Funny Thing Is...

What are the odds that on the same day I sit back down with blogger would be the same day my wife decides to take a stab at her blog again? Things are always a bit busy, but never so much that things haven't got done, or new things discovered, or time wasted on stupid sites. So let me break each category down.

Things Done:

• Painted More.
• Fixed a Toilet.
• Fully Read "1984" by George Orwell.
• Fully Read the original "Peter Pan".
• Watch the Superbowl for the game and not just the commercials.
• Attended WinterJam and sang horribly off-key to every band.
  

Here is my most recent piece completed, looking forward to throwing it up @Point of View Gallery.

New Discoveries:

• I can enjoy reading.
• The "int" and "ext" settings on wireless antennae do not mean "interior" and "exterior".
• This is Colossal.
• Image boards are more interesting than Facebook on Pinterest and Gentlemint
  

And as for the stupid websites...well, those will have to be a post all on their own.

Foxfire for the 4th

Have I mentioned before how much the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina rejuvenate me? I don't know if it's the thin air making my brain function a little differently, or it could be the time set for the sole purpose of doing nothing. I may even venture a guess as to the magical properties within the chill of a mountain stream, but those are all just a portion of the many re-energizers I find in the mountains.This past 4th of July weekend was spent with family, enjoying good food and the great outdoors. Feeling the heat of the day fade under the canopy of leaves and finding a noticeable temperature change near bodies of water. The growing aches of a body moving along the mountainside are eased while enjoying a snack with friends at water's edge. The simple joy of skipping rocks along a creek is only intensified by the joy of novices watching their rapid improvement. After an afternoon out we return to the house and prep the grill for a wonderful dinner of processed meats and fresh vegetables and a succulent pineapple. Laughs around the table are only paused for moments of reflection and to shed a tear or two for commercials thanking the sacrifice of those who serve. They get me every time, and my wife gets it even worse.

On the 4th my sister and her kids returned home with mom while my wife and I enjoyed a hike up Grandfather Mountain's Profile Trail. It was a nice hike just over three miles but we decided to push an extra half-mile to reach Calloway Peak. Even my wife who has a little thing with heights couldn't resist a look over the edge. Mind you this was no little peek, she laid down and soaked it in. I wish my camera had been capable of video to capture the clouds rolling over the ridge and between peaks while the distant rumble of thunder cued our departure. With the impending rain Jess and I settled in after finding a few good books. I talked her into Richard Matheson's "I Am Legend" while I picked up Volume II of "Foxfire". I was never familiar with the publication but my wife seemed knowledgable on it's existence. "Foxfire" is a group of collected works from a student published magazine, also called "Foxfire" from North Georgia. It is a wonderful read on the tricks and techniques of country folk, as well as the stories from their lives and the communities surrounding them. If you ever need to find a moment to reconnect with the ways of yesteryear (without having to travel, break a sweat, or learn one of the many southern dialects) I highly recommend "Foxfire" and supporting the continuation of their program.

In all, I found time to reflect on the great things about our country, the list is long but I will only name a few. I love our ability to come together as a body and protect the things we love, including sections of land that we have found God's beauty in and will do all we can to preserve it. It's fascinating that despite our differences, disagreements and even disappointments on every topic from religion, politics and personal choices that we still come together under the freedom to have such disagreements. I'm thankful for the convenience of such things as food and clean water and systems in place that distribute such necessities. I hold tight to the time I get with my family, the freedom to love my wife and to delight in the life we share. This is all thanks to many in the past who felt freedom was a right to fight for and those today who carry that flag still.

Not all who fight carry a gun or work in political office. There are those that give of their time and finances to help the less fortunate. There are the families who hold together and raise their children to know right from wrong. There are the young adults striking out in the world to work hard and earn a living. There are those who pray for wisdom, those who teach that history will repeat itself if forgotten and those who reflect on the freedoms provided by all those fighting.

Happy 4th of July.

Eggs and Raccoons

I recently received a wonderful compliment on my wife. We were taking turns expressing what the other does really well while admitting to what we find as our own short-comings. I complimented Jess' ability to be able to throw a meal together in a flash and it still have a delicious and homemade taste. Though I spend time in the kitchen and enjoy cooking I wasn't expecting this as my compliment, "You're a really good meal planner. You can just open a cookbook and find things that will work. You're also not afraid to try a new recipe." WHOA!

Now, I've never been much of a planner. I also tend to cook the same things over and over again (I'm talking to you baked chicken), so the trying new recipes seems like a rare occurrance. However, it was fitting on this night. I was browsing the recipes in last month's "Real Simple", here I'll admit it is my subscription and not Jess', and came upon a 25-30min. recipe for tomatoes with cheese and pasta. Super delicious, super easy and makes a serving of four that comes out to a price around $3.50 per person. It is possible to come out cheaper as I was using fancy speghetti, fresh mozarella and a la-de-da blend of parmesan and romano cheese. I think it was quite tasty.
*Edit 6/24/11 - I misquoted my wife. I am not a good "meal planner", I do however pick out good recipes.*
Over last weekend we also enjoyed a nice night of ribs to celebrate father's day. Before dinner a storm had passed through, and as it ended we heard piddle-puppy (their dog with a weak bladder) letting out an alarmed bark. Jess' family goes to the door to see what is going on and immediately go outside, my curiosity is too much to resist and I follow suit. Piddle-puppy is running circles around a small black dot barely moving on the ground, as we get closer it becomes clear, this knot of fur crawling around is a baby raccoon! The dog hadn't harmed it, but we believe the storm winds had blown it out of a tree. I took the task, nay, the honor, of putting the little one back in the tree. Such a cute creature, I wish that I could have kept it and had a pet raccoon. I mean, most animals bath themselves in someway. What about a pet that could wash it's hands before every meal?! That's just awesome. As I held the tiny creature, my heart melted when those dexterous fingers wrapped around mine and I felt it's weak grip. God doesn't lie when he says he will use the weak to humble the strong. I hope it survived. Jess' family hasn't heard or seen from it again. However, if they do, I may have to start up my own wildlife shelter. I think my wife will be okay with that so long as I don't bring in any opossums. (She doesn't like rat-like, hairless, tails.)

Back Streets, and Good Eats

Here in the South, Bar-B-Que is kinda a big deal. Even with the recent showdown in Garden and Gun magazine between shrimp-n-grits and pulled pork b-b-q, with congrats to shrimp-n-grits, you just can't beat a good plate (or sandwich) of Bar-B-Que. I don't have anything against big chains, I really can appreciate a Smithfields chop sandwich from time to time. Really, I don't have much against anyone so long as they don't skimp with the amount of meat per serving. I am the reason America is obese.

Recently, while in the rural areas of Jacksonville (NC), I was directed down a side-street and told to keep my eyes keen for The Lickin' Pot. I had already driven by 2 other Bar-B-Que joints, both on a fairly busy highway and looking in very good condition. Pulling up to The Lickin' Pot completely shattered that image. No bright red tin roofs, no log cabin exterior, no professional signage and no discernible parking as I could tell. This wasn't a business, this couldn't be, I'm in a residential neighborhood. The words painted on the side of the building and the rag tag street sign were proving me wrong.

A small white house sits about 30 yards off the side of the road. "The Lickin' Pot' is painted across the front. As you pull in there is an alcove with a sliding window on the side; painted there are the words "Drive-In Window". Just as it says, you pull up next to the building and butt the front of your car against the building, and then you back out. Though, this sure isn't Sonic. Curious about where to park I pull around back on this half gravel/half crab-grass driveway and parked next to a beat up bicycle with my front tires resting inches from a rusted out shovel. I see a car and the sign on the building said open, so I approach the screened porch to find a latched backdoor and walk around to the front. I look through the screens and notice all the patio furniture looks like it was grabbed during a weekend of yard sale hunting. I feel a grin coming on, cause I finally get a whif of the food, and just the look of this place starts to remind me of home.

I cut into the front door and take in the smokey smells and sizzling sounds coming from the kitchen. The foyer/lobby/waiting area is about 6 foot by 10 with four seats for waiting customers. Just as the lack of cars proved, I'm the only one here. A stout black man swings around the corner with a smile on his face and starts with introductions that disarm me and sets me right at home. He doesn't recognize me and asks if this is my first time, I assume this was due to my lost look as I searched for a menu. I confess my first-timer status and his smile grows as he opens a menu as he breaks down the categories. I can't give much detail here as my brain turned off when he said "pork ribs" and "Mama's homemade sauce". THAT. I WANT THAT. I ordered up some mac-n-cheese and collard greens for sides. He swings around the corner to put in my order with "Mama", the cook, and comes out just as quick with my sweet tea.

While waiting on my order I let my eyes wander over the walls in the waiting area. Newspaper clippings of the business, sporting events, fliers for local churches, a poster for a girl that looks about 13 trying to start her singing career; they all cover the walls. I grab up a menu and browse through and start to read "The Story of a Dream" and how the business came to be:

The dream started back in 1975 in a small town in Pennsylvania. Rose was selling dinners on the side of the road. The dream was delayed but no forgotten, it was reborn when Rose and Robert dug the first hole in 2002. Robert put the dream on hold yet again in order to help the Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans.

With help from friends and family, Rose and Robert believed God's promise that He would give them the desires of their hearts. So it was through much prayer, faith, and perseverance that the dream has become a reality.

Through much prayer and faith, and from the sound of it, a lot of patience too. It's not till after I left that I felt the desire to ask more questions, a delay that I now regret, between those lines seems to lie a much greater story. I will however put this absent-mindedness to the arrival of my plate. A fold over to-go tray that, when opened, revealed a pile of meat and sides. I was expecting a little less from this little family run shop, boy, that was a reminder not to underestimate others. The pork ribs sat piled upon each other covered in sauce. I picked up my first bone and (oh sweet heaven) the meat slid off! With a bit of excitement, I ignored the fork on my plate and just picked up the meat with my fingers and dove in. Tenderness of meat was no factor here, chewing this would have been easy for a toothless baby. The meat had enough browning to still taste the smoke, taming that smoke was "Mama's" sauce. It was clear enough by the smell this had vinegar as it's base and the taste was just as true. Flakes of cayanne floated through the sauce, but there was just enough red of the tomato to mask those flakes and even thicken the sauce. The consistency was wonderful. A sauce that clung to the ribs with just enough fluidity to drip like paint from a brush. Thick paint that stretches so slowly you have that sliver of hope you'll catch it before it hits the floor, but slick enough to go ahead and drop.

Whilst suckin' on a bone, I turned to my sides, set down the bone and picked up my fork. The mac-n-cheese was all it should be, creamy yet clumpy with stretches of cheese trailing the fork. The collards were a thing of heaven. I've had a few, and many have had some sort of bacon or bacon fat cooked into them, I've even seen them with peppers mixed in from time to time. Vinegar is a given. These however, were chunked with peppers that provided enough of that vinegar bite that I didn't have to add a bit. To my surprise, no bacon was visible. Instead, there were chunks of pulled Bar-B-Que mixed in. Each bite was the right amount of flavorful, an I still had two ribs to go (5 in total).

This was a meal that ruined me for the day. How could someone eat this good and go about his or her day without a nap? Sadly, that was my fate. To anyone in the Jacksonville area with time to kill and an longing for good food in a non-traditional environment, find The Lickin' Pot. They are located at 573 Rhodestown Rd. Jacksonville, NC. Their hours are seasonal, but during the spring and summer they are open Tue.-Thur. 6A-8P; Fri.-Sat. 6A-11P; closed Sunday and Monday. If they weren't so far away, I'd definitely take up their catering service.

Support your local stores, but definitely find The Lickin' Pot while in Jacksonville. Enjoy Ya'll.

Smile, It's Over Now.

Day 100/100
A picture of you smiling.




How can I not be excited that this thing is done with? The 100 daily photos was a little less monotonous than I expected, but still dragged at points. It was definitely interesting and at some spots a bit tricky to come up with a picture. There were times that a picture was worth a thousand words and I was left speechless. Other times, the picture would inspire an extra thousand or so out of me. I definitely think that this is a fun challenge and if I had it to do over again, well, I wouldn't let it take over my original blog. However, I found that this challenge did help give me some direction. As much as this blog is randomized and victim to my whim (and lack of dedication to regular posting), I think the direction of a post a day helped a good bit.

It seems that posts on God and faith are largely passed over, but those will not be given up on. Posts on my general emotions and attitude are better left for my journal (which is as sporadically used as Blogger). Family events, travels and general happenings get some notice but definitely won't keep many readers' attentions. I'm not much of a critic, as I tend to sugar coat things. My grammar is atrocious, and if it weren't for spell-check I wouldn't have noticed that "weren't" and "wouldn't" scream how Southern I am. I guess I'll leave the professional blogging to the pros, carry on with my writing, and hope that the few readers I have enjoy.

Enjoy :)