I Might Could...

Well, I've returned from my Southern sojourn. It was nice. And hot. And full of meat-eating.  I'm so into this local food thing lately, it just seemed more authentic and practical to eat some of the regional cuisine in the mom-and-pop bbq and sit-down places than go hunt down the one crappy meat-free menu item at some national chain....and unfortunately those seemed to be the options for dining out in the middle of Tennessee.   And I do love my pulled pork...especially pulled off of some small farmer's pigs. (some of you are reading this in horror, others in amusement, still others in exhasperation. I know, I know) We did cook some, too. It was nice to cook for Jess, who barely has time to feed herself in between nursings and naps. The Vidalia onions and Georgia peaches were rolling in. Yum.

Enough about food. I could go on and on. It was crazy to be back down there. I moved out four years ago and had only been back for a brief visit right after moving, what with all the work demands and Nat's conference faux-vacations taking up any free time these past few years. Still, somewhat surprisingly, the hot, heavy air full of fireflies and lightening storms was really comforting and familiar. I found myself pining a lot - pining for old friends and old flavors, for dusty book stores and long chats on creaky porches. I don't think I've yet worn out my romanticism for that part of the country. I even like the grittiness...the juke joints, the gravel roads, oil cloth roofs, falling apart trucks...I had hoped to figure out a way to visit Oxford again, but it didn't work out. I hope to take a longer trip back there soon. It is such an amazing town, full of contradictions and gems...traits embodied in most of the people I know down there. Maybe I'll go down for the Sunflower Blues Festival  in Clarksdale. It is a great time...and you usually get to run into Morgan Freeman at his restaurant/music hall.