. Out-of-season fireplaces burned to dry the plaster and Adams’s laundry. According to the White House Historical Association, third president Thomas Jefferson first celebrated Independence Day at the White House: “President Jefferson opened the

house and greeted the people along with diplomats, civil and military officers, and Cherokee chiefs.” A fair on the “commons” north of the entrance included horse races, cockfights and parading military. Inside, the president received the general public. One guest reported, “Mr. Jefferson mingled promiscuously with the citizens.”

“Drop-ins” are no longer welcomed in the White House; nevertheless, a number of presidents opted out of personally hosting celebrations there. James Madison had to hold his 1815 reception up the street at Octagon House, British arsonists having come calling during the War of 1812. Wherever the president, fireworks became traditional just south of the White House at the Washington Monument. President James K. Polk laid its cornerstone on July 4, 1848. Upwards of twenty thousand people attended, including former First Lady Dolley Madison; Eliza Hamilton, widow of Alexander Hamilton; and George Washington Parke Custis, step-grandson of the general. James Buchanan, Abraham Lincoln, and Andrew Johnson were all present and later served as president. Once completed, the monument was the world’s tallest building.

Presidential whereabouts are undoubtedly influenced by the election cycle and political considerations. During the Great Depres -

sion, Franklin Roosevelt was safely elected to his first term before he went fishing off the Territory of Hawaii on July Fourth, 1933. During his unprecedented fourth run for office, he was off the Bahamas in 1944 when the log of USS Houston shows a “fishing party” leaving ship. Roosevelt had sailed from Annapolis, en route to Hawaii via the Panama Canal, to confer with his commanders in the Pacific Theater of War. (Some opponents called a 1944 trip an election year stunt.)

Presidents often use the holiday to indulge their favorite pastimes:

golf for Presidents Eisenhower, Bush the Elder and Trump. Conveniently, the latter owned a course nearby in Virginia and was back to host a picnic for military families on the South Lawn. He would have preferred an all-out display of martial might but was persuaded that parading steel-tracked military vehicles would chew up city streets. Presidents before and after his administration hosted Independence Day naturalization ceremonies. George W. Bush spoke at Monticello before swearing in seventy-some new citizens from thirty countries. Presidents Obama and Biden combined South Lawn picnics with naturalizing new citizens, especially military currently serving in the armed forces. These ceremonies are held in the East Room, where once Abigail Adams’s laundry hung in her “drying room.”

Gerald Ford hit a Bicentennial triple in 1976, speaking at Independence Hall and Valley Forge and observing Tall Ships arrive in New York harbor. (Unlike two hundred years prior, all sailed in

peace.) Wherever a president may be, patriotic oratory is always appropriate. Calvin Coolidge spoke at Custer State Park, South Dakota, in 1927, where he posed outfitted as a cowboy with monogrammed chaps. One year later, he was in Wisconsin fishing for trout. “Silent Cal” was born at Plymouth Notch, Vermont, on the Fourth of July, a Yankee entitled to celebrate the day as he pleased. Harry Truman favored Monticello, unless he was home in Independence, Missouri. Independence Hall in Philadelphia has been a popular venue with several presidents, most recently Woodrow Wilson, John Kennedy, and George W. Bush. Ronald Reagan got around, speaking at Edwards Air Force Base (1982), the Firecracker 400 in Daytona (1984) and the Statue of Liberty (1986). Bill Clinton was on the shores of Chesapeake Bay in 1996, at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, for release of a rehabilitated bald eagle named Freedom. Richard Nixon

sent a taped speech from California in 1970, avoiding anti-war demonstrators on the National Mall. Heat and tear gas drove protesters into the Reflecting Pool, clothed and otherwise.

In earliest times, Americans may have wondered if the day was fatally cursed. On the fiftieth anniversary of Independence, two Founding Fathers died July 4, 1826: second president John Adams and third president Thomas Jefferson. Fourth president, James Madison died of congestive heart failure shortly before Independence Day, June 28, 1836, outliving James Monroe, the fifth president, who died July 4, 1831. Zachary Taylor fell ill July 4, 1850 at the White House picnic. His death five days later was attributed to food poisoning from having combined acidic cherries with iced water and milk. A false rumor arose that he had been poisoned with arsenic, but that was disproved in 1991, when his body was exhumed for modern testing.

Here’s to moderation, good will and good times!

Forty-some years ago, A.M. Foley swapped the Washington, D.C. business scene for a writing life on Elliott Island, Maryland. Tidewater Times kindly publishes Foley’s musings on regional history and life in general.

Spudtacular

If you are looking for a different and fun way to change your typical potato recipes, give these a try! They are great for turning any dish into a comfort food meal. You can also turn your sweet potatoes into a replacement for pasta. You can even bake a batch of sweet potato fries in the oven for a very healthy snack.

Roasted potatoes and crispy

smashed potatoes are a favorite. Crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, roasted potatoes are an easy dish that goes pretty much with any meal. Add your favorite seasonings based on what’s in your spice cabinet or what herbs are growing in your garden!

What kind of potatoes to use? To be honest, I use any kind of potato

Tidewater Kitchen

for roasting. Russets, Yukon gold, red skinned and, of course, sweet potatoes.

While you can peel potatoes before roasting or cooking, you do not need to peel them. If you keep the skin on the potatoes, soak them in baking soda and vinegar. This removes the pesticides and dirt. Be sure to dry them well before adding olive oil so they roast instead of steam.

If you have leftovers, they are perfect in a frittata, soup, or chowder, potato salad, breakfast hashbrowns or casseroles. Their comforting texture and flavor can evoke nostalgia and a sense of well-being,

making them a beloved addition to many comfort food recipes. It’s not the potato that makes us gain weight. The excess calories from the fats they are prepared with can contribute to weight gain if consumed in abundance.

Potatoes provide essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins and minerals, making them valuable to your plate. Moderation and mindful toppings are the keys to enjoying potatoes without the weighty consequences.

Turkey Stuffed Potatoes

This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make, is loaded with protein and veggies and is the perfect easy weeknight lunch or dinner!

4 medium sweet potatoes or your favorite white potato

1 teaspoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Tidewater Kitchen

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Filling

1 pound lean ground turkey or your favorite vegetarian option

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 cup canned diced tomatoes with their juices

1 medium zucchini, grated

1 large handful of spinach, chopped

1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Optional Toppings

2 thinly sliced scallions

Favorite salsa plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

Microwave cooking method: pierce each potato multiple times with a fork and cook one at a time in the microwave for about 3 minutes each side (until soft, this may vary based on your microwave). Carefully remove from microwave and allow to cool.

Oven cooking method: Preheat oven to 425ºF. On a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, prick sweet potatoes all over with a fork. Bake until tender, 45 to 50 minutes.

Once the potatoes are cooled, slice lengthwise and scoop out the inside potato flesh (being careful to keep the skins intact because you’ll

need them later), add potato flesh to large bowl and gently mash the potatoes using a fork or potato masher. Mix in the olive oil and ground cumin. Distribute the potato mash evenly back into each of the potato skins

For Ground Turkey, Chicken, Beef or Vital Protein for Vegans

In a large pan, add turkey meat and cook until brown, then add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Add spices and stir meat until spices are fully mixed in. Add in the diced tomatoes and black beans, corn, grated zucchini and spinach and stir until warm.

Tidewater Kitchen

Arrange potato skins on a cookie sheet and distribute mashed sweet potato into each skin. Top with turkey meat mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Broil or cook assembled potatoes in the oven for about 6–8 minutes until cheese begins to brown.

Remove from oven. I like to serve with scallions, salsa and plain Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Breakfast Toast with Roasted Sweet Potatoes (or your favorite Potato)

Here is a yummy gluten-free breakfast idea to load up with your favorite toppings. Five easy & healthy variations to start your day off right.

2 large sweet potatoes washed and dried

1 tablespoon olive oil

Peanut butter + banana sweet potato toast

1 tablespoon peanut butter

1/2 banana

Drizzle of honey

Mediterranean cottage cheese

sweet potato toast

1/4 cup cottage cheese

1/2 sliced cucumber, 3 cherry tomatoes cut into quarters and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Hard-boiled egg and avocado

sweet potato toast

1/2 avocado, mashed

1 hard-boiled egg

1 teaspoon Everything but the Bagel seasoning

Feta egg and spinach sweet potato toast

1 cup spinach, sautéed

1 fried egg with sea salt and fresh black pepper

1 tablespoon feta cheese

Yogurt and berries sweet potato toast

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/4 cup berries of choice

1 tablespoon sliced almonds

1 tablespoon seeds of mixed hemp, chia, flax

Drizzle of honey and sprinkle of cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a large baking tray with parchment paper.

Use a sharp knife or mandolin to slice off the ends of the sweet potatoes and discard. Then, slice the sweet potato lengthwise down the middle. Carefully make about 5 slices about ¼” thick.

Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer on your baking tray. Lightly brush each side of the sweet potato slices with olive oil. Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes, until they are able to be pierced with a fork but are not too soft! (Air fryer meth-

od: bake at 390ºF for 11 minutes, flipping halfway. Ensure you do not overcrowd your air fryer basket!).

Allow to cool and top with your desired toppings.

Make sure you wash your sweet potatoes with 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 tablespoon water. You can peel the skin or leave the skin on. I personally prefer to leave the skin on the sweet potato for a ‘crust.’

For the safest cutting, slice off a thin portion of the sweet potato on one side to create a flat base. This will make it easier and safer to cut. It is also important to ensure your knife is sharp!

Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

These cheesy smashed potatoes

Cindy’s “Good Home Cooking”

Mon.-Sat.: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tidewater Kitchen

are so yummy and easy to make. Both super

and delightfully cheesy, you’ll want more. Great to serve with eggs and fruit.

2 pounds gold baby potatoes or sweet potatoes

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon paprika

3 cloves garlic, minced

3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

2 tablespoons chives, chopped

Preheat oven to 400ºF.

Wash and dry your potatoes and bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add potatoes to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to medium-low.

Cover the pot with a lid and let simmer until fork-tender (about 10–15 minutes). Drain the water.

In a small bowl, whisk together oil, salt, black pepper, paprika and garlic.

Add potatoes and 2 tablespoons of the oil mixture into a large mixing bowl and toss to coat.

Line a 17.25” x11.5” jelly roll pan with parchment paper and evenly distribute the potatoes on the tray. Brush the bottom of a glass or mason jar with the last tablespoon of oil and use the glass then gently press down on the potatoes, “smashing” them. Note: the thinner the potato, the crispier it will get. Thicker potatoes will be more fluffy inside!

Bake for 15 minutes, sprinkle the cheese over the potatoes and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Top with fresh chives to serve.

If you are looking for the crispiest potatoes, I recommend boiling for 2–4 minutes at the end of the baking process to help brown the cheese and crisp up the edges.

Potato Nachos

Loaded with Veggies & Protein

Here is a packed meal or snack with fiber, veggies and lean protein. These sweet potato nachos are the ultimate weeknight or weekend meal the whole family will love!

2 large sweet potatoes or favorite potato, sliced into ¼-inch rounds

Tidewater

Kitchen

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon paprika

dash salt

dash black pepper

For the ground turkey/ lentils:

1 pound ground turkey

Or 2 cups lentils rinsed and drained

4 tablespoons BBQ sauce

1 teaspoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Topping ideas:

2 medium bell peppers, diced

1 medium zucchini, grated

1 small jalapeno, de-seeded and diced

1 cup shredded cheese

For serving

1/2 cup salsa

1/2 cup smashed avocado or guacamole

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

Preheat oven to 400ºF. Lightly line a cooking tray with parchment paper or tinfoil.

To prep your potatoes: Wash and dry sweet potatoes (thoroughly scrubbing ensures all dirt is removed). Chop into ¼-inch rounds, add to a medium bowl and toss with olive oil and spices. Arrange the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on the baking sheet (they may overlap slightly). Bake for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway.

While the sweet potatoes are cooking, prepare your toppings by shredding your cheese, dicing your peppers, and shredding zucchini.

To cook your meat/ lentils: Once pan is hot, add your ground meat (if using) and cook until brown. Or if using lentils, add them and the BBQ sauce and spices. Using a spatula, gently press down on the lentils to “smash” them. Continue doing this until the lentils begin to clump together and blend with the ground meat. Adjust seasonings as desired.

Once the potatoes are done, top with the cooked ground meat and your remaining toppings (i.e., bell peppers, zucchini, cheese, jalapeno) and place the pan back in the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. To get the cheese nice and crispy, turn the oven to broil for the final 5 minutes of cooking.

Serve with sour cream/Greek

yogurt, salsa and guacamole over a bed of lettuce if desired!

Potato Egg Nests

2-1/2 cups sweet potatoes or your favorite potato, shredded

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 cup cheese, shredded

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

6 medium-large eggs

Preheat oven to 400ºF and spray a muffin pan with cooking oil

In a large bowl, combine the shredded sweet potatoes with the olive oil, cheese, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt and pepper.

Press about 1/3 cup of the shredded sweet potato mixture into the bottom and sides of each muffin cup (creating a nest shape).Bake the nests for about 18–25 minutes, or until they begin to brown.

Once the nests are baked, remove from the oven and crack an egg into each nest. Place them back into the oven and bake for another

C. ALBERT MATTHEWS

Tidewater Kitchen

10–15 minutes. The cook time will depend on how you like your eggs cooked (10 minutes=a runnier egg, 15 minutes=hard boiled).

Remove from the oven and let the nests cool for a few minutes. I like to serve mine with avocado, green onions and hot sauce!

*Storing: these egg cups can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days

Garlic Parmesan Potato Fries

Love these air fryer potato wedges. They are crispy and garlicky with a hint of savory parm. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s the easiest side to any main!

2 small sweet potatoes or your favorite potato, scrubbed clean and cut into thin wedges

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/8 teaspoon chili powder

1/3 cup parmesan cheese

Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Wash and scrub your sweet potatoes until clean. Pat dry. Slice potatoes into ¼-inch-thick wedges. Add sweet potato wedges to a medium bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add spices and Parmesan and toss to coat.

Arrange fries in a single layer along the bottom of your air fryer basket (this may need to be done in batches to not overcrowd the air fryer). Air fry for about 16–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.

If you don’t have an air fryer, cook in the oven on a sheet pan with parchment for easy clean up on 425-degree oven for 15–20 minutes or until crispy.

Sheet Pan Salmon with Cilantro Sauce

Here is the one-pan meal that can get dinner on the table in less than 1 hour. Inspired by traditional flavors, it’s fresh, light and delicious.

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon paprika

3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 large sweet potato or favorite potato, cut into ½-inch cubes

½ large head of cauliflower or broccoli cut into small florets

1 yellow onion, cut into chunks

3 medium carrots, sliced into 1/2inch chunks

3 tablespoon olive oil, divided 4 skinless salmon filets (1 pound salmon)

1/4 cup almonds, chopped

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Cilantro yogurt sauce:

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/4 cup feta cheese

Juice of ½ lemon

2 tablespoon cilantro leaves

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

If you want it thinner, you can

add up to a tablespoon of water

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. In a small bowl, make your spice blend by combining turmeric, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon, black pepper and salt. Set aside.

On a large 18” x 13” sheet pan, arrange sweet potato, cauliflower, yellow onion and carrots. Drizzle with 1.5 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with half of the spice blend. Toss to combine.

Once the vegetables are coated in the spices, arrange in a single layer and sprinkle with the chopped prunes. Bake for about 15 minutes.

While the vegetables are baking, in a small bowl combine the remaining 1.5 tablespoons olive oil with the remaining spice blend and brush on the salmon filets. After 15 minutes, remove the vegetables from the oven, toss the vegetables and make room to add the salmon. Place the pan back in the oven for an additional 15 minutes (or until the salmon is fully cooked; internal temperature will read 145°F).

Once cooked, garnish with chopped almonds and cilantro and drizzle with cilantro yogurt sauce.

To make the cilantro yogurt sauce:

In a high-powered blender combine all ingredients. Blend until smooth. If you are not a fan of cilantro you may omit it, creating a simple yogurt, feta garlic sauce.

Flourless Brownies with Sweet Potatoes

Imagine the perfect brownie. Warm and fudgy with crispy corners and chunks of melted chocolate. THAT is what you get when you make these flourless sweet potato brownies.

1 cup sweet potato, cooked and mashed (about 1 medium sweet potato)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1-1/2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted, or favorite butter or nondairy butter

1/4 cup peanut butter

1 egg

1/3 cup cocoa powder

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

2/3 cup oat flour or favorite nongluten flour

Optional (but highly recommended) Tidewater Kitchen

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup walnuts chopped or favorite nut

Favorite berries

Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a large bowl, combine sweet potato, vanilla, maple syrup, egg, peanut butter and coconut oil.

In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients. Once combined, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring well. Once a batter has formed, add in the mixins you have chosen to add (chocolate, walnuts, etc.)

Pour batter into a prepared 8”x8” baking pan. If you have parchment paper, crumple it up and it’s easier to place in the pan. You don’t have

to put parchment paper down, but it easily cleans up and aids in taking out of the pan. (I like to add additional mix-ins on top here as well!)

Bake for about 22–28 minutes or until the top begins to brown and a toothpick inserted into the middle of the brownie pan comes out clean. Once brownies are done, remove from oven, allow to cool and drizzle with melted chocolate if desired or serve with favorite berries.

Pamela Meredith, formerly Denver’s NBC Channel 9 Children’s Chef, has taught both adult and children’s cooking classes.

For more of Pam’s recipes, visit the Story Archive tab at tidewatertimes.com.

Plein Air Easton

As we draw near the 20th anniversary of Plein Air Easton (PAE), our hearts are brimming with gratitude cultivated over two decades of artistic pursuit and community celebration. Our anniversary preparations are a tribute to that very sentiment as we celebrate the founders, visionaries, consultants, artists, judges, jurors, Friends of Plein Air, corporate donors, volunteers, partnering organizations and the entire community. Their collective dedication to the vision of Plein Air Easton has transformed it into the vibrant celebration it is today.

This July 12 to 21, please accept

the Avalon Foundation’s invitation to immerse yourself in the magic of plein air painting at the 20th Plein Air Easton Art Competition and Festival. As the largest event of its kind in the nation, PAE draws thousands of artists and art enthusiasts from across the country. Against the backdrop of our maritime and rural landscapes, these talented artists create captivating works that showcase the beauty of our surroundings.

This year’s programming during the festival will include something for everyone. “We invite the public to watch a painting demonstration, listen to a panel discussion, and

Plein Air

browse JFM’s pop-up framing shop within PAE’s Headquarters and the downtown galleries from July 12 through the 21,” says Marie Nuthall, PAE Coordinator. “In addition to the downtown galleries, there will be over 600 brand new paintings in the Plein Air Easton Headquarters on exhibit and for sale. Remember, most events are free and open to everyone.”

Throughout the week, 58 juried artists will compete for substantial cash prizes. Their remarkable works will be showcased in gallery exhibits at both the Academy Art Museum and PAE Headquarters. Local Color, an exhibit featuring juried local artists and proudly

sponsored by The Working Artists Forum, will be on display at the Christ Church Parish Hall.

But that’s not all! The festivities include parties for collectors (with art available for purchase), live music and podcast interviews, an art talk, an all-ages “Quick Draw” event, and art geared to young artists—the “Next Generation.” “There is an explosion of art for sale in downtown Easton—art created just that week by the premier plein air artists of our time. It’s a great reason to head into town and celebrate with us,” says Nuthall.

Remember, most events are free and open to everyone. For a complete list of events and times, visit pleinaireaston.com .

Let’s celebrate two decades of

artistic excellence at Plein Air Easton!

Festival Highlights

All events are FREE and open to the public unless noted otherwise ($)

July 12: Plein Air Easton Kickoff Party—Shop and dine all day to earn one raffle ticket for every $25 spent at a participating merchant. From 5–7 p.m., enjoy an active gallery walk and merchant party in downtown Easton, live music alongside the Tidewater Inn, and raffle drawing at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy an interactive summer theatre experience at 8:30 on Harrison Street and/or bring your paints and paint a nocturne scene right beside

the competition artists beginning at 8:30 p.m. All fun, all free, open to all ages to participate.

July 14–21: Plein Air Easton Headquarters (40 S. Harrison St.)—Art exhibit and sale, art demos, panel discussions, festival information, pop-up vendor: JFM Frames

July 21: S. Harrison Street (from Dover to South)—Quick Draw competition: $10 to register and paint, free to peruse the streetlong art exhibit, live music

July 20 and 21: PAE Headquarters, Academy Art Museum, Christ Church Parish Hall: Art exhibits and sales

July 20 & 21: Avalon Theatre: Next-Generation art activities, Quick Draw for 18 and under

July 21: PAE Headquarters, Academy Art Museum, Christ Church Parish Hall—Art exhibits and sales; PAE Headquarters: Small Painting Sunday exhibit and sale, Judge’s Talk 2 p.m.

Perfect for Kayaks and Paddleboards

Slot Dock

12’ x 16’

• Kayak Docks

• Re-Decking

• Pressure Wash & Seal

• Boat Lifts, PWC Lifts

• Gangways

• Solar Dock Lighting

• Floating Piers

• Rowing Docks

• Kayak Racks

• Ladders

• Dock Boxes

• Piling Caps

All Quiet on the Sound A novel by

B. P. Gallagher

Chapter 11:

Between Hoarfrost and Brimstone

The sleek black police cruiser cut through the fog wafting across the Moore Island bridge like a hearse heading a ghostly processional. Only a hand-lettered sign hanging from the grille, emblazoned with the words ‘Wi-Co Sheriff,’ distinguished it from any other Ford automobile, but even that minor affectation lent the vehicle an air of foreboding authority. Earl was busy cobbling the puppy’s doghouse together from a pile of scrap lumber and loose cedar shakes in the back yard when he heard the car approaching. At first he assumed it was Leon getting back from the Shore, where he’d been running errands since the morning. But that engine sounded too smooth, the frame neither rattly nor squeaky enough to be Betsy’s.

Setting aside the hammer and plank he was working with, Earl walked around the side of the house to see who was coming. His breath caught in his throat as he spotted the strange motorcar and the placard on its grille. He watched in growing horror as the Ford rolled down the lane, only remember -

ing to breathe again when the car rolled past the Higgins house and turned into the Gibbses’ drive.

“Earl?” Margaret peeked her head out the back door. Her expression was frightened.

“I know. Head back inside.”

“What’s he going next door for?”

“Could be nothing to do with us. Could be about Clara. Do you know if she talked to anybody about— about what happened?” Such an ugly thing, he couldn’t bring himself to say it.

“No, least I don’t think so. Last time we talked about it she was too scared to tell her Pop Pop even, scared he’d run her outta the house

if he found out. That’s really the only time we discussed it. I think she’d rather forget what happened, to tell you the truth. And I don’t blame her.”

“No. Me neither.” Earl had plenty he’d like to forget too, and nothing near as bad as what Clara had suffered. “Go on back inside, now. I’ll do the talking for us if that lawman stops by.”

“What if he asks to come inside?”

“Let him,” said Earl, more confidently than he felt. “He can see where we put Dougal’s crate, get a good look at the piss stains all over our kitchen floorboards.”

She went back inside, and Earl returned to working on the doghouse with an eye on the neighbor’s driveway. By the time he heard the sound of farewells being exchanged and the Gibbses’ front door shutting, he’d progressed to nailing cedar shakes onto the miniature roof. Between those and the layer of insulation Earl had stuffed between the walls of his doghouse, wee Dougal—as Maggie had christened the pup—would be living in comfort.

Talked to the Gibbses for quite a while. Wonder what that’s about. Earl figured he could guess. He crouched beside the semi-roofed doghouse as the black Ford pulled out of the neighbor’s driveway and turned onto the lane, hoping the

driver would overlook him and carry on up the road. No such luck. The motorcar slowed in front of the Higgins residence, then turned down the drive. Tucking his hammer into his belt and trying without luck to quiet his nerves, Earl went to meet their inopportune visitor.

Tyler Calhoun was slender but strong, like most men of Calhoun stock, and carried himself with an officious bearing reminiscent of his cousin’s, the late pastor. Maybe that resemblance was why Earl had always mistrusted the fellow, or maybe just the fact that he was an officer of the law. Earl had had limited dealings with the local Sheriffs over the years, too few and too unmemorable to hold any particular rancor towards Deputy Calhoun, but something about lawmen had always made him uncomfortable. Guilty conscience, he supposed. Once, in his adolescence, that might’ve seemed laughable. What would a well-regarded local boy like Earl Higgins have to fear from the law?

Now he just hoped the guilt didn’t show on his face.

“Morning, Mister Higgins.”

“Morning, Deputy. Have a nice holiday?”

“Can’t complain for the most part, except one thing,” said Tyler Calhoun. Something of an understatement, if he was here for the reasons Earl suspected. “You?”

“Nice enough. Maggie’s new pup’s been keeping us all busy. Matter fact, I was putting some finishing touches on his pen out back when I heard you pull up. Hoping to have it all done by this evening. Anyways, I don’t suppose you came all the way from ‘Bury to ask how my Christmas was, and I don’t wanna keep you any longer than you need. What can I do for you?”

Which was to say, Don’t mind me, officer, I’m only a small-talking citizen. But I do have housework to be about, so if you could make it quick...

“It’s nothing too serious, I hope, but fact of the matter is we don’t know yet. Long and short of it is my cousin Peter’s missing, and no-

body can seem to figure out where he’s gone nor even the last folks to speak with him.”

“You mean Preacher Pete?” Why, I hardly know the man!

“The very same. His flock’s pretty riled up over losing their shepherd, and to tell you the truth, his family is too—I’ve got something of an inside ear where that’s concerned. Anyhow, I figured I’d go ‘round spreadin’ the word, ask if anyone’s seen anything peculiar, let folks know to be on the lookout. It’s probably nothing sinister, but… y’know.”

“Oh,” said Earl, knowing all too well. “’Fraid I ain’t seen nothing myself, but if me or one of my siblings do I’ll make sure to let you

Men and Women

Electrolysis

Guinot Facials Permanent

Makeup

know.”

“They here, by chance?” Deputy Calhoun reached up and adjusted his hat. Earl could see the man’s suspicious blue eyes scanning the windows of the house from beneath its wide brim, trying to see if anyone else was home whether or not Earl chose to volunteer the information. A twinge of paranoia crept up the back of neck and itched there.

“Maggie’s in, sure. Probably playing with the dog—that’s all she’s been about the last few days.”

“Think she’d mind having a brief chat with me? I wouldn’t mind getting to meet that puppy of hers, either.”

Earl blinked, wishing he and his siblings had spent more time discussing among themselves how to address police scrutiny. “I’m sure she’d be happy to. Let me go get her.”

“That’s alright, Mister Higgins. No need for her to come outside where she might catch a chill. It’s bitter today. I’ll just talk to her inside, if it’s all the same.”

“Oh. Alright.” The prickle of paranoia grew. “I’ll just stick my head in first and tell her we got company, if that’s okay. Make sure she puts the pot on and the pup in his crate, so he don’t get loose and tear a hole in your trousers. He’s got a thing for that.”

“Take your time,” said Tyler Calhoun. But he followed Earl to the front stoop.

Cracking the door, Earl said, “Maggie? I’ve got Pas—Deputy Calhoun here, says he wants to talk to you. You decent?” Damn near called him ‘pastor,’ idiot.

“I’m decent,” squeaked Margaret from down the hall. He hoped the strain in her voice was less obvious to the Deputy.

“Need a moment to put Dougal up? Don’t want him chewing at the Deputy’s bootlaces.”

“He’s here in the kitchen with me,” said Maggie. “You can come on in if you want.”

“Lemme show you inside, Deputy,” said Earl, but Tyler Calhoun was already shouldering past him into the foyer.

“Much obliged, Earl, but I imagine I can find my way to the kitchen from here just fine. I’m sure you wanna get back to building that doghouse anyhow.”

Gritting his teeth at being shooed and groaning internally at the deftness with which the Deputy had separated them, Earl returned to his backyard carpentry. Maggie would hold it together, he assured himself. She was no dummy. Deputy Calhoun left some fifteen minutes later without saying goodbye to Earl, which he tried not to read into. Probably nothing to it, anyhow. Probably. Margaret slipped out the back door with Dougal on a

leash a minute after the black Ford turned out of the drive, ashenfaced but otherwise composed.

“Do you think he knows anything?” she said. Dougal scurried ahead of her on his leash, eager to inspect his newly-constructed digs. The puppy had grown over the preceding days, though he was still pint-sized. The bigger he got, the more he resembled a Scottish terrier; hence Maggie christening him befitting the highlands.

“Nope. Not much, at least. Looks like he’s going by everyone’s house just the same as ours.”

“Still, we’d best get our story straight.”

“No story to tell here. We ain’t seen nothing, remember?”

“You know what I mean.”

Earl sighed. “We’ll talk it over at dinner, all three of us. There’s other stuff you oughta know too, while we’re at it. But not ‘til Leon gets back.”

“Okay, I guess,” she said, then laughed. “Look, Doogie’s settling right in!”

Dougal, having completed his inspection of the doghouse, promptly peed on its exterior. A mark of canine approval for the superior craftsmanship, Earl decided.

Not until they’d gone inside did he realize that the deputy had made no mention of dredging up the pastor’s truck. Could some -

thing that relevant have slipped his mind? Doubtful, since Dave Howell claimed to have learned of the truck’s discovery from Tyler Calhoun himself. Why avoid mentioning it, then? Hoping somebody might let on more than they were supposed to know, maybe. Had Earl let anything like that slip? He thought back, replaying the conversation in his mind’s eye. He was sure he’d been careful, but it would only take one misstep to sink them. Ruminating on it was doing nothing except make him more frantic though, so seeking distraction, he threw himself into household chores for the rest of the morning. Yet the prickling sense of apprehension lingered.

Earl and Leon returned to their accustomed duck spot on the Blackwater the following Monday, two days after the Deputy’s unexpected visit. Striking out into the frigid morning before first light, they found the Sound black and still, with scant wind to disturb the water. Only the slicing of oars and the troubled drift of Earl’s thoughts broke the quiet. Leon wasn’t in a talkative mood either, focused on conserving warmth by hunching over and rowing with added vigor. They were making good time for it.

Leon had treaded lightly around Earl since their frank talk on Christmas night, and even more gingerly since the pair of them broke the news about Pastor Cal-

houn’s truck to Maggie at dinner the other evening. Maggie, though frightened by the development, hadn’t seemed keen to place blame, and Earl had opted to deemphasize Leon’s carelessness in his telling of it. Leon owed him for that, and seemed to know it.

The Blackwater River was frozen over with a thin sheet of morning ice except for a passage through the main channel. Earl wondered whether the Jimsonweed was responsible for the open lane. He hoped they didn’t encounter one another if so. Something about that mysterious vessel and her stoic captain gave him the willies.

Upon reaching the ponds a half hour later, Earl was relieved to find the Blackwater apparently empty of boats. Somewhere below those inky depths, he knew, Peter Calhoun’s corpse was being swallowed up by the black mud. The thought of wading in that water—even just through the shallows—made him shiver for reasons having nothing to do with the temperature. To forestall the ghoulish prospect a mite longer, he started tossing out decoys from the rowboat.

“Ain’t this pretty close to where… y’know,” said Leon.

“A lot further out than this. Don’t ask me exactly where, though, ‘cos I didn’t take note. And that’s how I want it.”

“Smart. Can’t let slip what we don’t know in the first place.”

“Right,” said Earl. “Now hand me one of them buffleheads.”

Leon passed him a wooden decoy with a faded white crest painted on its head. “Pretty eerie though, ain’t it?”

“Yeah, I guess so. I’m trying not to think about it.”

“Hard not to.”

“’Specially the way you keep bringing it up,” said Earl. “What, you think we shoulda waited longer before coming back out here?” They’d talked it over at home already, but now they were out on the water the question seemed worth revisiting.

Leon produced his standardissue pint of whiskey from an inner pocket of his jacket and took a swig. “More suspicious if we quit coming out this way, I figure.”

“Think anyone’d notice?”

“Moose Hannon can’t have more’n a dozen folks stopping by for gas in a good week. He’d take note if I stopped coming ‘round ahead of hunts on my way to brush up the blind. Or maybe nobody’d notice one way or the other, to the same end. Don’t see as it’s worth giving up a choice duck spot.” He frowned at the spread. “Think we got enough cans this side?”

Earl rooted around in the foot of the rowboat for a pair of canvasback decoys, which he tossed overboard without another thought. He

and Leon were retreading points they’d discussed earlier, and pointlessly. Now that their spread was in the water, sticking out this hunt was a foregone conclusion.

At first, the decision to ignore their misgivings seemed a wise one. The birds flew thick at shooting light and didn’t stop, and both brothers’ aim was in. Nor did they have much competition from other hunters; they heard few shotgun blasts echoing over the ponds throughout the morning but their own. Too cold out for the less dedicated, Earl supposed. Their loss. Caught up in the spate of good luck, he could almost forget about

his last time out on these waters. But as the morning progressed and still no other gunshots joined theirs despite climbing temperatures, he grew uneasy.

“Got a damn pretty bull sprig here!” called Leon through the cattails. They’d dropped the last knot to a duck, and were in the process of retrieving them. Earl, overcoming his earlier dread, was wading to collect those that’d fallen among the spread while Leon poked around in the brush along the point.

“And I got a pintail! Some luck!”

“Screw luck, that’s damn fine shooting.”

Earl laughed, eyeing the horizon. A little past noon, and all quiet

on the Blackwater. A bit too quiet for a nice day like this. “What d’you say we bag these and head in?”

“Sure you wanna turn in early? We could go all afternoon, birds keep flying like this. Must be something in the air today.”

“What for? We got all we can eat and then some. I don’t care for how still it is, either, like we’re the only ones out here. It’s givin’ me the creeps.”

“Everybody must be in their goose blinds today instead. Or their deer stands.”

“Maybe,” said Earl, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Maybe the

Townie Go! 5i EQ

birds could sense it too. Maybe that was what kept flushing them from pond to pond.

“Lemme at least shoot a couple more to take over to Clara’s.”

Earl raised an eyebrow at his brother as Leon rejoined him in their compressed patch of reeds.

“’Specially for Clara?”

“And the Geezer, since he don’t hunt much anymore. What?”

“Nothin’.”

“Don’t gimme that. So I’m thinking of making another pass at her this year—so what? New year, new Leon.”

“New year, new Leon, huh? What happened to not knowin’ how to act around her?”

“Well, I figure it’s like Maggie

The world deserves a better e-bike and Electra has cracked the code, combining comfort, stability and performance in one stylish package. Ready? Where will you Go!

Townie Path Go! 10D EQ

says: ain’t Clara’s fault what happened to her, and it ain’t helping none to treat her different on account of it.”

“That’s…very forward-thinking of you.”

“Thanks. Plus, I’d say we got even more of a connection now, whether she knows it or not. I mean hell, Maggie did the damn thing for her sake.”

“Clara Gibbs can’t ever know what we done for her, alright? So if you got any harebrained ideas about that, you better give ‘em up now.”

“I wouldn’t!” protested Leon, chastised. “I ain’t stupid, Earl. But

who the hell am I supposed to talk about it with anyways?”

“You don’t talk about it, that’s the thing!”

“I gotta with somebody, dammit, or it’ll eat me up inside! Hell! Already is, every minute of every day. It’s gotten so I can’t hardly sleep unless I’m falling-down drunk.”

“You think it ain’t chewing me up too? Jesus, Leon, why d’you think I wanna get outta here so bad? Now shut up, there’s birds coming in!”

Leon shut up, and within a half hour they were packed up and rowing for the mouth of the Blackwater with a couple dozen ducks lining the foot of the boat. The ice that had earlier choked the river was melted away by the warming

4th of July

midday sun, yet they continued to encounter no other hunting parties or boats as they started up the winding, reed-lined corridor. Only eerie, accusatory silence. As they snaked around points overgrown with marsh plants, passing puddles and stands of flooded timber, even the sounds of wildlife faded away. Earl’s disquiet intensified, anxious thoughts yammering louder and louder at every vacant turn.

“Something’s wrong,” he declared as his nostrils detected a charred scent on the air. He’d caught a whiff of it earlier and dismissed it amid the stink of escaping marsh gas, but it was undeni-

able now.

“You’re telling me! Damn spooky is what it is… Say, does that look like smoke to you?”

“Sure does,” said Earl, alarmed. “I smell it, too.”

“I didn’t hear nothin’ about a burn this month, did you?”

“Hell no.”

Even in the old days before the Blackwater was declared a federal wildlife refuge in 1933, it hadn’t been uncommon for muskrat trappers and waterfowlers to set the marsh grasses ablaze to prevent overgrowth and freshen up the habitat for the following year. These days, controlled burns were the responsibility of federal wildlife rangers, but regardless

EASTERN SHORE TITLE COMPANY

e Mid-Shore’s Leader in Real Estate Title Services

“Why settle for less when you can settle with the best!”

Melissa Grimes-Guy Photography

of whose purview, controlled as it pertains to fire is a relative term.

“Ain’t they s’posed to put up signs warning folks when they’re gonna do that?”

“On the road, maybe, but if they posted any on the river it was too dark this morning to see ‘em. You sure you didn’t spot any when you drove out this way last?”

“I’m sure I didn’t.”

“Well there ain’t been nobody else out on the Blackwater all morning! Seems to me they musta been in the know somehow!”

“Oh, and I guess it’s my fault we missed it, is it?”

“You were the one came out this

way to ready the blind a couple days back, not me! So if you managed to drive all the way around the Blackwater and back without noticing the signs, then yes, it’s your fault!”

“Course it is!” said Leon, grunting in anger and exertion. “Ain’t it always?

“Let’s see, Leon,” said Earl between ragged breaths. They were both throwing their backs into rowing now, eager to reach the open water of Fishing Bay. Still a long way to go. A haze was encroaching on the horizon, and the smell of burning was stronger than ever. “You either weren’t paying enough attention to notice signage about the burn, or you forgot all

He o Summer!

C LEANING S ERVICE

about it if you did—probably ‘cos you were drinkin’ in either case, I’d guess—and now we’re about to be stuck on the river in the middle of a fire! You dumped Pete Calhoun’s truck on a goddamn tidal shoal for the whole world to see, now we got sheriffs sniffing around! And if we’re taking a grand tally, then we might as well talk about how you let poor—” Now it was his turn to shut up, feeling ashamed.

“Go on then, spit it out!” said Leon. “May as well talk about what?” The deep hurt on his features suggested he already knew.

“I didn’t mean it,” said Earl quickly. “Wouldn’t have meant it, anyways. It’s just the stress getting to me. I’m sorry.”

“It’s nothin’. Let’s just get home.” But the damage was done. After that, Leon refused to talk except to call out navigational instructions.

I’ll make it up to him later, thought Earl, stomach sour with guilt and rancor and soot. If we don’t die of smoke inhalation, that is.

They were nearly in sight of the fire. Just around this bend now, judging by the peculiar orange glow of the sky ahead, the billows of black smoke curling across the narrow waterway. Hard to believe they’d pushed through chunks of ice when traveling this route not twelve hours past. A day begun with hoarfrost and ended in flames, like the fiery gates of Hell

at the end of the long, cold dark of dying. Was that what awaited Earl, when his life was ended? Would he be damned for what he’d done on his sister’s behalf? The thought made him shiver despite the frantic cadence of his rowing and the growing heat of the burning

A name you can depend on to provide faithful, professional Chimney and Hearth

marshland. He raised his scarf to cover his mouth and nose as they rounded the next point, wishing for goggles to protect his eyes from the inferno. It was just as feared. Worse than feared, in fact.

The marsh grasses were ablaze, not in any isolated section of the marshland, but on all sides. In places the river narrowed to no more than a few paces in width, and there the conflagration had leapfrogged from bank to bank.

The flames licked alarmingly close to the water in places, radiating scorching heat like a kiln. At one such juncture, they found the brushfire raging so near to their rowboat they were forced to shorten the oars lest they catch fire. With a wall of flames standing to either side, Earl and Leon could only fend off, eyes stinging and lungs burning from the smoke despite shielding their faces with scarves and the collars of their shirts.

“If we gotta swim…” Leon began, then broke off coughing.

“We ain’t, so don’t even think about it,” said Earl, voice muffled by his shirt. “We’re nearly out to Fishing Bay! It’ll clear up once

we’re on the open water. Besides, you’re more likely to die from freezing if you panic and jump overboard than you are from the flames.”

“If you say so.” Leon flicked a tuft of ash like a massive snowflake from the shoulder of his jacket. “Burning’s a hell of a way to go, though.”

So’s drowning, thought Earl. Lord knows why Mom chose it after seeing Shane go that way.

No need to tell Leon that, though, not when he’d already cruelly reminded his brother of that fact once today. Plus, he was scared one of those ash clumps would fall into his mouth if he lowered his scarf to speak.

Shortly the walls of flame shrank to hedges of fire, then to flickering imps burning here and there, lingering behind as the main body of the fiery host charged up the riverbank and continued laying waste to the reeds on the far side. Nothing much controlled about the burn now; the fire couldn’t so much be corralled as allowed to eat up every bit of available fuel until it burned itself out.

Earl and Leon didn’t risk a look back until they’d rowed past Blackwater Point onto Fishing Bay. Then, red-eyed and blinking, they watched in awe as the wildfire consumed the brush lining both

sides of the river, smudging the sky above the Blackwater with matching smoke. Often thereafter, that blazing corridor haunted Earl in his dreams, from which he always awoke drenched in sweat and gasping against the suffocating press of imagined smoke.

This time, they’d escaped the flames. Would they be so lucky next time they were in danger of being burned?

Brendan Gallagher is a 2013 graduate of Easton High School and is currently finishing up a Ph.D. in Social-Personality Psychology at the University at Albany.

Changes: WORDS

by Roger Vaughan

“Words don’t mean what we think they do.”

Charles Sykes, The Atlantic Daily

I’m a writer. Words are the tools of my craft. Words are all I’ve got. When I read the above sentence, I knew how a golfer must feel when he looks down to address his ball and it isn’t there.

I felt defensive at first. All my life I’ve taken comfort in knowing that like those heavy gold bars at Ft. Knox that once provided backing for our paper currency, standing rock solid behind the meaning of words are a variety of large, heavy books called dictionaries.

Chief among them is The Compact Edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. Its two volumes weigh 40 pounds and total 8,000 pages. I have a set. I rarely use it, but talk about having an unquestionable authority standing behind the meanings of words! It does cause me to wonder why the word “compact” was used it its name. The only thing compact about The Oxford is the eye-challenging smallness of the type used therein.

With words, there is definition, and there is use. As the cave

man may have discovered as he fine-tuned the grunts he uttered to communicate, use is what matters. More civilized beings invented actual words, and even more advanced humans conceived languages with their rules, specific spellings of words, punctuation, and syntax. At that point, use required some study.

The way things are going, Sykes suggests, in our disregard for what words actually mean we might gradually be reverting to more of a cave man mentality. That’s not a stretch when one notes the vulgar trash talk—the violent rhetoric— being used at the highest levels of politics. Grunts would fall more pleasantly upon the ears. Our elected representatives were once expected to maintain diplomacy, in public anyway. Some of them were even called diplomats: “those who use skill and tact in dealing with others.” Not anymore. Among too many of our elected representatives, skill and tact are rare as peaches in winter. One word that

WORDS

is certain to survive is the F-bomb, an all-purpose word that is challenging “Mommy” and “Daddy” for an infants’ first understandable utterance. The rest are up for grabs. The word fact is first because it is all-important. Facts provide the very essence of how we behave. “Something demonstrated to exist,” is one definition of fact . Time is a fact . It’s high noon—hear the bells and whistles? We have watches and clocks. We can agree it is noon, give or take a few seconds. That we walk on two feet and breathe air to sustain life are facts , and gravity is a very crucial fact that governs the way we stick to the earth instead of floating away into space.

Facts have to do with science. The scientists’ basic reliance on repetition reassures us about various facts. Anyone can perform some scientific experiments to reconfirm the status of a fact. Pick up any object at hand, hold it at arm’s length and let it go. If it falls to the floor with a clatter, a thump, or the sound of glass breaking, you have just reconfirmed gravity is a fact. Or turn on the stove top, then hold your hand over it. You will get burned if you are dumb enough to keep your hand there, proving the fact that fire is very damned hot. Other equally simple experiments will reconfirm water is wet, et cetera.

Most people don’t have trouble accepting elementary facts . The trouble arises with more complex facts. Climate Chaos, or whatever you want to call it, is one example. Climate Chaos is a very scary fact that has been confirmed quite conclusively by many thousands of international scientists working both together and independently. Climate Chaos is scary because it has consequences that can be very damaging, even deadly for many people. It’s like a large meteor heading for Earth. We’ve seen that movie.

We can argue ’til hell freezes over about what has caused Climate Chaos. Who cares, really, because it is here, producing frighteningly large wild fires, extra powerful storms, flooding rains, frequent earthquakes, and dangerous heat waves that have raised havoc across the USA and around the globe. And it is just getting started. While our political leaders hesitate to take the radical steps necessary to slow down Climate Chaos, and while the scientists scream bloody murder for something to be done, right now!—or else!—people are finding a simple way to deal with this imminently destructive fact : deny it. While some words are failing, or falling out of favor, denial is making big gains as a favorite in some areas.

Enter the denial of facts . Wel -

WORDS

come to “my facts ,” and “your facts ,” depending on which side you are on. It’s so easy to just deny Climate Chaos, or any other disturbing fact . Denial makes for a better night’s sleep, reduces one’s guilt for continuing to burn fossil fuels and use plastic bags, and tempers hand-wringing anxiety about the grandchildren’s future. Plus there’s not much we individuals can do about Climate Chaos, is there. Why stress out about it? Use “your facts ” to deny it. But the destructive, undermining effect denial is having on facts is significant.

Truth is next. Truth has never been in worse shape. Despite its undeniable, almost inviolable status, this first cousin of fact has always been long-suffering. Truth is not complicated as a natural commodity. It rains, it snows, the wind blows. All true facts . But it’s atop the list of supposedly unimpeachable elements that are routinely abused. Why? As Aaron Sorkin wrote, and Jack Nicholson barked at Tom Cruise in A Few Good Men (1978): “you can’t handle the truth !”

The one time in my life I considered suing someone, my attorney looked me in the eye and asked, “is this about the truth , or the money.” I answered, “the money.” The attorney replied, “right answer.”

Sorkin nailed it. We can’t handle the truth . It’s too brutal. Perhaps too boring. The truth , ho hum, who needs that party pooper to remind us we have to drive home? We need to command a lighter, more imaginary approach to life. It starts with the innocent fudging of our age, continues with the casual glorification of accomplishment and the gilding of lilies, and usually ends badly. Truth has a nasty habit of prevailing.

Liars, lies and lying are doing great. Never has lying been so popular, so flagrant, so blatant, so curiously unchallenged. Lying is the real demon in the mix because it has such an abusive effect on facts and truth . Lying has never been too difficult, or considered too dangerous, despite the all-American George Washington cherry tree myth. After young George damaged his father’s tree with his new hatchet, the story goes, he admitted doing it, causing his father to put his son’s honesty ahead of the tree damage. Honesty. That word is currently in the ICU.

Communication has always played a part in lying . In the 1800s, when it took two weeks for a letter to travel from Philadelphia to Washington, DC, a lie could be launched and developed before a responsible authority even heard about it. Today, with the instant transmission of social media run -

WORDS

ning rampant, lies from so-called “leaders” abusing the power of their office can be broadcast to millions in seconds, then amended or extended a few minutes later. When challenged, lies can be denied , either replaced by substitute lies , or with the liar trying to clear him- or herself by wondering how anyone could have believed their outrageous lie . Under a barrage of lies , facts struggle to be recognized, and truth takes another shellacking. Confused, people shake their heads. As Charles Sykes notes, given all the lying going on, “Standards shift, flicker, vanish. Nothing is stable.”

Certain things do remain stable. Run a stop sign and you could find out. Walk in the rain and you’ll get wet. Or drop a spoon to hear the reassuring clatter meaning gravity is on the job. Put your hand (briefly) over the stove top burner. Pat the cat and it usually purrs. Walk the dog and it always pees.

Decent is a word I’m endorsing. I’m going out on a limb to suggest most people are decent . You wouldn’t think so listening to the news. But the news, which is slanted strongly on the negative side for selling purposes, is mostly about indecent people—mainly politicians and celebrities—behaving badly. We mustn’t be fooled. That’s a small minority. Most of the rest

of us, and yes, I include myself, are decent . Among other things, that means our lying is kept to a reasonable level. Casual, or innocent. We might lie about our age, our car’s miles per gallon, or our children’s grades, but most of us keep our deceitfulness on the insignificant side.

The cart exchange at Aldi’s market is one of my test sites. There, people repeatedly offer me shopping carts and refuse my quarter with a pleasant greeting (as do I).

“A gift from the Universe,” a man said to me365 recently with a large smile as he waved off my quarter. It’s a small thing, but it’s okay to start small.

Decent : “characterized by conformity to recognized standards of propriety or morality.” Propriety : being proper. Morality : practicing good conduct. All old words, on the slightly stodgy side, but timeless words that have long helped establish decent relationships between strangers.

Here, take this cart, please.

Vaughan.roger@gmail.com

This brick home built in 1890 sits on almost 1/2 acre in the lovely charming town of Easton. Needs everything to bring it up to live in condition. Still has great hardwood floors in place. Magical giant very old magnolia tree. And a little carriage house completes this amazing corner lot. Being sold AS IS.

Asking $499,000

Wonderful home with many updates in much sought after community of Easton Club East. New roof 2 years ago, just built with beautiful woodwork a wall of book cases and shelves in office/library. Patio looking out over field of corn with many raised flower herb beds in yard.

$525,000

In the waterfront community of Martingham in Saint Michaels is Widgeon Place. Beautiful brick condo over looking the recently renovated Pete Dye The Links at Perry Cabin golf course. 2 bedrooms with new deck off of second floor primary. Great open living space!

$389,900 UNDER CONTRACT

OXFORD WATERFRONTS

Swan Pointe - One of the most unique properties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore offering a commanding broad view of Oxford’s vibrant harbor on Town Creek. The main house dates back to 1880 and has been beautifully maintained with an addition of a first floor primary suite. Two outbuildings, 3 car garage, deep water with 250’dock. $3,750,000

South Morris Street, Historic District

Originally built in the late 1880s, this 3 bedroom home was beautifully renovated in the 1990s with 4 fireplaces, wonderful entertaining spaces, and elevator. Amazing sunset views with private swimming pool, garage, and gardens.

$2,495,000

Jane M. McCarthy, GRI ASSOCIATE BROKER

EASTON - ST. MICHAELS

Private 4,250 sq. ft. home on deep sheltered cove of the Tred Avon River, minutes by boat from Oxford, the Choptank and Bay beyond. Substantial pier with boat lift. Gorgeous waterviews. The house is based on a Southern Living architectural plan, and features huge porches, great-room with vaulted ceiling and fireplace, gourmet kitchen open to family area, dining room, media room/library, first floor principal bedroom with large modern bath and 10x14 walk-in closet; three bedrooms, two baths and exercise room/playroom up. Attached two-car garage. Pool. 3+ acres of lush grounds with ornamental plantings and nonshared driveway. Available furnished. $2,900,000

Win a Hot Tub!

To help celebrate our 50th Anniversary we are giving away a Fantasy Entice at our Open House on Saturday July 27th. Stop by now for details and to register!