This is the time during the summer when the gardening harvests are at their peak. The green beans have come and gone. The early peas are just a memory. But the tomatoes, corn, peas, and butter beans are in full swing.
Growing up in the Mississippi Delta, you could always count on Pop to show up early in the morning with a massive bag of freshly picked peas. It was our job to begin the shelling. By the time we had just about finished, he would show up with another. Purple hull peas were the worst. Before you knew it, your fingers were completely stained purple from your hard work.
The next thing you know, dear ole Dad would pull up in his pickup with a truck load of sweet or field corn. There ain't nuthin' like the taste of cream corn fried in a cast iron skillet! To get it to that point you had to be a finely tuned team on a mission. First, the shucking. Then the silking and worm removal. Then an adult was charged with cutting the kernals off the cob them milking every last bit of corn off the cob with the backside of the knife. As the bowls of corn would begin to overflow, grandma would begin the bagging and freezing.
All fall and winter, we would enjoy the fruits of our labor at the dinner table. To us it wasn't that special, just an average day with an ordinary meal. But now, oh how I wish I could revisit the past!
Now, you go to the farmers market, and there you again can see mother nature's bounty. Tomatoes in twenty five pound boxes. Squash and cucumbers piled high. Huge boxes are filled with watermelons from Smith County. And no more shelling. Now, for $25, you can get the peas and butter beans of your choice already shelled in a huge plastic sleeve.
Sweet corn is piled high and sold by the ear. And none of it has ever seen the first worm. Fruits of all kinds are neatly arranged in baskets with no bruises or bad spots to be found.
Sorry, this just isn't the same! You have to put in your salty sweat into it for it to taste good! But, families have now grown apart. Grandparents now live far and away. Country folk have now become city slickers. And kids have much better things to do besides shelling, like texting, face timing, and such. Backyards are now full of swimming pools, flowers and ornamental bushes.
I refuse to give up. I do container gardening in five gallon buckets since this dirt will barely grow grass. I buy sweet corn by the ear in 50 ear boxes. My tree continues to fail, so my homemade jelly costs me about $3 a jar. I get canning tomatoes for $14 a box vs the $25 for unblemished. And this time of year there ain't nothing finer than a Smith County Watermelon. They now come with a sticker so you'll know you've got the real McCoy!
Thankfully son#2 has his Greandaddies green thumbs. His girly friend's dad has provided him some dirt. His first year was comical, but year two is showing some results. By the time he is graduated and on his own, maybe, just maybe, I'll get the call. Come in over, the kitchen floor is covered in corn!
Retired in 2012. I'm trying to out run old age and boredom. So far, I'm winning the race!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Somebody Special
Had lunch with somebody special today, and I just felt compelled to tell a little bit about his story.
Twenty one years ago, we were blessed when Son #2 came into this world. A month later his cousin Trey arrived. Both were boys, both were blonde headed. That's here the similarities ended. Son #2 thrived in elementary school. He challenged me to get him every book I could find for him to read for the accelerated reader program. It was all about getting those points. I was online every week ordering books from throughout the Rankin County Library system. He was trying his best to out score everyone in his room.
Cousin Trey wasn't about reading books. Books would be read to him. Trey had a learning disability, and things came slower to him. He took on different interests. He became the family expert and could tell you anything you would ever need to know about "Walker, Texas Ranger". He later discovered video games, and everyone immediately knew what would be on his birthday and Christmas lists for years to come.
Both boys reached middle school, and decided to follow their siblings into the band program. Son#2, like his brother, took up the saxophone. Cousin Trey went for the trombone. Son #2 excelled at sax through the eighth grade, but dropped out to pursue his love of the game of soccer. Trey continued on with his quest with the trombone.
Son #2 went on to MSMS the Mississippi School for Math and Science. His love of soccer followed him there. He and his teammates made it to the State playoffs two years running for the first time in the school's history.
Trey pushed through at New Albany High School. He was so proud of his band uniform, and being able to play in the "percussion pit" of the school band. He made it through high school, attending regular classes, just like everyone else. His senior year he had to have surgery to correct a spinal problem that will limit physical activity for years to come. He was able to go through graduation, just like everyone else.
Trey gave college a shot for a year, just like everyone else. He has found a job in his home town, just like everyone else. He now, has passed the test for his drivers' permit, just like everyone else. And, he has earned enough money to buy himself a truck, just like everyone else!
But, Trey is not like everyone else, to us, his family. He is a one of a kind special nephew that is dear to us all. And we are the lucky ones. Most of us don't live in New Albany, so we don't have to dodge his driving, just like everyone else!!!!
Twenty one years ago, we were blessed when Son #2 came into this world. A month later his cousin Trey arrived. Both were boys, both were blonde headed. That's here the similarities ended. Son #2 thrived in elementary school. He challenged me to get him every book I could find for him to read for the accelerated reader program. It was all about getting those points. I was online every week ordering books from throughout the Rankin County Library system. He was trying his best to out score everyone in his room.
Cousin Trey wasn't about reading books. Books would be read to him. Trey had a learning disability, and things came slower to him. He took on different interests. He became the family expert and could tell you anything you would ever need to know about "Walker, Texas Ranger". He later discovered video games, and everyone immediately knew what would be on his birthday and Christmas lists for years to come.
Both boys reached middle school, and decided to follow their siblings into the band program. Son#2, like his brother, took up the saxophone. Cousin Trey went for the trombone. Son #2 excelled at sax through the eighth grade, but dropped out to pursue his love of the game of soccer. Trey continued on with his quest with the trombone.
Son #2 went on to MSMS the Mississippi School for Math and Science. His love of soccer followed him there. He and his teammates made it to the State playoffs two years running for the first time in the school's history.
Trey pushed through at New Albany High School. He was so proud of his band uniform, and being able to play in the "percussion pit" of the school band. He made it through high school, attending regular classes, just like everyone else. His senior year he had to have surgery to correct a spinal problem that will limit physical activity for years to come. He was able to go through graduation, just like everyone else.
Trey gave college a shot for a year, just like everyone else. He has found a job in his home town, just like everyone else. He now, has passed the test for his drivers' permit, just like everyone else. And, he has earned enough money to buy himself a truck, just like everyone else!
But, Trey is not like everyone else, to us, his family. He is a one of a kind special nephew that is dear to us all. And we are the lucky ones. Most of us don't live in New Albany, so we don't have to dodge his driving, just like everyone else!!!!
Friday, July 11, 2014
Seasons of Change
Growing up in the Mississippi Delta, in the town of Belzoni, it was easy to know what season you were in. Springtime was Little League baseball. Summer was school was out, and there were the Boy Scout trips to Camp Tallaha with Mr. Howell and Mr. Lister. Fall was playing tackle football at the Indian Mound, and Halloween trick or treating in the neighborhood. Winter was easy, cold, snow on the ground, and Christmas presents under the tree.
As I got older, I began to see different signs of seasons changing. Spring time was the time of year to begin earning money from cutting grass. Summer was more of the same, but with an occasional short vacation trip with Mom, then those dreadful 2 a day football practices. Fall was all about high school football and winning championships. Winter was still cold, but ole Santa just wasn't the same anymore.
My allergies would get the best of me too. Spring time was planting time, filling the air with all kind of chemicals. Summer was almost as bad, working for Jimmy Thompson checking cotton for insects. A week didn't go by where you were soaking wet from the morning dew, then parched from the afternoon sun. Occasionally I would be in a field and get sprayed by the crop duster who was behind in his rounds. Fall was the time for defoliants and cotton gin dust. The chemicals took the remaining life out of the cotton and soybean plants, and the gin dust coated the whole town of Inverness like a light dusting of brown snow. Winter was the only time I could actually breathe.
College years led to spring college baseball and following Coach Ron Polk work his ball magic. Summers were filled with jobs for spending money for the coming fall. Fall was back to school, trips to Jackson for the biggest games, and winter was the welcomed Christmas break!
Before I knew it I was married, and had a house. Spring was time to spruce up the yard. Summer was full of neighborhood gatherings in Bellegrove for parties and fun. Fall was more time spent with the spousal unit following her team of choice. Winter was more time spent with each other, enjoying a hot glowing fire and time off from an occasional ice storm.
Soon, two boys entered our lives. Spring became the time for T-Ball and buddy ball, and of course, our introduction to the game of soccer. Summer was a time for picnics, trips to the zoo, swimming, and the beginning of many treks to Orlando. Fall was our introduction to "one time in band camp" and having the time of our lives as band parents working the concession stands with our new found friends. Soccer became a year around sport, lasting 11 months during Morgan's last year.
Now its all different. Spring time brings on the necessity of cleaning and the occasional garage sale. Summer is now interrupted with the stores selling school supplies in July. Fall is the time for the stores to set out their Christmas decorations. In Kroger, you can tell what season it is by the selection of candy in its displays in the center aisle. If you are looking for summer clothing in August, you are out of luck!
Its not even August and we are already dreaming of Football and planning tailgating. With both boys no longer in the house, and them eventually getting serious with the female of their choice, I guess I better get ready for more changes in the seasons! The times, they are forever changing!
As I got older, I began to see different signs of seasons changing. Spring time was the time of year to begin earning money from cutting grass. Summer was more of the same, but with an occasional short vacation trip with Mom, then those dreadful 2 a day football practices. Fall was all about high school football and winning championships. Winter was still cold, but ole Santa just wasn't the same anymore.
My allergies would get the best of me too. Spring time was planting time, filling the air with all kind of chemicals. Summer was almost as bad, working for Jimmy Thompson checking cotton for insects. A week didn't go by where you were soaking wet from the morning dew, then parched from the afternoon sun. Occasionally I would be in a field and get sprayed by the crop duster who was behind in his rounds. Fall was the time for defoliants and cotton gin dust. The chemicals took the remaining life out of the cotton and soybean plants, and the gin dust coated the whole town of Inverness like a light dusting of brown snow. Winter was the only time I could actually breathe.
College years led to spring college baseball and following Coach Ron Polk work his ball magic. Summers were filled with jobs for spending money for the coming fall. Fall was back to school, trips to Jackson for the biggest games, and winter was the welcomed Christmas break!
Before I knew it I was married, and had a house. Spring was time to spruce up the yard. Summer was full of neighborhood gatherings in Bellegrove for parties and fun. Fall was more time spent with the spousal unit following her team of choice. Winter was more time spent with each other, enjoying a hot glowing fire and time off from an occasional ice storm.
Soon, two boys entered our lives. Spring became the time for T-Ball and buddy ball, and of course, our introduction to the game of soccer. Summer was a time for picnics, trips to the zoo, swimming, and the beginning of many treks to Orlando. Fall was our introduction to "one time in band camp" and having the time of our lives as band parents working the concession stands with our new found friends. Soccer became a year around sport, lasting 11 months during Morgan's last year.
Now its all different. Spring time brings on the necessity of cleaning and the occasional garage sale. Summer is now interrupted with the stores selling school supplies in July. Fall is the time for the stores to set out their Christmas decorations. In Kroger, you can tell what season it is by the selection of candy in its displays in the center aisle. If you are looking for summer clothing in August, you are out of luck!
Its not even August and we are already dreaming of Football and planning tailgating. With both boys no longer in the house, and them eventually getting serious with the female of their choice, I guess I better get ready for more changes in the seasons! The times, they are forever changing!
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Highway Bathroom Etiquette 101
Warning, warning, Will Robinson!
Lately, in our travels, we are finding the rating scale for rest room cleanliness to be off the charts, as in not even registering. This road trip just about did us in. Here are a few rules:
1. If the exit sign only shows one gas station, slow down and read the sign. If the stop is more than a mile away, re-enter the interstate. Usually a hole in the road. Trust me, the spousal unit has learned the hard way to hold it a little longer.
2. If you enter a convenience store in your travels and come across an old friend just coming out of the restroom, do your best to avoid the hand shake. More often than not, that hand has not seen water, soap, or paper towel in the last four hours.
3. Before taking your seat in the stall, check for seat covers and plenty of toilet paper. Nothing like hearing the guy in the next stall say "hey buddy, can you pass me a roll"!
4. If you enter the men's room and need to use the urinal, take the one at the other end of the restroom, not the one next to me, unless all others are taken.
5. While in the men's room, do not ask me "hey buddy, you got four quarters for a dollar" for the men's room vending machine.
6. If you really have a bad one, its OK to flush a few times before finishing, believe me!
7. To the guy that has to take his leak into the only toilet in the room, lift the lid, its not that hard.
8. To the girl shacked up with my son and not paying any rent, please take the bowl brush and swish it around for a minute or two once a week. Small duty that is appreciated by the owner during the occasional visit.
9 .Ladies. Be prepared, It cracks me up when you ask to borrow $5 outside the ladies room.
10. Be like the spousal unit. When its an obvious bathroom break, buy something. It surprises the heck out of the cashier. I love snicker bars.....
11. It amazes me that a woman that has to go real bad, can be in and out in a flash, while the guy is still trying to find the zipper.
12. Men, remember, it is better to pee on porcelain than directly into the water. Less noise, and no misguided splashing.
I'm sure there are a lot more rules for the road. These were some obvious ones from this last road trip!
Lately, in our travels, we are finding the rating scale for rest room cleanliness to be off the charts, as in not even registering. This road trip just about did us in. Here are a few rules:
1. If the exit sign only shows one gas station, slow down and read the sign. If the stop is more than a mile away, re-enter the interstate. Usually a hole in the road. Trust me, the spousal unit has learned the hard way to hold it a little longer.
2. If you enter a convenience store in your travels and come across an old friend just coming out of the restroom, do your best to avoid the hand shake. More often than not, that hand has not seen water, soap, or paper towel in the last four hours.
3. Before taking your seat in the stall, check for seat covers and plenty of toilet paper. Nothing like hearing the guy in the next stall say "hey buddy, can you pass me a roll"!
4. If you enter the men's room and need to use the urinal, take the one at the other end of the restroom, not the one next to me, unless all others are taken.
5. While in the men's room, do not ask me "hey buddy, you got four quarters for a dollar" for the men's room vending machine.
6. If you really have a bad one, its OK to flush a few times before finishing, believe me!
7. To the guy that has to take his leak into the only toilet in the room, lift the lid, its not that hard.
8. To the girl shacked up with my son and not paying any rent, please take the bowl brush and swish it around for a minute or two once a week. Small duty that is appreciated by the owner during the occasional visit.
9 .Ladies. Be prepared, It cracks me up when you ask to borrow $5 outside the ladies room.
10. Be like the spousal unit. When its an obvious bathroom break, buy something. It surprises the heck out of the cashier. I love snicker bars.....
11. It amazes me that a woman that has to go real bad, can be in and out in a flash, while the guy is still trying to find the zipper.
12. Men, remember, it is better to pee on porcelain than directly into the water. Less noise, and no misguided splashing.
I'm sure there are a lot more rules for the road. These were some obvious ones from this last road trip!
Thank You OnStar and GPS
Lots of electronic toys and software applications have been brought to the market over the years. Gaming machines have changed the way our children entertain themselves. Computers and the internet have connected all age generations together, especially social media applications. Even my parents, approaching 80 years of age are now on Facebook.
Several years ago I gave Mom and Pop a TomTom GPS. They have worn out many a road atlas over the years. Got a call from them that someone in their community was breaking into cars and their GPS that I had given them had come up missing. They have since replaced it.
I gave both my boys GPS's for them to use in their travels. Both of them have abandoned them and now use Google Maps on their smart ass phones.
The spousal units last car purchase came with OnStar and a GPS system. In most cases I will type in the address before we depart on a trip. Works great. Sometimes not so good. The system is too smart and will sometime prefill the selections that are no where near the mark. No problem,we just call OnStar and they download the directions straight to the GPS.
Other times we are in a city that we are unfamiliar with and need directions to an unplanned venue or restaurant. Never fear, OnStar is here.
Its funny for the system to announce "you have arrived at your destination". Then, you begin to look around to find our where the hell it is!
Son #2 has been driving us around Atlanta the past two days. Son #1 said " hell no!", I ain't dealing with three backseat drivers! It has been quite an adventure. Son#2 has been blaming the GPS for him missing or taking a wrong exit. To save him from some road rage, I had him exit the interstate and exit early as we approached Turner Field. The interstate traffic was backed up in front of us, and I knew he would get into trouble up ahead. Then we got to play bumper cars the rest of the way on the inner city streets, bit we made it to our assigned parking lot with no damage, but both sons were in bad need for a beer.
With OnStar and our GPS we were able to find all of our destinations safely, on time, and back to the hotel. The spousal unit tried to find us a drive through ice cream store along the way, and we ended up at Lenox Mall. It was in the food court, and the clock had just hit 9 pm local time. We all had a good laugh at that!
Occasionally you end up in the high rise district or come out of a parking garage, and you have lost your GPS signal. Its like "oh shit!", do we go straight, turn left, or turn right???? Eventually we get the signal back and all is well.
I have to confess, that having a GPS has saved my marriage! Before having a GPS, we would get lost, or somebody would forget to say " turn up ahead" and blood pressures would rise. Never fear with a GPS, that ole gal just starts saying "recalculating". The spousal unit even got jealous one time and said " you never get mad at her!"
All I can say is THANK YOU OnStar and GPS!
Several years ago I gave Mom and Pop a TomTom GPS. They have worn out many a road atlas over the years. Got a call from them that someone in their community was breaking into cars and their GPS that I had given them had come up missing. They have since replaced it.
I gave both my boys GPS's for them to use in their travels. Both of them have abandoned them and now use Google Maps on their smart ass phones.
The spousal units last car purchase came with OnStar and a GPS system. In most cases I will type in the address before we depart on a trip. Works great. Sometimes not so good. The system is too smart and will sometime prefill the selections that are no where near the mark. No problem,we just call OnStar and they download the directions straight to the GPS.
Other times we are in a city that we are unfamiliar with and need directions to an unplanned venue or restaurant. Never fear, OnStar is here.
Its funny for the system to announce "you have arrived at your destination". Then, you begin to look around to find our where the hell it is!
Son #2 has been driving us around Atlanta the past two days. Son #1 said " hell no!", I ain't dealing with three backseat drivers! It has been quite an adventure. Son#2 has been blaming the GPS for him missing or taking a wrong exit. To save him from some road rage, I had him exit the interstate and exit early as we approached Turner Field. The interstate traffic was backed up in front of us, and I knew he would get into trouble up ahead. Then we got to play bumper cars the rest of the way on the inner city streets, bit we made it to our assigned parking lot with no damage, but both sons were in bad need for a beer.
With OnStar and our GPS we were able to find all of our destinations safely, on time, and back to the hotel. The spousal unit tried to find us a drive through ice cream store along the way, and we ended up at Lenox Mall. It was in the food court, and the clock had just hit 9 pm local time. We all had a good laugh at that!
Occasionally you end up in the high rise district or come out of a parking garage, and you have lost your GPS signal. Its like "oh shit!", do we go straight, turn left, or turn right???? Eventually we get the signal back and all is well.
I have to confess, that having a GPS has saved my marriage! Before having a GPS, we would get lost, or somebody would forget to say " turn up ahead" and blood pressures would rise. Never fear with a GPS, that ole gal just starts saying "recalculating". The spousal unit even got jealous one time and said " you never get mad at her!"
All I can say is THANK YOU OnStar and GPS!
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Those Special Moments
I just love those times when you have those special moments of discovery in your lives where you go "ah ha!", or worse " rut row"
When Matthew was small he got a electric four wheeler for Christmas. He sat on it big and proud with a big ole smile. When I suggested that he push the gas and he looks up at me with those eyes and says "Dad, you have to charge it first!". Then he accidentally touched the peddle and he almost falls off!
When you have one of those talks about how those college girls can take advantage of you and your son says, " not to worry Dad, she has an implant!"
Son asks you to build him a bike ramp for jumping. You ask how high. He shows you around 18 inches high. First jump, son doesn't realized you are supposed to use your knees to absorb the landing. Poor kids privates went right through his eye sockets!
Son brings home a new girl friend. You sit around the fire pit, enjoying your favorite beverage. Glass tips over and ice spills out on the ground. You pick up the dirty ice and toss them into the fire. Latest girl friend gasps, and says "OMG, that's not gonna explode or anything?!"
Sitting on the front porch with neighbors, enjoying conversation and a few adult beverages, with a oscillating fan blowing a breeze. One guy adjusts his chair, not realizing the leg is on the cord. That reaction when the chair leg cuts through the protective layer of rubber and he gets zapped by a jolt of electricity. Thank God for GFI plugs!
That moment when you find out that your worst nightmare is it best thing to ever happen to you. Had not smiled in years. Now I go to bed and wake up with a smile one my face every day. Two and a half years and counting.....
Preacher's wife bought one of my coolers as a gift for her husband. Later, Preacher says "I've got an engineering question for you. After you have drained the water out of the cooler, how are you supposed to get the remaining one inch of water out of it?". My reply, " tip it over just a bit". He then says, "I thought so, just checking". Good recovery there Preacher!
Your wife wakes you up in the middle of the night and says " did you hear that noise?". I reply "no, but if you hear it again, I'll get up and check". Next morning I discover a cat in the garage that had knocked over a 2x4 that was leaning on the wall.
That moment when the young cousins learn your secret about "playing possum" at family gatherings when "Mr. know-it-all" walks into the room. Now they all want in on the act. Before long the whole house will be pretending to be taking a nap except for you know who.....!
Neighbor stops borrowing your truck when they figure out that's the only time the gas needle is on empty. Hee, hee.
Your wife wakes you up at 3 in the morning to tell you you youngest teenage son has been caught with not one but two girls in his room. Atta boy!
Your neighbor invites everyone over for a cookout, including homemade ice cream. The machine runs for over two hours before the light bulb goes off to open it up and look inside to see what's up with that. No dasher in the bucket, just a two hour spin!
Different neighbor decides to make butter pecan ice cream. The look on the face of one of the girls taking the first bite, and discovers its full of salt! First thought, it was the pecans, nope. Turns out the neighbor had stopped up the drain hole, didn't want salt water spilling into his sink!
Neighbor asks you for advice on how too smoke a turkey. An hoiur into him getting started, you see smoke bellowing out of the smoker. You ask how many wood blocks did you put in the smoker? He filled it up! Turkey already black from all the smoke. Latter he says "did you know there was a turkey neck out in the cavity of that thing???? I ask, " what about the sack of turkey inards"? Yep, cooked well done, to a crisp, still in the bag!
Son's girlfriend's car need a new headlight. He comes back into the house with that look. She had told him to get his useless butt back into the house, he was just in the way!
Got lots more. Saving them for later. Let me know some of yours!
When Matthew was small he got a electric four wheeler for Christmas. He sat on it big and proud with a big ole smile. When I suggested that he push the gas and he looks up at me with those eyes and says "Dad, you have to charge it first!". Then he accidentally touched the peddle and he almost falls off!
When you have one of those talks about how those college girls can take advantage of you and your son says, " not to worry Dad, she has an implant!"
Son asks you to build him a bike ramp for jumping. You ask how high. He shows you around 18 inches high. First jump, son doesn't realized you are supposed to use your knees to absorb the landing. Poor kids privates went right through his eye sockets!
Son brings home a new girl friend. You sit around the fire pit, enjoying your favorite beverage. Glass tips over and ice spills out on the ground. You pick up the dirty ice and toss them into the fire. Latest girl friend gasps, and says "OMG, that's not gonna explode or anything?!"
Sitting on the front porch with neighbors, enjoying conversation and a few adult beverages, with a oscillating fan blowing a breeze. One guy adjusts his chair, not realizing the leg is on the cord. That reaction when the chair leg cuts through the protective layer of rubber and he gets zapped by a jolt of electricity. Thank God for GFI plugs!
That moment when you find out that your worst nightmare is it best thing to ever happen to you. Had not smiled in years. Now I go to bed and wake up with a smile one my face every day. Two and a half years and counting.....
Preacher's wife bought one of my coolers as a gift for her husband. Later, Preacher says "I've got an engineering question for you. After you have drained the water out of the cooler, how are you supposed to get the remaining one inch of water out of it?". My reply, " tip it over just a bit". He then says, "I thought so, just checking". Good recovery there Preacher!
Your wife wakes you up in the middle of the night and says " did you hear that noise?". I reply "no, but if you hear it again, I'll get up and check". Next morning I discover a cat in the garage that had knocked over a 2x4 that was leaning on the wall.
That moment when the young cousins learn your secret about "playing possum" at family gatherings when "Mr. know-it-all" walks into the room. Now they all want in on the act. Before long the whole house will be pretending to be taking a nap except for you know who.....!
Neighbor stops borrowing your truck when they figure out that's the only time the gas needle is on empty. Hee, hee.
Your wife wakes you up at 3 in the morning to tell you you youngest teenage son has been caught with not one but two girls in his room. Atta boy!
Your neighbor invites everyone over for a cookout, including homemade ice cream. The machine runs for over two hours before the light bulb goes off to open it up and look inside to see what's up with that. No dasher in the bucket, just a two hour spin!
Different neighbor decides to make butter pecan ice cream. The look on the face of one of the girls taking the first bite, and discovers its full of salt! First thought, it was the pecans, nope. Turns out the neighbor had stopped up the drain hole, didn't want salt water spilling into his sink!
Neighbor asks you for advice on how too smoke a turkey. An hoiur into him getting started, you see smoke bellowing out of the smoker. You ask how many wood blocks did you put in the smoker? He filled it up! Turkey already black from all the smoke. Latter he says "did you know there was a turkey neck out in the cavity of that thing???? I ask, " what about the sack of turkey inards"? Yep, cooked well done, to a crisp, still in the bag!
Son's girlfriend's car need a new headlight. He comes back into the house with that look. She had told him to get his useless butt back into the house, he was just in the way!
Got lots more. Saving them for later. Let me know some of yours!
Friday, July 4, 2014
Road Trip Atlanta-Orient Express
Every road trip to Atlanta has a stop at one of our favorite places to Eat, the Orient Express, in Vinings, not far off the interstate on Paces Ferry Road.
The restaurant is built around an old dining railroad car. They have three themes: sushi, Chinese, and hibachi grill. Each section is uniquely different. Most of the time its all about thefood, but here, What makes the place so special to us is one waiter in particular.
When We met this guy about ten years ago, he went by the name "Herman". He has such great interaction with his customers. He and I hit it off immediately. Every trip to Atlanta since, i call ahead to see if he is working. when son #1 turned 21, there was no question where we would be going!
One trip Herman let us know his real name " Hirmato". I called today to make sure he was working. I asked if Hirmato was working tonight. The lady answering the phone said "no Hirmato here". I said well, he goes by the name Herman. She said " oh yes, Herman will be here!". I said tell him his friends from Jackson, Mississippi are coming for dinner!
We arrive at the restaurant and immediately I spot Herman waiting on some tables outside. We spot each other and we both light up in anticipation for what is to come.
I told him about the phone call earlier. He grinned, and said, "no Herman here, I now go by Zero". I reply, " well, if that's your new waiter name, then that is the size your tip is gonna be! All hell broke loose after that!
Son #2 was with us, and son #1 was inbound later, coming in from Nashville. Son #1's 21st birthday included an introduction to a sake bomb. A shot of warm sake is dropped into a glass of Japanese beer, and the Chugalug begins. Son#2 turned 21 in January of this year, and I wasn't about to miss this opportunity!
Down it went! Morgan commented, "Wow! It goes down so smooth you don't realize you are drinking it, til it hits rock bottom!". After two of these, we were primed and ready for some sushi!
We dug in with chop sticks flying!
If you are in the Atlanta area, stop by Orient Express. And ask for Hirmato, or Herman, or Zero, or who knows what name he will be using next.
The restaurant is built around an old dining railroad car. They have three themes: sushi, Chinese, and hibachi grill. Each section is uniquely different. Most of the time its all about thefood, but here, What makes the place so special to us is one waiter in particular.
When We met this guy about ten years ago, he went by the name "Herman". He has such great interaction with his customers. He and I hit it off immediately. Every trip to Atlanta since, i call ahead to see if he is working. when son #1 turned 21, there was no question where we would be going!
One trip Herman let us know his real name " Hirmato". I called today to make sure he was working. I asked if Hirmato was working tonight. The lady answering the phone said "no Hirmato here". I said well, he goes by the name Herman. She said " oh yes, Herman will be here!". I said tell him his friends from Jackson, Mississippi are coming for dinner!
We arrive at the restaurant and immediately I spot Herman waiting on some tables outside. We spot each other and we both light up in anticipation for what is to come.
I told him about the phone call earlier. He grinned, and said, "no Herman here, I now go by Zero". I reply, " well, if that's your new waiter name, then that is the size your tip is gonna be! All hell broke loose after that!
Son #2 was with us, and son #1 was inbound later, coming in from Nashville. Son #1's 21st birthday included an introduction to a sake bomb. A shot of warm sake is dropped into a glass of Japanese beer, and the Chugalug begins. Son#2 turned 21 in January of this year, and I wasn't about to miss this opportunity!
Down it went! Morgan commented, "Wow! It goes down so smooth you don't realize you are drinking it, til it hits rock bottom!". After two of these, we were primed and ready for some sushi!
We dug in with chop sticks flying!
If you are in the Atlanta area, stop by Orient Express. And ask for Hirmato, or Herman, or Zero, or who knows what name he will be using next.
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