Stalker

I’m probably losing my mind. For the past few weeks, I’ve been stalking. I know where they live, I have been observing their activities, and last night, I took pictures.

When I was a kid, I loved to feed the ducks at the cemetery (which I called the Duck Center); not much has changed. Yesterday evening, I went on a walk to see the ducks. I climbed into the weeds and waited until this group came around the corner.

Ducklings! Freaking ducklings! I know the picture sucks, but forgive me. It was twilight, the ducks were kept moving, and I was just overwhelmed by their cuteness.

So, I’m watching the ducks, thinking about how peaceful and wonderful it all is, when the Momma Duck saw something.

And they were off.

Why were they off? THIS!!!

Ok, yeah. That is a rat. A rat that’s bigger than my cat. A rat the size of a GODDAMN DOG!!! But you know, somehow, I didn’t throw up, and instead, managed to take this picture. That’s a big step for me.

Ok, one more cute picture to get that out of your mind.

Sleeping duck!

Ok. That’s all. Tonight, after the Glee season finale is over (Cory Monteith /Finn, please be my  boyfriend. I love you), I make pimiento cheese sandwiches and cucumber and butter sandwiches. Pictures tomorrow. Also: pictures from kayaking?

Hot, Hot Summer

Greetings from the *very warm!* one bedroom apartment.

Yes, my AC is out. The plus: the beginning of this week is supposed to be cool. The minus: The end is not. Let’s hope the landlords get someone over here soon!

Alright, really big round-up of stuff.

Stuff 1: Thai Red Curry with Tofu.

Ok, easy. Heat one can of coconut milk on medium, throw in a tablespoon or so of red curry paste, mix it up. Add tsp brown sugar and two tsp fish sauce. One you’ve got that simmering, throw in some trimmed and chopped green beans and some cubed tofu. Serve with sliced basil. So easy, so good, no excuse.

Stuff 2: The Greensboro Downtown Farmer’s Market

I needed some milk today, while I was downtown joining the Y and asking my landlords please can I have some AC. I didn’t want to go all the way out  to the grocery store, so what luck, I remembered the Downtown Farmer’s Market.

This is not affiliated with the Farmer’s Curbside Market, however, it has a lot of the same vendors, like the Calico Cheese Company, the Julian Creamery, and the French Lady’s baked goods. Not everything is local (in fact, I bought some Dole bananas, and noted some avocados from Mexico), but, it’s a really good start, and really convenient for me. It is on Green St., just to the right of the intersection with Smith st.

Stuff 3: Pretty Peonies

Bought these at the Farmer’s Curbside Market last Saturday. Unfortunately, they are toxic to cats. Major Bummer. But they are still lovely.

Stuff 4 Old Bike

My old bike is for sale – something is really up with the chain. Majorly. I’m putting it on craigslist for 20 bucks, but just wanted to give anyone out there first dibs.

Ok, I think that’s all. Tomorrow: Pictures of baby ducks, and a surprise creature. Stay tuned….

Things I Like

First off, the Braves are in the lead in the national league. They are officially better than the Phillies (but, they always were!)

In honor of that, I thought I’d post a video from a game played by another Braves.

Braves, my Braves, I will never forsake you again! Your minor league coaches are crazy, and your players are crazy good!

Ok, something else I like:

Aren’t they great? Call me anachronistic, but I love this.  I’ll be listening to this on my car ride back. Along with my podcasts of this American Life. Any other suggestions for something that could kill time for a 7 hour drive (with cat!)?

Ok. The last thing. Anyone south of the Mason Dixon line, stretching out to Missouri, believes that their city has the best BBQ. The only difference: If you don’t live in Columbus, you are just wrong.

Here are my three favorite BBQ places:

Country’s

Ok, their food is good – the treatment of women in this video, well…

This is pretty much the quintessential Columbus BBQ joint. It’s been around for a long time – my mom waited tables there in the 1970s. It’s the gathering spot for those of us who’ve moved away. My favorite is the chopped pork platter, though my brother prefers the ribs. They also have fabulous vegetables (both fried and not!) Dad and I went for lunch today – he had fried eggplant. Delicious.

Chester’s

I hadn’t been to this one until this weekend. We waited for forty five minutes for the ribs we ordered, but daaamn. Worth it. I don’t normally like ribs, but so. so. so. worth it. The sauce alone was great – almost North Carolina vinegar-y, but not quite. Just good. If you are in Columbus, then go. Just make sure you have forty five minutes to wait! Also, it should be known that they won a Hoodie award from Steve Harvey. I think that speaks for itself.

Macon Road BBQ

About a mile down the road from Country’s is Macon Road BBQ. I have a lot of friends who prefer this one. I don’t…until I go there. I always flip flop on whether I like the chopped pork better here, or at Country’s. For ambience, and I mean real honest to God southern ambience, this is it.

Alright, those are things I like. I have one more day in the finest state on earth before going back to mmmm, the second finest state on earth. What to do…