Only 10 more weeks to go...

We defeated West Lincoln 32-6 Friday and we won a home game for the first time in three years. We also snapped a nine game loosing streak and it was Paul's first time to win the home opener in 6 seasons.

All in all it was a good night even though I'm battling a sinus infection. Pray that it goes away and doesn't get any worse!

Here's a couple of shots from the game. Enjoy!

"My babies" senior football photos

Every year we feature the senior football players on the cover of our football program. This year made me a little sad because these boys have been with us the whole six years at Ethel. It kinda made me tear up a little bit. I might not be their mama but sometimes I feel like I am.

 It's hard to believe Paul and I have been at Ethel for six years and they are the proof. 

We've watched them grow up!

The boys wanted to take a photo in Michael's truck. He's the principal at Ethel. 

He got a big kick out of it. Plus, if that's all the trouble they cause, then it's not to bad.

Sarasota food

When you head toward coastal waters for vacation, fresh seafood is almost a given – Well, almost.

My husband, Paul and I recently traveled to Sarasota, Fla., and taking a page of food personality Adam Richman’s book, we stopped at a few place he visited during an episode of “Man Vs. Food”, featured on the Travel Channel.

If it’s featured on TV then it has to be good, right?

Richman goes in search of locally-owned eateries in search of the nation’s best food.



The Old Salty Dog

During a evening meal, we opted for fresh seafood – blackened grilled Mahi-Mahi and Grouper with traditional sides of boiled potatoes and steamed vegetables for me and fries and slaw for Paul.

The fish was cooked to perfection and was very flavorful.

However, the establishment is not know for seafood alone but for 1/4 pound, beer-battered, deep-fried, loaded hot dog.

During a later lunch-time visit, we tried the famous dog that is covered in several cheeses, bacon, sauteed onions and the usual condiments.

And, Richman was right. It was delicious. As an added bonus who doesn’t like to have lunch by the water.

The Old Salty Dog has been open since 1986.



Yoder’s Restaurant

Here the order is simple – Fried chicken is a must with country vegetable sides and you must stay for the pie!

A Sarasota tradition since 1975, Yoder’s Restaurant was started by Levi and Amanda Yoder, who moved from Indiana.

This establishment was also a stop on the Dees’ Man Vs. Food tour.

Being from the South, I’ve eaten a lot of fried chicken and this by far was the juiciest piece of chicken, I have put in my mouth.

It’s lightly breaded and not heavily seasoned and quite frankly, it’s a pretty large portion. 

Yoder’s is known for its homemade pies – especially the Peanut Butter Cream Pie. It is “slap your mama” good. A chilled pie consisting of powdered sugar, crunchy peanut butter, vanilla pudding and whipped topping.

Paul tried the Chocolate Pecan Pie, which was also an excellent choice.

Our final stop was suppose to be another Man vs. Food stop at Munchies 4:20 Cafe but it was such a small  eatery and it was so crowded. It just wasn’t meant to be.



Trigger fish

Not a Man vs. Food featured restaurant but still worthy of a few lines was Captain Curt’s Seafood Crab and Oyster Bar.

Here, we sampled a new item on the menu, fried Trigger fish nuggets.

According to our server, for years people have been catching the fish and throwing it back not knowing what it tastes like.

And recently, it has become a hot item in local restaurants.

It’s a mild tasting fish and corn meal battered and fried. Ours was served with lemon wedges and tarter sauce.

Tales of football practice and the kidney stone

Apparently while we were in Rolling Fork for Daddy's party, Paul was having a kidney stone. He's had one and this one was also 7 mm in size.

Went through practice Monday and Tuesday, then we stayed in the ER for several hours where we got a CT, urinalysis and shots. Wednesday morning we got an appointment in Jackson where we got the dreaded words --you aren't going to pass it, you need surgery. We set surgery for Friday and a few hours later we were home. He was in a lot of pain and he took meds and when he woke up, he went to the bathroom and out the large stone came.

Thank goodness and he went on to football practice and of course no surgery.

What a way to start the season.




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Rewinding a bit...

After our week long vacation, we had two events before the kickoff to football practice.

First little Landry and her daddy were baptized at Rolling Fork United Methodist Church with lots of family in attendance.



She was a little under the weather but she managed just fine. She's such a blessed little girl! Most all of our immediate family was there.

Then the next weekend, we returned in secret for my Dad's 60th surprise party. He was so shocked. We had a slide show that Lisa put together with some photos from me and I made some decorations and food. It was a great event! I told my mom her 60th party was not going to be a surprise.

















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So long relaxation...hello football season!

We've traded sandy shores and the sound of the ocean waves crashing on the shores of Sarasota, FL for football helmets, and heat and a green football field.


As a coach's wife there are a multitude of emotions you go through during football season. It's the highest of highest and the lowest of lowest. The hours are long and sacrifices are great. The rewards are also just as great and have nothing to do with wins and losses but being an extra set and, in some cases the only parents, these young men have.

So summer is over and now the only question I have left to ask is ...

Are you ready for some football?




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It's not fried green tomatoes

Eggplant is probably one of my favorite summer veggies. Usually I make a casserole with them but I tried this instead a week ago.

My mama always cut them up like fries, battered and threw them in the deep fryer. This is a slightly healthier alternative.

Peel and slice your eggplant.
Place slices in cold water.
Take each and roll in flour and seasoning.
Dip back in water and roll in panko Japanese bread crumbs
Fry in a shallow skillet of olive oil.



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