By Melinda Myers Tuck them into the garden, pop some in a container or dress up a window box. Then water as needed, add a bit of fertilizer and wait for the color explosion. The showy heart-shaped leaves of caladiums come in combinations of pink, red, white and green. These heat-loving plants provide beautiful color all season long. Best of all, no deadheading is needed. Caladiums can be used to create a stunning garden almost anywhere around your home. These tropical beauties grow well in full to partial shade, and some varieties grow equally well in full sun. Choose varieties that will provide the color, size and look you want to achieve, and that match the light conditions in your yard. Compact caladiums, such as lime and dark pink Miss Muffet, grow about 12” tall and are perfect for lining a pathway, edging a flowerbed or dressing up a container. Florida Sweetheart’s bright, rose-pink leaves have ruffled green edges, and Gingerland has creamy white leaves that are decorated with splashes of green and red. All of these miniature varieties combine nicely with larger caladiums and elephant ears. Step up the color impact with caladium Red Flash. This full-size caladium grows about 20” tall and has brilliant red centers, decorated with pink dots that pop against the large, deep green leaves. Use these anywhere you want a big splash of color in a garden bed or container. Combine caladiums with shade-loving annuals like begonias, coleus, and mildew-resistant impatiens or other summer bulbs like cannas and elephant ears. Visit Longfield Gardens (longfield-gardens.com) for a bit of inspiration and container design ideas. You’ll find simple combinations that provide big impact on a deck, patio or entryway. When planting caladiums directly into the garden, wait until at least two weeks after all danger of frost…
This past month we decided to return to one of our favorite destinations…Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. As in the past, we chose to go during the shoulder season, before Memorial Day and the beginning of the summer. The weather can be on the chilly side, however this year we hit it right. The temperatures were in the upper 70’s and lower 80’s and no rain. On the drive to the beach, we don’t normally stop until we get to our destination but this time we decided to make a stop for lunch enroute. We chose the new Libbey’s Coastal Kitchen & Cocktails that sits right on the Bay once you cross the bridge on Kent Island. For those of you who have made this trek over the years, Libbey’s is where popular Hemingway’s restaurant used to be. It is a good stop for a break as we are through with the hysteria of the interstate and will soon be on the back country roads of Delaware. The deck at Libbey’s is great for lunch and has a beautiful view of the bridge and the Chesapeake Bay. We could watch small aircraft being buffeted around by the wind as they came into land coming across the Bay. It was a nice respite from the hectic traffic. After beverages, a lobster roll and Cubano sandwich we got back on the road. Highly recommend a stop here. Going to the beach in the shoulder season’s only disadvantage is the uncertainty of the weather. As you just read, we hit the jackpot this past month. Beautiful weather, free parking, less crowded and pretty much the majority of the restaurants and stores are open. When I used to go to the Ocean City, fifty years ago, the towns were somewhat seasonal, but today they are all…
By Jaime Stephens WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Most people know many of the conditions and illnesses that cats can suffer from: Feline Acne, Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), Diabetes, Fleas, Vomiting (due to hairballs or other issues), and kidney disease. Chronic Kidney Disease, or CKD, is one of the most prevalent diseases in older cats, affecting up to 40% of cats over the age of 10 and 80% of cats over the age of 15. Most, however, are not aware of some of the rarer conditions, syndromes, and diseases that can affect members of the feline family of cats. Acromegaly is one such disease. Acromegaly is caused by an excess of the growth hormone (GH) in adult animals. In cats, it is caused by GH-secreting tumors of the anterior pituitary. Signs related to diabetes mellitus are typically the first clinical signs of acromegaly to be noticed. Some cats with acromegaly show excess growth of extremities, skull, and muscles. Acromegaly is also a disease found in humans, including the actors Fred Gwynne, who played Herman Munster on the television show “The Munsters,” Kevyn Aucoin, famous make-up artist and founder of his eponymous make-up line, and Richard Kiel, who played the character Jaws in the James Bond movies. While not curable, acromegaly can be treated. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PDK), unlike Chronic Kidney Disease, is a disease primarily associated with Persian cats. Again, while there is no cure, this disease can be managed with fluid therapy, a specialized diet, and certain medications. It should be noted that this breed, in particular, is prone to numerous diseases with approximately 65% of all Persians suffering from at least one health condition. Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS) —also called twitchy cat syndrome—generally involves muscle contractions that a cat can’t control, along with changes in their behavior….
By Erin Shackleford Billie Jean is a five-year-old cuddle connoisseur who believes people trump everything else. This 63-pound sweetheart with a tan-and-white coat and “feed me early” eyes lives for tug, fetch, and sofa snuggles. She’s lived happily with adults and a teen and is happiest as your one-and-only sidekick. Dream home? One where her human is around a lot, enjoying some quality time. Looking for a loyal, affectionate best friend? Billie Jean is ready to move in. Her adoption fee is waived thanks to Vola’s Dockside Grill. Hannah is a one-year-old dog with a perpetual smile. Her happy-go-lucky nature is contagious! At 39 pounds, she’s the perfect “not too big, not too small” adventure buddy. She loves walks, toys (especially squeaky ones), and greeting everyone like they’re her long-lost bestie. Smart, treat-motivated, and eager to learn, Hannah is ready to grow into an amazing companion with a little guidance. If your life needs more fun and fresh air, Hannah’s your girl. Crystal is a gentle girl who wishes for a loving home with a doting family. She has adorable brown brindle patches on her white coat, and ears that could hear signals from space. Crystal weighs 56 pounds at three years old and thoroughly enjoys a squeaky toy. She’s always up for a game of fetch, too! Crystal will stick by your side when playtime ends, and she has very good house manners. She likes to meet new people of all ages, even children. As a young adult dog, Crystal is past the rambunctious puppy stage and still has plenty of energy for adventures. She would be a great hiking or running buddy, and she would bring tons of joyful curiosity to every outing. Crystal’s adoption fee is waived thanks to Royal Restaurant.
By Lori Welch Brown April showers bring May flowers, and May brings Mother’s Day. Sadly, my mom passed in 2006. I was on the cusp of 40, but there was still so much I needed her for—so much she missed. She wasn’t there when I bought a house in Del Ray—which she would have loved as she grew up there. I like to think that she helped me land there just months after she passed—which was no easy feat given the real estate market at the time. She missed meeting my husband, XXL, whom I am pretty confident she would have liked more than me. For sure she would have doted on him and taken his side in every disagreement. I can hear her now. “Lori, he looks hungry. Make him a sandwich.” I never had kids of my own. Not by choice, but more by circumstance. It’s at the top of my regret list, but as they say, “God has a plan.” I love kids, and in my humble opinion, have been a kick-butt aunt. My nieces and nephews are all fully grown humans now, and my only regret there is that I don’t see them enough. And now the babies are having babies of their own. Which is crazy—wasn’t it just yesterday I was changing their diapers and making them wash my car? Hey—I paid them in chocolate. My fur babies are my children. I realize that might alienate some women who have pushed something the size of a football through their nether regions. I get it. Dogs are not human. Cats are not children. To that I say—no. Of course not. You’re absolutely right. They’re better. Dogs don’t talk back. Never once has Dozer told me I’m stupid—although there were plenty of legit reasons for him to…
Former California girl and Old Town Alexandria transplant since 2020, Sherri Baffa took her April copy of the OTC with her on her semi-annual trek to Budapest, Hungary last month. She worked in Budapest prior to the pandemic and visits twice a year to catch up with former colleagues and visit friends. Sherri tells us that Old Town reminds her of Budapest – very walkable, good public transportation, family run restaurants and businesses and several cultural events. She is pictured here in front of the Hungarian Parliament building. Photo by Casey Nelson. If you would like to see your photo in this space, take the OTC with you on your next adventure and take a high resolution photo or photos of you and yours checking us out and send it with information for the caption to office@oldtowncrier.com and put “On the Road” in the subject line.
Photo above courtesy of NPFL By Steve Chaconas Fishing fans on social media viewed the recent Bassmaster Classic as divisive due to the use of Forward Facing Sonar (FFS). Reactions ranged from disgust to disinterest in watching or giving credibility to a sport where competitors spent fishing days staring at screens watching fish until they bit. Social media lit up, not with secret lures, techniques, or patterns, but rather on FFS use. Most agreed technology doesn’t make them bite, but it sure shows exactly where big ones are! They compared today’s tournament fishing to video games and say pro level anglers should be able to fish without it. Fans are accusing Bassmaster of selling out to electronics companies and ignoring fans and sportsmanship. It’s hard enough to convince non anglers how fishing is a sport, then justifying $10,000 in FFS electronics that shows real time images of otherwise hidden fish. Bassmaster is struggling to keep pro anglers, audience, sponsors, and electronics companies satisfied with their product. Pro fishing is restricting FFS use. Major League Fishing limits to one 3 hour period a day. Bassmaster allows use in only 5 of their 9 events. FFS for next year’s Bassmaster Classic has yet to be determined. Muddying the waters are states considering bans or restrictions due to concerns over fairness in fishing competitions, environmental impacts, and ethical considerations. As if by plan, the National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) launched their season-opening event as anglers clamored for an end to the forward facing fiasco. Since last season, the NPFL has prohibited FFS use. Fans and anglers took note and sponsors like BassCat Boats, Tackle Warehouse, and others have signed on. The NPFL policy wasn’t an anti FFS move, rather it was a business decision to attract anglers, fans, and advertisers. One of the…
By Cark Trevison and Stephen Bearce A primary reason investors own bonds is because their values have historically remained relatively stable over time. In other words, they’ve been less risky than stocks. (Of course, their returns have been lower as well.) So you might want to have bonds in your portfolio in case the stock market takes a hit. If that happens, the bonds could stabilize your portfolio’s overall value. And that may help you avoid making emotional (and sometimes costly) heat-of-the-moment choices. Lower risk is different than no risk Bonds are considered less risky than stocks, but they’re certainly not risk-free (no investment is). Although some investors may believe bonds are as safe as cash, that’s not the case. In fact, bond investors face a number of risks, including: Interest rate risk. The chance of a change in a bond’s price in response to movements in interest rates. It’s important to understand this risk because bond market prices and interest rates are negatively correlated. In other words, if interest rates increase, existing bond prices are likely to decrease. Conversely, when rates are higher and begin to decrease, bond prices will tend to increase. Credit risk. The prospect that an issuer may suffer a relative decline in credit quality or outright default. The lower the credit risk, the fewer credit-related price fluctuations there should be. Default risk. When you purchase a bond, you face the risk that the issuer may be unable to pay the interest or par value when it’s due. Opportunity risk. The possibility of missing out on potentially better returns you may be able to get from other investments, like stocks. Consider your big picture Whether you’re talking about bonds or stocks or any other investment, it’s important to remember that the amount you own should be…
By Melinda Myers Fill your garden with colorful annuals you and the pollinators can enjoy all season long. Look for outstanding varieties chosen by All-America Selections (AAS), a non-profit plant trialing organization, to brighten your garden, attract pollinators and outperform other varieties on the market. Attract hummingbirds and second looks from passersby with the vibrant bright orange flowers of Canna South Pacific. This compact variety can be started from seed and was selected as a 2018 AAS winner for its vigorous, full and uniform growth habit. Whether it’s spikes of lavender, pink, white or red your garden and container need, you’ll find them in the Salvia Jewel series. Watch the butterflies and hummingbirds stop by for a sip of nectar and the finches feast upon the seeds later in the season. Add more vertical interest and pollinator appeal in the garden and large planters with Asian Garden Celosia. The bright pink blooms hold their color all season long atop sturdy stems 31 to 40 inches tall. Include a few Cupheas, also known as Mexican Heather in containers, borders and mass plantings. FloriGlory Diana has more and larger flowers than its counterparts. The season long bloom of intense magenta flowers made this a winner. Incorporate beauty even in challenging locations with EnduraScape Pink Bicolor Verbena. As the name implies it is tough as nails, tolerating drought, heat and temperatures in the low teens. Use this spreader in large containers and baskets where you can appreciate the soft pink blooms with their darker center. Wow visitors and lure pollinators to your garden and containers with Vinca Mega Bloom Orchid Halo. The bright purple blooms with a white eye stand up to heat and humidity without succumbing to disease. Grow winning varieties of a traditional favorite, zinnia. These low maintenance sun-loving annuals can…
By Carl Trevison and Stephen Bearce Economic difficulties, political unrest, and natural disasters can all present challenges. Investors may wonder what effect these types of events, and others, could have on their investments. That’s why it’s helpful to focus on three fundamental actions that could help investors work toward their goals — know yourself, build a plan, and keep an eye on the long term. Know Yourself When stocks drop by 20% or more, some investors might ignore the drop, others might feel the urge to sell, while still others might see it as a good time to buy. This range of reactions illustrates different levels of risk tolerance, or how sensitive investors are to market volatility. Risk tolerance varies from one investor to another, and no level of tolerance is considered the “right” level — there’s only the right risk tolerance for each investor. Talking with financial advisors or completing online questionnaires can help investors determine their risk tolerance. While understanding risk tolerance is essential, it should not be considered in isolation. Risk tolerance, goals, and time horizon all play a role in setting an investment plan. Investing more aggressively may yield more rewards, but the length of time available for investing also plays a part. A longer time horizon could give investors the potential for compound growth. And setting specific goals can help to determine how much an investor should accumulate to support their goals. Build a Plan Dwight D. Eisenhower may have said it best — “Plans are worthless, but planning is everything.” Even though a plan may need to be modified to adapt to changes, the very process of setting a plan can help investors to discover and focus on their most important investment goals. For a plan to be useful, it’s important for investors to…
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