Neighborly Love and Hot Wings

This Saturday, after I worked the farmers' market, we met up with our neighbors and went to the Southern Hot Wing Festival downtown.

Our neighbors after some good wings.

All the proceeds went to the Roland McDonald House here in Memphis. There were tons of tents with teams cooking hot wings, and you could go up to each one, give a small donation and get some wings. We had some really good ones, and some that burned my lips off. But it was fun, and the weather could not have been any better.

Look how happy and cute we look about hot wings!

After we ate all the wings we could, we went to Earnestine and Hazel's for some refreshments. Earnestine and Hazel's is a really old place in downtown that used to be a brothel, and has been used in lots of different movies. 

They had an open room that we sat in, which was pretty cool. 

 And then Chris wanted to go upstairs. Oh my it was scary. There were all these rooms and bathrooms, and any moment you just knew someone was going to jump out at you with a chain saw.

Note the scary bathtub...but at least there used to be non-slip flower stickers. That was thoughtful.

Scary hallway.

And this room. The owner/manager/all-knowing guy came upstairs and told  us all about the history of the place, and how now, late in the evening people come up here and play cards, etc. I'm not sure Chris fits in.

We decided our day-time trip to Earnestine and Hazel's was enough for us so we moved on. It was about time to eat again, so we headed to Huey's for some burgers. As if the hot wings didn't fill our fried and grease quota for the day.

The fun thing about Huey's is that you can shoot toothpicks on the ceiling.

Lots of people have accomplished it.

Nicole had good aim.

Sean had a secret straw loading technique.

Occasionally, the toothpicks would fall back to Earth and hit one of us, but we still have all our eyeballs.

I think Chris enjoyed his interactive dinner.

 

Also at Huey's, you can write on the wall. A lot of people do it. I didn't have my huge Sharpie in my purse, but I did write my name, albeit tiny, on the wall. So just in case my signature is worth something one day, you can find it here.

 

Flashback: One year ago today

This is one of the only photos I can find. It shows me and Porter, and it was moving day. We were moving out of my folk's guest house (we lived there after this) and packing for Memphis. 

Such a monumental time, I like that it's capture by one simple photograph of me and Crazy Cat.

Flashback: 2007

2007 was a great year. All of my favorite people lived in Little Rock. Kathy was there; Anna was there; and Chris and I were there. I think we relied heavily on each other, and it was great for our friendship.

I was reminded of 2007 today as I was reviewing old photographs. Apparently, also in 2007, Accessory City opened in Little Rock, and Kathy, Anna and I went to check it out. There may only be four photographs, but it's worth reliving.

Oh those girls, whom I love.

The animals

So I've been working at home for a while, but the animals are still adjusting. Chris was out of town most of last week, and this is how Grace compensated. She thought that if she could stick her nose in his clothes, she would feel better. Separation anxiety, anyone? 

Then, a few days, she would come in the office and curl up in the smallest space possible. At least she's good looking. 

"Um, Mother, I'm so glad you are here more often, but I really need to sleep, get my beauty rest and play with that dog. I love you, and will speak with you in a bit."

"Mo-aam, I love you, and can we play now? What are you dooooing?"

"I'm so cute, and I need my belly rubbed. Moooom, please!"

I may have a few harry distractions, but I'm loving the new developments in my life. You never know what will fall in your lap!

Easter 2010: Our first grown-up holiday

I'm considering Easter 2010 our first grown-up holiday. I think it's the first holiday Chris and I have spent with no other family. Usually, we're in Little Rock with mine or in Jackson, MS, with his. But this Easter, we stayed home and celebrated with just the two of us.

I was a little sad that we didn't go to Little Rock, but we were fortunate that we saw my entire family just a few weeks earlier.

So on Easter, Chris and I got dressed up and went to church. I had decreed days earlier that we would be having a picnic in the park after church to make me feel better about not being "home."

We packed a lunch of leftover salmon, couscous and roasted Brussels sprouts.  We loaded up our food, picnic accessories, Grace and headed out.

Thankfully it was a perfect day. Chris got us all set up.

Mom and Jack gave Chris this picnic set for Christmas, and this was the first time we used the entire set. It includes a little table, bottle holder and two glass holders. We had to bring champagne and glasses to test it out!

I was pretty happy once we got set up, got our food out and popped the champagne.

Chris enjoyed himself too.

Grace loved being at the park, and showed her excitement by chewing on sticks.

She can't get enough tree bark.

And, for dessert, I packed the last two cupcakes I had made the week before. I used a chocolate cake box, but then topped them with this amazing frosting by The Pioneer Woman. I'm not usually a frosting fan due to the tremendous amount of sugar, but this recipe is divine, and just sweet enough.

Grace really enjoyed her Easter.

"Do you see any more sticks, mom?"

"Thanks for staying in town and hanging out with me."

After we ate and drank until our hearts' content, and even took a little nap and played two games of backgammon, we headed home.

Easter 2010: Our first grown-up holiday: A success!