Packed Visit

Sophia does not sleep well at other people's houses. This is a fact that we fight, but we have come to accept it. For that reason, we have to stick to a one night rule pretty much everywhere. We have a 3-night vacation scheduled in July, and we're already dreading the lack of sleep.

Anyway, after work Friday, we drove down to Springfield to spend the night with my parents. Sophia reminded us that we're doing the right thing because during the night she slept very little but needed much interaction.

Our visit to Silver Dollar City in the morning remained a good one in spite of the odds. We had low temps and rain, but we were prepared. Here is Sophia in her rain jacket, with her kitty umbrella . . . and sunglasses. I can only assume it was a hopeful spirit that called for the shades.



Sophia actually prefers the rain. She is obsessed with splashing in puddles.



During our visit to SDC, we enjoyed a couple of rides and took in the Irish dancing show, as this was the last weekend of the International Festival. Sophia was very impressed with the dancers and would love to show you her version. Maybe I'll get it on video some time soon. Here she is with two of the dancers after the show.



After Branson, we went to Springfield Brewing Company. We ate a great meal and enjoyed a few rounds of pool. Here she is getting tips at the beginning.



Then we realized she was playing us. Sophia is a shark.

Tailgating on a Diet

When we started our 6-week eating plan, we were fully aware that it coincided perfectly with the beginning of football season, and therefore would essentially ruin our tailgating for the bulk of the season. We have been as faithful as we could be, only enjoying a fraction of the beer (that sounds bad) that we normally would.

Yesterday, with a 7 o'clock kick-off time, we were just going to HAVE to try our best to come up with a tailgating solution, because tailgate we must! It was really a collaborative effort, assisted greatly by our friends. I had been complaining via instant messaging to our friend Martin that during his visit to our tailgate this weekend, we would be virtually beerless. He helpfully informed me of MGD 64, Miller's lightest beer, having only 64 calories! For some reason, Erick is strictly a no-Miller man, so Milwaukee's finest brew isn't often enjoyed in our home. Desperate times call for desperate measures. So, we gave it a try.

Erick summed it up pretty well. "It tastes about like you'd expect a 64-calorie beer to taste." However, having had so little exposure to beer in the past 3 1/2 weeks, it tasted pretty darn good. I don't think we'll make it a habit, though.

Our tailgate food was greatly boosted in appeal by our friends the Chandlers. Knowing of our resolution to continue with the eating plan, they chipped in by bringing these vegetable kabobs (photograph courtesy of Casey.)

They were even tastier than they look. So, that is one tailgate adjustment that just might remain after our initial period is over. With peppers, onions, and the largest zucchini and yellow squash that I have seen in a long time, complemented by some fresh mushrooms and grape tomatoes for color, these were the finest veggie kabobs in my memory. Mmmmmm.

Anyway, the Tigers didn't make it easy for us to stay on track last night. In the midst of our offensive sputtering, I was really missing some chips and queso, or at least some real beer! We managed to push through, although the Tigers couldn't. Next week, when the Tigers play Texas, we'll be good and I have no illusions that we'll have a lower stress level. I do, however, think our result will be different next week! Go Tigers! Feast on some Longhorn for me, since I have to control my portion size.

Our Big Easy Menu

In the past, we have tried a few different approaches to eating in New Orleans. We have made reservations at some great places, laid down the cash and enjoyed a European-style lengthy meal. This time, we decided to put our use of time above the culinary star level. We were very pleased, when all was said and done, with our choices. We got to experience more styles of food this way, and we had more room to enjoy the beverages so readily available in the French Quarter.

I didn't take any pictures of the food or drinks. We just ate and drank. So I may throw in a few random shots just for a little variety.

After checking into our hotel, we realized that we hadn't eaten all day. So we headed to the Gumbo Shop, and enjoyed - what else - gumbo. Delicious, hot, steamy gumbo. Our daquiris were a pleasant addition to the meal.

Afterwards, we wasted no time before tracking down our favorite beverage. The River's Edge, right off of Jackson Square, makes an excellent drink called the River's Edge Punch. Just saying it makes my mouth water. Now, Erick makes a mean rendition of this favorite, but as you can imagine, it tastes even better when drinking it while watching street performers and interesting characters pass by. You can imagine our crushing disappointment when the drink was no longer on the drink menu. Fortunately, the bartender knew just how to concoct this little bit of heaven. We would see Rudy the bartender several more times before the weekend was through. Here is Erick enjoying the River's Edge - from my cup too!


He was "holding" my drink so I could snap this shot of the gutter next to the St. Louis Cathedral.

Planners be ware: the following could irritate you just to read. All of our meals were enjoyed at the very last minute when we realized we were hungry. We wandered around the French Quarter until we found something that met our time, money and taste bud requirements. We checked out Bubba Gump's on the first night. We wouldn't normally eat at a chain on a trip like this, but knowing that the shrimp was fresh helped us make our decision. It was actually a great atmosphere and even better food. We didn't forget that we were in New Orleans, so that's all we needed.

Our unplanned meals took us back to the Gumbo Shop on Saturday, then to the Crescent City Brewhouse for dinner. Again, fantastic luck. Erick and I shared the Brie Platter and a burger. The Brie platter, with roasted garlic and apple chutney, was just perfect. The burger really hit the spot, particularly when enjoyed with their own freshly brewed beer.

A trip to New Orleans would not be complete without a trip to Cafe Dumonde for beignets and milk, since we don't enjoy chicory in our coffee. Just happens to be across the street from the River's Edge, I might add. Oh, and also across from carriage mules like this one.

We only had one breakfast during our visit. We knew exactly where we would go. On our last trip to NOLA, with Paul and Risha, we discovered the Clover Grill. This is just a couple blocks from our hotel, and serves a real southern breakfast, perfect for anyone who needs a full plate of grease after a rough night. Since we weren't in such a situation, we just enjoyed biscuits & gravy and sausage. Of course, the coffee was perfect. It was fantastic. It's really just a pleasure to watch the cook and server interact and banter with the regulars and the first time customers. I love little diners like that. The camaraderie is almost tangible. I don't know if its the tight quarters or shared love of a big breakfast. Regardless, it's a good time.

I think that covers the highlights of our culinary adventures. Snacks and beverages were smattered throughout. Now, on to a diet. Don't ask. Just wish us luck.