Goodbye Tom and Alex

One of the major perks of working where we work is that they will send you back to school to pursue an advanced degree. But it means we have to say goodbye to our friends for a year. Tom and Alex and Sophie, you will be MISSED, keep in touch or we'll be PISSED! Thanks for the party, Sarah.

Delta Diners: Dog Days of Summer Installment

With record attendance and a caravan of three vehicles, this month Delta Diners ventured north into Yazoo City, home of Jerry Clower, Haley Barbour, and Willie Morris. Ribeye's was our destination, and we were treated like old friends. I had called and talked to Nancy, and she had us all set up. Bobby was our waitress extraordinare, and Mitchell cooked up some fine food. We were loaded down with swag, invited back on Fridays for karaoke. There was some folklore about the local mud races, which we will certainly make a return trip to enjoy. Rumor has it that children are coated in mud to act as bug repellant. I can't wait. We saw hound dogs waiting in the parking lots for their people to bring them some steak scraps...
We saw the local fireman using his truck to water the downtown planters...

And we saw SuperHuman Tirpak bend his fork in an effort to better shovel the steak in.

Spring-Fed Lake Rosa

Time in the water is a sure fire way to beat the summer heat. Last weekend, I flew down to Gainesville for a few days in the lake with my family and friends. Note in the picture, I am the pale face, a true indication that I have to get away from my desk and out in the sun more. On the way, I was able to catch up on my periodical research, and learned the origin of the term "dog days of summer." I may not know which star it is, but I know when it is too hot. But what could be better than a spring-fed lake and a floating cooler?

Another Friend to Follow on a Blog

One of my favorite couples from Canada are blogging! Well she is, anyway. And Sparky and the Sparklers will be there in pictures. http://graypeake.blogspot.com/

Another Rescue?

I am going to develop a reputation for all of these good deeds, especially if I keep blogging about them. Another wildlife rescue call, this time it was Liz--she found a turtle in her McNary Dam physical model of the here on station. Since Bubba John is coming this weekend to pump out the holding tank, the turtle pictured above would have been in danger. This time my rescue gear involved rubber boots and a mop. Turns out that I didn't need the mop. I have tentatively identified this critter as a three toed box turtle, and Liz proposed the name Boxy the Turtle. I like it.

Another Lively Night in Vicksburg

Quiet Sunday dinner party on the sidewalk in sleepy little Vicksburg--think again! We had quite the adventure last night as we braved the heat and humidity. Todd rolled out the grill, Rob ordered the drinks, we enjoyed steaks and Greek Gazpacho, made with fresh local produce from the Farmers Market and Ned and Mary Beth's (we miss you guys) backyard. Although it had more salt than the Dead Sea, it was still tasty, and even better today, as I added in another 10 tomatoes to counteract the oversalting. The award winning phrase from Mr. Robert Ware: "it's like a salad that's already been chewed."

My Favorite Texan

Molly and Leslie came to town last month, and sent these pictures along this weekend. I do love this little girl! She was born in Mississippi, but she is a Texas girl now.

Tree Hugger Extraordinare

I was just surfing around, wondering what to blog about today, when I get a voicemail from The Ware House about a life and death situation needing my attention. I was referred to in the message as a tree-hugger extraordinare, which is flattering, but soon they will learn more about what I do as a toxicologist, and may never look at me the same. But for now, I packed up my wildlife rescue gear (a towel and a box) and dashed across the street. A nearly fledged bird had fallen from the nest and onto the sidewalk. Nothing appeared to be broken, and it could have even been a ploy by Mama bird to cut some dead weight. Harsh.

I plan to look for a foster home, as my cats will consider this to be quite the treat. Perhaps my neighbors would be interested? For now, Boxy the bird has found a temporary home with water, food, and nesting substrate. Stay tuned for updates as they become available.

July is...

National Picnic Month! Get a basket, a blanket, some food and realize your destiny. Also it is National Baked Bean Month, National Culinary Arts Month, National Hot Dog Month, National Bluberry Month and National Pickle Month. Sounds like a good mixture for a meal...

Born on the 4th of July

Happy Birthday to my Granddaddy! Not a chance he will see this, as one of the perks of being 80 is that no one expects you to be online. I will just have to tell him in person.

Summer Internship Program nearly complete

After 4 weeks of intensive training, Xandi is taking everything she learned back to the great state of Tennessee.

I have no doubt she will be entertaining, cooking, and serving bubba-ganoush before long. I was unsuccessful in trying to convince her to make the bed, fold the laundry, or enjoy curry. I have some things to work on for future interns.

I have loved having her here with me, and will miss having someone to play board games with on Sunday afternoons. I hope she had a good time while she was here in Vicksburg, I know I did!

Too Busy to Blog?

Seems incomprehensible, but somehow true. Good times abound here in Vicksburg. The weekend was a lot of fun, as we recovered from GEMS camp and prepared for the party of the summer (this could be read as a challenge). John and Blair were married in the Big Apple back in early May (see previous posts), and we finally got around to TOASTING THE TIRPAKS this past weekend. They were expecting a low-key party at my place, and we surprised them with a New York themed party in the Big Apple Suite at the Ware House! We had food "on the street" and Little Italy next to Chinatown. Signature drinks included cosmos and apple-tinis. We ran 2 slide shows of wedding photos and sprinkled in some NYC photos from those of us who played tourist before and after the actual wedding. I can say it was one of the best parties I have been to since moving to Vicksburg, and I actually managed NOT to ruin the surprise for a change, although I almost did with a text message flub-up about the Sports Bar vs. the Lounge. Thanks so much to all of the Ware House staff for planning & coordination to make this a surprise for our friends!