CMRivdogs

Not in the same boat but our favorite local winery changed hands about two years ago. The owner and founder was in his 80s and it seemed his sons had no interest in continuing the enterprise. It was and still is a nice upscale place with a small hotel and nice restaurant. It was also a nice place to hang out on a Friday afternoon or take out of town guests to lunch or dinner. The principal owner is an investor type, he owns another winery on the other end of the state that is just starting to produce wine. He also owns the minor league hockey team in Norfolk. It's being managed by a former Marriott resort manager in Virginia Beach. It's all well and good, the atmosphere has changed however. The original winemaker also left, I'm not sure if he was pushed out or left on his own. He had been there since Patrick opened the winery in the 1980s. The new guys want to do big events, prices have gone up, and things like the member tasting room and the outdoor tasting areas have changed. As have the members tastings. That started to change near the end of Mr Duffler's ownership and instead of informative talks from the winemaker it seems that most of those who attend now just want to see how much they can consume. We ended up not renewing our membership, we had too much wine on stock anyway. The wine maker has moved to a winery closer to us and it will be interesting to see what direction that place heads.

The more things change...

For the past year or so there has been a sense of foreboding because of the events surrounding 4/19, 4/20 that something big may happen. Hopefully it will be quiet but throw in the Waco siege as well....

While we're not laser focused on the events 250 years ago in Massachusetts, those of us in the "Tidewater area of the Old Dominion" have our own events. This weekend marks the anniversary of the Gunpowder Incident, where the Royal Governor stole the gunpowder from the Armory and stashed it on ships just offshore (in the James River). Basically having the same effect as the events up north. It's been interesting watching the actors/recreators talk about the events. The crowds at CW have been impressive as well The more things change...

I prefer to go with Sparky's 40 day assessment. But for now things look promising

Only the very best I know some Junior High School kids who can do a better job

April 19 https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/april-19/the-american-revolution-begins

I’m surprised they haven’t defunded Amtrak yet.

Just reflect that just over 6 months ago the voters chose Barrabas

One of my main arguments to Trumpers. Cheer the guys who received pardons for committing crimes against the government (breaking and entering, assault) and went thru the judicial process, yet a guy who was accused but never charged or had a trial is guilty because he's from a different country. They're all hypocrites and liars.

April 18

So tired of "strongman" game playing

Related

Yesterday was the anniversary of the VaTech shootings

Judge J Harvey Wilkinson was appointed to the US Fourth Circuit bench by Pres Reagan in the '80s. One of the more respected Conservative Judges

Typical Trump troll thinking

The linked site from Archie is the DHS, the same folks who did the deportation and staffed by Trump appointees, at least at the top levels. It’s a government propaganda release

While I don't disagree about MTG. I was a bit more concerned about Trumpublican Storm Troopers tasering anyone who dares to object at Town Hall "meetings" These are the same folks applauding convicted felons from 1/6 getting off scott free (and celebrated) while applauding deportments without even a mock trial.

https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2025/apr/16/protesters-arrested-shocked-with-stun-guns-at-us-rep-marjorie-taylor-greenes-town-hall/

The history of the present President of the United States is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. The grievances include the following: He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences Sound familiar?

I doesn't sound like this gentleman is a hardened gang member, just another guy who was trying to do it the right way but got caught up in the Gestapo type roundup by the Trump Regime.