(Kiko-San, in Yokosuka, Japan. 1949). Quite a set of notes this morning from the Out There Gang. Bewildering, almost. It started with Cornhusker’s contribution about the disposition of the cremated ashes of the Class A Japanese war criminals. There were six of them, including Tojo, the main public figure of the Empire, excepting his aloof […]

Author’s Note: I was working on something else this morning, and realized the topic might get me scooped up in some of the activity I was attempting to describe, not endorse. So, I thought this might fit better as a mildly amusing account of ordinary stuff that becomes extra-ordinary in the context of the times […]

The Mid-Week Review meeting avoided much contention, thank goodness. If you were wondering, the Summer Solstice arrives this Sunday, coincident with the observation of “Father’s Day,” which like “Birthing Persons Day” just past will require some juggling of old and new words. The replacement for the former, like the latter, is still under discussion for […]

This is a quick one this morning, partly due to frustration and partly to that Zuckerberg guy. Well, mostly the Z-man. I was working on some great stuff to share with you. Well, maybe not great, per se, but information and context about Tulsa, the ten engagements- not the ones with rings- the two big […]

(A southern view from Algonquin Trail toward Raccoon Ford. On the right is Raccoon Ford Road- today’s Virginia Route 617. Local historian Clark B. Hall captured this view in 2017, with the bluffs and tree line of Orange County visible in the distance). Sorry to intrude this delightful morning with an account of average events […]

I was going to subject you to a continued tour of the ‘hood here around Refuge Farm. It is colorful, and reminded us of what it must have been like to live on these fields with only a thin tent for cover against the implacable elements. Raccoon Ford, a shallow stretch of the Rapidan River […]

(This brick manor house, named “Salubria” is the oldest brick home in Culpeper County. Just a fair walk east from Refuge Farm, or Wicked Bottom, if you are walking west). It is the 70th anniversary of my presence on this earth. This morning, I can say that I survived the ’60s- twice. A brief note […]

Work parties have been on the Socotra property most of the recent daylight hours. Chairman Socotra was a little lethargic the other morning, and the Comptroller and some HR functionaries managed to pump him up with enough coffee that he scrawled signatures on a couple rectangular pieces of paper and the workers cheered. The Production […]

Like you, Socotra House is confronting several nagging projects of necessity projects that complicate the transition from Spring to Summer. One that is foremost on the minds of the staff- at least those who have need to periodically step from enclosed spaces to the welcoming Piedmont out-of-doors- was falling through one of the unsound planks […]

We all get caught up in the excitement and activity of the coming summer, city or country folk included. There is seasonal work in progress at the farm that includes replacing rotted boards on the deck and slashing back the aggressive entwining green growth of the land that wants itself back. Eugene and his family […]