SEC Predictions - Rivalry Week

 Good morning kids, hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by family and friends.  I know some of you are celebrating today and others have a secondary Thanksgiving tomorrow.  Well done in stretching it out.

For those of you not hitting the stores today in search of that perfect Black Friday gift but are staying home in a post-Thanksgiving coma wanting to do nothing but sit in the recliner and watch college football.  Well, I'm with you.

It is rivalry week, traditionally the final weekend of the regular season.  It is the perfect ending to the Thanksgiving festivities.  Fire up the 72-inch HD, have snacks within arm's reach, as well as copious amounts of your favorite beverage chilling in the fridge.  Truly, life doesn't get much better than this.

Last week, I went 3-1 in conference games, somehow thinking Florida might beat Tennessee, not my best moment, and 8-1 in all games.  As we enter the final week, my record stands at 42-16 in SEC games, and 93-24 overall.  Let's see if we can't get to 100 on this final week.

We have three games today and then seven on Saturday, and all of them should be really good.  Ok, on to the predictions.

Friday games

Ole Miss at Mississippi State - 11a - ABC - As much as I love Mississippi State, there just is no way I see them winning the Egg Bowl.  The main story here, and what most SEC fans are waiting for, especially in Mississippi, Florida and Louisiana, is what will Ole Miss Coach Lane Kiffin do?  He is being offered obscene amounts of money to leave the Rebels and coach the Gators or LSU.  Will he stay or will he go?  He has promised an answer after the game.  Of course that could mean tomorrow.  Either way, the Kiffin saga will soon be over.  Ole Miss 44, Miss. State 21

Georgia at Georgia Tech - 2.30p - ABC - This game will be played in the Mercedes Benz Dome in downtown Atlanta.  The Bulldogs are their customary 10-1, while the Rambling Wreck of Georgia Tech are a surprising 9-2.  I didn't see that coming.  Still, Georgia, who has played really well lately, should dispatch their Atlanta neighbors.  Georgia 35, Georgia Tech 17

Texas A&M at Texas - 6.30p - ABC - This is the game we've been waiting for.  This incredible, fiery, intra-state rivalry was interrupted over a decade ago when the Aggies left the Big XII for the SEC along with Missouri (who lost their big rival Kansas in the move).  But now that Texas has arrived, the rivalry is back, and there is much rejoicing.  Don't you know the Longhorns would love nothing better than to corral the undefeated Aggies.  This will be fun.  A&M 34, Texas 31 

Saturday games

Kentucky at Louisville - 11a - ACC - This will be the game to watch in the Commonwealth, not so much anywhere else.  I'm taking the Cardinals in a spirited game.  Louisville 28, Kentucky 20

Clemson at South Carolina - 11a - SEC - Ok, now we are back to a rivalry game with passion.  The usually powerful Clemson Tigers are a pedestrian 6-5, while Gamecocks are a disappointing 4-7.  Doesn't matter, Dabo goes hole with the "L".  South Carolina 33, Clemson 28

Missouri at Arkansas - 2.30p - SEC - M and I will be driving to St. Louis tomorrow from Arkansas to see Mom, and I hope I am in the old hometown in time to see this one, otherwise I'll be listening on Sirius.  Mizzou is 7-4 after starting 5-0.  Arkansas is a dismal 2-9.  The Razorbacks have been scoring a boatload of points under interim coach Bobby Petrino, but unfortunately for the Hogs, they have been giving up boatloads of points.  The Mizzou offense has sputtered in recent weeks, they only scored six against Oklahoma last week.  I can see, I can see Arkansas winning this game.  I hope they don't, but this is an upset waiting to happen.  Missouri 38, Arkansas 36

Vanderbilt at Tennessee - 2.30p - ESPN - The Commodores are 9-2 and I hope they beat the fire out of Tennessee.  But this game is in Knoxville, not Nashville.  The Vols looked good against Florida last week, so I'll pick them, but this too, will be very, very close.  Tennessee 31, Vandy 28

LSU at Oklahoma - 2.30p - ABC - If you are an LSU fan, you want this game over quickly so you can name Lane Kiffin as your new coach.  Seriously, can you imagine the fan reaction across the great state of Louisiana if Kiffin stays at Ole Miss or decides he likes swordfish better than gumbo or crawfish etouffee?  Oklahoma 42, LSU 22

Florida State at Florida - 3.30p - ESPN2 - Way back in week one, the Seminoles defeated Alabama.  Remember that?  Afterward, they went into a deep dive for a month or so, but they have found a pulse and are playing better.  Florida?  The poor Gators, they are this year's dumpster fire in the SEC.  But hey, at least they won the Men's Basketball championship this year, so they have that going for them. Florida State 40, Florida 21

Alabama at Auburn - 6.30p - ABC - The Iron Bowl, It just means more, right?  Auburn would probably sell their souls to win this game or double their payout to Hugh Freeze to win this game.  It will be close, very close, probably too close for Alabama fans.  But the Tide will prevail.  Alabama 30, Auburn 23

Ok kids, that is it.  Enjoy your family times and enjoy watching SEC football together.  See you down the road.  Be kind to each other.

Blessings and Gratitude

 I mentioned the other day how Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  That hasn't changed, it still is.  But I want to look at Thanksgiving for what it is, A time set aside for the nation to give thanks for the bounty we produce, for giving thanks for the blessings we receive and showing gratitude to God for all of it.

For much of my life in worship we would sing a song called "Count Your Many Blessings."  Here is the first verse.

"When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost, count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done."

I love this song, because it is a reminder to me of the many, many blessings I have.  

Every morning, when I usually have my quiet time, I will frequently count my blessings and give thanks for them, because I feel my life has been one continuous blessing, and I have been blessed far more than I deserve.

Now, if I were to name all of my blessings, it would be a long list and you probably would give up reading it before you reached the end.  So this list will be abbreviated.  These are the things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving season, 2025

-  First and foremost, I am grateful I have a God who loves me, who cares for me and wants me to succeed, who gave his Son to die for me.  There is nothing even remotely close to this blessing.

-  I am thankful for Marilyn (M).  There are no words for me to describe the blessing she is in my life.  My best friend, my life partner.  She makes me want to be the best person I can be and I look forward to spending eternity with her

-  I am so thankful for my mother, for her strength, her example, her character.  Mom has had a tough year.  She turned 89 last month, and in this calendar year, she has fractured her pelvis, broken her nose, broken a toe, and broken her femur.  She has had breast cancer and had COVID.  She and my step-father Tom have also moved from their home to an assisted living facility.  That is a lot to deal with at any age, yet she has met every challenge.  Sure there have been some setbacks, but she has survived each one.  

She will spend this Thanksgiving at a residential rehab facility in St. Louis.  Not a problem, she is continuing to have an influence on everyone she meets, meeting the workers, hearing their stories.  Every day she tells me about a staff member she has met.  The girl from Puerto Rico who loves baseball and Yadier Molina.  The woman from Bosnia who even though she holds advanced degrees still does service work at the rehab.  Just yesterday she told me about one of the maintenance men, who raised his twin daughters after their mother, his wife, died when she was 40.  I am so thankful she is still with us.

- I am so thankful for my two sons, Barclay and Clayton, and the joy they bring me.  Just so proud of them.  I am also thankful for their wives, Sarah and Mimi, two wonderful daughters-in-law.

- I am thankful for those two adorable red-headed grandchildren, Eleanor and Isaac.  There are no words.

- I am thankful for my brother Barry, and since he has retired, we talk so much more frequently

-  As you can tell, I am so very grateful for my family (mine and M's), near and far.  Each is special, and I love them all dearly.

- I am still grateful, as I have been for 60-plus years, for baseball

- I am grateful for my church family at Sherrod Ave.  When we moved to the Shoals 11 years ago, I literally knew no one.  Sure there are a half-dozen congregations closer to our home, but it is the people, the friendships I have made, the people I love deeply, including our minister Justin Pannell, who I still feel responsible for.

-  I am thankful for the women of our small group, Joy Winn, Martha Jenkins, Linda Bogus, Jean Greenhill and Janis Kennedy.  What wonderful, wonderful ladies.  I would be remiss and in trouble if I did not mention some other of our senior ladies at church who just fill my heart every time I see them.   Edra Westmoreland (the best hugs), Margie Isom, Peggy Murphy, Sonia Denton, Judy Odom and others I am sure I am forgetting

-  I am thankful for the church on Hilton Head.  We get to worship with them five or six times a year, and they always treat us like family.  Fred McClure, their minister is a good man and a student of the word.  They are a welcoming oasis to the traveler needing a place to worship

-  I am thankful for Alabama weather, especially in the winter

-  I am thankful M and I travel as much as we do.  There is so much to see in this world

-  I am thankful for Donnie Daugherty.  My brother from another mother.  Our friendship started with a weekly breakfast (the best friendships start with food).  We have had some similar heartaches, but he has endured much the past couple years.  He is resilient, he loves God, and he is an inspiration

-  I am so thankful for Ken Springer.  Our brains are pretty much set tuned to the same frequency.  So many times we've had each other's back.  Friends like him are so very rare.

-  I am thankful for Jeff Walton.  The more I get to know him, the more I appreciate his study and understanding of God's word

-   I am so thankful for Allison Blair.  In the first nine years we were at Sherrod, Allison and I probably talked three times.  Since then, well, more than three times.  Our friendship began with a comment about Converse tennis shoes.   Since that first discussion we have discovered we share political views, a warped sense of humor, divorce and other things.  I call her Momma Smurf.  She has been through much but yet overcomes.

-  I am grateful for my friendships with Justin McGill, Caleb Danley and Will Young, who have decided I have some wisdom to share.  I do pray I don't disappoint them.

- I am grateful for the friends of my youth that I still communicate with.  For Bruce Chilton, Sam Bates, Lisa Moon, Sandy Smith, Paige Brown, Daryl Simmons and Linda Richardson.  I love all of these kids, all of whom I've known for 60 years

-  I am grateful I can walk.  Prior to my hip replacement, I was convinced I would never walk unaided again.  God didn't just lay his hand on me, he draped his whole body on me.

-  I am thankful for you, the readers of this blog.  For your comments, even when you disagree.

-  Finally, I am grateful for life.  I am blessed beyond what I deserve, I have the best wife, everywhere I look I see God's handiwork.  Life is very, very good.

Give thanks.  Count your blessings, be nice to everyone you meet.  See you down the road.

 

Thanksgiving As a Kid: A Look Back

 Let me be among the first to wish you a very happy Thanksgiving.  I know, the official Turkey Day is still a few days away, but we got ours started early this year.  The Sherrod Ave. Church of Christ, where M and I attend, had their annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner after worship this morning.  The gym was full of tables and chairs and there was a hungry person in almost every seat as the smell of smoked turkey hung heavily over those gathered.

In this edition of Baseball, God and Tacos, I want to look back at the early Thanksgiving Days of my youth, say from about 1964 to 1970.  Keep in mind, these are recollections as I remember them.  My brother Barry and my mom, the only other two alive from those days, might have different recollections.  To be honest, theirs may be right, but this is how I remember them.

I remember the morning started early.  We were usually awakened about 7 or 7.30 for breakfast.  I don't remember it being anything special, that meal would come later in the day, but it could have been oatmeal or pancakes, or a bowl of Cheerios pr Frosted Flakes.

Once breakfast was over, Barry and I would head to the bedroom we shared, where our clothes for the day were laid out for us, at least in those early years.  We dressed nice for the day, the clothes we put on were not quite our church clothes, but they were pretty nice.  Mom and dad dressed like they were going out for dinner.

Once we left our house in the St. Louis suburb of Overland, we would the 20 miles or so to downtown St. Louis for the first stop of the day.  Once we parked, we would casually stroll through downtown St. Louis, along with hundreds of others, looking at the Christmas windows in the department stores.  I remember looking at the numerous windows of Famous-Barr, Boyd's, Stix, Baer & Fuller, stores that now only exist in our memories.  I know what you are thinking, didn't I see this in the Christmas classic, "Christmas Story?"  Well yes and no.  This was Missouri, not Indiana, it was Thanksgiving, not Christmas, and there was no snow on the ground.  But there were lots of Christmas windows to look at and dream about.

After 45 minutes or so, with the gawking behind us, it was back in the car to head to my Granny Red's home in south St. Louis.  My dad's mother, we called her Granny Red because, well, she had red hair.  Made sense to me.

One thing I have to tell you about my two grannies.  First, I was blessed to have both of them until I was 45 years old.  I will forever be grateful for that.  Second, my Granny Dalton, mom's mom, was an incredibly good cook.  There was never a bad meal at her house. Ever.  My favorites were her meatloaf, her coconut cream pie, her apricot fried pies and her homemade bread.  I'm getting a little teary just thinking about it.

My Granny Red on the other hand, bless her heart, would have trouble boiling water.  She was not a good cook, and fortunately for the rest of us, she knew she wasn't a good cook and didn't try to fake it.  Except on Thanksgiving.  She always made the turkey and dressing.  Papa John, my step-grandfather, worked for the St. Louis Zoo, and every Thanksgiving, received a free turkey from the zoo.  But somehow, someway, she always managed to cook a perfect turkey with dressing.  Sixty years later, I still don't know how she accomplished it.

Granny Red was also way ahead of her time.  When we would arrive at their home on Fyler, just off Hampton. you could be assured of three things.  As soon as you walked through the door, there was the pleasing aroma of turkey.  Secondly, there was football from Tiger Stadium in Detroit, where the Lions would be playing the Bears or Vikings or some other northern team.  Lastly, and here is where she gets kudos, she would have on the table a small tray filled with sliced cheddar, salami and pepperoni, black olives, sweet gherkins and Ritz crackers.  Granny Red, back in the mid 60's was putting out for a pre-dinner snack what she called "Grazings," you know, like we would graze like cattle.  Which we did.  This is at least 50 years before anyone ever heard of a charcuterie board.

About 3.30 or 4, while it was still daylight, we said our good-byes and piled back in the car.  I'm pretty sure I slept on the 20-minute journey to Grandpa and Granny Dalton's, who also lived in Overland, just a couple blocks from us.  Granny would have some pumpkin pie, some coffee for the adults, and we would once again have dessert.

The day would end well after dark, and we would make the three-or-four-minute drive home, go inside and Barry and I would crash in our bed.  Mom would come in and get our good clothes off of us, because we did not have enough sense, or were just too tired to do it ourself.

Every time Thanksgiving week comes around, I have the same memories, memories which I just described.  They are so real, like they just happened last year.  I cherish them deeply.

I will not be with either one of my sons and their families this year, in fact, I haven't in a number of years.  Barclay is in Georgia, and Clayton is in California, and they are surrounded by their spouse's families.  It's sad to not be with them, but I am grateful they are with family and making memories.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  More so than Christmas, more so than the Fourth of July more so than Opening Day of the baseball season.  Nothing really comes close.

I'm grateful we will be with Marilyn's family on Thursday in Arkansas, then on Saturday we will drive to St. Louis, and I'll be with Mom for a few days.

For 68 years I have been blessed far beyond what I deserve.  I am thankful for many things in my life, my parents and grandparents, for Marilyn and her family, for Barclay and Clayton.  But what I am most thankful for is that God loves me.  There is no love on Earth that can top that.

Have a wonderful week my friends, I hope you have opportunity to be with family this week.  Know that I love and appreciate each one of you as well.  Thank you for being family and being my friends.  Be safe and be kind to each other.

SEC Predictions - Week 13

 Bonjour mon ami, it is a very, very foggy morning in Tuscumbia, Alabama.  A great time to look at Saturday's football schedule and make some predictions.

Had another decent week last week, only missing two contests.  Alabama dominated Oklahoma on the stat-sheet, but they also turned the ball over three times and gift-wrapped a victory to the Sooners.  Merry Christmas Oklahoma.  I have to admit, Georgia played much better than I expected. against Texas.   Look out the rest of college football.  For the week, I went 4-2 in conference games, giving me a 39-15 record in SEC games, and 6-2 overall, giving this prognosticator an 85-23 record in all games.

We have some good ones this week, on to the show.

Samford at Texas A&M - 11a - SEC - Our friends from Birmingham venture to Kyle field for a beating and a fat paycheck.  After last week's debacle against South Carolina, A&M gets a nice scrimmage before next week's game against Texas.  The Aggies will score early and often and let the second and third string play the second half.   I 'm pretty sure I won't be watching this game.  A&M 63, Samford 0

Missouri at Oklahoma - 11a - ABC - I will however be watching this one.  Back when I was growing up, there was this conference called the Big 8.  Oklahoma and Missouri were both members and they had some great games.  I guess anyone under 30 can google it.  Can Oklahoma maintain their momentum after beating Alabama?  Can Missouri and their explosive offense (except against A&M) score enough points?  Yeah, I'll be watching this one.  Oklahoma 34, Missouri 30

Charlotte at Georgia - 11.45a - SEC - I'm not sure the Charlotte Panthers could beat the Bulldogs, much less the Charlotte 49ers.  49ers?  Seriously?  Georgia is favored by 43.5 points.  That pretty much tells you everything you need to know.  Georgia 56, Charlotte 7

Mercer at Auburn - 1p - SEC - Geez, what is with all the cupcakes this week?  As the old saying goes, "there ought to be a law."  I won't be watching this one either.  I haven't said this often, but I think the Tigers will win.  Auburn 48, Mercer 10

Eastern Illinois at Alabama - 1p - SEC - Zzzzzzzzzz.  Seriously, it is embarrassing.  Alabama 55, Eastern Illinois 7

Arkansas at Texas - 2.30p - ABC - Back when I was growing up, there was this conference called the Southwest Conference.  Arkansas and Texas were both members and they had some great games.  Remember 1969?  Nixon was there.  Texas was No. 1, Arkansas was No. 2, and the Longhorns won 15-14 on a cold, December Saturday in Fayetteville.  If I squint just enough, I can see Darrell Royal and Frank Broyles on the sidelines.  More than once, if this game was played at night, my dad, who grew up in Arkansas, would fine tune the AM dial on the radio to 1090, KAAY in Little Rock and listen to the game.  Good times kids, good times.   Texas 27, Arkansas 24

Kentucky at Vanderbilt - 2.30p - ESPN - You know, the Wildcats have been a little feisty lately, so they might give Vandy a little trouble.  If I weren't watching the game above, I might be watching this one.  Still, the Commodores should prevail in Nashville.  Vandy 33, Kentucky 24

Coastal Carolina at South Carolina - 3.15p - SEC - To go with the Demon Deacons, Banana Slugs and Ragin Cajuns, Coastal Carolina has one of my favorite names.  The Chanticleers.  Just let that roll off your tongue a few times.  Now try it with a French accent.  Kind of cool isn't it.  Alas, the 138-mile drive from Conway, SC to Columbia, SC will be in vain.  The rooster will not be beating the gamecock, though now that I think about it, that might be more exciting than the game.  South Carolina 43, Coastal Carolina 21

Tennessee at Florida - 6.30p - ABC - The Vols are 7-3, the Gators are 3-7.  Still the competitive balance of the SEC is on display as the Vols are only favored by four points.   This will be a good one to end the day on.  Upset in the swamp.  Florida 31, Tennessee 28

Western Kentucky at LSU - 6.45p - SEC - There are three SEC teams I root for on a weekly basis, Missouri, Alabama and LSU.   The Hilltoppers make a trip to Death Valley only to find a hungry Tiger waiting.  Well, hope they at least enjoyed the crawfish etouffee.   LSU 45, Western Kentucky 17

Ok kids, still foggy out.  Guess I'll go make some breakfast.  Have a wonderful weekend and root responsibly.

The Best Thing I Ever Ate

 A few years ago, I think it was before COVID, I did a series of posts on Facebook entitled "The Best Thing I Ever Ate."  It was born from seeing a series on the Food Network with that title.  I think I did 10 posts with various succulent dishes from around the country.

I know it is hard to believe, but I do like to eat and it really doesn't matter where they are.  I like some things at chain restaurants, diners, shacks by the side of the road, or even places where a sport coat is mandatory.  

As is the case with all of us, we experience new foods that become our favorites and things we thought we liked get pushed off the list. 

With the blog, I have a new format and thus will make a new list, Dalton's own, "The 12 Best Things I Ever Ate."   For clarity, these are in no particular order, just writing them down as I go through my notes.  Who knows, maybe you have tried one of these.

Crawfish Etouffee Omelet - Oak Alley Plantation - Vacherie, Louisiana - Might as well start with a breakfast item.  A perfectly cooked three-egg omelet with crawfish and gruyere on the inside with more crawfish and sauce on the top.  Served with a hot biscuit with butter, molasses, a bowl of grits and a piping hot cup of Community coffee.  I defy you to find a better breakfast anywhere

Sirloin Burger with Cheese - O'Connell's Pub - St. Louis, Missouri - Located at the intersection of Kingshighway and Shaw in south St. Louis, once you walk in, it may take a minute of two to adjust your eyes to adjust.  It is dark inside, the lights, the walls, the table and chairs.  You walk through the pub to get to the eating area.  They have a wonderful roast beef sandwich, but it is their sirloin burger that gets your heart pumping.  Eight ounces of pure ground sirloin, topped with a generous amount of melted cheddar cheese.  There is a slice of sweet onion and a pickle spear.  I always topped mine with a splash or two of Lea and Perrin's.  Served with hot fries and a cold Coca-Cola, it is lunch fit for a king.

Hawaiian Delight - Ted Drewe's - St. Louis, Missouri - About three miles west of O'Connell's sits Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, whose Chippewa location has been in business for about 75 years.  They serve frozen custard, and one flavor, vanilla.  But they have sundaes, and concretes that you can add items to.  The concrete is a super thick shake that got its name because once itis made, they hold it upside down and nothing falls out, kind of like concrete.  More than once after leaving O'Connell's I would make my way to Ted Drewes and order a Hawaiian Delight sundae.  A single serving of frozen custard topped with pineapple, banana, coconut and macadamia nuts.  Need I say more?

Beehive Cake - Basque Boulangerie - Sonoma, California - While we are on the subjects of dessert.  It was Labor Day weekend in 2018, Marilyn and I were in northern California, and were having a nice lunch at this lovely French bakery just off the square in Sonoma. We had just finished our lunch and were about to leave when someone walked by carrying a piece of this cake, Our eyes met and without a word being said, Marilyn got up and went and ordered a slice for us to share. A moist cake, with a custard filling topped with a honey almond praline, this was indeed one of the best things I ever ate.

Ooh-la-la - Henry's Louisiana Grill - Acworth, Georgia - I do love Cajun food and my son Barclay introduced me to Henry's. Located on old town Acworth near the railroad track, their menu has everything to satisfy any Louisiana native. Chef Henry, the long-haired hippie chef and proprietor of the restaurant, is constantly walking around, working the room, handing out beads to everyone in attendance. The first time I tried the "Ooo-la-la," my reaction was this is one of the best things I have ever eaten, and subsequent trips to Henry's have not made me change my mind. It is shrimp, oysters or crawfish, or if you prefer (like me), all three, that has been flash-fried, that has been tossed with spinach, tasso and roasted garlic, in a spicy Cajun cream sauce, and served over angel hair pasta. It is a phenomenal dish and worth the trip anytime you are close to Atlanta.

Char-broiled Oysters - Drago's - Metairie, Louisiana - M and I were in New Orleans to catch a cruise ship and had gone down a day early. A friend of mine in Arkansas had said, you really need to go to Drago's and have the char-broiled oysters. Now to this point, I had never eaten a baked oyster, I just knew I did not care for the raw ones. When we got ready to order, we could order a half-dozen or a dozen. Not knowing whether or not we would like them, we only ordered a half-dozen. When they arrived they were sizzling in the shell. Broiled oysters covered with butter, garlic, melted parmesan cheese and white wine. They are advertised as "The single best bite of food in New Orleans." That my friends is an understatement.

Ghost-pepper Pimento Cheese burger - Shoals Shack - St. Florian, Alabama - I just had this dish last week and is what got me thinking about redoing this list. Literally located in a shack just off the Big Star parking lot on the Old Jackson Highway (Ala. 47) north of Florence, if you eat one of their creations, prepare to be blown away. I saw an online ad for this burger and knew immediately I had to have one. A single patty cooked well, no bleeding there, topped with a mixture of pimento cheese and ghost peppers, bacon, pickles, field greens and apricot jam. The explosion of flavors makes it feel like your mouth has tripped out. It is that good. The ghost pepper, according to Wikipedia, has over a million Scoville units. That is 170 times hotter than the hottest red chili pepper. Mixed with the pimento cheese and the apricot jam tempered it some not, but not much. At one point, both my eyes were watering, my nose was watering, and my sinuses may never clog up again. And I was happy! I wanted to go back the next day and get another one. But I didn't

Fried Green Tomato BLT - The Rookery - Macon, Georgia - Another newcomer to this list, M and I stopped here earlier this spring on the way to HHI. Not wanting a burger, I was looking for something different and I found it. Generous portions of applewood smoked bacon, a thick fried green tomato, lettuce, fresh chevre, with a sun-dried tomato remoulade all on toasted country buttermilk bread. Man, that was good.

Rigatoni Carbonara - Pasta House - St. Louis, Missouri - Ok, another from the old hometown. Carbonara is by far my favorite sauce, and the Pasta House has the best. Fried pancetta, mixed with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, an egg or two and you have a dish that will stick with you for days. Great with some crunchy Italian bread and some freshly ground pepper over the top. Deliziosa!

Pea Saute' - Pier 44 - Hattiesburg, Mississippi - On our way to Louisiana on day we stopped in Hattiesburg for the night. We asked desk clerk to recommend a local eatery for dinner, and he recommended Pier 44, which was only about five minutes from where we were staying. One of two appetizers on the list, an incredible collection of foods that make the mouth scream with delight. It is field peas, cooked with bacon, okra, tomatoes, roasted garlic aioli and sweet cornbread. I am not exaggerating when I saw it is one of the best things I ever put in my mouth.

Zydeco Shrimp - Boudreaux and Thibodeaux - Houma, Louisiana - We happened upon this place one Sunday afternoon while deep in the swamp and decided to stop. We are glad we did. To be honest, I don't remember what I had for dinner, but I do remember the appetizer. Lightly battered crispy fried popcorn shrimp, coated with a sweet and tangy sauce served on a bed of cole slaw. I've been looking for something similar for four years and have yet to find anything close. I'll keep trying

Blackened Grouper - Sea Shack - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - A place that is easy to drive right by, we discovered it about 20 years ago and it is my favorite place on the island. The entire menu is on a white board with different colored markers. The resh fish are listed, and you can have them blackened, fried or grilled. There is also the choice of having it in a sandwich or on the plate with fries and cole slaw. I prefer the filet and always, always ask for extra blackened seasoning. Yes, my head sweats as I eat it, but without question it is the best fresh fish I will eat during my time on the island. I must add, the red fish is exceptional as well as the blackened gator and the conch fritters. Be sure and get the remoulade sauce with the blackened gator bites.

Hope you have enjoyed this culinary journey. There are many other things I could have mentioned, but these 12 should give you something to talk about. I'd love to hear if you have been to any of them.

Have a great rest of the week. Be kind to each other.

Potpourri - Vol. 4

 Hey y'all.  I am not going to beat around the bush; it has been a tough week.  As you probably know my mother fell last week and broke her femur just below the hip.  She had surgery on Sunday and was moved to rehab on Thursday.  Her leg is doing decent; her pain is now quite manageable.  It is her mental state that is now more of a problem, as she is confused a great deal and has become agitated at times.

There are several things I want to write about in blogs, but I have decided to do just a potpourri and list the highlights and lowlights of my stream of consciousness.

*  M and I got home Thursday night after being gone 23 of the last 24 days.  My bed never felt so good.

*  During this ordeal with my mother, and I have mentioned this before, I have been reminded what a great group of friends I have been blessed with.  I hope I never, ever take them for granted.

*  For some reason, for the past two weeks or so, I have had the "Looney Tunes Theme Song (This is It)" on a continuous loop in my head.  Not just the tune, but words!  Come on now, sing along... Overture, curtain, lights.  This it, the night of nights.  No more rehearsing or nursing a part, we know every part by heart!  Overture, curtain, lights, this is it, you'll hit the heights.  And oh what heights we'll hit, on with the show this is it.  Tonight what heights we'll hit, on with the show this is it!  You're welcome

*  Have you ever been to Scooters Coffee on 43 east of Cox Creek in Florence?  I stopped there a couple weeks ago and had a coconut latte'.  Oh. My. Goodness.  Of course, I would probably eat cardboard if it had coconut on it

*  I am convinced that Alabama Senator Tommy Turbeville is just not very smart.   I would love to see him on "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader."  I already know the answer.  This man is totally out of touch and has no clue how government, state or federal, works.  Come on Alabama, you're smarter than this

* As M and I were going through three weeks of mail yesterday, I opened an envelope from Capital One, obviously wanting me to get another credit card.  I got a kick out of the opening line which informed me I had been "conditionally approved" for this new Card.  In other words they were saying, "we notice you are still breathing."  Morons

* Have I ever told you I have a great-aunt who is 102 and still lives by herself?  She has given up driving but still cooks.  Blows me away.

*  You know I spent most of my growing up years in the St. Louis area and consider it my hometown.  I was there for six days this past week, but every time I am there, I remind myself I have no desire to ever live there again.

*  We had a men's breakfast at church this morning.  One of our deacons, James Nipper, gave a very interesting report on his work with the West Africa Water project in Ghana.  One of the questions was did he feel safe in Ghana.  James made me smile when he said, "I feel safer in Ghana than I do in Memphis."  He said the fine citizens of Ghana do stare at him, but it is because he is white.  I pretty much feel the same way about Memphis

*  I ate a lot of fresh fish while we were on Hilton Head.  Something satisfying about eating seafood for dinner that was swimming earlier that day.  I love my fresh seafood to be blackened, with lots of spices.  Spicier the better.

*  I was talking to my good friend Donnie Daugherty last night and we were talking about Thanksgiving.  He told me at the Daugherty family Thanksgiving, they were not going to have turkey in the traditional sense.  They are going to have nothing but turkey legs and wings.  Smoked.  I asked if it was too late for him to adopt me

*  Why is it that gas in Corinth is 25-30 cents a gallon less than everywhere else in Alabama, Mississippi or Tennessee.   While I had earlier paid $2.62 a gallon in Muscle Shoals, in Corinth I paid $2.34.  Go figure.

*  Release the Epstein Files

*  Despite being frequently confused, my mother has maintained her sense of humor.  One evening I was sitting by her bed chatting and the nurse asked the name of her husband.  Without my missing a beat, my mom said, "well, sometimes it is Arnold (my late father), and sometimes it is Tom (my step-father)

*  Just a friendly reminder way back in March I picked the Dodgers to win the World Series.  Here is another secret, I was rooting for the Blue Jays.

*  While in St. Louis last weekend, my brother Barry one day lost the key FOB to his F-150 for about five hours before finding it.  It is amazing how little things like that can bring our life to a screeching halt.

*  I missed the Northern Lights this week, and that really ticks me off.  That is near the top of my bucket list

*  I voted for the Republican in every Presidential election from 1976 (Ford) through 2012 (Romney).  That is 10 elections.  But in the last three I have voted for the Libertarian or some other third-party candidate.  I no longer consider myself a Republican, but I really don't consider myself a Democrat either.  Guess I'm an Independent.  That's not a bad place to be.  I really want Lynne Cheney to run for President

*  I had a Ghost Pepper Pimento Cheese hamburger at Shoals Shack in St. Florian yesterday.  It was really good, but the star of the show was the Pecan Pie Bread Pudding with a bourbon sauce.  We took it home and had it for dessert last night.  It was fabulous.  I have a theory on bread pudding.  Either it is really good or its awful.  There is no in between.

*  If you are a Dolly Parton fan, may I encourage you to read "Ain't Nobody's Fool: The Life and Times of Dolly Parton," which was written by Martha Ackmann, who just happened to be my high school journalism teacher.  Miss Ackmann, as I sometimes still call her, has written a number of books on women who have made a difference, including Toni Stone and Emily Dickinson, as well as "The Mercury 13, women hired by NASA and their dream of spaceflight.  The Dolly Parton book will be released right after Christmas by St. Martin's Press 

*  I wonder what those sweet, red-headed grandkids are doing today.

Love y'all big time.  Be kind to each other.

SEC Predictions - Week 12

 It is only two weeks until Thanksgiving, which means the regular college football season is nearing a close.  Counting this week, most teams have only two or three games left.

We had an abbreviated prediction list last week, as I was traveling and spent a lot of time in the hospital in St. Louis with my mom.  She had surgery this past Sunday to repair a broken femur just below her hip.  The surgery went well, but there is a long rehab ahead, so keep her in your prayers.

Ok, looking at weeks 10 and 11, they were pretty good.  In week 10 I was 5-1 in both conference games and overall.  Last week I was 5-0 in conference games and 6-0 overall.  For the season, I am now 35-13 in SEC games, and 79-21 overall.  I can live with that.  Ok, on to this week's matchups.

South Carolina at Texas A&M - 11a - ESPN - The Aggies are number three in the nation and still undefeated.  It has been a bad year for South Carolina, and it is not going to get any better on Saturday.  A&M 42, South Carolina 16

Arkansas at LSU - 11,45a - SEC - This is sort of a rivalry game.  They do have a huge trophy that goes to the winner called "The Boot.  I foresee the Tigers of LSU, fresh off last week's loss to Alabama, to give Arkansas the "boot" to the Razorbacks in Death Valley.  This is really strange, seeing an LSU home game during daytime hours.  LSU 38, Arkansas 24

Tennessee Tech at Kentucky - 12.30p - SEC - The Mustangs of Tennessee Tech are 10-0.  But as Shania Twain sang a couple decades ago, "that don't impress me much."  Now Kentucky beating Florida last week, now that impressed me.  Kentucky 31, Tennessee Tech 23

Oklahoma at Alabama - 2.30p - ABC - You know, since their season opening embarrassing loss to Florida State, all Alabama has done is win.  That will continue.  Bama 29, Oklahoma 20

New Mexico State at Tennessee - 3.15p - SEC - Did you know New Mexico State is known as the Aggies?  You did?  Oh, ok, good job.  Did you know Tennessee is favored by 39.5 points?  A-ha, got you.  How do you get a half-point?  Tennessee 52, N.M. State 14

Florida at Ole Miss - 6p - ESPN - If I am Lane Kiffin, there is no way in the world I would leave Ole Miss for the Florida job.  That program is a dumpster fire.  The Gators basketball program is en fuego.  The Rebels win big in Oxford.  Ole Miss 40, Florida 17

Texas at Georgia - 6.30p - ABC - Georgia is favored by almost a touchdown.  I think that is a little generous.  In fact, I think Georgia is playing just inconsistent enough to lose.  I think I just talked myself into an upset.  Texas 28, Georgia 24

Mississippi State at Missouri - 6.45p - SEC - Mizzou hasn't looked nearly as good since they lost their starting to quarterback to injury.  The Bulldogs have had brief flashes of brilliance.  The Tigers only losses are to Alabama, Vandy and A&M.  That's not a bad trio of teams to lose to.  Mizzou 27, Miss. State 24

Ok, all eight game are there in print for your approval.  I know in our part of Alabama it is supposed to be near 80 on Saturday, so your conscience may be telling you, do I work in the yard or watch college football?  I think I'll be watching football.

Adios my friends.  Be nice to each other

Tough Old Bird

Hey friends...... just a few thoughts on the past few days after Mom fell and broke her leg.

* After getting word of the accident from my stepsister Kerry, I was able to get hold of Mom in the St. Luke's Hospital ER.  Mom said she had never felt pain like that.  Ever.  Keep in mind she gave birth to two boys with big heads.  (insert your own joke here)

* I was stunned when she said, my last wish is that "you two boys love each other."  She was referring to my brother Barry and me.  I told her we did love each other; that has never been an issue.  But it bothered me she was using words like "last wish" and "if you remember one thing."

* The day after the break, Barry began a two-day drive from Virginia to St. Louis.  On Friday, Marilyn and I began a two-day drive from South Carolina to St. Louis.  

*  For the most part, I took care of notifying all the friends and family on our side of the family.  I also kept a dozen or so of my friends up to date on everything that was happening, as well as Mom's longtime friends.

*  Mom's surgery on Friday to repair her broken femur, which was a spiral fracture just below the hip, was canceled almost before it began.  As they were administering the anesthesia, her blood pressure plummeted and her heartrate spiked.  They stopped immediately and put off surgery for at least 24 hours.

*  Fortunately, the heart issues were resolved with medicines, and she was able to rest, but still she was worried the end was near, and she was not shy in sharing that with Barry and me.  

*  As a general rule, I am not a worrier, but this incident had me concerned.  My younger son Clayton called me from California where he lives.  His question was simple and to the point.  "Dad, should I be worried?"   My answer was yes.  

*  The thing is, and this is what I told Clayton, in the last 18 months, my mother has broken a leg, cracked her pelvis, had a partial hip replacement, broken her nose, had COVID, had breast cancer, had no telling how many UTI's, has dealt with heart and blood pressure issues where it was rising to levels like 210/100.  She has been through a lot.  I told Clayton all of this and said, "You know son, she's 89 years old and has been through a lot in the last 18 months.  Her body may just be saying enough is enough."

*  I had never heard my mom talk like this.  Neither had M or Barry, and we discussed this a couple of times as we drove across America to the Gateway City.  I was thinking about her funeral wishes.  Did I know them?  Are they written down anywhere?  I knew some things, like she was going to be buried next to my dad in Pocahontas, Arkansas, and I knew she wanted congregational singing and one of the songs to be "Be With Me Lord," and she wanted as many of her grandkids as possible to serve as pallbearers.  But other than that, I didn't know much.   After the Friday scare, I was even mentally writing her obit in my head.

*  But in the words of that great movie, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," came this attitude from my mother.  Not spoken mind you, but definitely her attitude.  "I'm not dead yet."

*  When we arrived Saturday afternoon, we drove directly in the hospital.  When we got to the room, it was standing room only.  My brother was there, as was my step-father Tom.  My cousin Rene was there (youngest child of my 102-year-old great-aunt), as was longtime family friend Lisa Childs Moon (growing up, Lisa and Paige Staggs were the sisters I never had.).  Sitting in a chair across the room was Gail Wilson, Mom's best friend growing up, who now lives in Jonesboro, Arkansas.  I am not exaggerating when I say Mom and Gail have known each other for over 80 years.  When I talked to Gail on Friday to tell her about what was happening, her daughter Karen texted me about two hours later asking if it would be ok if they came up.  Gail wanted to see Mom.  I said there is nothing she would like more.

* During the visiting, talking and quietness after the guests left, mom's nurse Kellee was in and out, as she was on this Sunday.  She was the MVP.  She was never too busy to talk to Mom, answer our questions, explain medical terminology.  She even took 15 minutes this morning to read and dissect mom's MRI from yesterday.  I plan on writing St. Luke's praising her work.

*  When M and I left the hospital Saturday night, surgery to repair the shattered femur was set for Sunday morning.  We did not have an exact time, but were told Sundays were pretty laid back, so probably mid-to late morning.  Imagine my surprise this morning when Kellee calls me at 6.50 saying they are doing the surgery at 7.30, hurry up and get here if you want to see your mom.   Well, M was in the shower, so we didn't make it before they took her down to surgery.  Barry couldn't find his key FOB to his truck (he later did, yay), so he didn't make it either, nor did Tom.  As my friend Mike Rager said, "so much for laid-back."

*  The surgery took less than two hours.  She had no problems with the anesthesia, which we later found out was minimal.  When the surgeon Dr. Wegman called me at 10.12a, and I started talking to him, every conversation stopped and all eyes were on me.  When he told me she was in recovery and everything had gone well, I did the only thing I knew to do while talking to him.  I gave the others a "thumbs-up," and to quote Monty Python again, "there was much rejoicing."

*  Later, when Mom got back to the room, she was still groggy, a lot sleepy, but still alert enough to greet everyone in the room.  She hugged and was happy to see Tom, she reached out to Gail and let her older son kiss her on the forehead.  At one point, when it was just she and I, she said to me with very clear eyes, "I was scared."  She repeated those exact words to M later in the day.

* Mom has a long way to go.  She'll be in the hospital most of the week, then probably three or four weeks of residential rehab, followed by another four to six months of rehab, and she can forget driving for a while.

*  I don't know how close my mom was to dying.  I know Kellee was concerned, I know Barry's wife Sheila, who holds a doctorate in nursing and taught nursing on the university level for a dozen years or so years said it was "serious."  That was all I needed to know.

*  I am a strong believer in prayer.  I've seen prayers answered all my life.  I know God hears us; I truly believe that.  I also know sometimes the answer is no, and I accept God's will, his decisions.

*  I reached out to a lot of family, long-time friends of the family and asked them to pray for Mom.  Their prayers were heard, and I am very grateful for their love and concern and willingness to lift Mom up in prayer.

*  I am also going to list some people by name.  All of them are friends, and everyone I am comfortable calling at any time and saying, "I need your prayers."  These are the individuals I depend on, that I am closest to.  I am naming them because they are always there when I need them, no questions asked.  They include (alphabetically); Allison Blair, Donnie Daugherty, Kim Eastep, Justin McGill, Amanda Miller, Mike Rager, Ken Springer, Jeff Walton, and Will Young.  There are no words to describe how much I love these individuals.

*  Special thank you to Justin Pannell, our minister at Sherrod Ave, Kyle Johnson, the minister at Lafayette, where Mom and Tom attend, and Larry Owen, a retired minister whose wise counsel I treasure.

*  My three step-sibs, or if you prefer, my "bonus" sibs, Kim, Jeff and Kerry, who all live in the St. Louis area and deeply love my mother and care for her.  Barry and I can never repay that.

*  Finally, my brother-in-law Mike Mason, whom I love and respect deeply.  I am so grateful he prayed for me and talked to me at a time when I was uncertain which direction things were going to go.

*  Back in February, Mom had taken a nasty fall and fractured her pelvis, making it necessary to do a partial hip replacement.  There were some complications, and she was put in a medically induced coma and was in ICU for close to a week.  One day, while sitting next to her bed while she lay motionless, I was talking to the ICU nurse, discussing mom's case.  In no uncertain terms, she said Mom was, "a very sick girl."  But just as quickly she added, "but I'll tell you this, she's a tough old bird."  Yes, yes she is.

SEC Picks - Week 11

 Hey kids, back home on this Friday night, been a wild last few days.  As most of you know my mother fell on Wednesday evening and broke her leg, so we left Hilton Head a few days early and drove home today and are heading to St. Louis tomorrow.  Just keep her in your prayers.

I just don't feel like writing tonight.  My mind is elsewhere, but I need to get these predictions out.  I promise a return to the full predictions next week.  Thanks for understanding.

Georgia at Mississippi State - 11a - ESPN - Georgia 30, Mississippi State 24

The Citadel at Ole Miss - Noon - SEC - Ole Miss 45, Citadel 13

Texas A&M at Missouri - 2.30p - ABC - A&M 35, Mizzou 30

Auburn at Vanderbilt - 3p - SEC - Vandy 38, Auburn 17

LSU at Alabama - 6.30p - ABC - Bama 31, LSU 21

Florida at Kentucky - 6.30p - SEC - Kentucky 28, Florida 26

That is it for this week.   Sorry it's not much.  Be kind to each other