A Foodies Life

Great American's Remembered

The crowds were enormous, people from every generation were lined up to meet these men.  We sat in a room at a conference center in Florida with these hero's, hearing the throngs of people waiting for them.  They were celebrities but not what I would ever think of celebrities. These men were in their nineties and they were famous because of a raid they had gone on back in 1942.  They had been asked to go into enemy territory but not told what the mission was, and more importantly that there was no exit strategy.  It's something that as I was sitting there learning back in May of last year that I couldn't fathom.  The raid became known as The Doolittle Raid and they had trained many years ago at Eglin Airforce Base.  Now they were back for a sort of homecoming.  Everywhere these guys went people wanted to meet them, shake their hands and thank them for their courage.  It was moving to see people of that generation look up to them, and current air men aspire to be them. 

The most wonderful thing to see was how over sixty years later how much they were still friends.  Their kids knew each other, they had these type of events at least once a year.  I only got to be with them for a couple of days but it made my appreciation for our military so much greater than before.  I will be honest I have mixed feeling about war, about people that want to be involved in such a thing and I can't quite grasp signing up for something that you don't know if you'll be back or not.  But last May I was extremely proud to be an American.

I looked back in the blog and I was shocked to find that I didn't write about this before.  The reason I'm writing about it now is that two of the gentleman that I met in May passed away this week.  They were true American hero's.  On top of it they couldn't of been more kind to me and my colleagues during their stay.  Involving us in everything they did and making us feel like they were part of the family.  So my thoughts and prayers go out to the families of M. Sgt. Edward Horton and Maj. General Davy Jones. 

On top of that I was reading Playbill.com and read that playwright William Gibson passed away as well.   He was the playwright for The Miracle Worker and most recently Golda's Balcony.  I had the privilege to work as the box office manager for the original production of Golda's Balcony before it made it to Broadway.  It was a wonderful show and Mr. Gibson a great man. 

So please join me in remembering these great Americans!

Best Friends

Ah two best friends.....That is Zoe sleeping right next to her best friend Casey.  These two dogs have been playing constantly all week long while their parents have been playing pool.  The gentleness in Casey with Zoe is incredible.  They will run, chase and nip at each other and then snuggle.  Dogs really are man's best friends!  I have lots to write about and lots I will write about later today but I wanted to share this photo!

Two Day's Before Thanksgiving

'Twas two days before Thanksgiving and all through the house not a creature was stirring except a little black Pomeranian puppy named Zoe.  Me all nestled at the computer drinking coffee, she staring up at my knee.  Ok ok enough of that.  My dear blog readers can you believe that Thanksgiving and Christmas are among us?  I can't although I'm grateful that it's here so I can start pulling out all that wonderful Christmas music that stays locked up all year. 

I know it's been weeks since I've written, all I can say is that when you add a puppy to your mix of life it takes a lot of time.  How you father's and mother's do it with real kids I'll have no idea.  Things are very quiet around here.  It's just me and the puppy....I've been deserted by the family for colder climates but it doesn't really bother me at all.  It's nice to have the house to myself for a little while and it's for a good reason.  My brother had his new baby boy on Sunday morning.  So in a sense I'll be alone for Thanksgiving but in reality I'll spend it with the 120 resident's that I feed everyday.  Yes I'll be working on Thanksgiving but I don't mind because it means I'll be making a lot of people's Thanksgiving nice and isn't that what it's all about? 

Last night I spoke to a dear friend on the phone for the first time in a long time.  I got the question from her that ever since I went to culinary school I seem to get every week or so.  What is my favorite thing to cook.  I never know how to answer this question so my new stock response is that I like to cook and unfortunately eat everything.  The reality is that since I'm the boss I don't really cook that much.  I tend to give advice and guidance but not so much cooking.  I think for a chef to pick out one thing that they really like cooking is almost a weakness because as a chef you have to be able to cook everything.  There are so many dishes out there to like cooking but to this day I still like the normal easy stuff.  I love making a steak that I've marinated in citrus juice and herbs.  I like a very nicely done chicken, that sort of stuff. 

So those are my random thoughts for this Tuesday before Thanksgiving.   What is your favorite thing to eat at Thanksgiving?  Any traditions that you can share with us?  Time for a shower and getting ready for work.  Talk to you later!

I will never be a Father!

It has become painfully clear to me after having this puppy that I will never be a father.  I don't know how you all with kids do it.  She eats everything!  The other day my mother gave her a toy that was originally for the nieces and nephews.  A frog that squeaked and had a large tongue that expanded every time you squeezed it.  Zoe decided that she wanted to eat the tongue, I was frightened the whole night that it would block her up.  Then I got to work and told people I work with and they said to be careful because it could instantly kill her.  Other people said don't worry she will pass it and all will be fine.  She was wheezing and I thought wasn't going to make it but she eventually passed it.  I never thought I'd be so happy as I looked at her little poop.  When I re-told the story at work every laughed.  She truly is a joy to have though.  I get up and she is looking up waiting for me.  I got home yesterday to walk her and she was so happy to see me.  So happy that before I could get her outside she pee'd all over the place!  Ah fatherhood.  I've read more about dogs in the past two weeks than I thought I ever would. 

The other night I started reading a great book called "Marley and Me."  The movie is coming out on Christmas day.  I'll probably report back later on that when I finish it.  Literally every minute of my day when I'm not at work is taking care of my bundle of joy.  I'll get back to writing more on the blog as the mood fits. 

Long Overdue!

It's been so long since I've posted on this site.  I have to apologize for that.  Just think how much our worlds have changed in the course of a week.  We have a new president and more importantly I have a new puppy!!!!!!  I really didn't do much last week except watch the election and play with my little Zoe.  It's amazing how your life changes when you have a puppy in it.  For example I still go to the bar, I just bring her with me.  But what do I do when I need to go to the bathroom?  What do I do if I want to pick something up at a restaurant and take it home?  I can't bring the dog into the restaurant with me, at least not an indoor one.  Luckily the bar that I go to is outside and I can bring her with me.  EVERYONE who has met her has just loved her.  Walking from the golf cart to the bar is an experience because I get stopped by everyone, wanting to pet and play with her.  

I remember a long time ago I would watch the video blogs by Ross Mathews who was the intern on The Tonight Show.  I used to think he was crazy because he spent all his time talking about his dog.  Now I understand!  I'll do my best not to chat about her all the time but she is pretty damn special!  And probably as close to a child as I'll get.  

Hope everyone is well!

Ron

Introducing Zoe

 

Ladies and Gentlemen I'd like to introduce you to the new love in my life.  Her name is Zoe and she is a 10 week old Pomeranian puppy.  I've never had a puppy before, never thought I'd have a puppy but she is the most precious animal I've ever had.  I met her this weekend through a friend of a friend and went and adopted her this afternoon.  She is currently playing in her bed and having a great time. 

I promise not to be one of those obssessed dog owners, ok I can't promise that but I'll do my best.  So just get used to pictures.  If I can get my camera working I'll maybe even post some films of her. 

That might not of been the big announcement you were hoping for and if you are a friend on Facebook  you probably all ready saw her picture but thought you'd like to know!

Ron

Big Announcement!

All right everyone I'm here to make a big announcement but your going to have to wait until tomorrow for that to happen.  

It's been a nice relaxing weekend.  It started with a late day at work and then off to Baytowne Wharf for dinner at the Marlin Grill.  The food was delicious and the fireworks show at the village was great.  Even more exciting was watching all the wonderful Halloween costumes that were on display!  

Now it's time for bed cause it will be a busy week.  Hope everyone is well and check back tomorrow night for what will hopefully be a big announcement!