Is this the battle you want to fight?

One of my friends posted on Facebook that she won't buy "a drop of BP until it is all out of our Gulf." As I see it, this is a tragic accident. One that not only caused an oil spill in the Gulf but the loss of human life. But boycotting BP, as I see it, is not the solution. If we boycott BP we likely will give more of our oil business to foreign companies, most of whom despise the US.

Moreover, are we not being hypocritical? If we boycott BP, should we not also boycott electricity? There was a recent tragic mining accident in West Virginia---in fact, it was called the one of the worst, if not the worst in mining history. Coal is used to make electricity, so, ergo, we should boycott the use of electricity.

Did anyone boycott Exxon when the Valdez spilled oil due to a drunken pilot? Yet we continue to import oil that comes across the ocean in tankers.

Will we continue to depend on foreign oil and countries who loathe and despise our country and not drill on American soil, thereby becoming at least a little more independent?

I can't decide whether to stir this pot on Facebook, ignore it, or quit "peeping" at other people's thoughts of the day....Sigh. Not a good way to start my day.

Poke Salad

Those of us who are of the baby boomer generation know the song Poke Salad Annie. But have you ever thought about Poke Salad? Did you know you could actually eat poke salad?

You can boil the leaves of pokeweed (like spinach) or mix the leaves with a little onion, bacon, and eggs for a side dish. Hmmm, really? Maybe, maybe not.

If you dare, you could try some in Arab, Alabama, during the "Poke Salat" Festival, May 14-15. Yes, really, you can. You. Me? I don't think so.

Southern Living Loves Austin

More to explore in Austin?

Restaurant: Perla's Seafood and Oyster Bar on South Congress
They claim that the fresh catch is flown in daily and served under giant oaks out front.

Fashion: Blackmail Boutique on South Congress
All black rock-and-roll T-shirts to vintage cowboy boots and, of course, the little black dress.

Drinks: Ranch 616
Recommendation> "Fire in the Hole" chased by Lone Star Beer

Local Artisans: Roadhouse Relics
Austin neon artist Todd Sanders (1720 South First Street)

Local Food Traditions: "Airstream Cuisine"
According to SL, the king and queen of this movable feast are Hey Cupcake! and Torchy's Tacos.

Southern Style: Our Sunday Best

The Southern Journal editorial in this month's Southern Living magazine got me thinking. As Southern ladies we've gone through a serious transformation over the years. Some of the changes are definitely good, and some are not. First came panty hose and hot rollers, then pantsuits---in church. We've abandoned slips and girdles, given up teasing our hair, blow dry instead of sitting under a bonnet hair dryer, and no longer use clouds of hairspray to hold every strand in place.

However, I miss the ritual of planning what the girls will wear for Easter Sunday. Early on, I would make something special. When I was growing up, gloves were essential. Later, an occasional hat was still part of the ensemble. New shoes--usually patent leather--were a must. Easter baskets left by the Easter bunny and the traditional egg hunt were just what you did on Easter Sunday.

I don't miss aprons. New brides always received aprons. My grandmothers always wore them, but I rebelled. I have several cute, 1950s models, June Cleaver-style aprons in a drawer somewhere.

I have this wonderful photo of Mae Mae, Annie Mae, and Sis Rona dressed for the afternoon with their hats on and pocketbooks on their arms. I wouldn't want to dress, complete with hat and purse, for an ordinary week day, but that was just what you did as part of that generation. I don't even like purses and certainly won't wear a hat!

I don't miss bedroom slippers and matching pajamas/robes. I don't own bedroom slippers, but that was a bone of contention when I was growing up. "You'll catch your death of cold if you don't wear your slippers!" Well, here I am.

I don't know from where the saying "never wear white shoes before Easter or after Labor Day" came, but I have no problem obeying. I don't even own white shoes.

Some of the transformation in Southern style that has taken place has been for the good. But let us never lose sight of the tried-and-true. To quote Valerie Fraser Luesse [Southern Living, April 2010], "But as we boldly march forward, let us remember that 'Mama 'n' 'em' knew a thing or two about style." Let us pledge to do our part to remain true to Southern style.

And that, my friends, doesn't merely apply to what we wear.

Countdown

Two more days of classes to teach.
Final grade meetings for student teachers in their first placements tomorrow and Wednesday.
Second week of advising almost over.
Meetings missed taken care of, notified, and/or postponed.
Desk somewhat clear.
House clean...for now.
Ready to leave for Texas!

Feelings....nothing more than feelings

I know. It was a bad song when it came out the first time. It's no better now, especially if you imagine me singing. Anyway, the title is just a prelude to Friday musings.

I started the day feeling cranky because I woke too early. I made myself and Barkley try to go back to sleep until a more decent time to wake.

I was feeling like having a big country breakfast but opted instead---or should I say forced myself---to have a healthy breakfast of oatmeal that I liberally dosed with dried cranberries, pecans, honey, and milk.

I was feeling whiny and a little pouty because I'm working and some people are playing with a certain grandbaby far, far away.

But then! AHA! I'm feeling much better, because I got the treatment. A haircut. That means someone else washes your hair, cuts it, and styles it. Hmmm...heaven.

I have to go back to work now, and I'm thinking I have work to catch up on over the weekend. But the sun is out, and birds are chirping outside my window.

I'm feeling better now. Thanks.

Kids say the darnedest things

Y'all know I love teaching, and I love my "kids." Well, most of them. The ones who actually show up and participate in class. The ones I get to know because they actually show up to class.

In a previous post, I told you about the Alaska transplant who said he came to Alabama for SEC football and southern belles. Well, he's come up with another quotable quote.

Today, I walked into class and several students were poring over a thick book reminiscent of a dreaded literature textbook. I mentioned it, and that opened the floodgate of commentary on the instructor of the nutrition class the textbook was for. The commentary was not complimentary. In fact, I should not have listened. But I couldn't help myself. Gossip is one of my failings. Big surprise.

The rantings ranged from how much they hated the class (for various reasons) to the fact that the instructor's not a professor and doesn't even teach on campus full-time.

Mr. Alaska pipes up and says, "Why should we have to pay full price for a half price instructor?"

And haven't we all had that feeling at one time or another?

Yep. More than once.