4th Annual Mardi Gras Vicksburg (for me)

My favorite parade and party of the year is here! Decorations were put out a few weeks early and the weather had something to say about that. Evites were sent, but many were left off (sorry!). Rain and wind threatened to damper our excitement, but we could not be deterred. Before the floats start to roll, the crowds gather below the balconies and it is one of the highlights for me. Jamie's daughter, Henle, showed up a little early to help decorate the king cake. Some folks even made the trip from Clinton, way to go Team Coleman! The kids had a lot of fun, Brinson, Damien and Henle were the guests of honor, and the most entertaining.

We are all sensitive people...

Introducing Belgian Soul Food Specialties--in the U Street/Shaw neighborhood is Marvin, a restaurant dedicated to the life and memory of Marvin Gaye. Marvin was created in the classic Belgian-style, featuring home-cooked classics that combine the tastes of Belgium with the American south.

Yes, another amazing meal was had during my visit to Washington, DC. Thanks to yet another recommendation of my friend, Kim* and a second by Karl, a DC-based team member. I managed to swan dive off my diet and enjoyed the fried chicken served on a belgian waffle with collard greens. Very hip setting, great service, and amazing food.

*loyal bloggers may remember she took us to the Matchbox bistro back in October

On the way to work this morning...

I am in DC for meetings, and as we were walking from the Metro to the conference, we heard sirens. Jeff (my team leader) says "oh, someone important must be coming" and I said, with some pessimism, "or someone unimportant had a heart attack" and we kept walking. When we got to the next intersection there were police motorcycles blocking all entry routes. So we turned and saw a few more police cycles coming our way. Everyone on the sidewalk had stopped to watch as the Presidential Motorcade drove by us on the way to the White House. Two of these babies drove by and I was in shock as we could see (sorta) the President was in the second of the two. It was a high point, for sure. And to think I wanted to crawl back in bed this morning!

It's Snowing!!

We are staying at this great B&B in DC and came back up to my room to find it snowing outside! Very exciting for a girl living in the Deep South now. I started my blog about a year ago while snowbound in DC for a few days. Let's hope that doesn't happen again.

Crechale's in Jackson

For Olivia's birthday, she wanted to do dinner somewhere special, leading us to West Jackson and a dining location that has not changed much since 1956, Crechale's. This means great food, excellent service, and chicken livers on the appetizer plate. For our generation, that should be a warning, just order the onion rings, you will not be sorry. Here is the birthday girl, as she makes her wish before extinguishing the cake on fire.

The Hunt for the Runt

I was in Alabama for the last couple of days talking about this elusive fish, the pygmy sculpin. Can you see them?

Mardi Gras Kickoff: Monroe, LA

The parade was like a tailgate party that stretched for miles, folks arrived early, settled in and enjoyed food, drink, and an open container holiday.

Since I was a first-timer to this parade, I was honored by the float seen here.

The local news station creates an overhead view with this bucket truck, and live broadcasts the parade with commentary.

Food Network Challenge Comes to Vicksburg

And I was the victim. In a harmless gesture, I offered to make football helmet cakes for the Super Bowl. My good friend, Michelle, bought this cake pan for me many years ago and every year since, I have made at least one cake. Although I wasn't hosting, Todd and I agreed cake would be a good idea. Everything was fine. Enter Rob, with grand plans for fondant, colors, stencils, all to be executed within a 6 hr time frame. Well, despite resistance from me, he managed to assemble a top notch task force to achieve his vision. My cake was dark brown not black, as the Steelers helmet dictates, and The Ware House cake was meticulously decorated with 4 colors of fondant and stunning accuracy. I regret to inform my readers that there is not a side by side picture available for the finished products.

A new niece to spoil...

Welcome to the newest addition to our family: Brionna, daughter of Samantha and Jeffery, sister to Mya. I am trying hard to carve out some time to get home to meet her!