So, how do you get to China?

By plane of course. That is unless you ask Google maps for directions from say, Seattle to Beijing. After a few intracity turns, they tell you to kayak across the Pacific Ocean. Yes. Kayak. That's approximately 6000 miles. Good luck you superstar athletes.

My journey is less physically challenging.
Friday morning start
8:30 am cst Arrive at Memphis airport
10:30 am cst Memphis to Atlanta - 1 hour flight
1:00 pm est Arrive in Atlanta
4:00 pm est Atlanta to Seattle
5:30 pm pst Arrive in Seattle
9:00 pm pst Seattle to Beijing
12:00 am china time Sunday morning arrive in Beijing

At the time of this writing, I am in Atlanta, awaiting departure for Seattle. I really hope to be able to continue writing for my entire trip. We will see. Hope you all have a great day, and I will keep you posted if able.

PASSING OF THE TORCH ?

It's been a while. And there is no word of the day.
The important thing is that my granny is sick. And she told me "It's about time you learn to make the gumbo !"
This is a big step for me. Making the Christmas gumbo. Don't burn the roux ! Cut the meats right ! Make sure the veggies are right !

Tomorrow morning I will make my first Christmas gumbo ! I hope it's right ! It will never be ! I will be hung over, so it will be ok. I would tell you the recipe, but then I would have to kill you or something like that !

Enjoy !
T Ree

Dallas Cowboys and the most fantastic sweet potatoes !

Word of the day - Grace - divine grace refers to the sovereign favour of God for humankind — especially in regard to salvation — irrespective of actions ("deeds"), earned worth, or proven goodness.
Grace is enabling power sufficient for progression. Grace divine is an indispensable gift from God for development, improvement, and character expansion. Without God's grace, there are certain limitations, weaknesses, flaws, impurities, and faults (i.e. carnality) humankind cannot overcome. Therefore, it is necessary to increase in God's grace for added perfection, completeness, and flawlessness.

The last couple of nights in Dallas have found us dining at a local hotspot called Del Frisco's. There are a few in the US, but I think they started here. It is a very nice restaurant. The food is fabulous. Apparently it is a favorite among Dallas Cowboys, both past and present. Wednesday night we were in the presence of Michael Irving. Troy Aikman was also there, but we did not see him. According to staff, TO and Romo were there Monday. I would have shaken Michael Irving's hand, but I was too busy complimenting the chef on the sweet potatoes and spicy fried calamari ! At least I have my priorities straight. If you are in Dallas, I encourage you to try and grab a bite there. They also have a top-shelf smoker's room full of cigars and such. A wonderful piano, piano player, and entertainer were there last night too.
Have a fabulous weekend ! See you soon !
T Ree

What is a yawn ? and the sun ALWAYS shines !

Word of the day - French memo board - the boards used to hang pictures that have ribbons, damaging neither "frame" nor pictures; learned this term last weekend at Gordman's when asking for "the things that you put pictures in with ribbons;they are usually girlie"

In Dallas for a few days, so I will make this brief.

What is a yawn? or better yet, is yawning contagious?
There are many theories about yawning, but believe it or not, the more contagious we are to someone's yawn, the more empathy we have for them and/or the more we care for them. Try it out on your loved one's, or the people around you. I was yawning on the phone the other day with my mama, and neither one of us could even talk because we were both yawning too much ! I don't plan to try this on the first date, but maybe the second or third? So instead of catching someone's eye and flirting or buying them a drink, or showing some cleavage or whatever, cut to the chase and yawn at them. If they yawn back, it's safe to assume they like you, at which point you should ask them if they are tired, and if they want to go to bed !!! (jk)

The sun always shines !
Today when leaving Memphis, the weather was very dreary and cloudy. There was a huge "ceiling" of clouds at x number of feet. But when we broke through the cloud bank, nothing but beautiful sunshine could be seen. As far as I could see (a long way from 36,000 feet) was nothing but brilliant sunshine on top of the most gorgeous white cloud tops I have ever seen. It looked like we were flying over a million miles of fresh snow. I had never paid attention to this before, but it brought something to light. No matter how dull, dreary, and gray our lives seem, the sun is always shining above. And it will shine on us again !

Have a wonderful love filled evening,
T Ree

DR BUNSEN HONEYDEW AND THE THINGS I CAN'T BE...

If you haven't noticed, I spiffed up my blog a little. Maybe facebook is next on the horizon ! I just need LT or Candy to help me really make it my own now.
I will also stop SHOUTING, to honor many friendly requests. I was going to give it up for LENT, but I will start tonight. Damn correct typing !

Word of the day - Doberge - Doberge cake is a layered dessert originating in New Orleans, Louisiana. Still popular in the area, the cake is made of multiple thin layers of cake alternating with dessert pudding. Very often the cakes are made with half chocolate pudding and half lemon pudding. They are covered in a thin layer of butter cream and then a layer of fondant. They are normally made with six or more layers, but many amateurs make versions with fewer.
This is so yummy ! Although I didn't get one at Thanksgiving ! Thanks Mom.

Dr Bunsen Honeydew !


My mom recently had one of her old "suitors" visit if you will. It's been like 45 years, and she says he looks like Dr Bunsen Honeydew ! Being the wonderful person she is (aka woman), she told him that if she wasn't good enough then, then she wasn't good enough now. Poor fella asked her for some coffee, and she said H NO ! She also told him that he could only phone between 10 am and 10 pm. What does this genius do? Calls her at 9:57 am, but she doesn't keep track of time that closely (whatever). So he has 2 strikes before he even gets his name out. And she doesn't remember him. And when asked if he was married, he said it's over. She said that is not an appropriate answer. Either you is or you ain't ! Go mama. I should listen to you more often. Dr Bunsen Honeydew ! HA !

The things I can't be.
A new friend is to thank for this section. We often talk about what we are or want to be. Very few times do we say what we can't be. Just for you I have included a list below of the things I can't be. I encourage you all to do the same.

A mother, grandmother, godmother, matriarch, girlfriend, etc
A mistress
A lesbian (I think I am part though; we like women equally right?)
6'5, or an NBA superstar
Green eyed
Fast
Perfect
Queen of Mardi Gras (no other QUEEN jokes necessary)
A wife or housewife or ex-wife
007 ish
Matthew McConaughey
Latin

Enjoy,
T Ree

MY THANKSGIVING CHERRY !

Created by Crazyprofile.com

WORD OF THE DAY - (FOR HD) - Melius tarde quam numquam - Latin for better late than never.

AS WE ALL KNOW, THURSDAY IS THANKSGIVING. DO YOU THINK EARLY CELEBRANTS STARTING GROCERY SHOPPING THE WEEK BEFORE? DO YOU THINK THEY WERE BOMBARDED WITH CHRISTMAS MUSIC AND DECOR IN OCTOBER? JC ! THIS IS RIDICULOUS ! I MEAN REALLY. LET'S PUT THE NATIVITY SCENE AND THE BABY JESUS RIGHT NEXT TO A HIDEOUS AND SLUTTY HANNAH MONTANA HALLOWEEN COSTUME ????? WHY DON'T WE DRESS MARY IN IT FOR THE NATIVITY SCENE ? THAT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE. JOSEPH COULD BE JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE. OH, AND THE WISE MEN. HA! JONAS BROTHERS OF COURSE. I AM SORRY TO BITCH, BUT WHAT HAPPENED TO WAITING UNTIL AFTER THANKSGIVING TO BREAK OUT CHRISTMAS. IF WAL-MART HAD IT AT HALLOWEEN, HOBBY LOBBY AND THEM PROBABLY PUT THEIR STUFF OUT ON JULY 5TH ! IT'S NOT LIKE I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TROUBLE FINDING THE DAMN CRANBERRY SAUCE WITHOUT HAVING TO DIG THROUGH WRAPPING PAPER AND GARLAND. %^&* ! NEXT YEAR I THINK I WILL JUST GO TO THE PAULA DEEN BUFFETT IN TUNICA.
WITH ALL THAT SAID, I WILL GET OVER IT.
I AM REALLY THANKFUL TO BE DOING MY FIRST THANKSGIVING AT MY OWN HOME. I REALLY DO NEED TO FIND A GOOD WOMAN TO HELP ME OUT WITH ALL THIS THOUGH. WHEW ! GIVES ME ANOTHER WHOLE NEW APPRECIATION FOR FAMILY MATRIARCHS.
WENT TO MASS ON SUNDAY WITH MY MAMA. CHURCH WAS FULL, BUT I WOULD HAVE BETTER LUCK FINDING A SUITABLE COMPANION AT A BUSY NURSING HOME (I KNOW THAT I AM THERE FOR JESUS, BUT I STILL LOOK). AT LEAST THERE I MIGHT CATCH SOMEONE'S 20-30 SOMETHING NIECE DROPPING OF PRUNES OR SOMETHING.
ANYWAY, I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A SAFE AND WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING ! TOMORROW EVENING WILL FIND ME BOOZIN' IT UP OVER THE STOVE (YES !!!!!) IF YOU CALL, IT MIGHT TAKE SOME TIME TO GET BACK WITH YOU BETWEEN CASSEROLES !
T REE

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP !

MARDI GRAS COUNTDOWN = 98 DAYS !

WORD OF THE DAY - RHYTHM METHOD - The rhythm method is one of the first fertility awareness methods to be widely practiced. It is one of the oldest methods of natural birth control and by far one of the best-known forms of fertility awareness. Unfortunately, it is not necessarily the most reliable method of preventing a pregnancy. (UH. DUH.)
Theory and Practice
The rhythm method is based on three ideas. Firstly, that women ovulate 14 days before menstruation begins, give or take two days. Secondly, that sperm can survive inside a woman for three days. And lastly, that an egg can only be fertilized within 24 hours of being released from the ovaries.
Based on these assumptions, the rhythm method requires a woman to count back 14 days from the first day of her period. This will presumably be the day on which she ovulated and will ovulate the following month. In order to avoid pregnancy, she will need to abstain from sex or use another form of birth control, like condoms, around this time.


49. RUN A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT; MY VERY OWN POPEYE'S WOULD BE SPECIAL !

ANOTHER CATHOLIC RELATED POST ! IN HONOR OF MY NEW FRIEND, TONY, TONY, TONY D !
WENT TO MASS IN GERMANTOWN AT OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP ON SUNDAY. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SELLING BUTTS. EVERYONE DRESSED IN THEIR FALL BEST. FATHER CHRIS (FROM POLAND) STEERING THE SHIP. A LOVELY CHOIR SINGING PRAISES. READINGS GEARED TOWARD THE PERFECT WIFE. HOW TO SPREAD THE WORD PROPERLY THROUGH ACTIONS. GEARING UP FOR THE ADVENT SEASON. FULL MASS. USHERS SEATING FOLKS. YOU'D THINK IT WAS THE CHRISTMAS DRIVE-THRU VIGIL. AND LET ME TELL YOU. THIS IS A REAL CATHOLIC CHURCH. LET'S JUST SAY THE MATH BEING USED FOR THE RHYTHM METHOD IS NOT WORKING HERE. IN FRONT OF ME WAS MAMA AND MARY, MARGARET, GRACE, AND RUTH. NEXT TO ME WERE MAMA, DADDY, JOSHUA, JACOB, JOSEPH, JOSEPH JR, MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, JOHN, PETER, AND PAUL. NO TWINS IN THE WHOLE LOT ! THESE ARE ONLY 2 EXAMPLES. EVEN I THOUGHT I WOULD HAVE MORNING SICKNESS ! WHEW ! LOTS OF LOVE IN THAT CHURCH! I DIDN'T EVEN WANT TO TOUCH THE HOLY WATER. SO GOOD TO SEE NOWADAYS. QUITE REFRESHING. REMINDED ME OF THE 9:00 AM SERVICE AT SAINT CLAIRE ! THIS CHURCH TOURING THING IS REALLY FUN. I HAVE BEEN TO SEVERAL DIFFERENT MASSES IN THE MEMPHIS AREA LATELY. I WILL EVENTUALLY FIND THE ONE FOR ME. AND, OLPH IS AMONGST EVERYTHING. POST MASS LUNCH COULD BE HAD ANYWHERE FROM BONEFISH TO YA-YA'S. NO CRACKER BARREL HERE !

I WILL BE IN STARKVILLE A FEW DAYS. MAYBE NO POSTS TILL THIS WEEKEND : (
I AM TRYING TO BE A BETTER VIRTUAL SHEPHERD FOR YOU ALL THOUGH.
SEE YOU SOON.
T REE

JUST CALL ME TY PENNINGTON !

MARDI GRAS COUNTDOWN = 100 DAYS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WORD OF THE DAY -Molecular gastronomy is a scientific discipline involving the study of physical and chemical processes that occur in cooking.[3] It pertains to the mechanisms behind the transformation of ingredients in cooking and the social, artistic and technical components of culinary and gastronomic phenomena in general (from a scientific point of view).

SOME POPULAR MOLECULAR GASTRONOMY RESTAURANTS -
Spain
Alkimia (Barcelona, Chef Jordi Vilà)
Comerç 24 (Barcelona, Chef Carles Abellan)
El Bulli (Rosas, Chef Ferran Adrià)
Espai Sucre (Barcelona, Chef Jordi Butrón)
Mugaritz (Otzazulueta, Chef Andoni Aduriz)
Restaurante Arzak (San Sebastian, Chef Juan Mari Arzak)
Italy
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni (Como Lake, Chef Ettore Bocchia)
United States
Alinea (Chicago, IL; Chef Grant Achatz)
Antidote (Sausalito, CA; Chef Eric Torralba)
Café Atlántico (Washington, DC; Chef Jose Andres)
Cru (New York, NY; Chef Shea Gallante)
davidburke and donatella (New York, NY;Chef David Burke)
Gilt (New York, NY; Chef Paul Liebrandt)
Minibar (Washington, DC; Chef Jose Andres)
ONE.Midtown Kitchen (Atlanta, GA; Chef Richard Blais)
Restaurant L (Boston MA; Chef Pino Maffeo)
Room 4 Dessert (New York, NY; Chef Will Goldfarb)
Moto (Chicago, IL; Chef Homaro Cantu)
wd-50 (New York, NY; Chef Wylie Dufresne)
Venue (Hoboken, NJ; Chef James George)

48. SPONSOR A WISH CHILD

TODAY WAS A GREAT DAY ! TRACY FROM MAKE-A-WISH AND I PLAYED EXTREME MAKEOVER ROOM REDO EDITION ! WE FANCIED UP A ROOM FOR A 14 YEAR OLD LITTLE GIRL IN BATESVILLE! DORA THE EXPLORER HUN! I PLAYED TY PENNINGTON, WHILE TRACY PLAYED TRACY HUTSON ! DUH ! AND, I AM VERY HANDSY, I MEAN HANDY! (SOME OF YOU KNOW I AM VERY HANDSY! ; I GUESS I WILL HAVE TO DEFINE THAT ONE DAY FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT DON'T KNOW). I MUST ALSO SAY THAT THE ROAD SYSTEM IN BATESVILLE STINKS. IF IT AIN'T ON A FRONTAGE ROAD, YOU CAN'T GET TO IT. I MUST ALSO SAY THAT SONIC'S NEW MINI SAUSAGE BISCUIT DIPPERS ARE MOST DELICIOUS ! YOU SHOULD TRY SOME. THEY WERE ALMOST AS GOOD AS LAST NIGHT'S CRAWFISH ETOUFFEE AND CRISPY FRIED SPECKLED TROUT ! YES LAWD ! LOVE Y'ALL ! GAWD AND ALL ! SAINT MEDARD DID LET US DOWN TODAY THOUGH (PATRON SAINT AGAINST BAD WEATHER; IT RAINED ON OUR WISH STUFF). AS LONS AS MY MAMA AND FRIENDS ARE HAVING CLEAR SKIES THEN I CAN DEAL WITH IT. I GUESS I SHOULDN'T HAVE PRAYED SO HARD FOR SO MANY GOOD FISHING DAYS ! THE DEER WERE MOVING TODAY TOO FOR ALL YOU HUNTING TYPES ! SAW SEVERAL THIS MORNING ON THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE. BOTH ALIVE AND NOT SO ALIVE.
TONIGHT OUR DAWGS (AS OPPOSED TO THE ONE'S ABOUT 400 MILES EAST) PLAY THE CRIMSON TIDE OF ALABAMA. IF WE WIN, I THINK EVEN JESUS WILL BE SHOCKED !
WELL, I AM OFF TO WATCH THE GAME WITH MY LITTLE BUDDY LANDON AND DEM.
HOPE YOUR DAY WAS AS WONDERFUL AS MINE ! AND NIGHT TOO !
T REE

THE BLUEGRASS STATE !

MARDI GRAS COUNTDOWN = 102 DAYS

WORD OF THE DAY - VESTMENT - By liturgical vestments are meant the vestments that, according to the rules of the Church or from ecclesiastical usage, are to be worn by the clergy in performing the ceremonies of the services of the Church, consequently, above all, at the celebration of the Mass, then in the administration of the sacraments, at blessings, the solemn recitation of the canonical hours, public services of prayer, processions, etc.

WHEN AT MASS IN ST LOUIS, I WAS ASKED ABOUT THE VESTMENTS. I DID NOT KNOW, SO I DECIDED TO LOOK IT UP. HERE ARE SOME ANSWERS.

Approved Colors of Liturgical Vestments
Several people have inquired whether blue is an approved color for liturgical vestments in Advent. It is not. Following is an excerpt from the English translation of the Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani (General Instruction of the Roman Missal).
IGMR § 346
346. As to the color of sacred vestments, the traditional usage is to be retained: namely,

a. White is used in the Offices and Masses during the Easter and Christmas seasons; also on celebrations of the Lord other than of his Passion, of the Blessed Virgin Mary, of the Holy Angels, and of Saints who were not Martyrs; on the Solemnities of All Saints (November 1) and of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist (June 24); and on the Feasts of Saint John the Evangelist (December 27), of the Chair of Saint Peter (February 22), and of the Conversion of Saint Paul (January 25).

b. Red is used on Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion and on Good Friday, on Pentecost Sunday, on celebrations of the Lord's Passion, on the feasts of the Apostles and Evangelists, and on celebrations of Martyr Saints.

c. Green is used in the Offices and Masses of Ordinary Time.

d. Violet or purple is used in Advent and in Lent. It may also be worn in Offices and Masses for the Dead (cf. below).

e. Besides violet, white or black vestments may be worn at funeral services and at other Offices and Masses for the Dead in the Dioceses of the United States of America.

f. Rose may be used, where it is the practice, on Gaudete Sunday (Third Sunday of Advent) and on Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent).

g. On more solemn days, sacred vestments may be used that are festive, that is, more precious, even if not of the color of the day.

h. Gold or silver colored vestments may be worn on more solemn occasions in the dioceses of the United States of America.

KENTUCKY IS A FABULOUS STATE ! ROLLING HILLS AND ALL THE BEAUTIFUL COLORS OF AUTUMN ! I REALLY ENJOYED TIME SPENT AND ALL THE PEOPLE I MET THERE. I CANNOT WAIT TO GO AGAIN. KENTUCKIANS ARE BIG ON CHILI, L8 ? (YUCK!), BASKETBALL, PRETTY WOMEN, DRIVING FAST (JON), THEPLAIDRABBIT.COM, MAKER'S MARK WHISKEY, GARLIC CHEESE GRITS, MILLER LITE, AND OH YEA!, HORSE RACING (MORE SPECIFICALLY BETTING ON HORSE RACING) ! MY KINDA PLACE. HD, MT STERLING IS LIKE BSL, ONLY WITH HILLS AND NO BEACH !
ALSO, KY JELLY IS NOT KENTUCKY JELLY. ONE IS FOR FUN AND ONE IS FOR EATING (I WILL LET YOU THINK ABOUT THAT ONE). FORTUNATELY, I WAS NOT SHOWN THE DIFFERENCE.
I AM VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE A JOB THAT HAS LET ME EXPLORE 12 STATES IN UNDER 3 YEARS ! YOU ALL KNOW I LOVE TO TRAVEL ! MAYBE A TRIP OUT OF THIS COUNTRY IS IN STORE FOR 2009?

WITH THANKSGIVING APPROACHING, WE SHOULD ALL TAKE TIME TO BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT WE HAVE, AND WHAT WE DON'T. THAT'S RIGHT. WE SHOULD BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT WE DON'T HAVE. THAT WAY, WHEN WE GET IT, WE WILL BE ABLE TO APPRECIATE IT FULLY. THAT IS WHY I INCLUDED A RECAP OF MY BAIT BUCKET LIST. I WANT TO REMIND MYSELF OF MY HOPES AND DREAMS, TO BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT I HAVE, AND WHAT I DON'T.

1. LEAVE EVERYONE I MEET WITH A POSITIVE IMPRESSION
2. SHOW ONLY LOVE TO OTHERS. EVERYONE NEEDS SOME LOVIN'.
3. FALL IN LOVE.....AGAIN
4. BE A GREAT COMPANION
5. BE A GREAT FRIEND
6. REACH MASLOW'S TOP LEVEL
7. TRAVEL UNTIL MY TONGUE HANGS OUT, PREFERABLY WITH THE LUCKY RECIPIENT IN NUMBER 3
8. TAKE MY MOTHER TO ROME
9. GO TO THE WORLD CUP
10. SEE DAVID BECKHAM PLAY
11. CATCH ALL 4 SPECIES OF MARLIN, IN EXOTIC PLACES
12. ATTEND THE SUMMER OLYMPICS
13. SEE EUROPE, ESPECIALLY ITALY, SPAIN, AND GREECE
14. VISIT AFRICA
15. ATTEND CULINARY SCHOOL, EVEN IF SHORT COURSES IN FAR AWAY LANDS
16. GET A "PLACE" (THIS CAN BE EXPLAINED FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED)
17. GO TO BROADWAY
18. GO TO VEGAS, A FEW TIMES
19. LEARN HOW TO MAKE WINE, CHEESE, AND SAUSAGES
20. HAVE THE MOST FABULOUS HONEYMOON....... EVER
21. WIN YARD OF THE MONTH
22. GO TO ALASKA
23. LIVE OUTSIDE THE US FOR A WHILE, TO GET "CULTURED"
24. SEE MISSISSIPPI STATE WIN THE NCAA FOOTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
25. BE AS GOOD A GOLFER AS I AM FISHERMAN
26. SOLVE ONE OF THE WORLDS' PROBLEMS
27. ZIP LINE THROUGH A CLOUD FOREST
28. DIVE THE GREAT BARRIER REEF, EVEN GETTING IN A CAGE WITH GREAT WHITES
29. SPEAK ANOTHER LANGUAGE
30. SEE LIVERPOOL PLAY IN ENGLAND
31. WRITE A BOOK, EVEN IF IT IS A COOK BOOK
32. BE ON DANCING WITH THE STARS
33. BE SURPRISED AGAIN. LIKE WHEN WE WERE KIDS AT CHRISTMAS
34. SEE HERBERT BE KING OF CARNIVAL. YOU GO L
35. RIDE IN ENDYMION OR BACCHUS
36. BECOME A SAINT
37. ATTEND SUSHI SCHOOL
38. GO TO MILAN TO SEE AC MILAN
39. GO TO BARCELONA TO SEE FC BARCELONA
40. BUY A CHRISTMAS/BIRTHDAY PRESENT FOR A SIGNIFICANT OTHER
41. CARNIVAL IN RIO
42. JAPAN, SINGAPORE, SOUTHEAST ASIA
43. OWN A RACEHORSE
44. OWN A SOCCER CLUB
45. BREAD MAKING SCHOOL IN FRANCE (FRENCH BREAD TO MAKE CRAB CAKE PO-BOYS, SWEET JESUS!)
46. MAKE LOVE IN THE CAPSULE THAT TAKES YOU TO THE TOP OF THE ARCH IN ST LOUIS (YOU HAVE ABOUT 15 MINUTES, PLENTY OF TIME ACCORDING TO THE WOMEN I WORK WITH)
47. BE ABLE TO MAKE SOMEONE'S DAY, EVERYDAY

I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING AND HOLIDAY SEASON !
T REE

ON THE GO !

MARDI GRAS COUNTDOWN = 110 DAYS

46. MAKE LOVE IN THE CAPSULE THAT TAKES YOU TO THE TOP OF THE ARCH IN ST LOUIS (YOU HAVE ABOUT 15 MINUTES, PLENTY OF TIME ACCORDING TO THE WOMEN I WORK WITH)

WORD OF THE DAY - CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF SAINT LOUIS - WENT TO MASS HERE LAST WEEKEND ! WOW !
http://cathedralstl.org/intro/

ACCORDING TO HD, I AM A VIRTUAL SHEPHERD, AND YOU ARE MY FLOCK ! VERY INNOVATIVE!
LATELY, I HAVE BEEN LETTING MY FLOCK DOWN. I HAVE BEEN ON THE GO. LAST WEEKEND WAS A MINI VACATION IN BEAUTIFUL SAINT LOUIS WITH FRIENDS. THIS WEEKEND WILL FIND ME IN KENTUCKY WITH SOME MORE FRIENDS ! I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT MY OCCUPATION ALLOWS ME TO SEE THE COUNTRY. LAST WEEK IT WAS MISSISSIPPI, TENNESSEE, ARKANSAS, AND MISSOURI. THIS WEEK IT WILL BE MISSISSIPPI, TENNESSEE, AND KENTUCKY. WITH ANY LUCK, I WILL GET TO SEE THE FAMED CHURCHILL DOWNS !
SAINT LOUIS IS A BEAUTIFUL TOWN, AND VERY CATHOLIC ! A PLUS. I BET THERE ARE MANY AFGHAN ACCEPTABLE WOMEN THERE. MAYBE NEXT TIME I GO, I CAN FIND ONE ! THE ZOO IS AMAZING, AND FREE. THE ARCH IS VERY TALL. THE FOLIAGE IS JUST A PLEASURE TO BE AROUND. THE NIGHT LIFE LOOKED HAPPENING, BUT WE DIDN'T REALLY HAVE TIME TO EXPERIENCE IT. THE CATHEDRAL WAS STUNNING ! WORDS CANNOT DESCRIBE IT. THE ST LOUIS RAMS VS ARIZONA CARDINALS GAME WAS FUN, BUT THE FANS WERE PRETTY CALM. I HAVE BEEN TO MANY MONTI CHRISTMAS LUNCHES THAT WERE MORE EXCITING. THOSE PEOPLE NEED SOME PEP IN THEIR STEP. HEY DARE. THE CHEERLEADERS WERE CUTE, BUT REALLY NOT MY TYPE. THE FOOD WAS GOOD. BRATS, HOT DOGS, BEER, PRETZELS, AND KILLER NACHOS ! I PLAN TO AGAIN THIS SPRING. MAYBE PLAY SOME GOLF, AND EXPERIENCE THE SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY (JESUIT HUN) NIGHTLIFE.
NO TELLING WHERE NEXT MONTH WILL FIND ME. THEY COULD NAME A GAME AFTER ME. WHERE IN THE WORLD IS T REE ?

I DON'T WANT TO TALK POLITICS ON MY BLOG (YAWN), BUT THE FACT IS THAT YESTERDAY WAS A HISTORY MAKING DAY FOR THE U.S. AND THE WORLD. NO MATTER YOUR BELIEFS, THAT FACT CANNOT BE ARGUED. OUR GRANDPARENTS AND PARENTS HAVE SEEN MANY WORLD CHANGING EVENTS. WE CAN ADD ONE TO OUR LIST.

I HOPE THIS MEAGER BLOG WILL WET YOUR WHISTLES A LITTLE UNTIL SOME MORE EVENTFUL THINGS COME TO PASS.

LAST WEEK I DID TELL MY DIRECTOR (A VERY CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIAN LADY) ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BLACK PEPPER AND WHITE PECKER. GOOD THING I DIDN'T ASK HER IF SHE PREFERRED BLACK PECKER OR WHITE PECKER ! IT WAS A SLIP I GUESS. I SURE WASN'T THINKING ABOUT WHITE PECKERS ! IT REMINDED ME OF THE TIME I WAS SPEAKING WITH A LOVELY YOUNG LADY, AND THEN FOR NO REASON, TOLD HER THAT I HATED HER. SEE, I REALLY AM TERRIBLE WITH WOMEN. BUT I AM GETTING BETTER.

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT. I AM OFF TO SUPPORT THE GAMBLING BOATS IN TUNICA.

T REE

WANNA MAKE BREAD WITH ME ?

MARDI GRAS COUNTDOWN = 122 DAYS

45. BREAD MAKING SCHOOL IN FRANCE (FRENCH BREAD TO MAKE CRAB CAKE PO-BOYS, SWEET JESUS!)


WORD OF THE DAY - SOFT-SHELL - sometimes abbreviated to just soft-shell, is a seafood delicacy with the entire crustacean capable of being eaten, a result of catching and cooking crabs shortly after they molt their hard shell.
The exact species used as soft-shells varies from region to region. In the United States, the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is used typically, although the use of the mangrove crab in Asia has provided another source for this seasonal food.
As these crabs grow larger, their shells cannot expand, so they molt the exteriors and have a soft covering for a matter of days when they are vulnerable and considered usable. Fishermen often put crabs beginning to molt aside, until the molting process is complete in order to send them to market as soft-shells. Crabs should be kept alive until immediately before cooking by the customer or restaurant so that they are fresh. They begin to rebuild their shells after that, and when eaten, have a thin shell developing. These are often referred to as "papershells" or "tinbacks" and are more crunchy when eaten, making them less desirable to many people.

A MUST HAVE TO GO ON THE BREAD MADE BELOW !

TODAY WE WERE MAKING PRETZELS AT WORK. THE BAKED, SOFT, BIG KIND. WHAT A JOB !
DURING THIS PROCESS IT OCCURRED TO ME HOW TRULY WONDERFUL IT FEELS TO PLAY WITH DOUGH. IT'S WARM AND A LITTLE STICKY, AND VERY MALLEABLE. IT IS SO SEXY AND FUN TO MAKE BREAD. IT TAKES TIME THOUGH.
YOU START WITH DRY INGREDIENTS, ADD LIQUIDS AND YEASTS, MIX TOGETHER WELL AND LET RISE. IT IS SOOOOO HOT TO THEN KNEAD THE DOUGH. IT'S ALL WARM ON YOUR HANDS, AND STICKS TO YOU A LITTLE ! WHEW ! CALM DOWN CLYDINE !
YOU HAVE TO USE YOUR BIG STRONG HANDS TO KNEAD THE DOUGH JUST RIGHT. AND THEN SHAPE INTO WHAT YOU WANT. IF ONLY LIFE WAS SO EASY. JUST LIKE LIFE THOUGH, IT IS HARD TO MAKE PERFECT BREAD. IT TAKES YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.
IF YOU HAVE A SPECIAL SOMEONE IN YOUR LIFE, MAKING BREAD, PIZZA, PRETZELS, ETC IS THE PERFECT DATE NIGHT. YOU CAN HELP EACH OTHER GATHER AND MIX THE INGREDIENTS. THEN YOU CAN BOTH KNEAD THE DOUGH. MORE WARM AND STICKY HANDS. IF YOU DO IT RIGHT, THEN YOU SHOULD GET FLOUR AND DOUGH ALL OVER EVERYWHERE. WHILE IT'S BAKING, YOU CAN CLEAN EACH OTHER UP. YA KNOW. YA KNOW. WHAT'S SEXIER THAN HOT BREAD WITH WARM, GOOEY, MELTED BUTTER, AND MAYBE A LITTLE HONEY ! THEN FEEDING IT TO EACH OTHER ! THEN CLEANING UP AGAIN. WOW ! WHAT FUN.
ON A NON-ROMANTIC NOTE, THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH THE CHILDREN. WHAT A TRANSFER OF LOVE. HELPING THEM MAKE THEIR VERY OWN BREAD ! I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT BISCUITS. I AM TALKING ABOUT REAL BREAD. CRUNCHY ON THE OUTSIDE, SOFT AND WARM ON THE INSIDE. OR PIZZAS. THEY ARE VERY INDIVIDUAL, BUT TEAM ORIENTED, LIKE SOCCER. SOCCER IS THE MOST INDIVIDUAL TEAM SPORT ON THE PLANET.
ALL THIS HAS GIVEN ME A DESIRE FOR A FUTURE ROMANTIC GETAWAY. GO SOMEWHERE WITH THE ONE YOU LOVE, OR MIGHT LOVE, AND STAY AT SOME INN OR CHATEAU IN SOME LITTLE COUNTRY TOWN IN EUROPE. MAKE BREAD TOGETHER, BREAK BREAD TOGETHER, AND THEN MAKE LOVE. WHEW !
DO YOU GIRLS THINK THERE IS A SPOT AVAILABLE FOR MY ROMANTIC NOVELS LEFT ON THE WAL-MART, CVS, OR DOLLAR GENERAL SHELF? YA KNOW. RIGHT THERE AMONGST THE HARLEQUIN'S? C'MON, I KNOW A BUNCH OF YOU READ THEM.

THE MAIN REASON FOR MY TOPIC TONIGHT, IS THAT TODAY, WHILE MAKING BREAD I REALIZED HOW IMPORTANT SOME TRULY SMALL THINGS ARE IN LIFE. GETTING DIRTY WITH DOUGH REQUIRES YOU TO WASH YOUR HANDS. NEXT TIME YOU WASH YOUR HANDS, TAKE A MINUTE TO ENJOY THE SOOTHING FEELING OF WARM WATER AND SOAP, CARESSING YOUR SKIN. SO SIMPLE. SUCH AN EVERYDAY TASK. BUT, THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD WHO WILL NEVER EXPERIENCE THIS. WE SHOULD ALL SLOW DOWN OUR LIVES A LITTLE TO REEXAMINE WHAT'S TRULY IMPORTANT.

WHAT LITTLE THINGS ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO ME? (THIS IS ALSO LIKE THE THINGS I AM MOST THANKFUL FOR)
I WILL GO FIRST TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO MAKE YOUR OWN LIST (IF I WANTED THEM TO BE IN ORDER, I WOULD HAVE NUMBERED THEM; EXCEPT NUMBER ONE)

KNOWING MY MAMA LOVES ME; WHEN I FEEL LIKE NOONE ELSE DOES, I KNOW SHE DOES (DON'T CRY EARLY)
BEING ABLE TO TRULY SHOW MY LOVE FOR SOMEONE ELSE
BEING ABLE TO MAKE SOMEONE'S DAY BETTER, JUST ONE PERSON'S, EVERY DAY
BEING NICE, NO MATTER WHAT; NICE GUYS FINISH LAST, OK WITH ME, LAST BETTER THAN NEVER (VERY TOUGH)
EATING WITHOUT THE PHONE RINGING, OR BEING BOTHERED, ESPECIALLY DURING SUPPER
WASHING MY HANDS REALLY WELL, REALLY FEELING THE SOAP AND WARM WATER
TAKING A WARM AND SOAPY SHOWER
BEING ABLE TO ENJOY A BUBBLE BATH EVERY NOW AND THEN
A VERY COLD, DRAFT BEER
WARM FRENCH BREAD WITH BUTTER
A GREAT NIGHT'S SLEEP
A WARM BED WHEN IT'S COLD OUTSIDE, WITH NOTHING TO DO THE NEXT DAY BUT WATCH MOVIES
COOKING WITH SOMEONE, OR PREPARING A FABULOUS MEAL FOR SOMEONE
WATCHING A MOVIE, WITH SOMEONE IN YOUR ARMS, WITHOUT THE PHONE RINGING
BEING ABLE TO FISH WITHOUT SOMEONE IN YOUR &*^#$&% SPOT
SUNDAY NAPS
CHILDREN. NOTHING BUT UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
OLD CATHOLIC CHURCHES
KNOWING MY GRANNY IS MAKING ME A QUILT
KNOWING HOW MUCH MY FRIENDS LOVE ME
BEING ABLE TO CRY IF NECESSARY
WANTING TO BE SUCH A GREAT PERSON
SECOND CHANCES
THE ABILITY TO LEARN FROM THE PAST AND DO BETTER IN THE FUTURE
MY WONDERFUL BRAIN
MY ALWAYS OPEN AND LOVING HEART
GOOD FRENCH FRIES

THESE ARE A FEW OF THE LITTLE THINGS I LOVE.

HAVE A GOOD NIGHT EVERYONE. I KNOW I WILL.
T REE

CHRISTMAS IN DA BAY, BRA !

MARDI GRAS COUNTDOWN = 132 DAYS

WORD OF THE DAY - MIDNIGHT MASS - mass that begins sometime before midnight on Christmas Day; this ceremony, which is held in churches throughout the world, marks the beginning of Christmas Day. A popular joke is to ask what time Midnight Mass starts, but in recent years some churches have scheduled their "Midnight" Mass as early as 7 p.m. In Spanish-speaking areas, the Midnight Mass is sometimes referred to as Misa del Gallo ("Rooster's Mass"). In the Philippines, this custom lasts for nine days, starting on December 16 and continuing daily up to December 24, during which Filipinos attend dawn masses, usually starting at around 4:00-5:00 a.m.

FUNNY THIS. NOT HARDLY EVER AT MIDNIGHT ANYMORE? DOESN'T MAKE SENSE. LIKE OUR TAX CODE.

TODAY FOUND ME LISTENING TO SOME BENNY GRUNCH CHRISTMAS MUSIC ON MY NEW ...... I POD ! YES, T REE HAS AN I POD. TRY TO CATCH UP CLYDE AND CLYDINE.
THIS BROUGHT BACK SOME FOUND MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS IN DA BAY. HD. I KNOW CHRISTMAS IS A BUMP IN THE ROAD TO MARDI GRAS, BUT I FEEL THAT MANY OF MY READERS WOULD LIKE A LITTLE INSIGHT INTO OUR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION. SO, BEAR WITH ME. MARDI GRAS SEASON IS COMIN ON STRONG.

BAY ST LOUIS (BSL) IS A SLEEPY LITTLE TOWN ON THE COAST OF MISSISSIPPI. 45 MINUTES EAST OF NEW ORLEANS, IN HANCOCK COUNTY. WE TALK AND ACT LIKE NEW ORLEANIANS MORE THAN OTHERS IN MISSISSIPPI. EVEN VERY DIFFERENT THAN THE RICH FOLKS IN HARRISON AND JACKSON COUNTIES. YA KNOW, WITH ALL THEIR CASINOS, AND CONDOS, AND GORENFLO'S. OUR TOWN MOTTO IS "A PLACE APART".
WHEN I WAS LITTLE, BSL WAS A MOSTLY FISHING COMMUNITY WITH MANY SUMMER RESIDENTS AND PERMANENT TRANSPLANTS FROM ACROSS THE LAKE (PONCHATRAIN). THEN WE GOT A CASINO, AND A LITTLE MONEY, AND THINGS WERE BOOMING. THEY ARE DIFFERENT SINCE HURRICANE KATRINA. BSL IS MORE LIKE MY CHILDHOOD NOW THAN SINCE MY EARLY TEENS. BUT ANYWAY, JUST A LITTLE BACKGROUND INFO FOR YOU ALL.

CHRISTMAS IN DA BAY IS LIKE CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK, NOT SO MUCH. AVERAGE TEMPERATURES DURING THE HOLIDAYS RANGE IN THE LOW 40'S (LOWS) TO THE LOWER 60'S (HIGHS). VERY WARM. FOR CHRISTMAS. SHORTS AND FLIP FLOPS WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE FOR CHRISTMAS DAY IF YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO DRESS UP TO GO TO EVELYN'S AFTER MORNING MASS. AND TAKE PICTURES WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY. ESPECIALLY SINCE YOU WILL NEVER SEE THE ^*&$%#^ PICTURES AGAIN. EVEN BEFORE KATRINA TOOK THEM ALL. THEY MUST GO TO SOME FACEBOOK PAGE IN THE SKY ?
FISHING IS GREAT DURING THE HOLIDAYS AS WELL. IT IS JUST A GREAT TIME OF YEAR. ALL THE REDNECKS ARE CHASING DEER WHILE WE FISH AND DRINK BEER. I MEAN SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER.
ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS TO DO DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS TO LOAD UP MY MAMA'S MINIVAN (YEP) WITH MY FRIENDS AND AN ICE CHEST. WE THEN RIDE AROUND SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER, AND LISTENING TO BENNY GRUNCH.
IF I WIN DA LOTTRY FOR CHRISTMAS, ME AND HERBIE DERBIE GETTIN MORE THAN A WINDOW UNIT AT THE CAMP OUT IN LITTLE WOODS. AND ALL MY LADY FRIENDS WILL BE SENT ON THE GRANDEST CRUISE OF ALL. TOP SHELF. I WILL CHOOSE THE DESTINATION SINCE I KNOW ALL OF MY LADY FRIENDS COULD NEVER AGREE ON A DESTINATION. GUYS, WE WILL GO SOMEWHERE SPECIAL AS WELL. WE CAN DECIDE WHEN THE TIME COMES.

SO, WE HAVE THE PEOPLE, THE BOOZE, THE MUSIC, AND A DRIVER (LOVE YOU MAMA). (TYPICAL CONVERSATION AS THE CAR ROLLS OUT. YES, WE ROLL) YOU WILL HAVE TO FIGURE OUT WHO SAYS WHAT.
WHERE YA'LL WANNA GO TONITE? CHIRTMAS CARD LANE OR CHRISTMAS CARROL LANE? WHAT ABOUT AL COPELAND? WE COULD GET SOME DANNY'S AND RIDE OVER TO SEE HIS MONSTROSITY OF A CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAY, AND GET SOME POPEYE'S. YA'LL BEEN TO CHRISTMAS IN THE OAKS YET? I HEAR IT'S SPECIAL THIS YEAR. YA KNOW MARDI GRAS IS ONLY 5 WEEKS AWAY. YOU RIDIN THIS YEAR? HERBERT, YA'LL GOT THE BEADS YET? GET THAT WINE FROM YOUR DAGO NEIGHBOR? IS IT MY TURN OR YOURS TO BUY THE BEER? WESLEY GONNA BE THERE? (EARLY SAYS "ALRIGHT YOU BUNCH A DRUNKS, I GOT TO BE IN BED BEFORE 10. EVEN THOUGH I DON'T SLEEP UNTIL TWO.) LET'S STAY OVER THIS WAY TONITE. HEATHER HAS A HEADACHE AND WE DON'T WANT TO MISS TACO BELL BEFORE IT CLOSES. WHAT'D YA'LL THINK ABOUT THAT HOMILY TODAY. PRIEST "X" SURE WAS LONG WINDED TODAY, HUN. DON'T HE KNOW WE GOT TO RIDE AROUND TONIGHT AND LOOK AT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. LET'S HIT THE LIGHTS ON THE BEACH AND THEN THE 2 CHRISTMAS THEMED LANES. BUT WHAT ABOUT DA PASS? I HEAR THE HARBOR LOOKS NICE. AND RAMSEY'S REALLY DID IT UP RIGHT. WELL, YA KNOW DEM RICH FOLKS FROM ACROSS THE BRIDGE. ALWAYS TRYIN TO SHOW OFF. I WONDER WHERE FAT BOY IS TONIGHT (YA KNOW, HIM). THINK YOU'LL HAVE A DATE THIS YEAR FOR THE BALL? WHAT ABOUT ONE OF THEM KOSKAN GIRLS? THEY GREEK, AND GOOD LOOKIN'? DON'T WORRY SON. AS EV SAYS, THE GOOD LAWD KNOWS WHAT YA NEED, HUN. IF I HEAR THAT ONE MORE TIME, I AM GOING TO PUKE. I GUESS HE THOUGHT I NEEDED OVALTEEN AND CANNED CORN/PEAS. EVERY NIGHT. OH, AND JEANS TO THE FACE. YOU KNOW WE NOT THE FAVORITES. WHO YOU THINK IS GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF HER? HEY COCKAHOE, WHEN YA MOVIN BACK FROM THE GREAT WHITE NORTH? WE MISS YA DOWN HERE BUD. REMEMBER THAT TIME WHEN I SAW JEFFRO AT LUNCH? AND HE SAID, DO WE LOOK LIKE 1 DINNER ROLL KINDA PEOPLE? WE DON'T HAVE THE THEME YET FOR THIS YEAR, BUT MY SOURCES ARE SAYING SOMETHING IN LINE WITH VALENTIMES. T REE, THINK YOU'LL FINALLY BE ABLE TO BUY SOMETHING FOR A WOMAN THIS VALENTIMES? DON'T WORRY, THE GOOD LAWD KNOWS WHAT YOU NEED. YA KNOW. YA KNOW. LOOK AT THAT DISPLAY. BET HIS OLD LADY MADE HIM DO THAT ? SHOOT. SHOOT. SHOOT. YOU PAID YOUR DUES YET? GETTING CLOSE. KING CAKES WILL BE READY IN ABOUT 10 DAYS. YA KNOW. THEY START ON THE EPIPHANY. (JAN 6 FOR YOU NON CATHOLIC TYPES). CAN'T WAIT FOR THAT GUMBO AND SHRIMP DRESSING. YES LAWD. EV PUTTIN ON THE FULL DISPLAY? YOU KNOW SHE WOULDN'T DO IT ANY OTHER WAY. 4 MEATS. AND 12 VEGETABLES. AND FRUIT SALAD WITH POUND CAKE. DID YOU GET YOUR CANDY? AFTER I SPENT TREE DAYS MAKIN THE SHIT, I DIDN'T EVEN GET ANY DIVINITY. SINCE I AM ON THE BOTTOM OF THE LIST....... YA'LL READY TO GO HOME. YEA. SEE YA TOMORROW NIGHT? YEA. BOURBON AND HOT PEPPERS? YEA. TOM, YOU GONNA GET INTO THE SCOTCH LIKE BIG JOHN ON PARADE DAY? DON'T KNOW. I TELL YA WHAT. IF THAT LIL SUMBITCH GETS INTO THE SCOTCH AGAIN THIS YEAR, HE WILL BE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY ! I AM DONE WITH HIS ASS. LOVE YOU TOO MAMA. NIGHT. NIGHT BRA. YOU FISHIN' IN DA MORNIN'? YEA. TROUT REALLY BITIN. THANK YOU EARLY.

IF ANY OF YOU ARE IN DA BAY DURING THE HOLIDAYS, PLEASE LOOK ME UP. WE WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO DO THE HOLIDAYS WITH US, COAST STYLE. IF WE LIKE YOU, YOU MIGHT GET INVITED TO THE BALL AND PARADE. AND YOU WOULDN'T WANT TO MISS THAT.

WITH HOLIDAY CHEER,
T REE

WHAT IS YOUR TARTAN ?

MARDI GRAS COUNTDOWN = 135 DAYS

BROADCASTING LIVE FROM STARVILLE MS .......

SCOTTISH WORD OF THE DAY TARTAN - is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours. Tartans originated in woven cloth, but are now used in many other materials. Tartan is particularly associated with Scotland. Scottish kilts almost always have tartan patterns. (Tartan is also known as plaid in North America, but in Scotland, a plaid is a tartan cloth slung over the shoulder or a blanket.)

A COUPLE WEEKS AGO, MY BROTHER AND I WERE DISCUSSING OUR TARTAN AND FAMILY HERITAGE OVER GLASSES OF GOOD WHISKEY.
THERE ARE MANY SITES ONLINE THAT PROVIDE TARTAN SEARCHES. THEY WILL ALSO HAVE YOUR FAMILY CREST AND BADGE OR WHATEVER.
THIS DISCUSSION STARTED ME THINKING ABOUT MY FAMILY HERITAGE AND MY UPBRINGING. THERE IS ALWAYS A DEBATE BETWEEN NATURE AND NURTURE, BUT I DON'T KNOW WHO WINS. I DO KNOW THAT EACH OF US IS WIRED WITH A DISTINCT AND LIMITED AMOUNT OF DNA. EVEN IF NATURE PROVIDED THE GENES FOR A CERTAIN TRAIT, UNLESS WE LEARN HOW TO EXPRESS IT, THE TRAIT WILL REMAIN HIDDEN. FOR SOME OF US, THIS WOULD BE A BIG PLUS. WE ALL HAVE TRAITS THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO HIDE. HOWEVER, WE ALL HAVE TRAITS WE WISH WE COULD EXPRESS MORE. OUR FAMILIES AND SURROUNDING SOCIETIES MOLDED US INTO WHAT WE ARE. I DON'T MIND WASHING DISHES BECAUSE BIG JOHN MADE US WASH #$#%^*& DONUT JELLY BUCKETS EVERYDAY IN THE BLAZING SOUTH MISSISSIPPI HEAT WHEN WE WERE LITTLE. BUT THEN TOOK US TO KING WAH TO ORDER SOME LUNCH SPECIALS. "IF YOU ORDER IT, YOU ARE GOING TO EAT IT !". THAT IS WHY I VERY RARELY LEAVE A PLATE EMPTY. THANKS PAW PAW. GRANNY MADE US DRINK MILK AND OVALTEEN ALL THE #$%^@#$ TIME WHEN WE WERE LITTLE. NOW I HATE DRINKING MILK AND OVALTEEN. FUNNY HOW BEING MADE TO DO ONE THING BUILDS CHARACTER AND WORK ETHIC, BUT FORCING OF ANOTHER CAUSES HATE AND RESENTMENT (TOWARDS WHITE DRINKS, NOT MY GRANNY). WHATEVER YOUR CASE, OUR UPBRINGING HAS A LOT TO DO WITH WHO WE ARE TODAY. LIKE IT OR NOT. PERSONALLY, I AM VERY THANKFUL FOR THE RAISING I HAVE BEEN GIVEN. MY MAMA IS STILL TRYING, AND I AM 30 !
JUST WANTED TO GIVE YOU ALL A LITTLE SOMETHING TO REFLECT ON ON THIS BEAUTIFUL SATURDAY AFTERNOON IN SEC LAND.
PLAYED GOLF TODAY WITH BRO AND JEFF. THEY ARE REALLY TERRIBLE. I DID A LITTLE BETTER TODAY. LESSONS ARE PAYING OFF.
HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND.
T REE

DOESN'T THAT MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD !!!!

MARDI GRAS COUNTDOWN = 138 DAYS

CAJUN WORD OF THE DAY- PARRAIN - godfather; sponsor; christener (SEE I WASN'T PULLING YOUR LEG)

MORNING FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS.

THERE WERE MANY POSSIBLE BLOG OPTIONS FOR TODAY. DON'T WORRY, I WILL GET TO THEM IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

BUT, I WANT TO TELL YOU ALL ABOUT HOW GREAT A DAY I HAD YESTERDAY ! WE DID A MAKE-A-WISH WISH REVEAL FOR A LITTLE BOY WHO FOUND OUT HE IS GOING TO DISNEY'S NON-SCARY HALLOWEEN ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT (GOOD JOB TRACY) ! THE SPONSORS DID AN AMAZING JOB. THEIR ENTIRE OFFICE BUILDING WAS DECORATED IN DIFFERENT THEMES, AND MANY PEOPLE WERE DRESSED THE PART. BUGS BUNNY WAS THERE.GOOSEBUMPS CHARACTERS WERE THERE. SEVERAL SCOOBY DOO'S SHOWED UP. MANY WERE IN TEARS (YES, EVEN I, MR NO CRY ZONE, ALMOST LOST IT A FEW TIMES). IT IS TRULY SPECIAL TO WITNESS THOSE AMONG US WHO ARE LESS PRIVILEGED HAVING SUCH A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE. WHO KNOWS, MAYBE THEY ARE MORE PRIVILEGED ? THEY HAVE NO HATE IN THEIR HEARTS, AND CARE ABOUT THOSE AROUND THEM MORE THAN THEMSELVES. ALL THE THINGS WE LET BOTHER US, THEY COULD CARE LESS ABOUT. MOST IMPRESSIVE ! I WENT TO SEE ALL MY MAKE-A-WISH GIRLS. FIRST TIME IN QUITE A WHILE. WHAT A BUNCH OF BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE ! OPEN YOUR POCKETS, AND THROW SOME MONEY THEIR WAY. OR, OPEN YOUR HEARTS, AND GIVE THEM A LITTLE OF YOUR TIME. IT WILL MAKE YOU REALLY SEE THE GOODNESS OF LIFE.

DESPITE WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE WORLD, AND WITH THE ECONOMY, THE WORLD ID FILLED WITH GREAT AND LOVING PEOPLE. YES, EVEN YOU. SOME OF US JUST NEED A LITTLE KICK START EVERY NOW AND THEN.

GO TO http://www.midsouthwish.org/ AND CHECK IT OUT. YOU WON'T BE SORRY. AND, I WILL EVEN LIFT THE NO CRY RULE IF YOU NEED A SHOULDER (I HAVE BIG ONE'S). AS A FUTURE FAMOUS PERSON SOMETIMES SAYS, DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE MULE, JUST LOAD THE WAGON.

I WISH YOU ALL A WONDERFUL AND HAPPY DAY. PLEASE DO A GOOD DEED TODAY. I AM HOSTING DINNER FOR A VERY SPECIAL FRIEND !

WITH A LOVING HEART,

T REE

PS. A SPECIAL THANK YOU GOES TO MY BLOG READERS. A LITTLE SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR YOU, FROM ME ! (CLICK THE LINK BELOW SLOW LEARNERS)

http://someecards.com/usercards/cardpickup/7b52fbed7d1cadc3cdee1b86fcc9e641dd29d4c9

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND !!!

MANY APOLOGIES TO MY FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS FOR THE LACK OF POSTS LATELY !

MARDI GRAS COUNTDOWN = 141 DAYS

WORD OF THE DAY - Ghee is a clarified butter without any solid milk particles or water. Ghee is used in India and throughout the South Asia in daily cooking. A good quality ghee adds a great aroma, flavor and taste to the food.

LATE THIS PAST WEEK WENT VERY WELL, BUT DID NOT LEAVE ME WITH MUCH TO TALK ABOUT. THIS WEEKEND WAS MUCH DIFFERENT. IT WAS A BIG BIRTHDAY WEEKEND. 2 PARTIES ON ONE DAY ! HAPPY BIRTHDAY AVERY AND LANDON ! BOTH PARTIES WENT FANTASTICALLY, WITH NO INJURIES, AND FOUND ME, AND A FEW OTHERS MAYBE JUST LITTLE TOO OLD, JUMPING IN A DINOSAUR SHAPED MOON BOUNCE. MAYBE I AM INJURED. WHEN THE SORENESS GOES AWAY, AND THE SWELLING GOES DOWN, I WILL LET YOU KNOW. AND YES, THERE ARE PICTURES OF ME BOUNCING MY, AND EVERYONE ELSES ASSES OFF. WHEN YOU CONTROL GRAVITY AS WELL AS I DO, IT IS EASY TO BOUNCE THOSE LITTLE SANDWICHES AROUND ! HD, WE ARE NOT OVERWEIGHT, WE UNDERSTAND GRAVITY. WHEN THE WORLD STARTS SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL, WE WILL BE THE LAST ONES TO BE THROWN OFF. ANOTHER PLATE OF SPAGHETTI PLEASE, HUN. 

BIRTHDAY PARTIES ARE SO MUCH FUN. IT IS ASHAME WHEN WE GET OLDER, THAT WE LET PETTY THINGS GET IN THE WAY OF OUR GOOD TIMES. CHILDREN ARE EASILY SURPRISED TOO. UNLIKE SOME OF MY READERS. I HAD A GREAT TIME YESTERDAY. SPENT TONS OF QUALITY TIME WITH CLOSE FRIENDS, AND THEIR FAMILIES. TO SOUND CHEESY, MY LOVE TANK IS PRETTY FULL ! BESIDES ACTING LIKE A 3 YEAR OLD, I LEARNED HOW TO PLAY WASHERS ! WHAT FUN ! I WILL BUILD A SET, SO WHEN YOU COME OVER, WE CAN PLAY. 

THE CHILDREN RECEIVED MANY WONDERFUL TOYS. I AM SURE THEIR PARENTS REALLY MEAN IT WHEN THEY SAY THANK YOU FOR ALL THOSE LOUD ASS TRIP HAZARDS. 

TODAY FINDS ME RELAXING, THE GEN X VERSION OF CHILLIN'. I WENT TO MASS AT BEAUTIFUL ST PETER'S CHURCH IN DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS. A 150+ YEAR OLD DOMINICAN CHURCH FULL OF BEAUTIFUL ARTWORK !

THE MASS ENDED AND I WENT IN PEACE TO LOVE AND SERVE UP SOME BOILED SEAFOOD ! I MADE MY WAY TO TINY VIETNAM IN SEARCH OF SOME BLUES AND FRESH SWIMPS. I FOUND BOTH. OH, AND THE LITTLE MAN WAS THERE WITH HIS FRESH FRENCH BREAD, STILL HOT. SO SEXY A FOOD ! IF HE WASN'T A MAN, I MIGHT ASK FOR HIS HAND IN MARRIAGE. TONIGHT WILL FIND ME ENJOYING SOME, AS THEY SAY IN GEORGIA, LOW COUNTRY FARE (LEARNED THAT TERM RECENTLY). OR, AS WE SAY, BOILED SEAFOOD. I HAVE SOME CRABS, SHRIMP, SAUSAGE, AND ASSORTED VEGGIES. IT'S BOILED, SO IT'S HEALTHY RIGHT ? WISH YOU WERE HERE !

BECAUSE I KNOW ALL OF YOU WERE WORRIED, I WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I FINALLY FOUND A NAME FOR MY GPS. I WILL CALL HIM SAINT CHRISTOPHER, THE PATRON SAINT OF TRAVELERS. DUH. I HAD TO ASK ST AANNNNTOENEE FOR SOME HELP LAST WEEK, SO I FIGURED SINCE I WAS IN TOUCH LATELY, THAT I SHOULD HONOR OLD ST CHRIS WITH A LITTLE SOMTHIN SOMTHIN. 

I HOPE ALL OF YOU ENJOY YOUR PALTRY DINNERS OF CREAM OF WHEAT, CEREAL, TACOS, LEFTOVERS, WHATEVER. I WISH YOU WERE ALL HERE WITH ME TO SHARE MY SHRIMP AND CRABS. 

WITH LOVE, 

CAPTAIN T REE (GOT A NEW HAT THAT PROVES IT!)

PS. WHY GHEE? NEXT TO KY JELLY, ASTROGLIDE, AND OTHER SUCH "LUBRICANTS", IT WOULD BE THE BEST CHOICE FOR GREASING UP THE HONEYMOON MOON BOUNCE ! AND IT TASTES GOOD. I WILL MAKE SURE THE LITTLE MAN BRINGS THE FRENCH BREAD TO THE WEDDING !

WHAT IS YOUR LOVE LANGUAGE ?

MARDI GRAS COUNTDOWN = 145 DAYS

WORD OF THE DAY - A NEW ALL TIME FAVORITE - COUGAR - older woman who frequents clubs in order to score with a much younger man. The cougar can be anyone from an overly surgically altered wind tunnel victim, to an absolute sad and bloated old horn-meister, to a real hottie or MILF. Cougars are gaining in popularity -- particularly the true hotties -- as young men find not only a sexual high, but many times a chick with her shit together. 

APPARENTLY MY NEIGHBORHOOD IS FULL OF THEM.

I RECENTLY PICKED UP A COPY OF THE SINGLES VERSION OF THE FIVE LANGUAGES OF LOVE.

I ALWAYS THOUGHT I KNEW MINE, BUT I WAS WRONG.

THE FIVE LANGUAGES ARE:

WORDS OF AFFECTION

ACTS OF SERVICE

QUALITY TIME

GIFTS

PHYSICAL TOUCH

AFTER REVIEWING THIS VOLUME, I LEARNED MUCH ABOUT MYSELF. YOU CAN BE MORE THAN ONE.

I ALWAYS THOUGHT MY NUMBER 1 WAS PHYSICAL TOUCH (OR AS BECKS WOULD SAY, I'M A RED).

BUT I THINK IT IS ACTUALLY MY NUMBER 4. 

I AM DEFINITELY A QUALITY TIME LOVER. I LOVE TO DO THINGS WITH PEOPLE I CARE ABOUT. NOT JUST HANG OUT, BUT FISH, PLAY GOLF, MOVIES, BOWLING, COOKING, TRAVELING, ETC. TO BE ABLE TO SHARE SOMETHING THAT YOU ENJOY IS THE BEST THING SINCE STUFFED CRAB PO-BOYS. 

IF I REALLY HAVE THE "HOTS" FOR A FEMALE, I WILL TRY TO TAKE HER FISHING AND SHOW HER MY HOMETOWN. IF SHE LIKES THE EXPERIENCE, THEN THINGS CAN MOVE FORWARD. IF NOT, THEN BEST TO MOVE ON. NOT TO SAY THAT I EXPECT HER TO START LOOKING FOR A CAMP ON GRAND ISLE IMMEDIATELY, BUT IF SHE ENJOYS A COASTAL FISHING VACATION, THEN SHE'S WORTH A 2ND LOOK. WHEN YOU LOSE EVERYTHING MATERIAL, EXPERIENCES LIKE THIS KEEP YOU GOING. NOONE CAN EVER TAKE AWAY WHAT'S IN YOUR HEART AND BRAIN.

AS SOME OF YOU KNOW, IT IS VERY HARD FOR ME TO LET PEOPLE DO THINGS FOR ME. I HAVE BEEN ON MY OWN SO LONG, IT IS DIFFICULT TO LET SOMEONE "SERVE" ME. I HAVE TO WORK ON THIS FOR FUTURE RELATIONSHIPS. PEOPLE LIKE TO DO THINGS FOR YOU NOT BECAUSE THEY FEEL THAT YOU ARE HELPLESS, OR THAT YOU ARE IN NEED, BUT BECAUSE THEY WANT TO. I ALWAYS SAY, IF A WOMAN WANTS ME TO FALL IN LOVE, INVITE ME OVER FOR A SPAGHETTI DINNER (MEAT WITH RED GRAVY. NO MEATBALLS PLEASE) AND A BUNCH OF GARLIC BREAD. (I GUESS THIS IS WHAT YOU CALL BEING EASY). I EXTREMELY LIKE WORDS OF AFFECTION. I LIKE TO BE TOLD THAT I AM GOOD, THAT I AM DOING THINGS RIGHT. IN RETURN, I NEED TO EXPRESS IN WORDS MY DEEP FELT GRATITUDE TOWARDS THOSE I LOVE IN MY LIFE. SOME PHYSICAL TOUCH (OR AS WE SAY, A LITTLE BUMP N GRIND IS ALWAYS NICE) BUT ONE DAY THAT WILL GO. I CANNOT IMAGINE TWO PEOPLE BEING TOGETHER WHEN NEITHER ONE CARES ABOUT PHYSICAL TOUCH (BOO !!!). FOR ME, LAST ARE DEFINITELY GIFTS. THEY ARE THINGS THAT CAN BE TAKEN AWAY. HOWEVER, I HAVE COME TO REALIZE THAT MOST YOUNG LADIES ENJOY GIFTS VERY MUCH. NOT DIAMONDS AND MINKS NECESSARILY, BUT A LITTLE HAPPY IS GOOD EVERY NOW AND THEN TO SHOW THEM THAT YOU CARE (GUYS, CHOCOLATE AND FLOWERS ARE GOOD IDEAS). 

I AM KIND OF IN A BREAK IN MY LIFE RIGHT NOW, WHICH IS GIVING ME SOME TIME TO REFLECT ON MYSELF AND THOSE AROUND ME. IT IS AMAZING WHAT YOU CAN LEARN WHEN YOU STEP BACK AND LOOK !

I HAVE ALOT TO WORK ON, BUT I AM IN PRETTY GOOD SHAPE. AT LEAST I REALIZE THAT NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE. 

SO, I CHALLENGE EACH OF YOU TO EXAMINE WHAT YOUR LANGUAGE IS, AND THE LANGUAGE OF THOSE AROUND YOU. IT WILL MAKE US ALL BETTER PEOPLE.

GOOD NIGHT, WITH A DEEP INSIGHT INTO T REE !

OOOOHHHH TOMMY ! YOU SMELL SO FRESH !

MARDI GRAS COUNTDOWN = 147 DAYS

43. OWN A RACEHORSE

44. OWN A SOCCER CLUB

TODAY'S WORD IS Eau de toilette - it has around 1-6% perfume concentrates. This makes for a light scent that doesn't linger as long as the more intense versions. It was originally intended to be a refreshing body splash to help people wake up in the morning. AND, IT'S FUN TO SAY.

AS MANY OF YOU KNOW, I LOVE TO SMELL GOOD. THERE IS SOMETHING SO SEXY ABOUT SMELLING GOOD, OR BEING ABLE TO PLEASURE IN THE SCENT OF SOMEONE WHO SMELLS GOOD ! IT IS SIMPLY MIND NUMBING TO ME ! WHHEEWWW ! HONEY HUSH ! I LOVE ME TO SMELL GOOD, WOMEN THAT SMELL GOOD, DOGS, CARS, HOUSES, WHATEVER. AS SOME OF YOU KNOW, I AM A "HELPLESS" ROMANTIC, AND SMELL IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME. THERE IS A TIME AND PLACE FOR EVERYTHING, BUT YOU SHOULD ALWAYS TRY TO SMELL GOOD. YOU NEVER KNOW WHO MAY BE SNIFFING ! I HAVE GARNERED A REPUTATION IN THE LAB WITH SOME OF THE LADIES FOR SMELLING SO FRESH ! THEY MAKE ME FEEL LIKE A JUICY TOMATO, READY TO BE SLICED AND PUT ON SOMEONE'S SANDWICH ! YES LAWD ! 

I CURRENTLY KEEP A SMALL INVENTORY OF SCENTS READY FOR ALL OCCASIONS. THIS SATURDAY FOUND ME AT THE COLOGNE COUNTER IN DILLARDS. WHY NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER? 

I WAS, IN A NICE WAY, PUSHED BY THE SALESLADY TO TRY SEAN JEAN, THEN ERRRRRRSSHHHERRRR. WHEN NEITHER OF THOSE TICKLED MY FANCY, SHE TRIED TO SELL ME ROCA WEAR ? I WAS AT THE POINT OF LETTING HER KNOW THAT DESPITE MY GANGSTA APPEARANCE, I AM NOT THE NEXT CHUNKY SHADY (MY VERSION OF SLIM SHADY FOR YOU SLOW LEARNERS). I MEAN C'MON. SO, I WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH MY METHOD OF COLOGNE SHOPPING.

T REE'S GUIDE TO BUYING COLOGNE, AND IMPRESSING THE LADIES WITH YOUR SCENT.

FOR YOU MALES OUT THERE, THIS WILL BE GEARED TO YOU. LADIES, YOU CAN FIGURE IT OUT.

CHOOSING A SCENT IS LIKE CHOOSING A MATE. YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WANT, AND YOU SHOULDN'T LET ANYONE DISSUADE YOU. YOU WILL BE TEMPTED BY GOOD LOOKS (PACKAGING, ETC) AND SALES PITCHES (I WILL CALL THESE FLOOOZIES). IF SOMETHING IS GOOD, IT SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE DISCOUNTED. EVER SEEN EMPLOYEE PRICING ON BMW'S? JUST BECAUSE SOMETHING SMELLS DELICIOUS (COMPARE THIS TO YOUR STANDARD PLAYMATE), DOESN'T MEAN IT'S RIGHT FOR YOU. YOU SHOULD NOT WEAR COLOGNE WHEN GOING TO BUY COLOGNE (LIKE CHASING A WOMAN WHEN YOU HAVE A WOMAN), YOU CAN SEE WHERE THIS WILL BE A PROBLEM. PRETTY EASY STUFF HERE PEOPLE. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT IT IS OK TO HAVE MORE THAN ONE SCENT, BUT FOR BEST RESULTS, STICK TO ONE WOMAN. TRY ALL AVAILABLE COLOGNES THAT INTEREST YOU. ON A CARD ONLY. NOT ON YOU, DUMBASS. FIND 2 THAT YOU LIKE. THEN APPLY 1 TO EACH OF YOUR WRISTS. IF YOU HAVE ONE ARM, OR NO ARMS, YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE MORE TRIPS (IT'S FUNNY HOW WE TAKE OUR LIMBS FOR GRANTED). IT HAS TO, HAS TO, HAS TO SMELL GOOD ON YOU, NOT JUST ON THE CARD. IF IT DOESN'T SMELL GOOD ON YOU, DON'T EVEN CONSIDER IT (SEE THE RESEMBLANCE WITH MATE SELECTION?). AND, DON'T BE SCARED TO PURCHASE MORE THAN ONE. YOU SHOULD HAVE DIFFERENT SCENTS FOR DIFFERENT "MOODS". IF YOU ARE DRESSED BRIGHTLY, AND IT IS SPRING OR SUMMER, WEAR SOMETHING A LITTLE LIGHT AND AIRY. IF FALL OR WINTER, OR YOU ARE DRESSED MORE SULLEN, WEAR SOMETHING A LITTLE HEAVY, OR WOODSY, SHALL I SAY. KEEP THAT ONE SUREFIRE COLOGNE ON HAND FOR THOSE SPECIAL "OCCASIONS". SURE, TEST IT OUT, LIKE I DID TODAY. I WAS LUCKY TO ESCAPE WORK WITH ALL MY CLOTHES ON ! BUT KEEP THAT ONE FOR SPECIAL DAYS, OR SOMEONE SPECIAL. THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE IS TO NOT APPLY TOO MUCH SCENT. THIS IS A KILLER. 1-2 SQUIRTS ON 1 WRIST AND THEN TAP, NOT RUB YOUR WRISTS TOGETHER (THIS IS NOT RUB ON A PORK LOIN). AND, THE MANDATORY 1 SQUIRT ON YOUR CHEST, AT THE NOSE HEIGHT OF THE LUCKY LADY IN YOUR LIFE WILL DO (IF SHE IS TALLER, STILL ON THE CHEST, NOT THE FOREHEAD LIKE ASHES ON ASH WEDNESDAY). SOMEONE SHOULD HAVE TO WANT TO SMELL YOU TO SMELL YOU, OR THEY SHOULD CATCH A BIT WHEN YOU PASS. BUT WHEN THEY CAN SMELL YOU EVERY TIME YOU GET IN THE RED ZONE (INSIDE THE 20 YARD LINE LADIES), YOU HAVE AS I LIKE TO SAY, OVERAPPLIED. WOMEN APPRECIATE A MAN WHO PUTS FORTH THE EFFORT TO SMELL GOOD. AND, THEY LOVE TO SMELL YOU. I PROMISE. THEY WILL BE LIKE MAGNETS TO YOUR REFRIGERATOR (THANKS ACE) ! ONE LAST THING, A SPRITZ ON YOUR AREA, YA KNOW, AREA, IS COMPLETELY UNNECCESSARY. AFTER ALL, YOU ARE STILL A MAN RIGHT? I HAVE BEEN ACCUSED OF BEING GAY LOTS, BUT CHAD, EVEN I DON'T PUT COLOGNE ON MY EQUIPMENT.

HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY! LADIES, FEEL FREE TO PASS THIS ALONG TO THAT MAN IN YOUR LIFE WHO ALWAYS SEEMS TO OVERAPPLY. CHANCES ARE HE WOULD RATHER LISTEN TO ME THAN TO YOU ANYWAY. 

WITH A CARING HEART, AND THE NOSE OF AN ELK, I BID YOU A GOOD NIGHTS' REST.

T REE

PS. HIT THE GOLF BALL LIKE A CHAMP TODAY. THOSE OF YOU ON MY TEAM, WE WILL NOT FINISH LAST NEXT TOURNAMENT.

THE DIRTY LIFE OF OYSTERS...

MARDI GRAS COUNTDOWN = 148 DAYS

TODAY'S WORD IS BENTHIC - OF OR RELATING TO 

The collection of organisms living on or in sea or lake bottoms.

The bottom of a sea or lake.

OYSTERS, CRASSOSTREA VIRGINICA, SPECIFICALLY EASTERN/AMERICAN OYSTERS

BEING A COASTAL NATIVE, I HOLD THESE LUMPS OF PLEASURE IN HIGH REGARD !

OYSTERS ARE FOUND IN BRACKISH AREAS THROUGHOUT THE SOUTHERN AND EASTERN AREAS OF THE US.

THEY ARE BIVALVE MOLLUSKS WITH CALCIFIED SHELLS FOR PROTECTION FROM PREDATORS. BESIDES COONASSES, THEIR MAJOR PREDATOR IS THE OYSTER DRILL (A KIND OF "HERMIT CRAB", LIKE THE ONES MANDATORY FOR SALE AT ANY CATHOLIC CHURCH FESTIVAL)

THEY HAVE RELATIONS BEGINNING AT AGE 2 AND CAN LIVE FOR 20 YEARS ! THEY STAY IN BEDS (LIKE MTV CRIBS, BUT ONLY ON THE WATER AND WITHOUT HD TV'S OR BENTLEYS).

THEY ARE NORMALLY HARVESTED USING DREDGES OR TONGS, AND SOLD BY THE SACK (~125 POUNDS). THEN THEY ARE SHIPPED WHOLE, OR ARE SHUCKED TO FIND THEIR WAY INTO HALF-SHELL BARS OR ONTO POBOYS. 

NOW ONTO THE GOOD STUFF....

WILL OYSTERS INCREASE YOUR SEXUAL DESIRE ? (NOT MINE I HOPE)

AFTER ALL, APHRODITE RODE AN OYSTER TO THE SURFACE AND THEN GAVE BIRTH TO EROS. FUNNY HOW ALL THIS SHIT IS RELATED (I REALLY MUST BE A ZODIAC CANCER) !

ACCORDING TO SCIENCE, THERE IS NO PROOF THAT OYSTERS MAKE YOU HORNY. ALTHOUGH, IF THESE SCIENTISTS WOULD LEAVE THEIR GC'S AND GO TO AN OYSTER BAR, THEY MIGHT ACTUALLY GET LUCKY. BUT WOULDN'T THAT THROW THEM FOR A LOOP ? I BELIEVE THAT THE INCREASED AROUSAL COMES FROM THE ALCOHOL CONSUMED WHILE SLAMMING BACK HALF SHELLS BRA ! WELL, WHATEVER IT TAKES. 

WHAT ARE T REE'S FAVORITE OYSTER DISHES? WELL, THANK YOU FOR ASKING.

- OYSTER PO-BOYS OF COURSE. FRENCH BREAD, SHREDDED LETTUCE, EXTRA TOMATO, MYNEZ, KETCHUP, AND HOT SAUCE.

- HOW ABOUT K-PAUL'S OYSTERS HOT FANNY. FRIED OYSTERS WITH PECANS AND JALAPENOS. I HAVE SHARED THIS DISH WITH A FEW OF YOU. PRETTY GOOD !

- RAW, ON THE HALF SHELL. BE CAREFUL WITH THIS ONE IF YOU ARE YOPI (YOUNG, OLD, PREGNANT, IMMUNOCOMPROMISED) YOU'LL JUST HAVE TO SETTLE FOR CIALIS. 

- FOR THOSE COLD WINTER DAYS, OYSTER SOUP

- FOR YOU HEALTHY TYPES, ASK FOR THEM BIENVILLE, WITH SPINACH.

- AND FINALLY OYSTER DRESSING. MADE WITH FRENCH BREAD OF COURSE. IT'S NOT STUFFING UNLESS IT IS IN SOMETHING RETARDS.

HERE IS A LINK TO SOME OYSTER RECIPES - http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Seafood/Shellfish/Oysters/Main.aspx

ENJOY !

GOLF LESSON WAS GREAT TODAY ! I WILL BE ON THE PGA TOUR SOON.

ENJOY YOUR SUNDAY NIGHTS. AND, IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE EATING OYSTERS, DON'T BE SCARED TO LET THE JUICES FLOW !

T REE

GET YOUR CULTURE TODAY ?

MARDI GRAS COUNTDOWN = 149 DAYS

41. CARNIVAL IN RIO

42. JAPAN, SINGAPORE, SOUTHEAST ASIA

WORD OF THE DAY IS TAIKO - means "drum" in Japanese (etymologically "great" or "wide drum"). Outside Japan, the word is often used to refer to any of the various Japanese drums (和太鼓, 'wa-daiko', "Japanese drum", in Japanese) and to the relatively recent art-form of ensemble taiko drumming (sometimes called more specifically, "kumi-daiko" (組太鼓).

GOOD CHOICE ON THE FESTIVAL BRO! VERY FUN AND ENTERTAINING ! I DISCOVERED SUSHI IS SO POPULAR BECAUSE JAPAN IS COOL ! THE WEATHER IS MAGNIFICENT HERE IN THE MEMPHIS AREA TODAY. THE BOTANIC GARDEN WAS STUNNING. WE WATCHED A GROUP OF SMALL CHILDREN PLAY A VIOLIN ENSEMBLE. IT ALMOST BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES. NEVER DREAMED I WOULD HAVE ENJOYED THAT SO MUCH!

 http://music.memphis.edu/schumann.htm

SOME OF THESE KIDS WERE LIKE 5, AND HAVE BEEN PRACTICING FOR YEARS. 

THEN WE WATCHED THE KUMI-DAIKO DRUMMERS PERFORM ! VERY AWESOME ! I AM GOING TO HAVE PICK SOME OF THIS MUSIC UP AND ADD TO MY IPOD (WHEN I GET ONE) FOR WHEN WORKING OUT AND GOLFING. MOST IMPRESSIVE ! I ALSO PICKED UP A COUPLE MUD MEN. HAVE NEVER SEEN THESE BEFORE EITHER. http://www.dallasbonsai.com/store/mud_men.html

I GOT A FISHERMAN AND A DRINKING MAN.........BECAUSE THEY GO TOGETHER OF COURSE !

PS. BEST FRENCH BREAD EVER CAN BE FOUND AT THE VIET HOA MARKET IN MEMPHIS! I TOOK TOES TO THE MARKET THIS MORNING. THE BLUE CRABS THEY HAVE ARE NUMBER 1'S. I WILL GET SOME THIS WEEK FOR A GOOD OLE FASHIONED CRAB BOIL. HUN !

WELL GOTTA GO. COMPANY HERE ! TALK WITH YOU ALL SOON. WILL HAVE A GOLF LESSON UPDATE TOMORROW.

T REE

SOME PEOPLE ARE VERY CHINCY !

MARDI GRAS COUNTDOWN = 150 DAYS

38. GO TO MILAN TO SEE AC MILAN

39. GO TO BARCELONA TO SEE FC BARCELONA

40. BUY A CHRISTMAS/BIRTHDAY PRESENT FOR A SIGNIFICANT OTHER 

TODAY'S WORD OF THE DAY IS CHINCY - THIS WORD IS APPARENTLY SLANG. IT MEANS CHEAP OR LOW QUALITY. I USE IT OFTEN, WHEN ONE OF FAVORITE TERMS, PIECE OF SHIT, IS SHALL WE SAY, NOT POLITICALLY CORRECT.

LIKE, THAT HAMBURGER LOOKS MIGHTY CHINCY. OR, THAT BITCH IS CHINCY CLYDE. OR, THAT'S A CHINCY WAY OF TELLING SO AND SO SUCH AND SUCH. 

THIS WAS A LONG WEEK AT WORK. OUR CUSTOMER TRAINING SESSION WENT FABULOUSLY, BUT DRINKING MILLER LITES ALL NIGHT AND DANCING MAKES ME FEEL CHINCY. LIKE TOBY KEITH SAYS, I AINT AS GOOD NOW I WAS ONCE WAS, BUT I'M AS GOOD ONCE AS I EVER WAS ! OLE CLYDE WAS BACK IN FORM THIS WEEK !

HOWEVER, IT IS AMAZING HOW CHINCY PEOPLE CAN BE WHEN YOU REALLY START TO OPEN YOUR EYES ! WOW !

THE OLDER WOMEN AT WORK MAKE ME FEEL AS IF WHAT I WANTED MY WHOLE LIFE IS NOT ATTAINABLE. SOMETIMES I BELIEVE THEM. THIS WORLD IS SO FAST PACED AND SELFISH THESE DAYS, IT IS AMAZING ! BUT, I STRONGLY BELIEVE I WILL COMPLETE MY BAIT BUCKET LIST BECAUSE I DESERVE IT AND WILL NOT GIVE UP. YOUR OUTLOOK ON LIFE STARTS WITH GUESS WHO, YOU. IF YOU EXUDE POSITIVENESS, YOU WILL RECEIVE POSITIVENESS IN RETURN. IF YOU WAKE UP HATING THE DAY AND THOSE AROUND YOU, YOU WILL RECEIVE A BIG ICE CHEST OF HATE. THERE IS NO ROOM FOR HATE IN MY ICE CHEST. 

TONIGHT FINDS ME REFLECTING ON MY LIFE, AND THE LIVES OF THOSE AROUND ME.

MY BROTHER AND I WILL REFLECT WHILE SHARING A BOTTLE OF TOP SHELF WHISKEY ! THEN WE WILL GO GET CULTURED TOMORROW AT A JAPANESE FESTIVAL. THEN WE WILL ENJOY MORE WHISKEY AND WATCH LSU KICK THE PISS OUT OF OUR CHINCY FOOTBALL TEAM. I CAN PROMISE YOU ONE THING CLYDES AND CLYDINES, OUR DINNER WONT BE CHINCY. SUNDAY MORNING WILL FIND ME AT MY FIRST GOLF LESSON ! AFTER THE WAY I PLAYED YESTERDAY, I REALLY NEED IT. I CAN'T WAIT ! DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND TAKE SOME SORT OF LESSON TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE. I WILL DO GOLF FOR NOW, AND THEN DANCING. I WANT TO LEARN HOW TO CHA CHA AND CUPID SHUFFLE FOR OUR UPCOMING CHRISTMAS PARTY AND THE NEREIDS' BALL. I WANT TO DANCE THE DRAWS OFF OF MY DATE ! IF SHE WEARS ANY ! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND FRIENDS ! I KNOW I WILL !

THANKS TO ALL !

MARDI GRAS COUNTDOWN = 151 DAYS

IN HONOR OF A NEW FRIEND...T REE'S WORD OF THE DAY IS EROS

Eros (Greek: Ἔρως), in Greek mythology, was the primordial god of lust, love, and intercourse; he was also worshipped as a fertility deity.

MY KIND OF GUY. 

ROMAN VERSION YOU KNOW AS CUPID.

EROS IS ALSO THE NAME OF HERBIE DUDU AND I'S CARNIVAL KREWE. WE HAVE AN ALL MALE KREWE THAT PARADES IN BSL AND WAVELAND 2 SUNDAY'S BEFORE MARDI GRAS.

WE RIDE ALONG WITH AN ALL FEMALE KREWE NAMED NEREIDS. OUR FAMILIES (HERBIE DUDU AND I) STARTED EROS MANY SEASONS AGO, AND HE AND I KEEP THE TRADITION GOING. OUR 2009 CALENDAR READS AS FOLLOWS:

JANUARY 31ST, 2009 NEREIDS' CARNIVAL BALL (I COMES BEFORE E EXCEPT AFTER C, AND IN NEREIDS) A TUXEDO AND EVENING GOWN AFFAIR WITH ALL YOU CAN EAT HEAVY OARDERVES, COPIOUS BOOZE, AND RACOUS DANCING ! I CAN'T WAIT. MAYBE THIS YEAR I WILL HAVE A DATE. BUT, THERE WILL BE 100'S OF COUGARS THERE ?

FEBRUARY 15TH, 2009 = PARADE DAY ! I AM SMELLING A VALENTINE'S THEME ! I BELIEVE ONE YEAR WHEN I WAS A WITTLE BOY (IVE NEVER BEEN A LITTLE BOY), OUR KREWE DRESSED AS BABY CUPIDS.

GET THE SCOTCH AND GIN READY WESLEY !

MAYBE LANDON AND AVERY WILL ATTEND THEIR FIRST PARADE THIS YEAR ?

TODAY'S BLOG IS SHORT AND SIMPLE. 

CHEF J. GREAT JOB WITH THE TTU FUNCTION LAST NIGHT ! I THINK I DANCED THE SOLES OFF OF MY TOPSIDERS !

I WANT TO THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR BEING MY LOVING AND CARING FRIENDS. YOU ALL MEAN LOTS TO ME, AND ARE ALWAYS THERE TO OFFER ADVICE, SUPPORT, AND LOVE !

I AM GLAD EACH OF YOU ARE A PART OF MY LIFE.

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, WITH LOVE,

T REE

TONIGHT

TONIGHT FINDS ME ON MY WAY TO EP DELTA KITCHEN, BEALE STREET, MEMPHIS.

WE HAVE A CUSTOMER CELEBRATION PUT ON BY OUR CULINARY EXPERT, CHEF JENNIFER.

EP IS A VERY POPULAR DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS HANGOUT THESE DAYS. 

CHEF J DESCRIBES THE CUISINE AS SOUTHERN CULINARY FUSION. WE SUPPED HERE A WHILE BACK, AND I MUST SAY, IT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE. 

WE ARE SUPPOSED TO KARAOKE AND DANCE AS WELL. I HOPE THEY HAVE DIERKS BENTLEY'S FAMOUS BALLAD, COME A LITTLE CLOSER IN THE SONG SELECTIONS. I BELIEVE I CAN SWOON A FEW OF OUR FEMALE GUESTS ! AS CHAD SAYS, IF YOU SQUINT YOUR EYES, AND TURN YOUR HEAD SIDEWAYS, I LOOK JUST LIKE DIERKS !

A FEW MILLER LITES, AND I WILL BE MOST IMPRESSIVE ! 

HERE IS A MENU SAMPLING:

Southern Style Bruschetta 7.00

Black- Eyed Peas, Smoked Ham and Goat Cheese

over Crispy Cornbread

YUMMMMM !

Creole Vegetarian Lasagna 7.95

Spring Squash, Marinara and Parmesan Cheese

FOR THE HEALTHY FOLK !

Fire Cracker Shrimp9.95

4 Shrimp Stuffed with Tasso Ham, 5-pepper Jelly and Louisiana Hot Sauce 

WHERE YOU AT HERBIE DUDU !

Not-yo Crawfish 8.00

Piled High on Sweet Potato Chips with Pepper Jack Cheese Sauce

OR AS I LIKE TO CALL IT, A COONASS DREAM !

Duck and Shrimp Gumbo   5.00 cup/ 7.00 bowl

Bowl or Cup, You Make The Call

A LITTLE QUACK AND SWIM NEVER HURT ANYBODY !

Mardi Gras Salad  5.00

Red Leaf and Iceberg Lettuce, Bacon and Mushrooms

Drizzled with Orange Dijon Vinaigrette

FOR MAMA, MINUS THE ORANGE !

Acadian Braciole 16.50

“An Old World Classic”

Braised, Tasso Ham, Stuffed Beef with Cheddar Grits

Chicken Bayou Lafourche 16.95

Andouille and Corn Dressing with Rosemary Zatarans Mustard Sauce

CAN YOU SAY, WELCOME TO DA PARISH BRA !

FOR THE LADIES OF MY BLOG.....

Molten Chocolate Cake    7.95

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Served with Coconut Crème Anglaise

 

Peanut Butter Fried Pies 7.50

Banana Ice Cream, Peanuts and Candied Bananas

 

Strawberry Short Cake 6.95

Orange Poppy Seed Pound Cake, Strawberries and Orange Scented Whipped Cream

 

Rum Raisin Rice Pudding  7.50

Louisiana Bavarian Style Pudding

 

Key Lime Cheese Cake 7.50

with Macerated Raspberries

PICK YOUR FAVORITE FOR BREAKFAST IN BED AT CHATEAU DU THOMAS !

I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE AS MUCH FUN TONIGHT AS I WILL !

SEE YOU ALL TOMORROW !

T REE