hodge :: podge

no fuss bread baking

2010-09-28T13:42:00.003-05:00

my fear of proofing yeast, kneading and baking a crusty bread is over thanks to "artisan bread five minutes a day". the boys gave me this book for my birthday and i've made pizza dough, ciabatta bread, pita bread and naan bread with the master boule recipe!

my so called "chocolate & strawberry icecream" scarf

2010-09-21T09:24:00.005-05:00

this is my first time knitting with malabrigo yarn and it's absolutely soft. this is a popular scarf pattern called "my so called scarf". the color is sotobosque which reminds me of chocolate & strawberry icecream!

hawaiian style peanut butter blossoms

2010-06-10T10:15:00.004-05:00

picked up a couple of bags of macadamia nut kisses on my last visit to hawaii and baked these, oh so yummy!

tumbling blocks blankie

2010-05-18T15:30:00.005-05:00

my friend y gave birth to the cutest baby girl this past spring. her room is a “hello kitty” theme in pink, light green, white, aqua and dark brown furniture. i wanted to knit a blankie to coordinate with her room and decided on the tumbling blocks blankie from lion brand yarn. some of my friends called this the “ice cream blankie”.

yummy homemade granola bars

2010-04-30T08:34:00.008-05:00

my bff t gave me this cookbook for my birthday last year. this is the first recipe i made from this book and they are delicious! i've also made this as a granola which is especially tasty with soy milk or greek yogurt.

2009 garden

2010-04-26T09:51:00.008-05:00

we had quite a bit of rain and frost last year so a lot of our plants didn't make it. hopefully we'll have better luck this year.

sock it 2 me

2010-04-22T09:19:00.010-05:00

well as a knitter i have always told myself i would never knit socks. i would rather knit other things if i can easily go to the store and purchase them. as you can see i first knit "a" sock and that was just way too complex for me. i knit "a" sock, not a pair. a friend/lys owner has written a pattern for two socks at one time! now i realize what the craze is about knitting socks, i'm hooked! i'm just beginning the gusset portion of the sock and i already can't wait to knit another pair! i plan to always have a pair of socks on my needles (along with my other wip's). plus they perfectly fit in my tokidoki pouch that i can throw in my purse!

my love affair with vietnamese food

2010-04-20T12:30:00.013-05:00

i would like to personally thank my friend jf for introducing me to this wonderful cuisine 10+ years ago. i seriously could eat vietnamese food everyday for the rest of my life, ask my DH. i was very fortunate living in diverse cities and being able to have whatever my palette craved for. the closest vietnamese restaurants is in baton rouge (60 miles) or new orleans (135 miles). everytime we travel a vietnamese restaurant is the first thing i look up. don't get me wrong, i'm very fortunate living here in cajun country with all the mouth-watering cajun cuisine. so the next best thing is making it at home. thank goodness we have a asian market where i can get a lot of my ingredients. i enjoy all the hot, sweet, sour, salty goodness that vietnamese food has to offer. funny how all the dishes look the same but served 3 different ways. reminds me of mexican food: taco, burrito, tostada. basically the same ingredients but served 3 different ways.

it's been a long time coming...since i've been here...

2010-04-20T11:04:00.010-05:00

just as long as this picture was taken! i believe my blogging mojo is back...third time's a charm right? this picture was actually taken last week via the great hipstamatic 100 available on iPhone. upload the app now (ok that was a little pushy :0), trust me you'll love this app and you won't be disappointed!

down and dirty with jamie

2009-05-07T13:36:00.009-05:00

last october, m, s, and i had the opportunity to meet, greet, and taste jamie oliver's wonderful food. jamie and his crew were so friendly. he even signed our cookbooks. we felt like were in high school again, asking the popular guy to sign our yearbook!

oliver visited louisiana’s cajun country as part of an eight-part documentary series he is filming about cuisine in the united states. each part of the series will feature a different state and he chose louisiana as his first stop. oliver and his production crew planned a trip to the acadiana region to pay a visit to mcgee's landing in henderson. after hurricane gustav ravaged the area oliver and his crew helped the restaurant get back on its feet. oliver teamed up with restaurateur david allemond and hosted a benefit to help the restaurant reopen. mcgee's landing, a rustic restaurant nestled inside the boundary of the west atchafalaya protection levee, is also a bona fide cajun boat landing and was one of the first to offer guided swamp tours. allemond was forced to shut down his restaurant for more than a month after high winds from hurricane gustav which caused serious damage to the building.the roof was completely torn off. the canopy, deck and the east wing of the restaurant were completely destroyed. oliver decided to come and help out. oliver offered to help him reopen. more than 150 attended the gala event which was highlighted by the special menu prepared by oliver and allemond. the menu included a sumptuous lump crabmeat salad, followed by the main course of pork loin, sweet potatoes laced with rosemary sprigs, green beans (that's haricot verts enFrancais), rice dressing and for dessert, a sinfully delicious chocolate bread pudding topped with vanilla ice cream and fresh berries.

louisiana department of agriculture and forestry - october 2008 volume 91 no. 22

yet another blog break

2009-05-06T09:41:00.006-05:00

wow...between family, work, planning my high school reunion and my newfound addiction to facebook and twitter, blogging has taken a backseat to everything else. I'll be back soon... just like our spring flowers in our garden.

Where Y'at?

2008-09-23T11:00:00.007-05:00

As I stated in my last post “its been awhile” well it has been a “long while”. I need to get back into my blogging mojo and I can’t seem to come up with any reasonable explanation for this long hiatus.

On that note, look what has bloomed, a Pink Plumeria! Look at the Lovebugs that decided to mate… A little “Aloha” I brought back from Hawaii to Louisiana.

Yat refers to a unique collection of dialects of English spoken in New Orleans, Louisiana. The term also refers to those people who speak with a Yat accent. The name comes from the common use amongst said people of the greeting, "Where y'at?" (Where you at?), which is a way of asking, "How are you?" - Wikepedia

It's been awhile...

2008-05-28T15:01:00.003-05:00

I'll be posting soon...for now a picture of the Water Lilies at work.

Heart of the Midwest

2008-04-20T18:03:00.002-05:00

Leaving for Omaha, Nebraska for a week-long Sports Event Symposium. Everyday and evening is jam-packed with breakout sessions and appointments, but I will find time to devour in a steak!

Busy with...

2008-04-02T09:41:00.012-05:00

Organizing...

Tea from Teavana

Spices from Penzeys

Knitting...

Entrelac Scarf for J

Prayer Shawl for K

Shrug for Moi!

I "heart" Heart Day!

2008-02-14T12:39:00.007-06:00

Strawberry Cupcakes with Almond Buttercream Frosting

I've always enjoyed this day even when I didn't have a special someone. I think it's the red, pink, hearts, doilies, sweets, and all the giddiness! Happy Valentines Day to You and Yours and especially to my forever Valentine, R!

Mad Hatter

2008-02-07T10:16:00.001-06:00

I'm in this hat phase. So far I've knitted seven beanies in the last month. Hopefully I'll be in a shrug phase soon cause I absolutely "heart" shrugs!

Mardi Gras in Cajun Country

2008-01-30T10:51:00.000-06:00

Just as the Cajuns and Creoles are known for their fabulous, spicy food, Cajun Country is known for the fabulous spice it adds to the Mardi Gras celebration. Here in Lafayette, you'll find the mystery of Mardi Gras blended with Cajun magic to cook up one of the most colorful and unique pre-Lenten celebrations in the world. Lafayette, Louisiana is home to the state's second largest Mardi Gras celebration, which includes eight parades of floats and bands during the Carnival season. The first parade, ten days before Mardi Gras, is the celebrity-led Krewe of Carnivale en Rio Parada, featuring over 600 riders. My friends C and J are members of the Krewe and R and I got to ride on a float this year. It was soooo much fun and we had such a great time. We threw a total of 5000+ beads and toys. R and I are thinking about joining this Krewe.

Check it out, here I am with the “Duquesa du Parada” (Parade Marshal) Ali Landry, TV and film actress and Miss USA 1996. Ali grew up here in Cajun country, Breaux Bridge, LA.

Got my knitting mojo on...

2008-01-24T14:47:00.000-06:00

Grey Shrug I knitted in Hawaii

Entrelac Scarf

Fingerless Gloves

I'm a little "Neti Pot" short and stout...

2008-01-18T11:05:00.000-06:00

I’m home and back to the grind, but when I got back from Hawaii I was down with a sinus infection. When I first moved to Louisiana everyone would tell me that I would eventually start having allergies and sinus headaches. Sure enough it happened. I started a morning routine of nasal irrigation using a Neti pot. Neti pots are a common feature of traditional Asian medicine. It resembles a tea pot and is made in ceramic, plastic or metal with a long spout. Through the gravity method it allows you to pour warm saline solution into your sinuses, which helps to cleanse them of mucus, pollen, dust, pollution or whatever else you happen to have lurking up there. It also helps with the common cold. My husband R has been doing this for awhile for his sinuses. I’m a gagger and when I watched him do it I knew that there was no way I could do this. Well, after doing it a couple of times I got used to it and feel so much better. R just reminds me every now and then how I cringed when he suggested the Neti pot and now I swear by it!

2008-01-08T09:42:00.000-06:00

Mele Kalikimaka

2007-12-20T12:37:00.000-06:00

Off to Hawaii for the Holidays to spend with my brother and sil. Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau'oli Makaheki Hou to you and yours!

My "heart" is skipping a beat...

2007-12-08T06:40:00.000-06:00

As I mentioned here, now you know why my "heart" is happy!!! Perkins Rowe is a place where everything needed in daily life is within walking distance of home or office. We are heading up to Baton Rouge for the day and I am quite excited!

Forever New Orleans

2007-12-04T12:06:00.000-06:00

I will be in New Orleans for work. We will be delivering our meeting planners a holiday gift. We will also be hosting a reception in their honor at the famous Arnaud's. Arnaud's has been a family business since 1918. I'm staying at a boutique hotel the Bienville House which is in the French Quarter. If you plan to visit during the Holiday Season I highly recommend the Reveillon Dinners in restaurants throughout the city. Three of their Reveillon restaurants - Commander's Palace, Galatoire's, and Tujague's are more than 100 years old! It's the authentic taste of Christmas New Orleans Style. This is my favorite time to be in the Crescent City.

The cultural riches, sensual indulgences and unparalleled service that define the New Orleans experience continue to flourish, as they have for centuries. With all of its facets, a New Orleans experience is never anything but completely authentic. The city’s marvelous eccentricities are born from a rich heritage, respectfully and indelibly woven into the fabric of everyday life here. New Orleans doesn’t act a part for its visitors; it simply welcomes everyone with open arms to a world all its own. The city is full of complexities and contradictions, but its multifaceted personality somehow blends into an offbeat harmony that defines the city’s unmistakable charm. Like the most gracious Southern hostess, New Orleans welcomes visitors with a genuine hospitality and singular flair. The city’s intricate mélange of cultures creates a chameleon destination; with so many aspects to its character, the city can fulfill every agenda with equal enthusiasm. ~ New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau

On Holiday...

2007-11-15T13:44:00.000-06:00

The Hodge crew will be on Holiday for a week in Hot Springs, Arkansas. We'll be staying in a rustic cabin at Lake Catherine State Park. I'm just so thrilled that this time I'm leaving for pleasure with my family and not business. We'll be hiking, biking, and fly fishing to keep us, Buddy & Bruneaux busy. Bathhouse Row, in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, is the largest collection of bathhouses in the United States, and what remains of the only federally-run spa. I'll be here treating myself after a hike or bike ride. Happy Thanksgiving to You and Yours!

Knitted Stamp

2007-11-14T12:00:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited about this years Holiday stamps. They are a set of four stamps by Illustrator and NYC Knitter Nancy Stahl. All the stamps are illustrated as knitted items in stockinette stitch. These knitting stamps will be perfect for all those holiday packages shipped with knitted gifts during the holidays!

Geaux Tigers!

2007-11-01T07:08:00.000-05:00

Off to Baton Rouge for work. R is also on business travel. I will be visiting LSU and will be cheering for the Tigers this Saturday...and so will Buddy!

On the road again...

2007-10-19T16:29:00.000-05:00

I'll be attending a week-long Sports Conference in Louisville, Kentucky home to the Kentucky Derby, Louisville Slugger, and Muhammad Ali Center. What's real cool is that there will be educational seminars at all three of these locations. I'll be traveling with three other colleagues/friends and are planning to explore this trail as well.

I "heart" Anthropologie

2007-10-16T14:04:00.000-05:00

When I do travel to Metropolitan areas I look forward to shop at stores that I can only visit through the internet here in Lafayette, LA. When I did work in the hotel industry I often wondered why guests would flock to the mall. Now I understand. While I was in Chicago I shopped at the 9th largest mall in the US. Anthropologie is my absolute favorite store. I always get this warm-fuzzy feeling just being in the store. If I ever decide to make a career change to retail, I would definately work there. Today I received their Stitch catalog and just looking through it made me feel cozy! They feature a few sweaters from Twinkle Big City Knits by Wenlan Chia. I purchased this book and now I'm really excited to knit a sweater.

I'm off to the "Windy City"

2007-09-28T12:22:00.001-05:00

I will be in Chicago for a week-long Sports Convention to hopefully be awarded a tournament for 2009. There will be some leisure time to explore the city and to hopefully feast on Chicago-style Pizza at Giordano's, Lou MalNati's, or Gino's East of Chicago to name a few.

...and the crazy-busy season begins...

2007-09-23T16:07:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year when my job and the fall/Holiday Season collide. I honestly have to say I "heart" my job to pieces. I have the Best Boss ever and I actually enjoy going to work everyday! I know that sounds "too good to be true", but this is the best job I've ever had and I plan to retire there!

I'm leaving today for Atlanta, GA for an educational seminar. Too bad it's not peach season, I would've loved enjoying this.

Gumbo Ya Ya

2007-09-18T16:14:00.000-05:00

We are getting ready to plan our fall and winter garden. We are still getting a couple of bell peppers, crowder and purple hull peas. R planted okra the beginning of summer. I'll freeze the okra and use it for gumbo this winter. When it starts getting nippy here in South Louisiana we call it “gumbo weather.” Hopefully that will be soon...

On the needles...

2007-09-13T14:28:00.000-05:00

Entrelac Scarf

C's Blue Scarf

Grey Mohair Lace Scarf

Red Hot Chili Peppers

2007-09-12T15:36:00.000-05:00

Not the American Alternative Rock Band, but our red hot chili peppers from the Hodge-Crop. R and I enjoy fresh sliced peppers with anything and everything. We've been getting a chock full of peppers and recently I've chopped them up in the food processor, placed them in a jar with sugar and vinegar and it's quite tasty.

Sorry for the lack of posting but I've been very busy, both with work and at home. The southern summer heat is brutal and makes me tired and sleepy and worthless when I do get home. Thank goodness I have R in my life, our house and yard would be a train wreck!

"Buy me some Peanuts and Cracker Jack..."

2007-08-10T09:40:00.000-05:00

Well, we don't have to buy some roasted peanuts thanks to M planting them this past Spring.

This is what M pulled up...

and R roasted them last night!

Speaking of peanuts, look at what I spotted the other day... Reese's Elvis Cups!

I'm a big fan of Elvis and was excited when I saw this! This “limited edition” candy is being made in honor of the 30th Anniversary of The King’s passing, which is August 16th. I need to get my hands on the King Size version get it…”The King”! The packaging for this features Hawaiian Elvis, sporting sideburns and a purple lei at the 1973 concert taped at the Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. This was the first program to ever be beamed around the world by satellite. Oh and they are also including an instant win contest for a trip for two to Graceland…in that case I need to buy a truck load of Elvis Cups!

Short and Stumpy but are they yummy???

2007-08-06T11:27:00.000-05:00

We pulled up the carrots yesterday and look what we came up with.

The close-up is the strangest ones out of the bunch. R called them Nuclear Carrots and insisted on tossing them out.

Although Bruneaux disagrees and is proud of our carrots!

Smart Yarn

2007-08-01T10:31:00.000-05:00

One of my WIP's is my first pair of socks. I'm using Fortissima Socka yarn in Veracruz. What amazes me and makes me wonder is how does the yarn know when to stripe and line up perfectly? My knitting pals and I are using a pattern that D gave us which has no relation to the brand of yarn I'm using. Hopefully when I start the second sock the colorway will be the same.

Flower Power

2007-07-20T14:55:00.000-05:00

Here's what's blooming in our yard...

Crazy for Blueberries...

2007-07-16T14:41:00.000-05:00

My friend F here at work told me about a place in Lewisburg where you can pick fresh Blueberries. I'm all about fresh fruits and veggies from a farm. You should've seen all the blueberries. We ended up picking five and a half pounds. Not bad for $1.50 a pound.

My knitting friend A and I celebrated our birthdays this past Saturday with our other knitting pals and had a Blueberry Martini which I may mention was quite tasty.

Nothing like biting into a blueberry muffin made with fresh blueberries. I love the sweet-tart flavor. Looks like I'll be baking a lot of Blueberry Mochi unless I use them all up for Blueberry Martini's!

Japanese Bento with a Southern Twist

2007-06-29T15:35:00.000-05:00

Crowder Peas (from our garden!) and Tasso
Sliced Cucumbers (from our garden!)
Onigiri with Furikake
Sliced Fresh Peaches and Strawberries (from our garden...just kidding!)
Red Globe Grapes

"Gee, I coulda had a V-8!"

2007-06-28T08:06:00.000-05:00

We don't have to worry about having a V-8 we pick enough veggies to full fill our daily intake. So far we've had our share of:

Corn
Crowder Peas
Cucumbers
Green Beans
Green/Red/Yellow Bell Peppers (Orange are ready to be picked!)
Purple Hull Peas
Tomatoes (Cherry/Creole/Grape/Hybrid 444/Roma)

Since we've been getting a lot of rain (29.78 inches since January 1, 2007) some of our Veggies have "boo-boo's" on them but are still tasty.

According to the San Francisco-based WeatherBill Inc., a study published in May of rainy cities had Lafayette, Louisiana ranked at fifth, with 62 inches as the average annual rainfall and having 55 average annual rainy days.

You can't teach an old dog new tricks..

2007-06-19T08:47:00.001-05:00

R and I saw this commercial the other night and laughed hysterically. Hopefully we won't catch Buddy or Bruneaux doing this in the house! Speaking of B&B I took these pictures the other day on our camera on B&W setting. I have to admit I haven't really studied my camera instructions/manual. Maybe that's why my pictures don't look as nice as others out there. Of course, I don't know what setting the camera was on and I'm really bummed because these are probably the best pictures I've taken so far.

'Ole' Bento!

2007-06-18T11:11:00.000-05:00

Today I have some leftovers from last nights supper. I made Pork Enchiladas but since it's R's fave I left it for his lunch today.

First tier: Pork Carnitas (used in enchiladas) and Mexican Rice and a bottle of Tomatillo Sauce

Second tier: Fresh Roasted Beets (from Red Stick Farmers Market in Baton Rouge) and Sweeeeeet Roasted Yellow Peppers from our garden

Secret compartment (under lid): Three Mango Cream Sandwich Cookies

I start a 6-week knitting class tonight. D is going to teach us to knit socks, I'm excited! The class is from 6-8pm so I brought this for my snack. Butter Crackers, Pepper jack Cheese and Grapes.

Abigail at Bento Yum inquired about my Herb Lime Rice and the Eggplant recipe. I found this recipe at Chowhound and modified it with our herbs that we grow in our garden. Not only did I use Cilantro, I added Italian Flat Parsley, Basil and Mint. Very fragrant. As for the Eggplant I just sliced, drizzled olive oil and sprinkled salt and pepper and put em' on the grill. Easy-Peasy! I find roasting any vegetable moves it up to another dimension. I roasted Green Beans awhile back and my stepsons B and M really enjoyed them this way which is hard to believe because they would not even touch them before.

'Olé!', in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, used to express excited approval, for example at sporting events. Possibly derived from Arabic w-Allāh = "by Allah!", carried over from medieval Muslim rule in Spain.

"Leggo my Bento!"

2007-06-14T07:35:00.000-05:00

I grew up in Hawaii where Bentos are everywhere. In restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience stores. I bring my lunch to work everyday and snacks are my best friend. So, I always have snacks packed away for the Hodge clan in a tote wherever we go. I purchased the Pink Chrysanthemum set at Bento Yum. Here's my first Bento.

First Tier: Roasted Eggplant over Herb Lime Rice

Second Tier: Tri-Color Corn (from Red Stick Farmers Market in Baton Rouge) and Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Compartment under lid: Fresh Sliced Kiwis

I realize my Bentos aren't as fancy-schmancy as the ones posted on Bento Lunches, but I figure with my Bento obsession I will soon be Bento Queen!

Off to work I go with my Bento!

Weather report for today..."Mostly Sunny", how about "Mostly HOT?"

2007-06-12T13:53:00.000-05:00

I realize that it's 92 degrees (but feels like 107) and the humidity is 57% but I thought I'd post about this anyway. Last winter when it was nippy I knitted these skull caps for my two step sons B and M. I used Bernat Camouflage yarn in Outback and Mash. They also have Pink Camo! I'll have to knit one for A, my Sista-Friend in Seattle for this winter since she's been on my case since I've started knitting! I'd really like to learn to knit some of these Helmet liners/Neck Coolers for our Troops. Speaking of Troops I'd like to Congratulate my Kuya on his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve and my sister-in-law J to a Master Sergeant...well deserved.

A trip to Baton Rouge and the Dentist...

2007-06-11T14:35:00.000-05:00

Well, the day-trip to Baton Rouge is a lot more joy than the dentist office. I was home last week for a few days due to a toothache and some dental work. I'd explain more but I'm afraid my tooth will start to hurt again! On a lighter note R and I took the dogs to Baton Rouge last Saturday for the day (before my tooth incident). We went to the Red Stick Farmers Market and bought veggies, fruit and some herbs plants. After we took the dogs to the dog park. As I mentioned here before, Bruneaux has the "little man syndrome". Well, at the dog park a Pit Bull aggravated him and Bruneaux started to growl and bark at him and was ready to brawl. I swooped Bruneaux up in my arms. Little does he know that the Pit Bull can eat him in one bite! The Pit Bulls' head is the same size as Bruneaux's body! My "little man" has some Cajun fire in his blood! Other than that Buddy and Bruneaux had a great time smelling and socializing with other dogs.

A "must stop" for us when we do go to Baton Rouge is a trip to "Death Valley". Well, that's another name for Tiger Stadium at LSU. R graduated from LSU and I do believe he bleeds purple and gold! LSU fans are very loyal and are die-hard Tiger fans. Mike the Tiger recently passed away. He lived his last years in great comfort.

Our final stop was at the LSU Hilltop Arboretum. We'll have to come back in early Spring when it's not quite hot. The dogs enjoyed their garden stroll! Bruneaux slept all the way home!

Oh, and check this out, the Arboretum has a Hodge Podge garden as well! It's where the Arboretum’s friends and fans have the opportunity to scour their gardens for plants in need of a new home. I would love this sign in our Hodge ~ Podge crop!

Hello Hurricanes and Good-bye Crawfish...

2007-06-01T16:59:00.000-05:00

Well, today is the first day of Hurricane Season 2007 and the end of Crawfish season. R and I are going to a Crawfish Boil tonight. The Crawdads tend to be harder at the end of the season and we're hoping we won't have to use a lobster or crab cracker.

Being that it is the first day of Hurricane season, they already have named a second tropical storm??? As I mentioned here, this year should be busier than last year. Let's just hope we don't repeat the big K and R in 2005...

Anniversary

2007-05-30T09:09:00.000-05:00

A year ago R and I said "I Do" at Oak Alley Plantation.

I woke up to this...roses that R has nurtured from our garden.

Isn't love grand?!

You say "Toe-may-toe" I say "Toe-mah-toe"...

2007-05-29T16:25:00.000-05:00

Take a look at our first picked Creole Tomato!!! A while back R asked if I ever had a tomato sandwich. I looked at him confused. "Awwww, nothing like a home grown tomato, mayo, salt and pepper on some fresh white bread...you don't know what you've been missing...that's some good!" R said. So, that's what we made with our first tomato. I have to say it's quite tasty. We both had a bite of the tomato and let me tell you, nothing beats home grown.

2007-05-25T14:32:00.000-05:00

K, R and I attended the premiere of Little Chenier at the Cinema at the Bayou Film Festival. Talk about a great movie. Little Chenier captures the lives, culture and meaning of the Cajuns. I'm Filipino and was raised in Hawaii with many different cultures and I truly can relate to heritage and traditions. I've lived here in Lafayette for 3 years now and Louisiana has many similarities to Hawaii. The Cajuns are like the Hawaiians staying with tradition and true to their culture. K and I had the opportunity to meet and take a picture with Chris Mulkey who plays the Sherriff of Cameron Parish. We realized how busy he was meeting and greeting everyone at the movie premiere, but he took a couple of minutes to chat with us. He is a genuinely nice man. If Little Chenier comes to your town it's a "must see" and I highly recommend it.

Bayou in our backyard

2007-05-23T11:19:00.000-05:00

We got 1 1/2 inches of rain yesterday within several hours. If the rain continues we'll soon have to get us a Pirogue to get around in the garden. With the rain in mind hurricane season this year will be active...

Rub-a-Dub-Dub...

2007-05-21T15:37:00.000-05:00

I'm on a dish/face/wash cloth kick. Basically, you can use this cloth for all three of these. I use Sugar n' Cream, Bernat cottontots, or Peaches & Cream yarn. All 100% cotton of course which feels like heaven on your face and body. I am planning to make these for Christmas gifts. Yes, I said it "Christmas"...only 218 days away, go here to get the exact time...

I'm just a Squirrel trying to get a nut...

2007-05-18T16:24:00.000-05:00

Well the squirrels in our yard don't have to try to get a nut from us R feeds them dried corn. Check out the handmade squirrel corn feeder R made. It's quite nice that I have my very own "MacGyver"! Our corn in the garden is up to 6 ft. tall and hopefully the squirrels will be content with what R gives them. It's a blessing that the squirrels don't have to go through this to get a nut!

Sowing the Seeds of Love

2007-05-09T12:16:00.000-05:00

All credit goes to R who has nurtured our plants from sowing the seeds properly. Look at what has appeared!

Tomatoes!

Bell Peppers!

I can't wait to pick fresh veggies from our garden and eat them! R and I are going here for some R&R. I can't imagine what will pop-up in the Hodge-Crop when we get back.

The Seeds of Love is the third album by the band Tears for Fears, released in 1989. The album reportedly cost over £1 million (UKP) to produce. It retained the band's epic sound while showing increasing influences ranging from jazz and blues to the Beatles, the last of which is extremely evident in the hit single "Sowing the Seeds of Love".

To Felt or not to Felt

2007-05-08T10:20:00.000-05:00

Definitely felt! I'm sure everyone has ruined a sweater once and not realizing that they've actually felted! Take a look at my first felted project...a wine cozy. The pattern is compliments of Lydia at Dropped a Stitch. I used Caron Felt-It yarn in Adobe.

I definitely will be making more of these. You can knit this in a couple of hours. They make great housewarming gifts. R and I will be taking that bottle out of that cozy and enjoying that wine. Cakebread Cellars is one of the few wineries in Napa Valley that ship to Louisiana, so R and I jumped at that chance and joined their Bakers Club.

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii

2007-05-01T16:49:00.000-05:00

Happy May Day everyone! I grew up in Hawaii and celebrating May Day in Hawaii is a big event. I remember planning and practicing our hula performances for the May Day program. My Mom strung leis for a local company and the day before May 1st she would be up late stringing all sorts of leis, primarily Plumeria Leis. I guess you can compare her madness to a florist the day before Valentines Day. R did plant a couple of Plumeria trees a couple of weeks ago. I've been told it won't be full grown for another 2 years. I'll have to wait until then to string a Lei. Below is a picture of the flowers that are presently planted in our front entry...a Snapdragon or White Lilly Lei anybody???
According to Harry B. Soria, the celebration of May 1 as Lei Day was invented in 1927 by island artist, writer Donald Benson Blanding and Grace Tower Warren. Don Blanding is also credited with the invention of the custom of tossing your lei overboard when you sailed from Honolulu. If the lei came back to shore (and most did) it supposedly meant you would return.

More More Mojitos please...

2007-04-30T16:46:00.000-05:00

It's been nice and in the 70's-80's for the past couple of days. Here in the South we are enjoying every second of it because it won't be long until the heat of the summer and the humidity kicks in. You know what they say, "It's not the heat it's the humidity". With this lovely weather a nice cool Mojito quenches our thirst. Our mint has come back from last Spring and Mojitos are being made by the pitcher at the Hodge pad.

Before:

After!

Check this out. I spotted that Orbit has a new exotic flavor which is Mojito. Cocktail flavored gum, now that's my kind of gum! Or course it doesn't have the rum flavor but I give this a 5 star rating!

B & B

2007-04-27T09:05:00.000-05:00

No, not Bed and Breakfast...Buddy and Bruneaux Hodge (our other Boys). I've mentioned them here. Here's their arrival story...

June 25, 2005

R's friend who lives in our neighborhood had lost his Black Lab and sent his girls out to find him. They found their dog which they thought they did but their Dad said, "That's great but that's not him. So the next day they found another Black Lab and their Dad confirmed it was theirs. So, here they were with two Black Labs. They posted "LOST DOG FOUND" posters and contacted Veterinarians in the surrounding area and had no luck. Mind you R's friend already has four dogs and two cats so they weren't in any position to take another dog. He called R and said, "I have a great dog who needs a good home and a loving family!" So the rest is history... Buddy is absolutely the best dog I've ever had. He's extremely docile and is very loyal. I mean what other Labrador will wear Mardi Gras beads and pose for a picture?!

October 22, 2005

Since we've had Buddy for a couple of months I felt guilty leaving him alone all day when I'd leave for work, the market, the gym, OK I was torn every time we'd leave the house and weren't able to take him with us. That's when I mentioned to R, "Buddy needs a Buddie!". He was hesitant at first and eventually gave in. R and I agreed that we wanted to adopt a dog from our local animal shelter. Now, what kind of dog would be a great playmate for Buddy? If we were adopting a dog you can't be picky. After all, their mission is to provide care, shelter and medical attention for stray, abandoned, and unwanted animals. The breed of dog didn't make a difference anyway because Buddy is very social and gets along with everyone! (that was quoted by our Vet) And, so this is where we found Bruneaux (Bru-no - it's spelled the Cajun French way!) We rescued Bruneaux from here. When people meet our dogs they always have a peculiar look on their faces and question how they can't possibly live in the same household. Yes a 85 lb. Lab and a 5 lb. Chihuahua are a great match! Let me tell you they are the best brothers and enjoy each others company. Bruneaux at times thinks he's as big as Buddy (little man syndrome!). When we rescued him his name was Scrappy. Bruneaux definitely fits his personality. He's my "Little Man".

"Everythings Coming Up Roses"

2007-04-26T09:44:00.000-05:00

Well I'm back in Cajun Country and getting ready for our Festival International deLouisiane. Festival International de Louisiane is a community-based, non-profit arts organization formed in 1986 to produce an annual visual and performing arts festival celebrating the French cultural heritage of southern Louisiana – primarily a combination of French, African, Caribbean and Hispanic influences. The largest outdoor, FREE Francophone event in the U.S., the Festival places special emphasis on highlighting the connections between Acadiana and the Francophone world. Each year performing, visual and culinary artists from Europe, Africa, Canada, the Caribbean and the Americas are invited to share their talents with Louisiana artists, residents and visitors.

The Hodge Crop is doing quite well. We had a couple of storms come through last night and the sun will be shining for a couple of days. In addition to the Hodge Crop we have other plants to show. We planted these Antique Roses in the Spring of 2006. The red one is called the All Ablaze Climbing Rose. Not quite sure what the pink ones are. I'm certainly not the "green thumb" of the family and lucky that R is. He nutures our plants/yard like they were his own babies!

Everything’s Coming Up Roses is a song from the Broadway musical Gypsy: a musical Fable famously sung by Ethel Mermen. It was composed with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and music by Jule Styne.

Live Large Think Big

2007-04-16T11:29:00.000-05:00

That's Dallas' new slogan. I'll be there for a week-long Sports Conference. I will also get to spend time with my highschool friend N which I'm excited about. I'm still exhausted from Cycle Zydeco this past week and getting over a cold or it could be allergies. It's that time of year. I found this article. That's just great, hopefully I won't feel miserable again...

Our "VeggieTales" begins

2007-04-09T09:50:00.000-05:00

Take a look at the Hodge-Crop! It's so exciting to go out in our garden and see what's popped up. Remember in grade school planting that seed in dixie cups? The cups would all be lined up on the window sill. Yes, that's the same excitement I get when I see that little sprout busting out of the soil. R gets all the credit. He has the "green-thumb" in the family and B and M are taking after him as well. The boys' rows of their veggies are doing quite well. They are responsible for maintaining their rows; pulling weeds, trimming, etc. My job is to cook and prepare dishes with the veggies...not a bad deal since I enjoy my time in the kitchen. The last picture is a diagram of what we planted...ahem what R, B and M has planted...

If you have a hard time viewing the diagram here's a detailed listing starting from the top row:

Grape Tomatoes; Cherry Tomatoes; Roma Tomatoes: Creole Tomatoes: Hybird 444 Tomatoes (no clue what kind of tomatoes these are); Sweet Corn

Sugar Snap Peas; more Sweet Corn

Crowder Peas; Green Beans

Cucumbers; Purple Hull Peas; Mint; Cilantro; Green Onions; Parsley

Zucchini; Jalepeno Peppers; Serrano Peppers; Basil; Carrots; Bell Peppers; more Creole Tomatoes

B's row: Sugar Baby Watermelon; Cantelope; Mint

M's row: Peanuts (yes peanuts!) Cantelope (he's NOT copying his brother B!); Black Diamond Watermelon

...Hipity Hopity Easter's on it's way....

2007-04-05T16:31:00.000-05:00

Back from Houston and back to the "grind" here at work. It's that busy time of the year and we are already spear-heading our big event next week...Cycle Zydeco which is our annual Cajun/Creole Food and Cycling Festival.

Happy Easter everyone!

"Houston, we have a problem....

2007-03-28T10:41:00.000-05:00

Meaning
Originally a genuine report of a life-threatening fault. Now used humorously to report any kind of problem.
Origin
John Swigert, Jr. and James Lovell who, with Fred Haise Jr., made up the crew of the US's Apollo 13 moon flight used (almost) this phrase to report a major technical problem back to their Houston base.

Swigert: 'Okay, Houston, we've had a problem here.'

Duke: 'This is Houston. Say again please.'

Lovell: 'Houston, we've had a problem. We've had a main B bus undervolt.'

The phrase was later used as the tagline for the 1995 film - Apollo 13.

Going to Houston, Texas for work and shopping!!! Driving in Houston is CRAZY!!! S is driving and I'm her co-pilot which is even scarier 'cause I have no sense of directions. Ask R, he'll tell ya.

Addiction....

2007-03-26T11:47:00.000-05:00

1. being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming. In physical addiction, the body adapts to the substance being used and gradually requires increased amounts to reproduce the effects originally produced by smaller doses.

2. an abnormally strong craving

3. A habitual or compulsive involvement in an activity

I confess, I have an addiction to...KNITTING. I started this addiction in January 2007. I've always wanted to learn how to knit for years and finally got around to sign-up for lessons. I'd like to also mention that because of this addiction I've joined a group that meets weekly with the same addiction. Meeting with this group helps me cope with my addiction. This is my 1st knitted project, a scarf of course. I will soon post a photo album of my finished projects and my WIP's (work in progress).

Spring Fever!!!

2007-03-23T09:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday everyone! We’ve "Sprung Ahead". Daylight savings is much earlier this year and will end much later. R just says more time in our garden after work, which makes me happy 'cause I'm looking forward to hearty homegrown veggies this Spring/Summer. I've never planted a garden before, only herbs and peppers in pots so this will be very exciting. I'm blessed to have R with his expertise in gardening that he learned from his Grandpa and Granny in Mississippi. I need to get a list down and decide what I want to plant. B and M have the two first rows and have an idea of what they want to plant. They've mentioned watermelon, pineapple and peanuts. We'll have to do some research on the pineapple and peanuts! I'm really looking forward to homegrown tomatoes. Haven't had a good tomato in a long time. I'm sure ya'll know what I'm talking about. Veggies don't taste as good as an adult as they did when I was younger. R sent me a list of oriental/asian veggies as well. How thoughtful of him! Here's R cutting up the grass with a sod cutter and prepping the area. Notice on the deck and grass B & B putting in their two cents and giving R some gardening tips!!!

My 1st Blog

2007-03-22T15:19:00.000-05:00

If a beauty product or the latest hot trend is advertised...I'm buying it. I can't help it, I'm a "Slave to Trend" and that's why I'm here starting a Blog. My husband says I'm silly and thinks I'm 12 that I have a My Space and now... a Blog, that's alright, it keeps me young! You may ask what's Lagniappe....it's what we call "an unexpected something extra" here in South Louisiana and that's what you'll find here on my Blog.