My South

As I had mentioned earlier, I went with my mom to her book club while I was home.  It was my mom's turn to review a book she had read and the one she chose really struck me.  It was called "My South: A People, A Place, A World All Its Own" by Robert St. John and Bryan Curtis.  It is a collection of poems from people all over the South explaining their South.  I come from a southern heritage, as my mom's family has been in Virginia since forever.  As my mom was reading some excerpts from the book, I couldn't help but get teary-eyed as I thought of my grandparents.  They both passed away July 2006.  They both meant so much to me as did the words my mom was reading about the South.  When my mom was finished, she, along with almost half of the other ladies there shared memories of growing up in the South.  I decided to also come up with my own tribute which I will include later.

Going Home

I went home to my beloved Texas this past week for Celeste's wedding.  I always love going home, there is just something about Texas that I can't get over.  This trip was a little bittersweet however, because I would be gone for our anniversary.  It was on Wednesday the 18th, the mark of three years of marriage bliss.  Ryan had no problem telling people that we were going through a trial separation.  That crazy kook.  I was pretty much my mom's shadow, following her wherever she went.  We did some fun things like go out to lunch with my dad, help Mindy pick out paint colors, buy a washer, and of course go shopping.  Now that she doesn't work anymore, she has no problem shopping more; my dad doesn't quite understand it.  On Tuesday night we went to Celeste's bridal shower, and on Wednesday we went to my mom's book club.  Ryan surprised me by flying in on Friday.  Apparently everyone in my family knew and had been trying to keep it quiet, which is hard for a bunch of loud Texans.  Friday was our usual Texas Pride trip.  It is one of the two best BBQ places around.  Just imagine eating meat on wax paper, sides in styrofoam cups, 99 cent loaves of bread, bins of pickles, and picnic tables, and that is the glamorous Texas Pride.  That same night they were having a live band and fish fry so we went back and watched for a little while.  Saturday morning was Celeste's sealing and she looked beautiful.  Her little niece kept saying, "Celeste, you look like a princess."  Between the wedding and reception we picked up Josh from Youth Conference and I was able to talk to Mr. Wilson.  He was my band teacher in middle and high school and was also in the bishopric in a ward in our stake.  We then went to Bracken Cafe where they make delicious 1/2 pound burgers and frito pie, among other things.  Sunday morning we went to church and it seemed to drag on forever.  The chorister and organist looked like they were going to get into a fight, the youth speaker had the most monotone voice in which she explained that she was excited to be giving a talk, and the music and congregation sounded like a funeral session.  But it was all worth it to go home to some homemade fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn on the cob, salad, and homemade biscuits.  Food is definitely a big part of my family's life.