Leanne Morgan - Comedian

Mama Gladys, as you know, is a faithful Paula Deen fan, even though she has seen most shows "a million times", and she doesn't know why Paula runs the very same show only two weeks later - as if Paula herself is in charge of the rerun schedule.

Mom called me this morning to tune in to Paula Deen, because a comee - dee - anne was on and "this is a funny one".

So I googled this Leanne Morgan, comedian, and am totally taken with her. She is like the modern day Jerry Clower. She captures so much of our crazy southern ways. It is my goal to take Mama Gladys to a show of this grand comedic genius - Leanne Morgan- by Mama Gladys' next birthday.

Enjoy!

Peace!

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French and Saunders

They make me laugh!

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Shucking Oysters

There were a bunch of times I wanted to post over Thanksgiving but something was up with my blogger app.

Anyway, here is a pic of Dad shucking oysters out in the barn kitchen. Sis Joy and her hubby Mike served up omelets Thanksgiving morn, and Bro Eddie and his gal Olga dished up Colombian Chicken a couple days after Thanksgiving, all from the happy barn kitchen. Dad added some improvements recently like a pot bellied stove and a couple of cabinets - it's really nice!

Happy belated Thanksgiving to all!

I was very happy to spend Thanksgiving at the farm. It was the first time all of my siblings were together in ... we're not sure how long. We can't really remember the last time we were all together.  Good times.

Ehrm, I did quit my job somewhat abruptly (have another lined up). It wasn't really a planned thing, but I feel good about my decision. Sometimes we have to follow what seems best for us at the time, even though it may not always follow conventional practices. Time will tell...

Peace!

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Fall at the Beach.

Wish i didn't have to leave South Walton so early but there's biz that needs attendin'.

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The "Birdies" Pic

For some reason I keep having trouble getting this pic to save, so here it goes again.

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Birdies

The view from my office window. So far tufted titmice, cardinals, chickadees, house/purple finches, and a little brown mottled individual I couldn't ID have stopped by for a snack.

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A study in corn!

Creamed corn and the finished cornpone.

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Field Peas

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Field peas are a regional thing also. I'm really not sure how much of the Southeast eats them. They are a staple here. When I was growing up we would grow, pick and shell them, all while hearing stories from the old people; definitely some of my fondest memories. When I was in high school we got an electric pea sheller. We went high tech. Now you just go to a farm or produce market and by 25 lb bags of them (already shelled), blanch them as normal and freeze as normal.  

As my Mama Gladys says, "A good Southern cook uses 3 things in her cooking: salt, fat and sugar." It's true. For instance, the peas got a tsp or two of sugar, a tsp or so of salt and a ham hock for fat/flave!

Peas and corn

Cookin' up some vittles with my Mama Carmi's (RIP) pots.

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Cornpone again #?

The pones in the skillet.

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Cornpone - The Recipe

Cryptic recipe

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As you can see, the recipe is quite basic.

Here it is from how I made it tonight:

 Put 2TBS oil in a skillet (cover the bottom) and put it in the oven while it preheats to 400. I use olive oil.

1.5 cups fine white corn meal

1 tsp salt

1 TBS baking powder

1.5 cups hot tap water.

 

Mix all the dry stuff. Mix in the hot water gradually. You want the batter to be not soupy, but not too thick.   See pics above for how the batter should look. You want it to spread out a bit when it is spooned in the hot skillet. Bake for 30 minutes.

Yummy!

It's funny how simple and cheap it is. No wonder my country kinfolk lived on the stuff!

Cornpone - The Batter

Mixin' up the batter!

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Cornpone - The Cornmeal

Hoover's

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Someone from my job asked me for the recipe for cornpone. I had to make it tonight so I could write it down. We grew up on it in my family. 

The first thing about it is the meal. It has to be fine white corn meal. Hoover's that you see in the picture can only be found in my region, as it's ground in my home town of Chipley, FL. I looked all over Birmingham, AL one time and couldn't find it.  Dixie Lily, I think, makes a fine white corn meal too that would probably work fine.

I downloaded all these pics from my phone. You can only do one at a time. Apologies.

TOSHIBA 1625CDT LAPTOP

I really dig this old tank of a laptop. A year or so ago I tried different linux distros on it and again recently ran some live cds. Slitaz and lucid puppy ran pretty well, but since the usb port is shot on it I needed to add some peripherals via pcmcia cards (i.e.usb port, wireless card). So basically, good ol' windows xp made the cut. There is a way to add peripherals with linux, but I'm just not interested in messing with it. Surprisingly, Internet Explorer 8 works better than anything I've tried for internet stuff.

It's perfect for the writing I want to do and have picked up again. Truly love using old equipment that still has life in it, and since it's not really for many online chores, it's just as fast as anything else.

Still loving the smartphone. Listening right now, by way of Pandora, to Bessie Smith radio.
Peace!

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Cracker Cattle?

Neat looking steer with moss draped live oak backdrop. On my way home from the farm... Feeling sad about Uncle Macky and Aunt 'Liz'beth...

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live tunes!

What a fun day! Blazzues to hear the Gills!

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The Snuggle

Well I figured out how to add photos, so the blogging might pick up again. I like its diary like attributes, and basically it helps me remember my life. Yikes! I can't remember anything anymore!

Pic is of Coco and Festus in a rare snuggle.

Peace

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Smartphones

Well i just got a smartphone so, if it is easy to use, perhaps will blog on the go.

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Beautiful Springtime in the Panhandle

One morning I had my morning tea out on my parents' deck.  I don't know why we don't eat out there more often.  We have the same view from our dining table, but it's so nice on the deck. Here's a pic:

Every day has been so gorgeous.  The azaleas and dogwoods are exploding all over.  This week I will get more pictures on.  We have been very busy around the place.  My main job has been watering 100+ white oak trees spread over a couple of acres and watering the okra, citrus trees, and pear trees. 

I have lots of pics to post involving Chipley "things to do", Chipley Garden Club garden tour and tea I attended last Saturday, and the above mentioned beauty of all things Spring.

I'm contemplating applying for some state jobs in the Chipley area.  I love it here so much and have literally been trying to live here for 5 years.  Still praying for a rheumatology appt.

Happy Spring!

Peace...

Crazy, busy, fun day!

There are lots of peeps on the place today (farm) which makes for a delightful day. 

Today I found out how much I can do, which is quite a lot.  I did "peter" out a couple of times, but chillin' wit da fam for a bit took care of it, and I was able to continue with stuff I wanted to do.  YAY!  No really, YAY!  When I look back on the last 5 or 6 years I see a pattern of illness.  I called in sick more than I ever had in my life, tons of sinusitis and dizziness, and increasing fatigue over the years.  For exampe, last Thanksgiving I got the upstairs of my parents all cleaned up, for company, after putting it off for months.  It nearly killed me to get it all spic and span.  I was just so fatiqued.

I digress.  Here's a list of what I did today:

• Walked to Aunt Lorraine and Unle Tom's and visited a bit.
• Cleaned the pool with cousin Susan.
• Walked around the pond with Coco.
• Took down my mom's curtains for her to fluff and de-dustify.
• Had Tea and cake with Aunt L and Uncle T, Aunt Genie, Mom, Levi, Susan, and Tommy (I live for these spontaneous afternoon teas, ok).
• Washed aproximately 3/4 of our outside windows with cool Windex sprayer gizmo (works very well).
• Blogged

What a splendid and satisfying day!

Tomorrow I'm off to lunch with cousin Bonnie in Dothan and head on up to camp with Dad at Lake Eufaula.  Coco and I will be staying in my tent, not the enormo travel trailer.  I can't wait! 

It looks like my period of convalescence will soon come to a close.  Seasonal job in Navarre or census job in Navarre, here I come.  Just think, only ONE month ago my health was careening downhill.  My walking was starting to be affected, I was in constant pain, and I was so dizzy I couldn't drive.  What an amazing drug Prednisone.  Hopefully, there will be one for me with fewer long term side effects.  Here's prayin' for a rheumatology appt through Santa Rosa We Care and continued health.

Pic from Wikimedia Commons. Pic Description: Tea of different fermentation: From left to right: Green tea (Bancha from Japan), Yellow tea (Kekecha from China), Oolong tea (Kwai flower from China) and Black tea (Assam Sonipur Bio FOP from India) Date 29 December 2009(2009-12-29) Author: Haneburger

Peace...

What's for Lunch Mama Gladys?

Mama Gladys pulled out all the stops for Easter lunch. We had steak, baked potato, salad and a roll.

This is Dad's plate. Dad likes steak a little bit.

My more meager allotment (blasted blood sugar!):

Peace.

South Walton County - 30A

What a great place to spend Holy Week and part of Easter day.  Part of my family has been coming to this neck of the woods since the 1950's.  In fact their house was one of the first, if not THE first in Seagrove.  We always had a grand time as kids living in our swim suits, swimming, making sand bottles, collecting shells, crabbing, and just wreaking general havoc.  Before Seaside came into being, it was all dunes, jeep trails, sea oats, and scrub oaks.  Our general consensus is that if the place had to be developed, we're extremely glad it was Seaside, Watercolor, Rosemary Beach, etc and not homogenized condos!

I'm off to the farm for the week!  Dial up will be slow, but I really want to post every day.  Here's a video of 30A:



Peace!

Serendipity

Because of a mix up with their condo, Cousins Win and Rene and son Wint bunked with us last night at Old Charcoal!  We had a dandy slumber party.  They are now off to create the Holy Week, died Easter Eggs and all experience for the big Mr. eight year old Wint.  Don't you love that age?  He shared his art, his understanding of the Eucharist (9 days 'til 1st Holy Communion) and his fort making skills with us. Nice!

Happy Easter!

Here's a purdy Easter egg pic from Wikimedia Commons (Traditional painted easter eggs in Croatia. Picture taken in April 2006. Slunj, Croatia. User: Neoneo13)

Peace!

Introducing new nwflgal site - Northwest Florida Catholic Gal

Invariably most of the traffic from all the cool, exotic places all over the world that visit my blog are heading to my Good Friday post from 2009 http://nwflgal.blogspot.com/2009/04/good-friday.html .  Sometimes I think the purpose of this blog is that one post.

I basically want to start posting something daily about my faith and have decided to add Northwest Florida Catholic Gal to the lineup.  It will be under construction for a while but I'm going to post something daily this week, since it's Holy Week and all.  So head on over if you're interested. 
Link:  http://nwflcatholicgal.blogspot.com/

Photo is from Wikimedia Commons.

Peace.

Sea Shell City and my Sea Dwelling Doppelganger

Cousin Joan has been with us a few days (This has been the best Holy Week ever), and after some errands we had a little time to kill.  We paid a visit to Sea Shell City, a local tourist spot.  It's been open for something like 27 years!  The friendly lady at the counter told us their shells come from world food banks and are essentially a by product.  I think that takes the three R's (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) to a whole new level, don't you?   Loads of shells, t-shirts, mugs, knick knacks, etc make up "a little something for everybody" our lovely hostess spoke about.  Their particulars are:

Sea Shell City

8771 Navarre Pkwy
Navarre, FL 32566
850-939-8210

Note: a "Sea Shell City" website comes up when you google it, but the google maps site doesn't match the Navarre shop.  Some kind of glitch in the matrix, I reckon.  After a very less than exhaustive search, it doesn't appear they have a website.

Here's a pic of their shop:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
While at Sea Shell City, I found a perfect example of my alter ego (my prednisone self).  I think you'll see what I mean:
 

 
Peace!

Whole Wheat Pizza Dough and Hummus (AKA I am Garlic Girl)

I am having to eat like a diabetic thanks to my new buddy Prednisone.  Whole grains, lean proteins and lots of fruits and vegetables are new to me, but it's been fun experimenting with some new recipes.  Yours truly is the original junk food junkie.  Cue music:



Wow, that was random and hokey, but strangely appropo...

Here is the great whole wheat pizza dough recipe link: http://www.wolfgangpuck.com/recipes/view/47382/Whole-Wheat-Pizza-Dough .  I'm not going to copy the whole recipe here because it's easy to print from the Wolfgang Puck website.  One thing about the recipe: It doesn't list temp and time.  I baked it on 425 for 10 to 15 minutes.  It makes 4, 9" pizzas.  With one of them, I stretched it out, brushed with olive oil and dusted with Italian seasoning.  Crispy pita type chips were the end result and were great dipped in some homemade hummus.  Here's a pic of one of the pizzas topped with chicken, broccoli and onions.  Oh, with the pizza dough, it uses ALL whole wheat flour, no white flour, AND it is yummy - who knew?  I ended up adding a tiny bit more water than called for to pick up the wheat flour bits at the bottom of the food processor and thought I botched the whole thing.  After the rising process though, it just all melded together and was actually a really nice, easy to work with dough, unlike other times I've handled whole wheat flour.

AUNT RAE'S HUMMUS

• 4 or 5 cloves of garlic (BAM)
• 1 can of chick peas
• 1-2 Tablespoons Peanut Butter (I live in the Panhandle of FL and therefore rarely have Tahini on hand but Tahini is typically used)
• Juice of 1/2 a lemon - more if needed
• Salt to taste
• 1 Tablespoon Cumin (optional)
• Olive oil
• Water

In a food processor (you have to have a strong one or it can burn up your motor) process the garlic first.  Dump everything else in except the olive oil.  I imagine I use 2-3 tbsps of olive oil but I've never really measured.  Turn the food processor on and drizzle the olive oil in until processed well - usually looks a little grainy at this point.  I then add a little water, like 1/4 cup and more if needed until it looks smooth.  I think I read somewhere that water is the secret to a creamy consistency. Garnish with a little cilantro or pine nuts and a bit of olive oil in a happy puddle on top: Ok, I never do this but like when I have bought it at the store that way!  Dip in with corn chips, pita chips, celery, carrots - use your imagination.

2 pics: One of the hummus fixin's and one of the hummus and pizza dough pita chips.

Peace!

Coco In Pictures (Scroll slowly and take it alllll in)

I spent several days at the beach last week.  Very enjoyable time was had spending time with Aunt Genie, Niece Casey and Cousin Joan.
I don't think I have ever seen Coco sleep as hard as she did when I took these pics.  She probably wore herself out barking at the passersby and fell asleep in the window sill.  Enjoy!

\

Her nose was cold.

I did end up waking her up.  LOOK at that face!

Awww, and then the signature roll over for a tummy rub!

Peace!

Palm Sunday

I like this pic with all its pomp - a short lived sentiment. 

Alaqua Animal Refuge

Time flies but pigs don't.  I can't believe it was last April when we took Casey's pig to the Alaqua Animal Refuge near Niceville, FL.  I was so taken with the place, I took loads of pictures.  They took us on a tour.  It's a no kill shelter with full medical staff.

Here are the particulars from the back of one of their vans.

Florida vernacular cat houses!

Medical quarantine houses.

Livestock runs.

Horse in need of a home and state of the art barn.

Medical staff and family of the place consulting about Jack the potbellied pig.  I don't know why I took no pics of him.  Sis Cheryl and Casey were sad.  We just couldn't handle him.

More particulars.  Here is a link to their site: http://www.aarflorida.com/

Peace

VESTAL!

Folks, here is another vintage Vestal and the Happy Goodman Family number for your listening and viewing pleasure.   Southern Gospel in its prime...  I remember watching folks like this on the Dothan, Alabama TV (WTVY?) channel before church in the 1980's.  Local groups would also visit our country Baptist church.  There is something about the blending of the blues, bluegrass sound with the intensity of the harmonies all melded together by the message that still stuns me.

Peace!

Flannery O'Connor's Voice!

In my twenties, I was quite taken with Tennessee Williams.  In middle age, I am quite turned off by his decadence.  Naturally, Flannery O'Connor takes his place in my literary life what with her unwavering redemptive and Catholic themes and her Southern caricatures.  I remember being tirelessly (overstatement) dedicated to finding Tennessee in motion or audio.  Being that was the nineties, it took some time to dig up a Bio video.  My problem where Flannery is concerned only took a few minutes with the World Wide Web of trivial folks blogging away (ahem).  Hearing both Tenn and Flann were equally exciting - I'm just sayin'!  Her voice drips with the distortion of the English language only her time and place could produce - rural Georgia in the mid Twentieth Century.  There's a rounding of certain vowel sounds you only hear in our ancient folks.  This is a must hear: http://themorningoil.blogspot.com/2008/09/flannery.html

Enjoy!

Peace!

Uncle Wally

My Uncle Wally passed away Tuesday, Feb 23rd at 4:30 p.m after a heroic battle with colon cancer.  His 3 daughters (Carla, Karen and Kathy) and wife (Genie) were at his side at the farm house in Chipley.  I think my favorite memory is of him giving the farm house a fresh coat of paint wearing khaki shorts, Docksiders, plaid shirt and the ever present fishing hat.

Love ya, Uncle Wally. 

What's for Lunch Mama Gladys? Lima Beans and Cornpone

I'm at my parents for a week or so, awaiting test results.   Coco and I made the treck over yesterday afternoon from Navarre.  Mom is currently hitting my chair with the vacuum cleaner, so I lost my train of thought.  Not hard to do.  Perhaps Mama Gladys is trying to tell me something?

All houses are just about full on the compound today.  Uncle Tom and Aunt Lorraine, the folks who are usually ALWAYS home have been in Birmingham for about 3 weeks.  Aunt Lorraine is battling some complications from a gall bladder that was removed back in the fall.  She is on the mend finally after some hairy episodes.  I love when there are lots of people on the place.  I visited with the Comegys' last night and plan to have a bowl of chili with the McDaniels' tonight.  Delightful!  I would much rather convalesce here, so my cranky self can be spread among many, not just a few.  It's also so beautiful.  I can look at the very full pond (hooray for rain) or look up at a sky full of stars at night.

The pic is of a meal Mama Gladys fixed back in October: lima beans and rice, cornpone, spinach salad, bread and butter pickles, and you guessed it - sweet tea.  Dad's hand can be seen at the right of the photo.  It's pretty much always like that while he is eating.  Just a sentimental tidbit.

Peace!

Trying New Things

I've been thinking of changing over to Wordpress.  In fact, I've already exported everything over.  I think I'm going to stick with Blogspot.  The reasons for changing were:

1. It looked more sleak, or so I thought.
2. I thought I could move all of my posts into page-like formats.  That wasn't the case.  AND now Blogspot has the same page feature - both are for static pages only.

Like the numbering feature above?  Yes, it really wasn't necessary to numerate just two reasons, but it shows Blogger's new added features to posting.  I can also cross out stuff.  gobledeygook.    There are others also like adding color, fonts, and the like.

Anyway.  Hmmm what type of pic can I use to illustrate this housekeeping type post...

This pic of the blow up doll included with my cna class is the choice  When I put it on another post I suddenly got loads of visitors.  I wonder why?  :)  The experimenting continues.

A Video About Medjugorje

A fascinating video about a claimed miracle at Medjugorje. Also, the video skims the surface of how the Church recognizes such happenings. VIDEO IS IN ITALIAN. YOU CAN SEE ENGLISH SUBTITLES BY PRESSING THE CC KEY ON THE YOUTUBE PLAYER. WHO KNEW?

Hope all is well with everyone. I am back at Cheryl's in Navarre. I have some sort of autoimmune disease it appears. I'm having a bunch of tests done.

Peace!