she’s a winner!!

…this vulture, drying her wings at the end of a long day.

It had been raining, and I suppose she might be tired, after a long day of work.

Unlike some of us, she does really USEFUL work….basically – turning death into life. And cleaning the roads at the same time….

…and in exchange – she ONLY participates in the barter economy.

She don’t need no stinkin’ money. Or goods. Or services, although she provides them.

I watch and count all the time. Here’s a dead deer – big one, along Rt. 33. In less than 14 days, all that’s left is a few bones.

A squirrel?

Two days.

Turtle? Gone FAST!

With sincere appreciation for these neighbors that do such important work.

Seriously grateful.

 

One (more) darn good reason

…to go to the Tilghman Island Inn……

is the peonies – they’re unlike any others.

Bee-YOUtiful.

Just like you.

(And me.)

And they’re only blooming for a few more fleeting moments.

Of COURSE the food at Tilghman Island Inn is outstanding. So is the view.

This isn’t about that. This is just about the peonies. They bloom for some ten days, right about now.

Thank YOUniverse.

Stepping Elf’s mast

The annual stepping of the mast – the last bit of hard work each spring, after the classic racing yacht built in 1888 has had its spring cleanup of sanding and varnish and repairs.

It wouldn’t be possible without Pete Mullally of Eastern Shore Flagpoles.

An antique wooden boat requires a LOT of work, which is why Elf is owned by a non-profit organization, the Classic Yacht Restoration League. Captain Rick Carrion purchased Elf when he was 19 years old, and has spent his life taking care of her.

She’s in beautiful shape, and as of yesterday, is ready for the 3rd annual Elf Classic to be held on Saturday, May 18th – a classic yacht race from Annapolis to St. Michaels.

To learn more about Elf and see photos of this year’s regatta – LIKE the Classic Yacht Restoration Guild on facebook, by clicking right here.

Or, or course, you can jump on a boat in Annapolis on Saturday morning, and follow the race across the Chesapeake Bay. OR – just drive on over to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum on Saturday afternoon, visit the splendid collections and watch the yachts come in at the finish – each Captain will jump into a dinghy, row to shore, jump out and run to the Tolchester bandstand to sign the logbook, officially completing the race.

Yeah, cool.

A girl and a pony…

Marissa Gowe just met her new pony in this photo taken on April 27th. They only rode together two days and were jumping already, winning 3 firsts and a 6th on this day. They looked like old friends.

Thanks to Country Comfort Farm in McDaniel for always making me feel welcome when I stop in to look, admire, photograph and watch the horse shows. I love the feel there – the big, beautiful horses, the calm energy of the riders, the ease and comfort of the people.  Always feels like I’m in a movie. Lovely.

Best of luck Marissa and WJ Fancy Mac! A very bright future ahead for you both! You’re a beautiful team.

getcher chive on

Happy Friday!

RIP Carlton Spitzer

The Eastern Shore lost a hero this week, a local legend and tireless supporter of the disabled, the underdog, the mentally ill.

A writer, an author, a playwright, a dreamer – he was an inspiration to so many. Spitzer retired here after a long career in public relations, and wrote volumes – his work was found in weekly newspaper columns, in artistic scripts, monologues, magazines, screenplays and more. He founded the disAbility Coalition, and sparked the idea for the Talbot Interfaith Shelter.

He was the consummate champion, and did not – would not – could not – stop telling us why we should care…..about the disabled, the homeless, the mentally ill, the oppressed.

Here’s the story from our local paper, the Star Democrat.

It’s especially poignant that today at 11:30, the disAbility Coalition will hold its annual awards luncheon. Last year on this very day, the coalition honored Carlton Spitzer for a lifetime achievement award. I was lucky to be there.

Here’s the story and a photo from that day, one year ago today when he was honored by his friends and supporters.

With deep gratitude and appreciation – farewell, friend.

You did good. Really, really good.

Back – Delegate Addie Eckhardt, Carlton Spitzer, front – Rev. Dave Seymour

patriotism?….nope. Protest.

In Cambridge, MD – a house painted like the American flag.

When I saw this, I thought to myself – “oh boy, this is EXACTLY why we have historic district commissions…..”

….and it turns out that the historic district regulations were precisely what the building owner was protesting against – read the story here.

The rebel in me always loves a good protest, but the good neighbor and historic preservationist in me cringes.

What do you think?