Deep In The Forrest

T he weekend weather was just about perfect , all sunny, just a few illuminated clouds, temperatures in the mid-60s. I can't think of anything negative to say other than there was not enough of it as usual. Since the temperatures were so nice, I of course requested the escort of my esteemed bike, "Jimi", and we took a few scenic routes. Most of my readers have heard me mention before, but I will say once again that it was as if I cranked my bike, rode out off my street and went through a "Bob Ross Painting", out the other side and beyond. I describe it that way because when you're on the back of a bike, neck-deep in the serenity of well traveled back roads it seems sometimes that it's all done in oil on canvas, and that you can nearly see the brush stroke of God himself. At least that's how I see the beauty of the universe that surrounds me. Now that the winter is dripping from the rooftops and windshields of America, I thought to myself this morning...

Memphis... home of the blues, mud, sweat, mosquitoes and quite notably, the Barbecue. If you have never been to Memphis, but your nose leads you down the highway in search of that "world famous" BBQ, most likely you will be mislead as to "The Place To Go" for the best. Fortunately, I am here to help you out. It's not all about the pig though... Most people are turned on to a little place called Charles Vergos' Rendezvous , or simply known in these parts as "The Rendezvous". They're one of the most known places and most-famous for their Ribs. Now, don't get me wrong, they hold up to their end of the deal, and they are a good restaurant. I'm not here to slander. But they're just not my favorite, and I think you're cheating yourself if you don't check out these lesser-known sauce-laden "hot spots". The other big name in Barbecue here is, of course, Corky's BBQ . It's another place that, while very good, is sti...

They're calling for Ice Storm warnings today. Other than that summer wind storm that screwed things up around July of 2004, we haven't experienced something like that since the Ice Storm of 1994 . When things like this overtake the Memphis area, which is as I said, rare, the panic and rudeness factors go through the roof. All you need around here is a mention of a snowflake or a few drops of ice and the city shuts down and goes into emergency-mode. Schools and other establishments close, and the streets are no place to be at all. People run to the grocery stores like the sky is falling, and stock up on Hot Dogs, Bread, Milk, Hot Cocoa, and other "essentials". If the electricity goes, all this ruins of course, people not really knowing how to survive anymore since we've all de-conditioned ourselves to plain living. Therefore, it becomes a sort of "Armageddon". "Shot Taken From Ice Storm 1994" The worst thing that worries me right now is if it d...

It's... you guessed it: My Wednesday Post. Today is just "ok". I'm not fueled up about anything in particular, although I'm sweaty from walking at lunchtime, and the bottoms of my feet are slightly sore because we did all that walking when I was only wearing flip-flops. Flip flops don't travel well on the cobble stone of Main street... but that's "ok". It's Wednesday and "Things" are "Ok". We started out heading South on Main with full intentions of hitting up The Arcade Restaurant , Memphis' Oldest Cafe (1919). It's down in the South Main district downtown, and can boast involvement in some movie filming, and patronage from many celebs, having served the likes of Cybill Shepherd, Robert Duvall, Dennis Quaid, Susan Sarandon, Rufus Thomas, Elvis and his buddies, and many others, as well. If you're ever in Memphis, and you have the time, I highly suggest popping in, even if just for the history and the memorabili...

(and of course the Squirrels too!) This post was inspired by Tink , that's right, the director of our Weekly Words Challenge. We have a blast and if you haven't joined the fun, go here for details! Tink asked me on a comment yesterday how I got so close to the squirrel that was in my photo. Well, it's simple. The squirrels and the pigeons of Downtown Memphis are the tamest I've seen anywhere. I have proof in my story and photos below. The reason they are so tame, I guess, is that they are so used to people and being fed by all the visitors and the locals (including probably the homeless people), that they are not afraid of anything! Seriously. For instance, here is a squirrel I stopped to feed once. (Squirrel food Courtesy of Memphis' own Peanut Shoppe , if you're in Memphis you gotta go there, they have the best nuts in town!!) Here's a good story to illustrate my point. One day I was having a relaxing stroll down Main Street around lunch time. The weathe...

Wow, last night's weather was a "doosie" around the Mid-South area. We had terrible thunderstorms (which I actually like thunderstorms), but this was no ordinary night. In addition to the Thunderstorms, we had lots of lightening, high winds and of course Tornadoes everywhere. You may have even heard about this... There was damage mainly to some shopping center areas, to include a Memphis mall called "Hickory Ridge Mall". I'm told that after the damage ensued there, the area broke out into a "Looting & Shooting" festival... Classy. Real Classy people... when you should be kissing the gods asses that you weren't blown away, you're off in the stores trying to steal everything not nailed down. You make Memphis look so nice. [ Meggy Moon had a few photos of the storm clouds ] As for me and my family, and most of the people I work closely or keep close touch with, they made it through with minimal stress or damage. Mr. J went home way early o...

Wow, that's something I never say... I love the rain. I just don't like driving in it, which is exactly what I'm about to do. Mr. J and I are going to Midtown to a microbrewery place, he likes that sort of thing. I don't like much alcohol myself, I will drink an occasional beverage, but I'm mostly the weirdo who, when asked for my drink order, will respond "UN-SWEET Iced Tea Please" (smiling). I know it's virtually unheard of in the South, but then so am I. Guess that makes us a good match! ha-ha. It's been a rather quiet after Thanksgiving weekend so far, and we normally have stuff going on Saturday nights but that got canceled. So we are going to dust up the highway through the droplets of chilly rain to see what's going on in Midtown. I have felt pretty good today actually, and have had happy thoughts of Christmas and am actually beginning to look forward to it... Hope to put some of the magic back in these holidays... I think it can be done...

Life is made of many roads, each with their own set of twists and turns. It is amazing sometimes to think on just how many changes we've been through. I'm certain that each of us has our very own private collection of laughter and joy, tears, sorrows, even naughty times, and of course dreams and hopes for the future. Sometimes, however, it is inevitable not to think about moments from our past, remember certain people and events rather fondly. Every one of them is a little part of who we have become, you know... who we are today. Do you ever wonder how those from your past remember you, or remember the 'good ole days'? Wouldn't it be cool to know what they thought about it all too? I am lucky to have so many good memories. Allow me to share a recent e-mail... ============================================================ Manny, Just 4 you! :) I have a memory... it started right here at this location in the photo (do you recall?). I met this guy named 'Manny' ...

Waking up on Saturday is always the climax of the week, no matter what you've had going on it feels great when you sleep late, and then know you don't have to go anywhere or do anything if you don't want to... That's exactly what I did yesterday. Once I woke up, I did a few things, watched a little T.V., and fell back asleep for about a 2 hour afternoon doze-fest! When I woke up, it was time to get ready for band practice... We hadn't practiced Thursday night, which is our normal night, but we wanted to work on a few specific songs for our set, so as a band we went out to eat at The Bar-B-Q Shop in Midtown, Memphis. It's top-notch if you're going to be in Memphis and want to try our fine BBQ (and yes, they have beer)! Don't be fooled by the more commercialized "popular" ones... take it from me. So we ate a nice dinner, then we practiced. Mr. J and I then went home and had a nice quiet late evening. I arrived home too late to listen to Rockdo...

We had a blast last night, and would like to truly thank Kudzu's Bar and Deli, Memphis, TN , for being such a gracious establishment and making us feel like part of the family. For other bands out there, just as everyone else has told us--When you play at Kudzu's, it's a comfortable, friendly environment and it's like playing in your living room. Everyone there is super-nice, and as the review states in the link above, the food is always fantastic and they have a great selection of beers too. Whether you're popping in for an after-work beer, relaxing on the weekend, or coming out to see my band, "SAP" play, you can't lose with Kudzu's... it just grows on you! :) [read the Amazing Story of Kudzu (the vine) and learn how it got so widespread.] Anyway, thanks again Kudzu's! You guys are top-notch, and we really love coming there and playing as well as just hanging out. I love those guys from the "Thursday Night Pickin Party" too, w...

Friday is a great time to relax and have fun. Come to think of it, anytime is a great time to do just that in my book. It's not always possible though, as sometimes you just have to 'TCB' (Take Care of Business). Usually it's when you're uselessly stressing over things that you think you're supposed to stress over, but inevitably have no control over (hint: that's pretty much ANYTHING that you would stress about), that's when other forces of nature (or freaks of nature) come along to pile on the additional rage or annoyance. This was pause for me stop and contemplate what entities, occurrences or idiots push my buttons at just those moments! :) So here are just a few! Drivers who deliberately screw you over at 4-way stops when clearly it wasn't their turn Rude drivers in general, or those who drive while putting on make-up or styling their hair Rude people period People, obviously thinking that they are the only person in existence who try to walk in...

A lthough Memphis is well known for its great musical history and talent, the city is not devoid of its political history, or dark times. The south itself carries a reputation for racial strife, and in some parts of the south it still runs high. But make no assumptions, whether you know it or not, racial tension is not just in the south alone... it can be witnessed in many other places in this world. At any rate, as I mentioned in my other post below, today, April 4th is Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial day. I was not around when Dr. King was killed, of course, but its effects are still all around me, in song and in remembrances of our city and its vast history. I Invite You To Read Jink's post for today, entitled "Who Can Handle The Truth?" , which shows us Dr. King's death among other political events at the time through the eyes of one 11 year old girl. I found it to be very moving, as I think you will too. It all makes you think... and wonder... what IS the truth?...

Well, I have truly been a busy little bee lately and haven't had much time to plan stories or put up anything worth reading. I see you all liked my "Mr. T" April Fools sign, and I'm glad! It is definitely spring around Memphis, the humidity is rising, everyone's abuzz with the spring events that we have around here, such as Africa in April , featuring the Republic of Liberia this year. Then there's Memphis in May coming up, featuring Spain. Along with that of course, is the vast array of Barbecue cooking contests, music festivals and sights galore. Lots to see and do--I just hope maybe I can force myself out into the land of the living long enough to go and see a couple of them... April is also special because yesterday, April 2nd was my beautiful Mother's birthday. I will respect her and not give away her age online. She's ageless and a classic beauty anyway, so the number does not matter... I just know that I am so lucky to have been able to have bo...

I'm still finding it quite difficult to find any courtesy on the streets and highways all around. No matter where I go, someone is riding my tail High-beams A'blazin, seemingly unaware of their apparent ass-holery. There were 5 in a row this morning, before dawn... blinding the living daylights out of me. It's no wonder more and more people are getting dragged out of their cars and beat down, I have half a mind to do it myself. To the last guy, I pulled over to the side of the road and let him pass so I could get behind him and give him a dose of his own medicine... doubt he even cared. Rule is: (whether this is my rule, or law in some states) When you meet an oncoming car, LOW BEAMS! When you're riding behind someone, or riding their ass... LOW BEAMS!!!!! Oh and if it's not that, it's some brainless twat trying to break the speed barrier and turn the already 'gridlocked' interstate into an obstacle course. Can't they see the person over on the side ...

Well, how many people can boast this? According to our always bright-n-cheery Memphis news channel, seems as though we're reaching new heights in excellence. Last night a gas-station homicide marks Memphis' 8th murder of the year. That's right, it's January 11th and there have been eight (8) murders so far. Read full story "Overnight shooting ends in city's 8th murder" Only 8!?!? What's the matter guys, sitting down on the job?? Where were you the other 3 days? Just plain disgusting, and i'm sure many of you can identify what with all of the shootings, stabbings, rapes, robberies and general mayhem that is going on everywhere. We should bring back "certain death-type punishments" such as executions at gunpoint, or my idea of 'eye for an eye'. Maybe it would make some of these useless wastes of human flesh actually think for a second with the tiny pea brains that were given to them... Sorry to start the day off with a bang (no pun ...

This isn't my pic, but it was nearly the only one I could find of anything related to Memphis and snow today. You see, we were sort of "promised" some severe weather and I half-expected I might be lucky enough to see snow today, but no such luck (let's not talk about luck again). The picture that you see above is a shot of Court Square in a bit of snow. It was cold enough this morning, but no precipitation fell, so here I am with a dissappointed tear in my eye. :) Oh don't weep for me, i've had alot of fun in my life so far, and hope to have much more. Although, we sure seemed to get alot more snow around the area before I was born up through childhood, even in high school I remember some fond 'snow days'. Once I remember my Dad rigging up a 'system' to the back of his tractor, where he hooked my sled to it, and he drove us all around the snow. Then, with frozen faces we went back into the house where my Mother made some of her REAL hot cocoa w...

Well, not literally now... was earlier... maybe mentally yeah! Speaking of lunch, tried out this Mediterranean place here downtown called Meditrina , was delish! I got this 'Meze' plate, which had olives, almonds, lentils, pita bread, hummus, some other sauce... yummy!! In the spirit of Barnze , I thought I'd make your mouth water here with a phone-snapshot of my plate. I'm about ready for an afternoon coffee now, maybe i'll be back in a bit with a few more words. Happy Tuesday! [Thanksgiving is almost here, nice little vacation].