Every August, on my daughter Holiday’s birthday, my mother Leslie takes a picture of her with a sunflower.
This summer they did the photo shoot at St. Paul’s Parish, Kent, which was founded in 1692. The first church was erected on the site circa 1696.
Holiday posed in front of St. Paul’s Swamp Chestnut Oak in a vintage gown.
The tree was over 400 years old – standing tall through the American Revolution, during the nearby Battle of Caulk’s Field during the War of 1812, through the Civil War, then the bicentennial and through Holiday’s 10th birthday on August 3, 2015.
The tree was designated a US champion in 1976. And in 2010 was the largest of its species. This week, because its condition was considered dangerous, they had to take the tree down.
Holiday Raimond Jones and St. Paul’s Swamp Chestnut Oak in Kent County, MD
Morgan, age 4, fishing for perch. Handpainted tiles by Joan Gardiner
My brother Morgan loves to fish. He mastered the art of fishing at an early age. I’ve long heard tales of him outcasting all the seasoned fishermen beside him on the little bridge on Still Pond Creek where he fished, when he was 4 years old.
Morgan, age 4, fishing for perch. Handpainted tiles by Joan Gardiner
His love of the sea and the fish within has occupied many of his days on both coasts of the states. He now lives in San Francisco and fishes daily, along the shore or far out in the ocean. Favorite perches include the Farallon Islands, 17 miles from Golden Gate for ling cod and rock cod, Duxbury Reef for king salmon and Ocean Beach for perch grubbing.
I came across an engaging multimedia article about Kirk Lombard, a Bay Area urban angler who fishes in every nook and cranny he can find in the City by the Bay. The joy of the hunt and returning home to dine on the fresh catch reminded me of many meals with my brother. Turns out they are good fishing buddies.
Morgan fishing at Tolchester Beach on the Chesapeake Bay.
In order to advance marine sustainability, Breds at Treasure Beach partnered with The Nature Conservancy to help maintain the Galleon Bay Fishing Sanctuary, a coastal area near Jakes where no fishing is allowed. The sanctuary helps replenish the fish stock and protect the delicate eco-structure of mangroves, coral reefs, sea turtles and marine life.
Jason Henzell, Susan Smith, chairman of The Nature Conservancy’s Caribbean board of trustees, and Dennis Abrahams team up for the Galleon Bay Fishing Sanctuary, a Breds project.
Come fall, Breds hosts a Hook N’ Line Fishing Tournament (October 13 – 15, 2012) in waters outside of the Fishing Sanctuary. Maybe my brother will be a contender in this year’s tournament, and bring home the gold snapper, or whatever is biting that day.
Morgan Raimond: Metalsmith, Gardener and Urban Fisherman
