Feeding Critters, Part 2

This is my husband's little buddy. He comes up to the step right before the landing of our back doorstep to get his breakfast every morning. At first, he would disappear down his hole and he might not be seen for the rest of the day. 

However, Mr.Chipmunk must have decided to read The Hobbit. He now comes back a couple of hours after his breakfast looking quite pitiful. So, Bill began feeding him a "second breakfast." At least he does not seem to expect lunch! The total sum of what he gets is about one walnut half. After that, he seems content. 

Of course, if the neighbor dogs see Bill go out and feed the chipmunk, they begin barking for THEIR treats. And, usually, my husband obliges with the doggie treats we keep, although we have no dog of our own. 

When we went to Seashore Assembly last week, I was too sick to want to do much of anything. So, I sat and watched the squirrels and the water. Bill, wanting to see how close the squirrels would come to us, bought a jar of unsalted peanuts and began feeding THEM too! I am sure that, given time, they might even eat out of Bill's hand. 

Maybe I need to start a "Go Fund" to help cover the cost of all the nuts my husband feeds any available critters.

Bill, the critter feeder. 

It has a nice ring, don't you think? 

The Big 6-0

The Birthday week countdown has begun. Yes, I said birthday WEEK. I plan to celebrate (at least a little!) every day this week. 

Yesterday, my brother and sister took me out to breakfast for my annual siblings' birthday gathering. I expected to see THEM. I did NOT expect to see my friend, Teresa, (from Southaven) who had been cleverly hidden by another dear friend who is known to most everyone these days as "Granna." I am told my squeal was heard even outside the confines of the restaurant! Teresa has been hard at work attending school to learn medical coding. I had no idea that she would be able to come down for the occasion. I told my family not to do that for my next milestone. I will be so old, I might have a heart attack and drop dead!

I was also treated to the most amazing lemon bars that I have ever eaten and they are GLUTEN-FREE! I will definitely be stopping at Butter, A Louisiana Bakery, next time I am in Monroe. Thanks to my sister, Tammy, for finding this place and agreeing to make the sacrifice of sampling items so I would know what was good. Tough job, but someone had to do it!

The only thing I did not get was a picture with my brother and sister. My brother had a pressing event to get to after my party. A young friend of his was turning the big "4" and he left my party to attend hers. 

I guess I'm ready for the old rocking chair now. 

And maybe a nap. 

Hospitality

The other day I was thinking about my favorite great-aunt. Aunt Emma Lee has been gone for a number of years, but I still miss her. 

My grandmother would take me down to Kentwood, LA every summer to stay with Aunt Emma Lee. I would play with my cousins and visit with all the other great-aunts and uncles while I was there. And, usually, our stay would involve at least one big meal with as many of the family present as could be there. 

Aunt Emma Lee was the most amazing cook and hostess. She had reared 4 boys, all of whom had played football, and she knew how to cook for a hungry crowd. My mouth still waters when I remember her delicious chicken pot pie. It would literally melt in my mouth and I can't remember a time that I didn't ask for seconds. 

Most of all, Aunt Emma Lee was a gracious hostess. I never went to her house where I was not offered food and drink and a comfortable place to sit (preferably in the porch swing). Aunt Emma Lee loved having company and bent over backward to make sure everyone was taken care of. 

I don't have the crowds of people coming to my house, and I don't do much cooking from scratch anymore. But, true to my deep Southern roots, if you come to my house, you are going to be offered a cool beverage, something to eat, and the most comfortable place I can find for you to sit. 

Just let me know you are on your way.