It seems like Mother Nature is playing games with us. After three days of temps in the 80’s I broke out my shorts, and now they are back in the 60’s. This is where the temps should be, so we might have a gradual rise in temperatures therefore holding off the heat of summer. Finally breaking winters cold grasp, now is the perfect time to throw off cabin fever and take a drive to our neighbors on the water in Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties in Maryland, or a pleasant drive into Virginia’s wine country. The Tiki Bar opened last month in Solomons and Leonardtown is gearing up for the nice weather. Most of the wineries in Virginia are providing entertainment as well as great wines. If you are heading south to Maryland, and still would like to take in a winery, check out Running Hare or Perigeaux wineries in Calvert County or Slack Winery and Port of Leonardtown wineries in St. Mary’s County.

Although Robert E. Lee’s surrender to Ulysses S. Grant was last month, Doug Coleman continues to follow the aftermath of that surrender and the events that happened, after and leading up to Appomattox in his Civil Discourse column.

Check out Chez Andree, our Dining Out column this month, and see what 50 years of French cooking has wrought. This is a favorite “on the fringe” of Old Town place of many of our loyal readers.

Once again we are fortunate to have one of Alexandria local artist PauMcGehee’s paintings gracing our cover. Paul has supplied us with over 20 works of art for our covers over the past 27 years. This months’ cover is Cape Henlopen Light House at the northern end of Sussex County in southern Delaware. Last May Paul provided his print of Fenwick Island Lighthouse from the southern end of Sussex County for our cover. Check out our Road Trip this month, which is, you guessed it…the beaches of southern Delaware. I am happy to share my photo space this month with Emro the parrot who resides at the fantastic Boardwalk Plaza Hotel in Rehoboth!

Let’s not forget that we celebrate Mother’s Day and Memorial Day this month. While both of my parents have passed on, I still remember my Mother on her day and my Father on Memorial Day in honor of his service in WWII. Be sure to treat Mom to something special and to remember all those who have passed before us on Memorial Day. If you encounter someone selling Memorial Day poppies, be sure to buy one!

Written by: Bob Tagert