Good Eats

It happened. The day I've been waiting months for finally came and went. We signed up for a CSA this year, for those of you not in the know CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. I bet there is one in your community too, you should check it out! Unless of course the idea of fresh, organic, good for you stuff doesn't sound appealing. 

I think I've mentioned before that shopping at the Farmer's Market brings happiness to my day, but this takes it to a whole new level.

  Members of the CSA, pay a fee of course, but have weekly produce delivered to a pick up point. There is a bit of randomness involved, I know sounds very unlike me, but I was willing to try a little unpredictability. The Farmer delivers fresh, and I do mean fresh with the dirt still intact, vegetables and fruits to your pick up point and you, the consumer, pick up your goods. You are told the day prior to your pickup what will be in your box, see? randomness.

 Our pickup day happens every Tuesday- unless there is a tornado watch in effect and in that case we move it to Wednesday. Our farmer picks what is in season and fills you box with recipes and goodness. Last week was radishes, carrots, salad greens, strawberries and green onions, is your mouth watering yet?

If you've been watching the news you know there have been a few tornados recently, one 7 miles from our house. If you love a good home video or just miss Dan's voice see below.

Would you like a Coke with that?

Let me just preface this post by saying I do not in any way advocate drinking soda. I personally choose not to consume it- too many nasty ingredients to make it worth my while- did you know aspartame can chemically alter the genetic makeup of your brain? Who thinks of this stuff anyways?

That may sound a little two faced, I mean I did spend a whole afternoon touring a Coca-Cola museum and then raced around a sticky floor trying to consume all the carbonation my stomach could muster but I'd like to justify my actions by stating that I never drink it! Unless of course I'm in a village on a dusty road and I've just been offered a side of goat with my spicy rice and the only way this is going down is with a Fanta, but only then. 

Okay, now that we are all being honest with one another I'll share about my afternoon. It was pretty great. They even give you a free Coke when exiting. After all, they are trying to make addicts out of us. I think they are too great at their jobs. Anyway, the museum contains the how, why, history and their delight in making Coke products.  Such fun. 

Much of the museum is standard, you walk through different exhibits learning about the history. "New Coke", Classic Coke, etc. But the best part of this museum is the tasting exhibit. I think all these folks would agree with me:

And these folks:

The exhibit has stations from every continent, of course we sampled as many as we could, I have a weakness for the flavors from Madagascar and Mexico. 

If you're ever in Atlanta, even if you never drink soda, you should stop by.You may discover a flavor you can't live without.  

Catching Fire

I couldn't resist.....just a few more I promise. 

Above: Our visit. Below: President Snow in all his glory.

Above: Amy in the dining room. Below: 'the talk' about how to handle Katniss. 

I think you get the gist of it. It was a pretty great afternoon. 

P.S. This garden is also in the film....you'll have to watch to find out where. 

May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor

Have you ever toured a movie set? How about after the movie was filmed, did you visit where it was filmed? Did you know several scenes of the Hunger Games were filmed in Atlanta? Neither did we until this week. Even if you aren't a fan of the books and films viewing the home was definitely worth a visit. Who doesn't love walking through a 100 year old home? Not something you get to do every day. Unless of course you live in the Deep South......I'm telling you, you have to visit.

See these happy faces? They agree with me. 

The Swan House. 

May the odds be ever in your favor.

This room is in the film :) Along with several others below. Above: our tour. Below: Hunger Games Film. 

Not in the film...But who knew a staircase could look so wonderful. 

Above: Back of the Swan House. Below: Amy and Natalie.....just kidding that one is from the film. 

Shiny happy people

Who doesn't love a family reunion?

Even Bear Bryant enjoyed the family time. 

Walking Tour

School of Business

I always want to take pictures on campus, but there always too many people. I do appreciate these people, they pay my bills but this week was extra special, both because my family was here from Washington and because there was no one on campus to stand in my shot. 

Clark Hall, Arts and Humanities I think...

Mom, so you can get a good idea of the scale.

A very historical library. Amelia Gayle Gorgas...Like Amelia Kay Harris 

Spring is here!