Invited Seminar=ROAD TRIP

Xandi and I hit the road today and headed northeast in search of desolation, cows, and maroon-clad men. We found all such things on the way to Starkville, where I was invited to give a research seminar to the College of Veterinary Medicine. We got a great tour of the clinic, and even got to visit the Morgan Freeman Equine Reproduction Research Unit-- home to many new horse mamas and some frisky studs. One such stud was about to undergo sperm collection, and was drawing quite the crowd. We had another meeting scheduled, much to Xandi's disappointment. Just another day in the life of a biologist...

Bubba-ga-WHAT?

This may be the name of my new business--I have signed up to be a vendor at the new Vicksburg Farmers Market. I am selling homemade hummus and baba ganouj, Middle Eastern dips that I started making about 10 years ago, and now can't imagine my life without. I am still working on the ROI spreadsheet, but money is not necessarily the only deliverable here. The market was an astounding success this morning and I really enjoyed the atmostphere, the socializing, and the satisfaction of introducing some folks to some new foods. See you again next week!

Spectacular Zucchini

Eight-ball zucchini, purchased from the Memphis Farmers Market this weekend. They were like Christmas ornaments, but much tastier. Seen on the bottom stuffed with mushrooms, almonds, orzo, herbs, and topped with cheese!

Introducing the new sidekick...

And our names even rhyme: Sandy and Xandi! My niece came to the bustling metropolis of Vicksburg for a month or so--she can barely contain her excitement. She came in town to volunteer for GEMS camp , but I think we will have some deep south adventures along the way.

Yet another way for garlic to make me happy

From the Memphis Farmers Market, these are elephant garlic clove flowers--I LOVE them!

it's a duck's world

Met the family up in Memphis for a fun-filled night of ribs, music on Beale, and late night nachos. We even hit the start of the Delta in the lobby of the Peabody Hotel--watched the ducks marched out at 11 am sharp. Pretty cool to think birds could be trained to stay in this fountain. I told Xandi she would be make it from one end of the Delta to another in one day--From the Memphis to Vicksburg.

Let the Dinner Parties begin...

Last Thursday was the inaugural dinner, and the high water mark has been set. We went with a Middle Eastern theme, I made a recipe I had seen my secret shame crush Bobby Flay make: Spiced Yogurt and Grilled Salmon and Mary Beth made Baklava which was out of this world. We must have been too busy telling stories to take pictures, but I will designate a photographer or maybe the local paparazzi will read the blog.