We have had at least 10" of rain since Sunday. Today is going to add at least 2"...
This weekend NCState plays Virginia Tech in Raleigh. It's supposed to be the toughest ticket in town. Please allow me this opportunity to be smug about Deep South Fotball. Selling out a 60,000 seat stadium once a decade is not noteworthy. It's great for State, trust me. But major Land Grant universities south of here consistenyl sell out 80,000 seat arenas for every game. I hope State can get there one day, especially before UNC! ECU probably has the most rabid fan base, but that's because they don't shoot hoops well in Greenville!
Emmaus comes in today, hopefully under the use of umbrellas...
The weekend is supposed to be dry (except for the ground) and cool, fall-esque temperatures are en route. The first split of duck season opens Wednesday. It's a good chance to take a youngster on a hunt with a chance to bag our most commond duck - the wood duck or Aix Sponsa...I love to use scientific names when speaking with game wardens. There are also lots of local mallards and teal still in the area, which always brighten up a game strap and dinner plate.
Enjoy the day...
September 30, 2010
September 29, 2010
More and More
This week, like last week, is another busy one...Northeastern Workforce d\Development is hosting two seminars this week. Emmaus will be here from Thursday - Sunday. I'll be cooking a lot, including today.
Resident Canada Goose season is on it's way out, just as a tropical depression arrives. I took my last chance at a Canada yesterday. Watching 500 geese pour into a pond is amazing, but disappointing when it happens 300 yards from my handmade decoys. I also might have missed a golden opportunity to dine on goose by failing at a close shot. Sea Duck season comes in on Friday. I look forward to it arriving so that I can take them from my layout boat. I've got 100 handpainted scoter decoys that will fool a genius.
My dad turns 61 years young today....Happy Birthday Poppa! My dad has seen a lot of things, most of them from the Courthouse Doors in Coosa County. I enjoy hearing stories about the Cuban Missile Crisis, Auburn in the late 60's, me in the 80's, and stories about him and his pals. We'll rendezvous in late October to see Auburn beat LSU!
Enjoy the day...
Resident Canada Goose season is on it's way out, just as a tropical depression arrives. I took my last chance at a Canada yesterday. Watching 500 geese pour into a pond is amazing, but disappointing when it happens 300 yards from my handmade decoys. I also might have missed a golden opportunity to dine on goose by failing at a close shot. Sea Duck season comes in on Friday. I look forward to it arriving so that I can take them from my layout boat. I've got 100 handpainted scoter decoys that will fool a genius.
My dad turns 61 years young today....Happy Birthday Poppa! My dad has seen a lot of things, most of them from the Courthouse Doors in Coosa County. I enjoy hearing stories about the Cuban Missile Crisis, Auburn in the late 60's, me in the 80's, and stories about him and his pals. We'll rendezvous in late October to see Auburn beat LSU!
Enjoy the day...
September 27, 2010
Coastal Fall Fashions
Listen - err, read-up. Summer is finally over. So is the incessant wave of heat that rode it's coattails on the way out. Fall is here. Fall is the best time of year, in the marshes anyway. The waters stay mild, the air begins to dry out, and the days begin to shorten more noticeably. Here in the pocosin, clothing follows suit. It's fun to analyze what people where in different places and try to understand why they do it. Hopefully, it should all be driven out of function and not fashion, but even better is when it satisfies both categories.
While growing up in Alabama, we had two seasons - summer and Christmas Holidays. It is almost always hot except for a three week period in the middle of December and January. So yeah, we all had a gigantic coat to help us cope. Thermal undies, toboggans, gloves, and fleece lined boots collected dust in closets and retail shelves for most of the year, but were worth their weights in titanium when the cold snap arrived.
The pocosin has, for the most part, four seasons. Summer is dominated by hot and muggy temperatures, mosquitoes, and thunderstorms. Fall is generally mild with cool nights - and hopefully, in my case, lots of ducks. Winter is windy and bitter and spitting snow and rain is not uncommon, but large doses of either are rare. Spring is often early, but still windy and can surprise one with a late burst of airish air.
The fall can usher in noreasters and early cold fronts. These are my favorite. For some reason or another, I have always had an affinity for odd and violent weather. Fall in the marsh grants me this pleasure.
I, like others, have learned to properly outfit myself for the conditions, some of which can change by the hour. Most folks hold on to their bermuda shorts as long as bearable, and I do the same. And while we live near the coast, folks around hear disdain the coastal and tropic print shirts for preppy plaids in nautical colors such as red, navy, green, and white. However, these plaids must be comfortable in windy and cool weather, too. I have stocked my closet with lots of flannel, but not the Nirvana flannel of the 90's. Also - many of the local fishermen like to let the top two buttons go unused. I lack the bravado to allow my chest hair blow inthe wind, but it's an entertaining look.
Sometimes, a light jacket might be needed. Since I am cold-natured, I often wear a hoodie throughout the year. However, I prefer sweaters over jackets as the autumn arrives. No v-necks here, though. Woolen sweaters are an excellent way to sweat your life away, so I prefer cotton. Slim fitting attire appears to be fashionable, though I have mostly always preferred this style (it makes me look taller) and will continue to wear clothing in this manner. Cumersome clothes make one look frumpy and gross. Don't figure out a way to hide that figure! Neverhtheless, I like to wear colors that appear in nature in fall: brown, dark green, and sage (whatever that is). The sartorialist in me also allows the use of a shawl-collared sweater. Men are beginning to wear these, but alas, I have kept one at hand for several years, fashion be danged.
When covering our feet, pocosin men and women are often fairly ambivalent. Boat and deck shoes are acceptable throughout the year, even with tuxedoes, should the topsiders be black. I, too, fail victim to the boat shoe, but have since branched out. I recently procured a pair of red wing chukkas. They are guaranteed for life...but I'm not sure whose life. Nevertheless, they are fashioned after the boat shoe, and have canvas uppers so that my feet don't melt away. folks that know me understand my propensity to wear duck boots, too. These are always acceptable. In my dreams, my dream lady also sports a pair of these sporty boots.
Obviously, one must cover themselves with pants. And as I mentioned earlier in this literary waste of time, many people continue to wear shorts as long as possible - possible meaning above freezing. However, when the time is right, I will prefer long pants over shorts. I have never worn lots of dednim, but have always preferred selvage and dark rinse denim that was straight and slim fitting. this look is also fashionable in more metropolitan areas. Yet, the color of khaki most often appears over my legs. Cargo pants are for cops and forest rangers, and I am neither of those. However, cotton khakis are the most comfortable. I like them in darker colors because they do not show dirt and can be worn several times or months without washing. Like jeans, I prefer that they be trim looking. Frumpy clothes are for the holiday buffet season.
Their you have it...it's interesting how mainstream fashion begins to follow function every time there is a chill in the economic climate. On this blog, I predicted in January of 2009 that beards would be back in force, and I was right. Beards are a primitive way to keep the face and eyes warm. I also predicted that the military crew cut would be back...right again. It's traditional and reminds us of more pleasant times - the 50's! I was not around then... People are looking for a return to normalcy and uniform-style work clothes help folks remember what making an honest living was all about. Now everyone wants to look honest and hard-working - like the folks in the pocosin...
PS - Auburn obliterated South Carolina - although the scoreboard says the game was not quite an obliteration. Nevertheless, Auburn won, the Establishment is restored, and the New Guard is repressed. War Eagle. My sister also passed the bar exam and she's a full fledged attorney.
Enjoy the day...
While growing up in Alabama, we had two seasons - summer and Christmas Holidays. It is almost always hot except for a three week period in the middle of December and January. So yeah, we all had a gigantic coat to help us cope. Thermal undies, toboggans, gloves, and fleece lined boots collected dust in closets and retail shelves for most of the year, but were worth their weights in titanium when the cold snap arrived.
The pocosin has, for the most part, four seasons. Summer is dominated by hot and muggy temperatures, mosquitoes, and thunderstorms. Fall is generally mild with cool nights - and hopefully, in my case, lots of ducks. Winter is windy and bitter and spitting snow and rain is not uncommon, but large doses of either are rare. Spring is often early, but still windy and can surprise one with a late burst of airish air.
The fall can usher in noreasters and early cold fronts. These are my favorite. For some reason or another, I have always had an affinity for odd and violent weather. Fall in the marsh grants me this pleasure.
I, like others, have learned to properly outfit myself for the conditions, some of which can change by the hour. Most folks hold on to their bermuda shorts as long as bearable, and I do the same. And while we live near the coast, folks around hear disdain the coastal and tropic print shirts for preppy plaids in nautical colors such as red, navy, green, and white. However, these plaids must be comfortable in windy and cool weather, too. I have stocked my closet with lots of flannel, but not the Nirvana flannel of the 90's. Also - many of the local fishermen like to let the top two buttons go unused. I lack the bravado to allow my chest hair blow inthe wind, but it's an entertaining look.
Sometimes, a light jacket might be needed. Since I am cold-natured, I often wear a hoodie throughout the year. However, I prefer sweaters over jackets as the autumn arrives. No v-necks here, though. Woolen sweaters are an excellent way to sweat your life away, so I prefer cotton. Slim fitting attire appears to be fashionable, though I have mostly always preferred this style (it makes me look taller) and will continue to wear clothing in this manner. Cumersome clothes make one look frumpy and gross. Don't figure out a way to hide that figure! Neverhtheless, I like to wear colors that appear in nature in fall: brown, dark green, and sage (whatever that is). The sartorialist in me also allows the use of a shawl-collared sweater. Men are beginning to wear these, but alas, I have kept one at hand for several years, fashion be danged.
When covering our feet, pocosin men and women are often fairly ambivalent. Boat and deck shoes are acceptable throughout the year, even with tuxedoes, should the topsiders be black. I, too, fail victim to the boat shoe, but have since branched out. I recently procured a pair of red wing chukkas. They are guaranteed for life...but I'm not sure whose life. Nevertheless, they are fashioned after the boat shoe, and have canvas uppers so that my feet don't melt away. folks that know me understand my propensity to wear duck boots, too. These are always acceptable. In my dreams, my dream lady also sports a pair of these sporty boots.
Obviously, one must cover themselves with pants. And as I mentioned earlier in this literary waste of time, many people continue to wear shorts as long as possible - possible meaning above freezing. However, when the time is right, I will prefer long pants over shorts. I have never worn lots of dednim, but have always preferred selvage and dark rinse denim that was straight and slim fitting. this look is also fashionable in more metropolitan areas. Yet, the color of khaki most often appears over my legs. Cargo pants are for cops and forest rangers, and I am neither of those. However, cotton khakis are the most comfortable. I like them in darker colors because they do not show dirt and can be worn several times or months without washing. Like jeans, I prefer that they be trim looking. Frumpy clothes are for the holiday buffet season.
Their you have it...it's interesting how mainstream fashion begins to follow function every time there is a chill in the economic climate. On this blog, I predicted in January of 2009 that beards would be back in force, and I was right. Beards are a primitive way to keep the face and eyes warm. I also predicted that the military crew cut would be back...right again. It's traditional and reminds us of more pleasant times - the 50's! I was not around then... People are looking for a return to normalcy and uniform-style work clothes help folks remember what making an honest living was all about. Now everyone wants to look honest and hard-working - like the folks in the pocosin...
PS - Auburn obliterated South Carolina - although the scoreboard says the game was not quite an obliteration. Nevertheless, Auburn won, the Establishment is restored, and the New Guard is repressed. War Eagle. My sister also passed the bar exam and she's a full fledged attorney.
Enjoy the day...
September 23, 2010
More fun groups!
It's been a few days since I have been able to blog, but if I am busy in the morning I will never get around to it by the afternoon - that's when it really gets busy!
Today we have Wilson Chamber of Commerce and the Quilters coming in for for teambuilding and, well, quilting, obviously.
I'll be with Wilson throughout the day...I'll make them sweat! I am so AWESOME at Challenge Course facilitation and that's probably why they (and others) come back so often.
This weekend is survival Saturday in College Football. Auburn plays South Carolina. UNC suspended 2 more players in their tryst with NCAA violations...
Enjoy the day...
Today we have Wilson Chamber of Commerce and the Quilters coming in for for teambuilding and, well, quilting, obviously.
I'll be with Wilson throughout the day...I'll make them sweat! I am so AWESOME at Challenge Course facilitation and that's probably why they (and others) come back so often.
This weekend is survival Saturday in College Football. Auburn plays South Carolina. UNC suspended 2 more players in their tryst with NCAA violations...
Enjoy the day...
September 20, 2010
Big Weekend, Auburn wins thriller
This past weekend the 4-H Center hosted the Ironmen Retreat for the guys out of Great Bridge...we also had a wedding rehearsal and wedding reception for Brandy Mann (Basnight before Saturday at 5:00 pm)! The weekend put the wraps on what was a big week. This week will be just as busy, though! Wilson Chamber of Commerce will come in for a Challenge Course "gauntlet", along with a big Friday luncheon for some judges, and the Perquiman's Quilting women!
The wedding was lots of fun, but hectic in the final hours leading up to service. SIKE! We have totally got stress free food service down to an art. But we also have some talented servers and prep staff that make it so much easier. Comments like "SOOO Good!" and "That was the best D@?*# wedding foo I have EVER had" put the proof into the proverbial pudding, though...
Saturday was also a big day in college football, but not the monstrous day that was the prior weekend. Only NC State won and that was on Thursday night. UNC lost to the Ramblin Wreck, while ECU's wheels fell off in Blacksburg. At least Virginia Tech has recovered from their horrific, embarrasing genesis. Duke was also ripped by Alabama.
Auburn, my favorite, played Clemson in Round 1 of the South Carolina State Championship this weekend. Round 2 is next week when we take on the South Carolina Gamecocks, future alma mater of Sydney the Pool Lifeguard.
Nevertheless, ESPN's Gameday Television show was on hand to make the day even bigger. Since Auburn's tradition of "All Auburn, All Orange" was not going to take place (Clemson has the same color and we hate being confused with them), Auburn fans decided to wear all Navy in a operation called "True Blue". I have always like Auburn's navy over Orange when it comes to fan dress. The stadium looked spectacular. Also, fans toted navy shakers, or pom-pom's, which gave the stadium a "black out" feel. I wish I could have been there, but alas, I could not. However my sister and dad apparently had a great time.
Auburn started mortifyingly slow. Clemson did not. Auburn's offense never got going and Clemson was playing over their head. Until about :02 seconds left in the first half. Auburn's Wes Byrum kicked a simple field goal to make the score 17-3 at the half.
Auburn came out in the second half and moved the ball with ease. Auburn Quarterback Cam Newton completed a pass in the endzone. It was to a Clemson defender.
Newton rebounded. Auburn immediately scored 21 more points and in dramatic fashion. Clemson eventually scored scored a tying touchdown which propelled the game into overtime. Auburn could not punch it in and settled for a field goal. Clemson marched directly to the endzone only to have Auburn defenders halt their advances in the closing yards. Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker, who was apparently hurt, also missed an open receiver in the endzone that would have nailed Auburn's coffin shut. Clemson kicks a field goal, but was called for an illiegal snap. The do-overhooked to the left and Auburn won. WHEW!
Enjoy the day...
The wedding was lots of fun, but hectic in the final hours leading up to service. SIKE! We have totally got stress free food service down to an art. But we also have some talented servers and prep staff that make it so much easier. Comments like "SOOO Good!" and "That was the best D@?*# wedding foo I have EVER had" put the proof into the proverbial pudding, though...
Saturday was also a big day in college football, but not the monstrous day that was the prior weekend. Only NC State won and that was on Thursday night. UNC lost to the Ramblin Wreck, while ECU's wheels fell off in Blacksburg. At least Virginia Tech has recovered from their horrific, embarrasing genesis. Duke was also ripped by Alabama.
Auburn, my favorite, played Clemson in Round 1 of the South Carolina State Championship this weekend. Round 2 is next week when we take on the South Carolina Gamecocks, future alma mater of Sydney the Pool Lifeguard.
Nevertheless, ESPN's Gameday Television show was on hand to make the day even bigger. Since Auburn's tradition of "All Auburn, All Orange" was not going to take place (Clemson has the same color and we hate being confused with them), Auburn fans decided to wear all Navy in a operation called "True Blue". I have always like Auburn's navy over Orange when it comes to fan dress. The stadium looked spectacular. Also, fans toted navy shakers, or pom-pom's, which gave the stadium a "black out" feel. I wish I could have been there, but alas, I could not. However my sister and dad apparently had a great time.
Auburn started mortifyingly slow. Clemson did not. Auburn's offense never got going and Clemson was playing over their head. Until about :02 seconds left in the first half. Auburn's Wes Byrum kicked a simple field goal to make the score 17-3 at the half.
Auburn came out in the second half and moved the ball with ease. Auburn Quarterback Cam Newton completed a pass in the endzone. It was to a Clemson defender.
Newton rebounded. Auburn immediately scored 21 more points and in dramatic fashion. Clemson eventually scored scored a tying touchdown which propelled the game into overtime. Auburn could not punch it in and settled for a field goal. Clemson marched directly to the endzone only to have Auburn defenders halt their advances in the closing yards. Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker, who was apparently hurt, also missed an open receiver in the endzone that would have nailed Auburn's coffin shut. Clemson kicks a field goal, but was called for an illiegal snap. The do-overhooked to the left and Auburn won. WHEW!
Enjoy the day...
September 15, 2010
more of the same
Cooked Breakfast and lunch for out retreat group today...will do the same today. I went overboard with the cheese on my lasagna, but is that a bad thing... I think not.
My playlist for the kitchen:
Pearl Jam
Metallica - From the Load Album
Sparks the Rescue
Bush - the first album
Ryan Bingham
Tom Petty
It adds inspiration to the meal. In the kitchen I'm like a firefighter and a juggler - putting out fires and catching a lot of stuff.
Enjoy the day... Fall Fashion Guide coming on Friday...
My playlist for the kitchen:
Pearl Jam
Metallica - From the Load Album
Sparks the Rescue
Bush - the first album
Ryan Bingham
Tom Petty
It adds inspiration to the meal. In the kitchen I'm like a firefighter and a juggler - putting out fires and catching a lot of stuff.
Enjoy the day... Fall Fashion Guide coming on Friday...
September 14, 2010
Busy morning thus far...
Here's the Chase Luker highlight reel for Tuesday, Sept 14:
24 eggs
32 honey wheat pancakes
2 lbs. bacon
34 hamburgers
4 lbs of salad
1 turkey burger
2 gallons potato salad
40 Cookies
25 Lemon Bars
Coffee, tea, water
Auburn is playing in 3D on Saturday night!!!!
After lunch clean-up, I'll be the Program Director...
Enjoy the day!
24 eggs
32 honey wheat pancakes
2 lbs. bacon
34 hamburgers
4 lbs of salad
1 turkey burger
2 gallons potato salad
40 Cookies
25 Lemon Bars
Coffee, tea, water
Auburn is playing in 3D on Saturday night!!!!
After lunch clean-up, I'll be the Program Director...
Enjoy the day!
September 13, 2010
Big Weekend, Football review, Waterfowl season look-ahead
This weekend we had two class reunions, a youth program group, and a Christian Women's Retreat...WHEW!
Casper and I ran programs for the kids from Kinston who were actually here via the Scuppernong River...they stayed in a river cottage and came on out for some archery, challenge course, and the ever popular climbing wall. The climbing wall is the ultimate challenge for children. The wall has 3 sides, each accelerating in difficulty. I like to belay on the difficult sides and see kids struggle and eventually overcome the challenge of elevation, coordination, and cautious fear. Nevertheless, it was a pretty awesome group and all kids that attempted made it to the top of the wall. Apparently you can see a McDonald's from up there. I never have, though...but I am usually just ready to come back down.
The Class reunions of Columbia High 1960 and Creswell High 1990 turned out to be pretty cool. Yours truly was personally charged with quantitative meat production. I had a mountain of ribeye to climb, but did so with the deftness of Lee Scripture. He is not the only man who can cook 100's of pounds of flesh in short and tasty order. I pride myself on a perfect lattice-work of sear marks, which I happened to achieve this time around. I wish I could cook steaks to order, but it would just involve to much waiting for our hungry patrons. I usually cook half of them medium and the other half well-done - really well-done. Steak should never be eaten well-done, though. But that's my personal preference.
This past weekend was dubbed Monster Saturday by the talking heads on ESPN. Auburn played and won on Thursday night, so my nerves could take a break this weekend and just hope for upsets. The only notable upset was Virginia Tech's loss to James Madison....the Dukes powered out a victory of Tech...much to the Chagrin of our very own Kali Beach. She's our lifeguard/shooting sports/loudmouth du summer. Brittany Farlow, another summer staffer was pleased with the performance of her school and was quick to point out the vistory to Kali via facebook.
NC State and ECU won, which also satisfied the rest of the summer staff, especially Josh Wall who might be one of the greatest sports fans ever to be employed by moi. South Carolina also took it to Georgia (finally), leaving summer staff member Sydney Crawley with tears of joy. Her celebration was apparently interrupted by her duties at the neighborhood smoothie shop. I love to see staffers get "other" jobs during the school year. They are usually begging to come back to summer camp by October.
Waterfowl season is just around the corner, too. Those that know me also know that I will enter a state oc sleepless nirvana as I chase the south-traveling pochards. As automatic as the full moon, so is the annual migration of waterfowl, shorebirds, and other prairie nesting birds. I don't blame them. When the water and shores are frozen, they just head south. Eastern North Carolina is a haven for many wintering waterfowl, most notably the Tundra Swan. Roughly 90% winter in Tyrrell and Hyde counties every year. To see the birds in a field is to think that a snow-white blizzard has blown through. in flight, hundreds of birds sound like a flute and trumpets-only orchestra. Off key, but on point as well. This year should be a great season as the spring of 2009 was very wet in the northern prairies. Breeding duck counts were high. All of the water on the prairies made it tough for predators to eat omelettes, too. Their southern migration in 2009 was met with record rainfall, leaving literally millions of acres (most out of reach to sportsmen and women) under water and providing safety. In turn, more ducks returned to the prairies and were met with wet conditions there, which increased nest success. Some have headed southward already. Mostly teal and some ocean ducks, but soon enough, we'll begin to hear the swans and see the bluebills on the Sound. The addition of a layout boat to my arsenal of paraphenalia will bring added to sport. I also handpainted and burlapped many of my traditional Herter's decoys. The art in this is not painting them specifically, but attempting to mimic nature in the deployment. For those that think hunters have lost touch, I beg to differ. To fool a wary bird into a stool of decoys is like getting a horse to ride a cowboy.
This week we have Opening Doors for several days. The University-based diversity course is pretty cool! I'll also be preparing their daily 1st and 2nd meals. I'll be up early...This weekend there's a wedding, too. Auburn plays Clemson - ESPN's Gameday will be there, which saddens me. I really miss going to the games with my poppa, but we'll rendezvous in late-October for the Auburn - LSU game!
Enjoy the day...
Casper and I ran programs for the kids from Kinston who were actually here via the Scuppernong River...they stayed in a river cottage and came on out for some archery, challenge course, and the ever popular climbing wall. The climbing wall is the ultimate challenge for children. The wall has 3 sides, each accelerating in difficulty. I like to belay on the difficult sides and see kids struggle and eventually overcome the challenge of elevation, coordination, and cautious fear. Nevertheless, it was a pretty awesome group and all kids that attempted made it to the top of the wall. Apparently you can see a McDonald's from up there. I never have, though...but I am usually just ready to come back down.
The Class reunions of Columbia High 1960 and Creswell High 1990 turned out to be pretty cool. Yours truly was personally charged with quantitative meat production. I had a mountain of ribeye to climb, but did so with the deftness of Lee Scripture. He is not the only man who can cook 100's of pounds of flesh in short and tasty order. I pride myself on a perfect lattice-work of sear marks, which I happened to achieve this time around. I wish I could cook steaks to order, but it would just involve to much waiting for our hungry patrons. I usually cook half of them medium and the other half well-done - really well-done. Steak should never be eaten well-done, though. But that's my personal preference.
This past weekend was dubbed Monster Saturday by the talking heads on ESPN. Auburn played and won on Thursday night, so my nerves could take a break this weekend and just hope for upsets. The only notable upset was Virginia Tech's loss to James Madison....the Dukes powered out a victory of Tech...much to the Chagrin of our very own Kali Beach. She's our lifeguard/shooting sports/loudmouth du summer. Brittany Farlow, another summer staffer was pleased with the performance of her school and was quick to point out the vistory to Kali via facebook.
NC State and ECU won, which also satisfied the rest of the summer staff, especially Josh Wall who might be one of the greatest sports fans ever to be employed by moi. South Carolina also took it to Georgia (finally), leaving summer staff member Sydney Crawley with tears of joy. Her celebration was apparently interrupted by her duties at the neighborhood smoothie shop. I love to see staffers get "other" jobs during the school year. They are usually begging to come back to summer camp by October.
Waterfowl season is just around the corner, too. Those that know me also know that I will enter a state oc sleepless nirvana as I chase the south-traveling pochards. As automatic as the full moon, so is the annual migration of waterfowl, shorebirds, and other prairie nesting birds. I don't blame them. When the water and shores are frozen, they just head south. Eastern North Carolina is a haven for many wintering waterfowl, most notably the Tundra Swan. Roughly 90% winter in Tyrrell and Hyde counties every year. To see the birds in a field is to think that a snow-white blizzard has blown through. in flight, hundreds of birds sound like a flute and trumpets-only orchestra. Off key, but on point as well. This year should be a great season as the spring of 2009 was very wet in the northern prairies. Breeding duck counts were high. All of the water on the prairies made it tough for predators to eat omelettes, too. Their southern migration in 2009 was met with record rainfall, leaving literally millions of acres (most out of reach to sportsmen and women) under water and providing safety. In turn, more ducks returned to the prairies and were met with wet conditions there, which increased nest success. Some have headed southward already. Mostly teal and some ocean ducks, but soon enough, we'll begin to hear the swans and see the bluebills on the Sound. The addition of a layout boat to my arsenal of paraphenalia will bring added to sport. I also handpainted and burlapped many of my traditional Herter's decoys. The art in this is not painting them specifically, but attempting to mimic nature in the deployment. For those that think hunters have lost touch, I beg to differ. To fool a wary bird into a stool of decoys is like getting a horse to ride a cowboy.
This week we have Opening Doors for several days. The University-based diversity course is pretty cool! I'll also be preparing their daily 1st and 2nd meals. I'll be up early...This weekend there's a wedding, too. Auburn plays Clemson - ESPN's Gameday will be there, which saddens me. I really miss going to the games with my poppa, but we'll rendezvous in late-October for the Auburn - LSU game!
Enjoy the day...
September 10, 2010
Auburn wins, staff disappointed
Last night, my beloved Auburn Tigers took the field for a Thursday night prime time game against Mississippi State....a school that is favored by several of my summer staff, ladyfriend, and other friends. In what was supposed to be an offensive showcase for both teams, it turned out to be a dirty and nasty defensive battle. I think. For the past 13 games, Auburn's defense appeared to be the football version of a wet paper sack. Teams tore through them, only impeded by their own incompetence. A new defensive scheme, young ball players, and a host of other things contributed to this abberration. Auburn's defense is usually as stout as a gorilla or 3. Mississippi State has been on tough times since the departure of Jackie Sherril back in the early part of the decade. He was a funny guy. He often accused other teams of filling footballs with helium. He was a good coach and fun to watch, though. Dan Mullen, the new coach at MSU appears to have wrighted the ship, which makes me nervous...there's already plenty of competition in the SEC West.
Nevertheless, Auburn's offense fired up right out of the gates only to stall once the intermission was reached. That's when Auburn's defense stepped up and pushed down the Dogs. I heard lots of cowbells ringing last night on TV, which is supposed to warrant a fine. But the loudest bell that was heard was the poor ball carrier's that was leveled by Auburn linebacker Josh Bynes.
Today, Camtech, a group pf students from Camden County will make their way to the Center for a little teambuilding and a Giant Swing. Casper and I will facilitate lots of fun games and initiatives before the participants have to challenge themselves on the Giant Swing.
This weekend, we are hosting Kingdom Kids for programming, a Christian womens' retreat, a 50 year class reunion, and a 20 year class reunion. I think my 10 year class reunion is next year. I hope I can go to it! Many people in my rural Alabama school system sat in class with me everyday from Kindergarten 'til Commencement...and I haven't seen them since. I know that many of them have already conceded their lives to the mundane hum-drum of adulthood with marriages and baby carriages, but some haven't...their the ones with the tattoos and Lamborghini's. I have a Jeep and no tattoos, but as always, I'm the exception to acceptable.
Enjoy the day...
Nevertheless, Auburn's offense fired up right out of the gates only to stall once the intermission was reached. That's when Auburn's defense stepped up and pushed down the Dogs. I heard lots of cowbells ringing last night on TV, which is supposed to warrant a fine. But the loudest bell that was heard was the poor ball carrier's that was leveled by Auburn linebacker Josh Bynes.
Today, Camtech, a group pf students from Camden County will make their way to the Center for a little teambuilding and a Giant Swing. Casper and I will facilitate lots of fun games and initiatives before the participants have to challenge themselves on the Giant Swing.
This weekend, we are hosting Kingdom Kids for programming, a Christian womens' retreat, a 50 year class reunion, and a 20 year class reunion. I think my 10 year class reunion is next year. I hope I can go to it! Many people in my rural Alabama school system sat in class with me everyday from Kindergarten 'til Commencement...and I haven't seen them since. I know that many of them have already conceded their lives to the mundane hum-drum of adulthood with marriages and baby carriages, but some haven't...their the ones with the tattoos and Lamborghini's. I have a Jeep and no tattoos, but as always, I'm the exception to acceptable.
Enjoy the day...
September 9, 2010
Mittie turns 21
On Monday, our beloved Ms. Mittie turned 21 years young, at least according to the sinful cake prepared by Nikki, our Reservationist. We celebrated the occasion with a frying of fish (and fried hotdogs), hushpups, coleslaw, and boiled potatoes. Lee and Terri fried the mullet (nope, it didn't taste muddy), Teresa provided the cole slaw, Charles made the potatoes (which were peeled beautifully), Sara brought decorations (and maybe food), and I made the Coca-Cola.
Interestingly enough, Lee does not eat fish. He does like to take control of virtually every situation to establish dominance. He likes to provide to meet our needs, such as nutrition, when the opportunity arises. Nevertheless, the mullet, which I was terribly skeptical about, was as good as any flounder I've sunk my gums into. The hushpups were a different story, but we'll revisit that on a later blog.
Nikki's cake was the show stopper. Apparently the icing was made with Crisco. I didn't think I liked to eat Crisco, but I'm now willing to recant that statement. With the smug clarity I extend in the culinary arts, I had condemned the icing to less than memorable things. Wrong. It was as good as any buttercream icing that I can beat out...or buy.
Speaking of cooking, I'll be doing plenty of that next week. On Monday night, I'll be cooking for a smallish group. Obviously, it's much easier to cook for small groups - but I like to take it seriously. I'll be baking chicken (Robuchon-style), mashed potatoes (1 lb potato to 1/4 butter) - then I'll put them through a sieve. I'll also crank out some green beans and maybe a cheesecake. I'll also have the opportunity of serving the food, so that I can get immediate feedback. Cooking is an art, not a service. Bernice - one of our cooks - epitomizes this in it's highest regard. Bernice is often requested by user groups to prepare her greens and fried foods...nobody ever requests me. Anyway, Bernice enjoys her work as much as I enjoy being Program Director...I'm glad we have her around.
She'll be preparing food for the upcoming class reunions this weekend, but I'll take my rightful place behind the grill. While Lee contends that he is the Master of the Flame, I hold that he is Master of the Lame. I turn out perfectly cooked Ribeye's, but I hold no responsibility for those who seek a well-done steak. Good luck chewing...
Enjoy the day...
Interestingly enough, Lee does not eat fish. He does like to take control of virtually every situation to establish dominance. He likes to provide to meet our needs, such as nutrition, when the opportunity arises. Nevertheless, the mullet, which I was terribly skeptical about, was as good as any flounder I've sunk my gums into. The hushpups were a different story, but we'll revisit that on a later blog.
Nikki's cake was the show stopper. Apparently the icing was made with Crisco. I didn't think I liked to eat Crisco, but I'm now willing to recant that statement. With the smug clarity I extend in the culinary arts, I had condemned the icing to less than memorable things. Wrong. It was as good as any buttercream icing that I can beat out...or buy.
Speaking of cooking, I'll be doing plenty of that next week. On Monday night, I'll be cooking for a smallish group. Obviously, it's much easier to cook for small groups - but I like to take it seriously. I'll be baking chicken (Robuchon-style), mashed potatoes (1 lb potato to 1/4 butter) - then I'll put them through a sieve. I'll also crank out some green beans and maybe a cheesecake. I'll also have the opportunity of serving the food, so that I can get immediate feedback. Cooking is an art, not a service. Bernice - one of our cooks - epitomizes this in it's highest regard. Bernice is often requested by user groups to prepare her greens and fried foods...nobody ever requests me. Anyway, Bernice enjoys her work as much as I enjoy being Program Director...I'm glad we have her around.
She'll be preparing food for the upcoming class reunions this weekend, but I'll take my rightful place behind the grill. While Lee contends that he is the Master of the Flame, I hold that he is Master of the Lame. I turn out perfectly cooked Ribeye's, but I hold no responsibility for those who seek a well-done steak. Good luck chewing...
Enjoy the day...
September 8, 2010
Dogs and Cats
I hope everyone that reads this has a dog. A cat will do. I also hope that everyone that reads this blog intends on keeping their pet at home and not taking it to any restaurant I'll be dining at in the near future. Why do hold this smug wish? According to the friendly news lady on the television set last night, North Carolina law now allows for folks to take their pets (not service animals) in to restaurants, as long as the restaurant has a pet-friendly atmosphere. You can rest assured that service animals are only welcome at the Eastern 4-H Center...
Don't get me wrong, my favorite little dog in the world, Olivia, can sit below the table I'm eating at, as long as it as at a private residence. Miss Olivia will not be approaching the table looking for dinner. Actually, she will. That's why I wouldn't take her anywhere to eat. Dogs lick, sniff, and bark at any food item. Just like a crying baby, it gets annoying. I will never take a crying baby into a restaurant, either...especially one with dogs.
Who needs to take their dog out to eat anyway? My parents had 30 cows as pets...are they welcome at a restaurant? Animals belong in a restaurant...on a plate....especially livestock.
I once ate at a restaurant that had a proficient amount of felines in and around the restaurant. The former restaurant served decent eats, but I always left sneezing. Sure, the 6-toed cats of Key West may be cute, but they belong on the streets, keeping the rat population in control.
Service dogs should be in restaurants. They can behave themselves, as long as humans can behave themselves. It's not a good idea to touch a service animal, either. They might actually be working. I don't like to be touched while I'm working?
I'll get off that tangent and begin another act of randomness. Fellow Bulls Bay Blogger Mega Jones has "Take it or Leave it Tuesdays"....I look forward to these. And I generally agree with her. And while Megan takes lots of wonderful pictures (www.memory-lane-photos.blogspot.com) her music recommendations always leave me curious. Eric Church is good, but my all time favorite band, Bush, is finally releasing a new record!
Today, I'm trying mullet for the first time. Terri, our housekeeper, says it tastes like Rock (rockfish, striper, whatev) but that it can also taste muddy. Here's to that. I think Rockfish season is just around the corner, too. Prevalent visitors to this blog have read all too much about my shortcomings as a fisherman. However, it is time for North Carolina's resident Canada Goose season. East of HWY 17 (my location) has a generous limit, but it is far more restrictive than those that live in the piedmont and westward. Resident Canada Geese my look docile, but they are far from it. They terrorize local grops and vegetation, as well as golfers. They have few enemies, too. Their willingness to live in your backyard is conducive to keeping predators at bay. Canadas also nudge out other herbivorous species that were long native to the area. They also go to the bathroom too much. So if you have the opportunity to harves a goose or 7, do so. It's help native species out and put a little meat on the table. Also - these are the "Giant" race of Canadas, so they are the biggest. Some scientists think that there are as many as 12 "races" of Canadas, ranging from the 2 pound Aleutian (which numbered only in the hundreds 20 years ago) to the 15 pound giants. The smaller the race, the more shrill the honk, too. Nevertheless, they are all flocked up on big water and feeding on local farmers waste grain fields at the moment. The grain helps to "clean out" the birds normal summer diet of animal matter and swamp seeds. These items give the animal and it's meat an extra strong flavor. The animal matter is high in protein, which is needed to recover from nesting and raising a brood, but it also makes the meat extremely lean...find a way to cook it, though! I once prepared snow goose as I do other species of waterfowl...big mistake. It lacks the fat of other birds, but if there's a way, I'm gonna find it...
Enjoy the day
Don't get me wrong, my favorite little dog in the world, Olivia, can sit below the table I'm eating at, as long as it as at a private residence. Miss Olivia will not be approaching the table looking for dinner. Actually, she will. That's why I wouldn't take her anywhere to eat. Dogs lick, sniff, and bark at any food item. Just like a crying baby, it gets annoying. I will never take a crying baby into a restaurant, either...especially one with dogs.
Who needs to take their dog out to eat anyway? My parents had 30 cows as pets...are they welcome at a restaurant? Animals belong in a restaurant...on a plate....especially livestock.
I once ate at a restaurant that had a proficient amount of felines in and around the restaurant. The former restaurant served decent eats, but I always left sneezing. Sure, the 6-toed cats of Key West may be cute, but they belong on the streets, keeping the rat population in control.
Service dogs should be in restaurants. They can behave themselves, as long as humans can behave themselves. It's not a good idea to touch a service animal, either. They might actually be working. I don't like to be touched while I'm working?
I'll get off that tangent and begin another act of randomness. Fellow Bulls Bay Blogger Mega Jones has "Take it or Leave it Tuesdays"....I look forward to these. And I generally agree with her. And while Megan takes lots of wonderful pictures (www.memory-lane-photos.blogspot.com) her music recommendations always leave me curious. Eric Church is good, but my all time favorite band, Bush, is finally releasing a new record!
Today, I'm trying mullet for the first time. Terri, our housekeeper, says it tastes like Rock (rockfish, striper, whatev) but that it can also taste muddy. Here's to that. I think Rockfish season is just around the corner, too. Prevalent visitors to this blog have read all too much about my shortcomings as a fisherman. However, it is time for North Carolina's resident Canada Goose season. East of HWY 17 (my location) has a generous limit, but it is far more restrictive than those that live in the piedmont and westward. Resident Canada Geese my look docile, but they are far from it. They terrorize local grops and vegetation, as well as golfers. They have few enemies, too. Their willingness to live in your backyard is conducive to keeping predators at bay. Canadas also nudge out other herbivorous species that were long native to the area. They also go to the bathroom too much. So if you have the opportunity to harves a goose or 7, do so. It's help native species out and put a little meat on the table. Also - these are the "Giant" race of Canadas, so they are the biggest. Some scientists think that there are as many as 12 "races" of Canadas, ranging from the 2 pound Aleutian (which numbered only in the hundreds 20 years ago) to the 15 pound giants. The smaller the race, the more shrill the honk, too. Nevertheless, they are all flocked up on big water and feeding on local farmers waste grain fields at the moment. The grain helps to "clean out" the birds normal summer diet of animal matter and swamp seeds. These items give the animal and it's meat an extra strong flavor. The animal matter is high in protein, which is needed to recover from nesting and raising a brood, but it also makes the meat extremely lean...find a way to cook it, though! I once prepared snow goose as I do other species of waterfowl...big mistake. It lacks the fat of other birds, but if there's a way, I'm gonna find it...
Enjoy the day
September 7, 2010
Labor Day weekend, College football!
Labor Day has come and gone...but with it, we had fantastic weather and even better college football games! While Earl ruined our early weekend groups (we had to postpone until October 29 for Operation 4-Heroes Wounded Warrior Family Camp), it got out in time for the skies to clear and the temps to cool. Labor Da weekend also saw the Dove season opener, too.
Dove hunting is a great way to introduce a new sportsman - young or old - to hunting. Doves are small migratory birds that feature understated, but beautiful sandy-bronze plumage. They make for challenging targets, especially with an Eastern NC tailwind, but none are too swift for yours truly. Sike. I missed more than I harvested, but how may doves can one dude eat, anyway! All total, I think we bagged around 20 at a public hunting location, pretty good for some of the antics that can be experienced from other hunters at such places. Speaking of eating - there may not be a milder game bird in the sky. Doves taste a lot like chicken wings - just not as greasy. I like them deep fried or wrapped in bacon and grilled to medium rare. One of the highlights was taking summer staff member Kali Beach on a dove shoot. She bagged 3...but her best talent serves as a retreiver. She had a knack for finding downed birds in cover and "huntin' 'em up"...
East Carolina and NC State both had big wins over the weekend. NC State beat an overmatched Western Carolina team - but everybody likes cupcakes on Labor Day weekend. East Carolina sent Hurricane Earl Packing on Friday and welcomed the Tulsa Golden Hurricane to Dowdy-Ficklen. The game was back and forth the entire time, but the coffin was nailed shut when an East Carolina receiver caught a Hail Mary touchdown pass with no time left. It was Coach Ruff's debut game...I expected to see a little more defense from a former Defensive Coordinator, but was just as pleased with the final outcome.
UNC took a punch to the guts from LSU. LSU took it to the 'Heels early on, but like all good teams (even those down a pile of starters), they came back and had chances to win in the final seconds.
My Auburn Tigers opened their season with a throttling of Arkansas State - a tricky Sun Belt conference team that's known for taking good teams wire-to-wire. Auburn hung 52 on the Red Wolves, with new Auburn Quarterback Cam Newton Stealing the show and turning in a highlight reel. Auburn plays Mississippi State in PRIMETIME on Thursday night...my lady friend is a Bulldog friend, but proclaims this game a win-win situation for her...not so fast...pick one or the other.
My personal Labor Day activities included the above noted dove shooting, a trip to the flats at Oregon Inlet, and quick ride up and down the Scuppernong, and seeing some friends and watching football...typical, but fun.
The Eastern 4-H Center is celebrating Mittie Hamilton's birthday - I'm not telling her age, though...she's still very feisty! This week, we'll entertain youth groups from Camden and Washington County, as wel as two reunions and a Christian Women's Retreat. The going's on here are really going and breaks are few and far between on the weekends. Weddings are also taking up several of our weekends...so the food is going from good to great (good is ambitious according to camp staff who ate camp food for 10 weeks - but they don't like anything except chicken fingers and iPods).
Enjoy the day...
Dove hunting is a great way to introduce a new sportsman - young or old - to hunting. Doves are small migratory birds that feature understated, but beautiful sandy-bronze plumage. They make for challenging targets, especially with an Eastern NC tailwind, but none are too swift for yours truly. Sike. I missed more than I harvested, but how may doves can one dude eat, anyway! All total, I think we bagged around 20 at a public hunting location, pretty good for some of the antics that can be experienced from other hunters at such places. Speaking of eating - there may not be a milder game bird in the sky. Doves taste a lot like chicken wings - just not as greasy. I like them deep fried or wrapped in bacon and grilled to medium rare. One of the highlights was taking summer staff member Kali Beach on a dove shoot. She bagged 3...but her best talent serves as a retreiver. She had a knack for finding downed birds in cover and "huntin' 'em up"...
East Carolina and NC State both had big wins over the weekend. NC State beat an overmatched Western Carolina team - but everybody likes cupcakes on Labor Day weekend. East Carolina sent Hurricane Earl Packing on Friday and welcomed the Tulsa Golden Hurricane to Dowdy-Ficklen. The game was back and forth the entire time, but the coffin was nailed shut when an East Carolina receiver caught a Hail Mary touchdown pass with no time left. It was Coach Ruff's debut game...I expected to see a little more defense from a former Defensive Coordinator, but was just as pleased with the final outcome.
UNC took a punch to the guts from LSU. LSU took it to the 'Heels early on, but like all good teams (even those down a pile of starters), they came back and had chances to win in the final seconds.
My Auburn Tigers opened their season with a throttling of Arkansas State - a tricky Sun Belt conference team that's known for taking good teams wire-to-wire. Auburn hung 52 on the Red Wolves, with new Auburn Quarterback Cam Newton Stealing the show and turning in a highlight reel. Auburn plays Mississippi State in PRIMETIME on Thursday night...my lady friend is a Bulldog friend, but proclaims this game a win-win situation for her...not so fast...pick one or the other.
My personal Labor Day activities included the above noted dove shooting, a trip to the flats at Oregon Inlet, and quick ride up and down the Scuppernong, and seeing some friends and watching football...typical, but fun.
The Eastern 4-H Center is celebrating Mittie Hamilton's birthday - I'm not telling her age, though...she's still very feisty! This week, we'll entertain youth groups from Camden and Washington County, as wel as two reunions and a Christian Women's Retreat. The going's on here are really going and breaks are few and far between on the weekends. Weddings are also taking up several of our weekends...so the food is going from good to great (good is ambitious according to camp staff who ate camp food for 10 weeks - but they don't like anything except chicken fingers and iPods).
Enjoy the day...
September 3, 2010
Earl
Dear Hurricane Earl,
I really enjoyed your "visit" on Thursday night. I went to the grocery store yesterday to prepare for your visit. It looks like everyone else had invited you, too - they were all at the grocery store with me. I am sure you visited a lot of houses - sorry about the ones that were boarded up, though. I guess they just didn't want you inside the house. You were a big ole' fellow the last time I saw you on television!
I am not sure what everyone was preparing for you...I saw a lot of milk, eggs, and bread...and some water - but you brought plenty of water with you, right? I didn't know hurricanes liked milk and eggs. I planned something special for you...I had coolers of ice water, a lantern, fruit roll-ups, nectarines, pretzels, and spaghetti sauce. I figured you would like the variety...and every time a hurricane visited me in Alabama, we always had spaghetti or soup - we even made spaghetti on the grill...only to have the electricity power back on the minute after we blessed our meal.
Anyway - I put away all of my valuables - I heard that you can be a pilferer. However, I did leave somethings out for you...a sink full of dirty dishes and an old N'SYNC cd...I need somebody to take that away. It's funny, I put all of my things away, tied down the boats, and tied up the decoys and I really believe you didn't stop by our neighborhood...I'm quite alright with that, but you really should have called if you weren't coming. Even the people on the TV set said you would be by here...you were one rude fellow...it looks like you have taken your friends Fiona and Gaston with you, too. Did they not want to come, either? Since you were so rude this time, I have declared that you, or none of your other buddies are invited to return. We got all ready for YOU. Did you think we would not be prepared? Silly you... us folks on the coast are always ready for a guest, wanted or not. I am sorry the boarded windows appeared uninviting. Nevertheless, don't waste your time in New England...they really are ready for you, but are not interested in seeing you come in as a lesser storm, and whisper wind and rain on their prime real estate. Anyway - you may even run into an early Nor'easter up there one day...they make a silly little hurricane like you appear weak. If you do go, please take lot's of pictures. Nevertheless, thanks for not coming by...
Thanks,
Chase
I really enjoyed your "visit" on Thursday night. I went to the grocery store yesterday to prepare for your visit. It looks like everyone else had invited you, too - they were all at the grocery store with me. I am sure you visited a lot of houses - sorry about the ones that were boarded up, though. I guess they just didn't want you inside the house. You were a big ole' fellow the last time I saw you on television!
I am not sure what everyone was preparing for you...I saw a lot of milk, eggs, and bread...and some water - but you brought plenty of water with you, right? I didn't know hurricanes liked milk and eggs. I planned something special for you...I had coolers of ice water, a lantern, fruit roll-ups, nectarines, pretzels, and spaghetti sauce. I figured you would like the variety...and every time a hurricane visited me in Alabama, we always had spaghetti or soup - we even made spaghetti on the grill...only to have the electricity power back on the minute after we blessed our meal.
Anyway - I put away all of my valuables - I heard that you can be a pilferer. However, I did leave somethings out for you...a sink full of dirty dishes and an old N'SYNC cd...I need somebody to take that away. It's funny, I put all of my things away, tied down the boats, and tied up the decoys and I really believe you didn't stop by our neighborhood...I'm quite alright with that, but you really should have called if you weren't coming. Even the people on the TV set said you would be by here...you were one rude fellow...it looks like you have taken your friends Fiona and Gaston with you, too. Did they not want to come, either? Since you were so rude this time, I have declared that you, or none of your other buddies are invited to return. We got all ready for YOU. Did you think we would not be prepared? Silly you... us folks on the coast are always ready for a guest, wanted or not. I am sorry the boarded windows appeared uninviting. Nevertheless, don't waste your time in New England...they really are ready for you, but are not interested in seeing you come in as a lesser storm, and whisper wind and rain on their prime real estate. Anyway - you may even run into an early Nor'easter up there one day...they make a silly little hurricane like you appear weak. If you do go, please take lot's of pictures. Nevertheless, thanks for not coming by...
Thanks,
Chase
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