Is it really worth it?

Honey and I received a gift certificate to a well known restaurant in Greenville, we decided that we had better use it so if they were affected by the flood. We took my Dad and off to Doe's we went.

The food was marvelous, I mean really it can't be beat but the surroundings. I think that they are trying to preserve history and believe me it is the same as in 1941, read more below. After eating there I am sick and I think it is allergies due to the old building and now I am thinking was it really worth it?

So if you want a LARGE great steak and atmosphere's do not bother you come to Greenville, MS the home of Doe's!

 

The History:

Doe's Eat Place was established in 1941 by Dominick "Doe" Signa and his wife Mamie. Doe's Father moved to Greenville in 1903 and opened a grocery store in the building that now serves as the restaurant. The family lived in a house behind the store. The grocery which the Signa Family called Papa's Store did well until the 1927 flood. After that, Big Doe Signa went into bootlegging to help the family get back on its feet. After several years he sold his 40 barrel still for $300.00 and a Model T Ford. Around 1941 Mamie received a partial recipe for hot tamales. She improved the recipe and began selling them. That was the beginning of Doe's.

At first Signa a ran a honky tonk in the front part of the store. It was strictly for blacks. He had things like buffalo fish and chili. Ironically, the "carriage" trade arrived by the back door, like segregation in reverse. One of the local doctors began coming for a meal between calls. Big Doe would cook him up a steak and feed him in the back. Pretty soon the doctor brought another doctor then a lawyer and before he knew it Doe had a regular restaurant in the back. After calling in family and in-laws to help with his thriving restaurant, he eventually closed the honky tonk and focused on the eat place.

Big Doe Signa retired in 1974 and turned the business over to his sons Charles and Little Doe. Today they still carry on the family tradition of greeting customers in the front kitchen that was the original honky tonk. Though time has taken a toll on the building, it only adds to the atmosphere of dining at an old family restaurant where the true authenticity of the 1940's grocery and restaurant remains.

Mamie passed away November 5, 1955 and Doe Sr. on April 29, 1987.

I do love the history of the MS Delta!

Thanks for stopping by y'all and please come again soon.

Just when I start making progress...............

Ok, here it is, I finished painting my little room yesterday. I was tired and sore but pumped because i knew that I could do it. I had great plans for today and this morning at one I woke up with a VERY BAD sinus headache. I took my usual medicine and laid down with a heating pad (my daughter made, thanks Sarah) on my head. About thirty minutes later I had to get up and reheat the pad, about thirty minutes after that I had to get up and heat my pad again but this time I took a migraine pill because what started off sinus was not a full blown migraine. I tried to wake up Honey but he only mumbled. I could just see me having to go to the emergency room in a new town where I am not familiar with doctors right by myself. If anyone reading this blog lives in Greenwood or any surrounding area you may should give me references to a good after hours clinic or emergency room just in case I ever need one, and if I do I hope Honey responds with more than just a grunt.

Needless to say today I have NOT been outside, I thought it was too good to be true that I could stay outside in the hills and not get sick. And all this had to happen just when I started making progress.

Honey and I went to eat at Peppercorn Grill again tonight. This time  I only ordered a baked potato with grilled chicken on top. I asked that they leave all seasoning off the chicken except for salt and pepper. It was sooo good, I pray they listened.

After we ate we decided to ride around Carrollton, since it was still daylight we're always late going through there. We were amazed by the old homes that have been restored you can look at them yourself HERE! We went by Carroll Academy just to see what it was like and as we rounded a curve we saw this house. I was taken by it and I'm dying to know the history but for now this is all I have.

If you know anything about this little one room house leave me a comment. By the way, yes it's blurred Honey decided that he was in a hurry and let the truck roll before I was done. I took it over but he did it again.

That'll have to do you. I hope to have a better night tonight and that I can get something done tomorrow.

We're working hard but where is the progress?

Honey and I worked around the farm Monday and then headed to the hills!

Honey gave the bushes on the farm a nice haircut! Now I know you are thinking that they look awful but they were so big that they covered the house. We'll see if they grow out of this one.

When we got in the hills we had to run to the flat land and take care of a piece of equipment. Finally we were able to resume our painting in the garage, remember we left it last week because of the storm. Well to make a long story short we've decided that we definitely need to hire someone for the inside of the house! :( We are not real good at painting and oh boy we are slow, so we have someone coming to meet with us tomorrow. If he doesn't work out we're going to take bids and see what happens, I do want to move in this place!

Have you tried these? Man oh man I like them. The last time I placed a gluten-free order they were out of my crackers so I've been using these instead. Try them!

I just got ready to go out to dinner with my hero and notice I am sporting my daughter (Sarah's) jewelry if you haven't checked out her page you can do so HERE! Hurry time is slipping by.......

Got to run, thanks for stopping by and do so again sometimes!

Does pollen just attack girls?

Is the pollen going to kill us or just make us think we're dying? The girls in our family have been sick for months with something like a cold, but I really think it's mostly allergies, and the men haven't been sick one time. Maybe it's because the Lord knows the men need to keep on working. Ash and I took Punkin back to the doctor yesterday for the third time with this stuff. They did blood work and she does have a virus but the doctor said he too believes a lot of it is allergies. I was feeling fine and today my head is killing me.

Austin on the ride home after her blood work, she was such a big girl she didn't cry at all but her eyes sure got big.

On our way to the closing for our new house that we will soon make a home.

After we signed the papers we went to check out the farm. When I noticed how green our grass is I thought about the old song, "The Green Green Grass of Home."

Always work to get done.

Resting while waiting on Honey to finish his work, it's been a long day, but praise God for all He did! Honey brought me home then he returned to work some more while I work on packing up and getting ready to move.

Miracle Monday

 You may have gathered from the things that I have been sharing lately that Honey and I are beginning to write a new chapter in our book of life. We are so excited at how God is bringing all of this together.

We have been wanting to build or buy a home of our own since we married in 2003. At one time we laid the stakes and starting getting ready for the dirt work to begin and then we had a bad year in farming and we decided that we needed to wait just a little longer. During this time we prayed and sought God's direction on what He wanted us to do and we felt that maybe he was leading us in another direction but we really didn't understand where.

We bought farm land in the Delta and it turned out to be a great little farm in a wonderful community that we have grown to love. We started looking and praying about buying a house in this community close to our farm but it just never happened. As time has passed my environmental allergies have seemed to get worse and worse. Friends suggested we live away from the farm due to my allergies and we have agreed that this would be best. So we began to venture out and look at land for building or buying a house away from farm ground. Now, if you know anything about the Delta you know that this is hard to do because there is farm ground everywhere.

One night we were shopping for houses on the internet and we ran across a house in Carrollton, it wasn't near a farm, it was a large ranch style home with everything we could ever hope for in a house, it even had a covered pool. The next day Honey called the Realtor who had it listed and she told him all about it. He got off the phone excited and we took the virtual tour one more time before deciding that we were going to buy this house. Sometimes we make plans that may not be Gods plans. We may have been praying and seeking Him for a long time and think this is His will for us but God may have something different in mind, something that we don't always understand. When Honey called the Realtor back she told him that she had sold the house. We continued to work with the Realtor and looked at numerous homes.

During this time we ran across another house that we loved, it was a country home overlooking 10 acres of open yard with a small pond in a gated community. Honey and I just knew that this was our house, it was above our budget but had been on the market for three years so we made an offer! We waited and waited and the couple didn't accept our offer and they wouldn't counter offer so again God had put up a road block.

Once again we were on a journey looking for the perfect house. Last December our Realtor called and told Honey about three houses she had listed. One of the houses being in a nice community where we had visited several times and dreamed of one day living. Every time we drove through I would tell Honey, "it's not going to happen these people aren't going to sell and there's no land available for building". I'm so glad that God has a plan for us and that He knows more than we do. We have bought a house in the little community that we have dreamed of living in. It is away from farm land between where we are farming here and Inverness. It has several acres that are just beautiful and a small yard to keep up which is sounding better all the time. The final paperwork was done on Monday and I feel this is truly a God given miracle!

If we had not allowed God to place road blocks in our lives, if we had forced things to happen, if we had paid the higher price we would have missed out on the blessing that God had for us. We would not be moving into the community of our dreams. We would have had a large house payment with a yard that would be hard to keep up in the future.

We are excited not only for our future in our new home but for the future of our children. I love the quote "We have not inherited the earth from our ancestors, we have only borrowed it from our children."

In doing this we are praying that in the future we can slow down and spend more time with our children and grand-children whether they live in Mississippi, Indiana or Colorado.

Nerves of steel...and Gluten-free clam chowder

Recently Honey and Be went to the Delta on business and I spent the day with Ash and Punkin. Punkin is growing up too fast and is more fun everyday. Here are some photos of her playing on her play-mat. I cherish the moments spent with her.

When deciding on what to cook for supper Ashia wanted soup and I suggested that we try a Clam Chowder recipe that I had from another blog. We printed it and changed some of it just because Steve is allergic to onions and we weren't in the mood for some of the ingredients. I have to admit the closer it came to time to make it I was afraid that we wouldn't like our recipe. Well, we persevered and made it and it was WONDERFUL, even our men liked it. So here is our version, it is supper easy and GREAT!!!!


Creamy Clam Chowder

1 cup clam juice
2 cups FINELY diced potatoes
1 (6-10 oz.) can minced clams WITH juice
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
**1-2 tablespoons cornstarch

Add the cornstarch to a bit of the clam juice and set aside. Add all other ingredients to a large pot and the add cornstarch mixture. Cook slow until potatoes are tender.

Makes 4 large servings.


You should know by now I am an avid basketball fan! I could watch basketball all day 24-hours a day and I don't care who is playing or where. Our Dawgs have won their last three games and considering they have been conference games this is a BIG THING. If you have an opportunity watch a SEC game, the defense is awesome. I am a die hard fan and State could loose every game and I would still support them! I don't understand people who only go for the winning team, I mean how can they do that? What has happened to loyalty or commitment? I have to admit to attend any college basketball game you need to have nerves of steel. Here a few photos of our last game...

Before the game we went to one of our many favorite places to eat Harveys! I have no problems eating there. I have told them of my gluten problem and three times the chef has came out and met with me. After asking about many dishes I know exactly what I can eat so now I just go in and order but still remind them of my problem so if by chance a recipe has changed. Thank you Harveys for making your restaurant a safe place to eat.

Sick at a Conference

Yes, it's true I attended a "Cotton and Rice Conference" where Steve was one of the many guest speakers, Steve has spoken at several conferences and this was the first one that I have been able to attend with him. The time away was fun but wouldn't you know on the first night I got really sick. I think it was just due to eating too much at "Paula Deen's" Yall and causing major stomach problems. You know I have a malfunctioning valve in my stomach and we've noticed that anytime I eat too much it tries closing off, which sometimes it succeeds. I'm not talking about eating a small amount of too much but really over eating and that's easy to do when you have a day on the road and then end up at the famous "Paula Deen's" buffet! It's a good thing my eating is VERY limited at places such as this or I would probably end up in the hospital. LOL

After no sleep that night the following day I woke up feeling really bad. Steve and I had to pick up our packet for the conference at 7am so I made myself get up early and get ready for the day. After the walk over to the conference center and then back to the room I just wanted to sleep so my wonderful husband let me lay back down and he attended the first meeting without me. I went to hear him speak around 11am and then we had lunch together. After lunch we both returned to the room to rest and then Steve went and attended the rest of the days meetings. Boy, conferences are NOT a time to rest, there were 11 sessions using 8 meeting rooms. Thank God I'm just the book-keeper who was there to support her husband and did not have to attend all of these meetings!

Steve resting in the room before attending more meetings.

Ok, Speaking of conferences I loving reading books, devotionals, etc. by Lysa Terkeuast and Karen Kingsbury. While playing on the internet and allowing Steve to rest I  ran across this..... I've also posted a banner on the bottom of my blog regrading my find. Check it out and maybe you and I can go together!!!!!

Today while lustfully browsing "Glutenfree.com" I ran across this recipe. I LOVE, LOVE Pamela's Baking mixes. I buy them in 5lb bags from Amazon.com and never go without them. They are so versatile, I use them for rolls, pancakes, biscuit, coffee cake, cookies just to name a few. I am known to be a lazy cook at times. I go through spells of not wanting to bake from scratch and I've found Pamela's baking mix is the perfect substitute! I made an order by the way, receiving gluten-free food makes it Christmas all over again!

If I weren't out of town I'd try these right this minute!! Can't wait!!

Cheesy Corn Muffins 


1 1/4 cups Pamela's Baking and Pancake Mix

1 cup fine yellow cornmeal

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 tsp salt
1 egg, beaten

1 cup milk
2 Tbs. melted butter

1 cup frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 
Oil a 12-muffin tin. 
Combine first seven ingredients and mix well. 
Fold in corn and cheese. 
Fill each cup 3/4 full. 
Bake 15-20 minutes or until tester inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. 
Makes 12 muffins

Hope to see or talk to you soon Friend!

My Obsession,,,,,

OK, I'll admit it I have an obsession with candles. I love buying and burning candles, it's one thing I can't get enough of. I think this is the only thing in my life that Steve has said, "honey you have enough candles, don't buy anymore for a while." After I prove to him that my stock is waayy down he'll release me to buy once more and it's like a dream come true once again.



My latest candle purchase was "Be Thankful" by Yankee Candle and I think that it is going to be one of my MANY favorites. It smells soooo good I recently finished up "Ocean Water" also a Yankee candle and have now taken "Be Thankful" out of my stock and set it out to begin burning.

Another obsession I have is gluten free blogging, I love reading about new things regarding gluten free living. My latest find is a new social network just for those who have to live gluten-free you can read all about it at www.GlutenFreeFaces.com. 

I've always loved Anne Gedies babies and here we have one. I think this is my favorite photo at this time. At 1-week old she is already changing.

Our life is anything but normal right now, it has rained here none stop for some time and the work in the field is lacking. We are praying for wind and sunshine to dry up the fields so we can harvest beans. Thank the Lord all of the corn is harvested!

There is no time for trying new recipes I have not spent much time in my kitchen, or at home for that matter, in two weeks. But oh how I am enjoying helping to take care of Mother and Baby so Dad can work. Our daily schedule is consumed with feedings, changing bottoms, washing and cooking. I do have to make a loaf of my bread sometimes soon, while staying at Ben and Ashia's I've been eating a lot of sandwiches and I'm about out of bread. I bet Saturday will be a normal day for me. Ben should be home and watching over his girls, Steve should be home with me from the Delta and we should be watching football and smelling "Be Thankful" as it permeates the air.

In the meantime I plan to continue to live Gracefully Gluten Free.

School Lunches can be great and easy if your eating gluten-free.

While I was in the Delta with Steve we had several rain showers. I would call them a big rain but many would not. Anytime rain is running in our yard, it's a big rain to me. Steve was able to continue harvesting beans in spite of the rain. It was raining on the part of the farm our camper is on but was night raining across the field where Steve was harvesting. We're thankful that we were able to take care of all the beans that needed immediate attention!

 
I left the Delta to come home and go to Jackson with Ashia for a baby shower, well it never happened! It appears Baby Austin is about ready to make her entrance into the world, she tried to arrive 5-weeks early. Mom and Dad spent the night at the hospital and after medicine, many prayers and observation they allowed Dad to bring Mom back home for as long as she can make it. We had to cancel the baby shower. Maybe Austin Rivers is going to be a raging river, I think she already has a mind of her own.

We are still at home counting contractions and getting everything ready for Austin's arrival which could be anytime now. Ben (the Dad) and I have done some serious washing and putting away baby clothes. One of our hardest responsibilities is keeping Ashia on the bed or couch, although she is doing well.

The final touches in getting ready for Austin's arrival. Just two of many MSU gifts. Thank you Pam and Juliana, we appreciate  your helping us prepare for our little Bulldog fan!


Now on to something gluten free....
Preparing lunches for your child can be easy and taste great. Make your child feel normal in front of their friends. Now, you have to remember I am a southern bell and we have a history of baking and frying. I fry very little anymore mostly due to the mess even though we raise Catfish and there is nothing in this world any better than fried catfish, so I do fry them from time to time.

Back to the lunches, make your own bread or use "Gluten Free Pantry's" Favorite Sandwich Bread Mix. Glutino Gluten Free Pantry Favorite Sandwich Bread Mix, 22-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 6) (review here) That's what I use, it is easy and taste wonderful! I use this bread and make sandwiches of all types such as ham and cheese, hot or cold, sandwiches. YUM


You can also use left over roast and make barbecue with it, use this for barbecue sandwiches. Hunts thick and rich Honey Mustard is gluten-free and how easy, you just poor it right out of the bottle. Serve a salad on the side or eat with your favorite chips.



Make up your favorite Tuna or Chicken Salad recipe and serve it with your favorite gluten-free crackers. My favorite crackers are "Glutino Table Crackers 7 oz. (Pack of 12). I also love fruit with these salads. :) You can also use the salad and make a sandwich or use it in a green salad. These salads are so versatile, quick and easy.

So don't think only gluten-free but think quick, easy and GOOD!

When you can't decide what to cook............

I recently missed an important doctors appointment. I received a phone call Thursday afternoon to reschedule my follow up visit from my stomach surgery, it was on Monday and I had forgotten. After being put to sleep I never remember anything, not that I did before either. We call my palm my brain because if it's not in there it usually doesn't happen! The appointment never made it on my palm so I didn't show up.

I have had a hard time deciding what to cook lately; meal preparation has become a true chore. I use to watch Food Network all the time but quit because all I wanted to do was cook and eat. The cooking wasn't so bad but I was gaining weight because of the eating. So today I turned Food Network back on and watched several episodes then got up and cook a delicious supper. I had a roast seasoned with salt and pepper only baking in the crock-pot for my meat (pictured above). To go with it I melted 1/2 stick of butter in a baking dish and tossed in potatoes and carrots with salt, pepper and parsley for seasoning. I baked this until good and tender and then baked biscuits and made fried apples (recipe below) to go with them. I'm thankful for Food Network and I know Steve and the kids are too. If you ever have a hard time deciding what to cook just turn on Food Network, you will be inspired!

When you read this I'll be packed up and leaving for the Delta. We are moving equipment to begin harvest there this next week. I am traveling along in my car so that I can come home when I need to. My Dad and I plan to attend a family reunion in Alabama on Labor Day.

Fried Apples

Ingredients:
¼ c. butter
5 lg. granny smith apples; peeled, cored & sliced (or the apple of your choice here I used some leftover Fuji's and they were great)
1 c. sugar ( I didn't use this much sugar, it's your decision)
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg

Instructions:
Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add apples, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Saute 15 to 20 minutes or until apples are tender.

A Great Big THANKS to all my Avon Customers!

I have made the final decision to stop selling Avon as of September 23 and Lena (Gauntt) Dawkins will be taking over my customers. This came after MUCH thinking and prayers because Avon does not fit in my future plans. For those of you I have serviced through the years THANK YOU! It has been fun.

A Helpful Hint From My House to Yours

Allergies, headaches and surgery

As I've mentioned before I'm getting ready for a procedure on my stomach valve this next Monday so I am off all aspirin products. I have had a head ache for three days now, it may be lack of caffeine so I've have been drinking coffee. I really think it is something in the air. On our trip to Indiana I did great and had no headaches. I swear to you the minute we drove back into the deep south Steve and I both had a headache. What is it about MS that is so different? I hate the idea of leaving this Magnolia state but sure wish my head would feel better.

As for my stomach now that the procedure is scheduled and my part of it is already paid I feel better, go figure! I guess I need to go and let them check me out anyway and the only way they can do this is a scope down my throat I've never had this procedure done that it wasn't closed or had a pea size opening. I mentioned not going to Steve and his reply was, "Grace, you have been sick for a month now and you have two good days and want to cancel the procedure umm no"!


My Family

Steve has been in the Delta and is home now and I'm so glad I hate staying by myself. I have had Sydney here, Ben and Ashia's dog, but she just wants to sleep. The minute Steve walked through the door she was full of energy and seemed to be full all night long.


When Sydney sleeps she gets cold and stays right under me but if I wrap her up she'll sleep for hours. Notice her paw over her nose.


I don't know if you read Ashia's blog (find the link in the right hand margin) but she is very pregnant. She goes back to the doctor on Monday. We still don't know the sex of our Indiana baby but we should know in two weeks, I can't stand the suspense! Both Ashia and Mary are doing very well.


Helpful Hint From My House to Yours

While at Mary's last week my girls and I made gluten-free brownies from a mix I had taken with me. I had made these brownies before and they seemed a little dry but not this time. While Alyana mixed them I added a large tablespoon of sour cream (I use Daisy all natural) to the mixture and they were great. George, my son-in-law, didn't realize they were gluten-free. I use sour cream or mayonnaise (Hellmann's) in a lot of baking gluten-free with mixes it always makes the item moist.



Something new I tried while at Mary's, if I eat at night the food just sets there and I can't sleep so I was looking for something I could drink at night. I bought this at Kroger and it was really good, it would have been better if I'd put a few potatoes in it. The neat thing is that they have soups such as this in many different flavors. UMMM

Feeling More Like a Grandma Everyday!!!

It has been so hard to find time to blog lately. Ashia and I just returned from Jackson where she finished the last of her baby registry. She registered at Wal-mart and Babies"R"US. The baby showers will start soon and we are excited, to say the least. In the meantime I have been shopping for our baby in Indiana. I have bought a lot of diapers so far, more will be purchased as soon as we know the sex. I just feel it is a boy and you don't know how many times I have almost purchased something for a boy, but I have been a good grandma and waited, as of now can't promise what I may buy on my trip!



This photo is of Sydney resting on baby Austin on the way to Jackson. While we were gone Sydney got to meet Sam and I think she's going to be just fine. I was holding him and she started jumping up even with his body so I went and set on the sofa where she could see him. She sniffed him all over and then jumped down and went her merry way. Maybe it will be the same with Austin when she arrives.



Ashia recently colored and cut my hair. I love it, it is so easy and cool, which means a lot with this hot weather we have. Also with shorter hair I don't look so much a grandma although I feel more like one everyday!

I went to my Gastroenterologist, today the opening of my stomach has blocked off again so they will do the procedure to open it back up on July 27. At this time I feel awful and can hardly eat, although I am trying to embrace this time because I have lost a few much needed pounds. After it is over I will feel so much better and for now I have to eat small meals during the day and drink something nutritious at night.

Another exciting thing in my life, Steve and I are praying we can leave on Wednesday for a much needed vacation. We have not been anywhere apart from a quick trip to see our kids in four years. Steve had told me that as soon as it rained we would go somewhere. I saw a rain passing through the Delta on TV this morning but figured it had missed us, as it always seems to, but when I arrived to pick up Ashia for our Doctor appointments Ben said that it was raining in the Delta and his Dad was coming home. I still didn't think about taking a trip as farmers NEVER get their hopes up, but Steve called and asked how soon I could leave. I can't explain to you the excitement I felt and still feel. I will be spending the next few hours packing and getting ready to go!!! In the midst of it I need to think about traveling "Gracefully Gluten-Free"!

Oh, one more thing. I made gluten-free sandwich bread with my bread machine last night and it did fine. I guess as stated in an earlier blog I did jump the gun and I'm thankful for that.

A Taste of My Favorite Things

 
Happy Father's Day to all you men out there! I am so thankful for Steve and for the great father that he is to all our children!!!!

I wanted to post a blog but with it being so hot I have done little cooking these past few days. We have been eating light at lunch and then going out at night. So yesterday I was thinking what I really like about the Delta and thought I would share some of the facts with you.

The Delta

Tunica has gleaming casinos with resturants such as the famous "Lady and Son's" that features southern cuisine all the way from Savannah, Georgia.

Clarksdale - home to famous blues musicians and the world renowned Delta Blues Museum and the Hopson Plantation, one of the largest cotton farming operations in the South. There is also Morgan Freeman's blues club www.groundzerobluesclub.com/ or Madidi's www.madidires.com.

Cleveland - the Historic Crosstie Shopping District, offering an array of specialty shops, antique stores and cafes that serve down home southern cooking. One of our favorite is eating at "The Warehouse". http://www.visitclevelandms.com

Greenville - home to some of the country's great writers and a city that blends Native American history with the Blues, cotton and casino gaming.

Leland - the town that spawned one of the most popular Muppet characters, Kermit the Frog. Home to "Fat Baby's" steak and seafood restaurant.
Indianola, - a special place in blues music history - hometown of legendary Blues musician B.B. King, and home to one-of-a-kind Southern treats at the nationally recognized "Indianola Pecan House". www.pecanhouse.com "The Crown" it is so much more than a great place for lunch! It is an Art Gallery full of fabulous original Delta art, a Gift Shop filled with classic children’s toys and gifts for every occasion, a Bookstore shelving the best books about the Blues, the Delta and our favorite foods. And last but not least, it's home of Taste of Gourmet! You can buy the mixes and sauces they've created at The Crown and take them home to enjoy! And if you can’t make it for lunch, join them in the afternoon for Taste of Gourmet food samples and the best cup of coffee and pie you’ll have ever tasted. www.thecrownrestaurant.com Shop at "Young Ideas". Young Ideas is a specialty store that has been offering the Delta’s best in infant, girls, boys, juniors, and ladies clothing and gifts for almost 35 years. We offer a wide selection of merchandise, and we are known for outstanding service. http://youngideas.typepad.com

Inverness - 128 miles south of Memphis and 78 miles north of Jackson. The small town was virtually wiped away on February 21, 1971 when an F4 tornado struck portions of Louisiana and Mississippi. 36 people were left dead in rural Mississippi in the wake of the storm; 21 of the victims were from Inverness. Home to Good Farm's and the famous one and only "Hometown Restaurant".

Greenwood - discover the three "final resting places" of the enigmatic Robert Johnson, King of the Delta Blues. Unearth the mystery at the Greenwood Blues Heritage Museum & Gallery and find out how Southern hospitality and high-class comfort combine at the Alluvian Hotel and Spa. Take cooking classes at the "Viking Cooking School" or eat at our favorite restaurant "The Crystal Grill" home of the famous homemade pies.

Yazoo City - the land that inspired acclaimed author Willie Morris to share his childhood memories in My Dog Skip. Experience the town's history and culture at the Oakes African-American Cultural Center and visit some of the most beautiful antebellum homes in Mississippi.
Enjoy the traveler's Delta Travel Diary and then make plans to feel the Delta rhythm for yourself with a trip to through the Mississippi Delta. http://www.visitthedelta.com/


MSU info....

Those of you who know me know that I am an avid college basketball fan I like all sports but LOVE basketball. I had rather watch basketball (any college team) than anything else on TV. I've told my kids when I get old and can't get around much just subscribe to Directv's Full Court and I'll be happy! This week I read some excited news about one of our MSU Bulldogs. MSU's Varnado makes USA hoops team http://tinyurl.com/knts6w It will be exciting to see where the Dawgs take us this next season. I'm so thankful for my season tickets in the past and pray we are able to get them once again!

These are just a few of my favorite things. Look for more in the future.

What is one of your favorite things in Mississippi? Leave your answer in the comment section I'd love to know.

My Easy Gluten-Free Pizza

I had a nice time with Syd (our grand-dog) and I am now back in the Delta with Steve. It is sooo humid and hot here so I'm not sure that I will be doing a lot of cooking. Tonight for supper we had homemade chicken salad and green salad with either ice cream or watermelon for dessert. When it is this hot we prefer meals to help us cool down.


During my time at home for breakfast one morning I had one of my favorite gluten-free meals. "Van's" frozen blueberry Waffles (the plain are also good). They are delicious and you can't get any easier! I buy them at the local Kroger but will only allow my self to have them a few times a year due to the calories.

After Steve got home for supper one night I made a gluten-free pizza. We had rather have the gluten-free version than the regular now. Of course it's been ages since I ate a regular pizza but Steve assures me that my gluten-free is better and I believe him! Here is my EASY gluten-free pizza way.


I use "Gluten-Free Pantry" french bread and pizza mix. It makes two 12" x 14" pizzas, so I use one immediately and freeze one for later use. This takes time the first time around but the second pizza is easy!


I make it according to package directions using my food processor to mix it.


The dough is a little hard to work with so I smooth it in the pan using a moist spatula.

After baking the crust until it is no longer shiny and starts to firm up I spread gluten-free pizza sauce from a jar (Kroger brand etc) and ground sausage, cooked and drained. I top it with shredded pizza cheese.


I have recently talked to Ben and Ashia and it seems that Syd misses us, well I really think it's Steve she misses. That crazy dog loves Steve, you should see her when she sees him outside the house are hears him drive up. She goes nuts! If you are holding her you had better put her down fast because she spins off on you running to get to him and in the meantime you look like you have been in a cat fight. But I can understand I love Steve too!

Have a good week and remember it doesn't have to be difficult to eat Gracefully Gluten-Free!

A Weekend With Sydney

When we got home Thursday night I hit the door running, I had to wash and repack so that Steve could leave again Friday afternoon to return to irrigate the corn. We had hoped to take care of giving the corn a drink of water while we were there this week but it seems Delta Electric has dozens of wells to hook up to electric so they did not get ours hooked up until late Thursday afternoon. They run things a little different there than we do in Macon. They unhook the electric to all pumps for the winter and then hook them back up at the beginning of the summer, what Steve and I didn't know was that you have to call in and have your name put on the list. We're not complaining because it sure saves us money after harvest but we know next year to call in earlier!

I came home to take care of our grand-dog for Ben and Ashia to go out of town. I don't know why we all love this crazy dog like we do but she has stolen our hearts. She was so excited to see me when I picked her up on Friday; we have found that if I pick her up she doesn't mourn their leaving her like she does if they drop her off. The excitement wore off, for me that is, when grandpa came home for lunch. Little did she know that he was getting ready to leave again. After he left she rain frantically through the house searching for him and when she could not find him she laid on the sofa all afternoon, upset. We had some bad weather to roll in so I picked her up and kept her close to me; as soon as I put her down she jumped back on the sofa. I sure hope she gets over this soon.

Sydney on the sofa.


I caught her with her eyes closed from the flash. Ashia takes photos of her all the time and she hates it she told me so.

In the meantime I ‘ve been cleaning house, which was long overdue, it’s so hard to keep two places going all the time. Now I can’t breath and I have a headache, I expected as much with all the dust in the house. A lot of times when I'm like this I can't stand to lay down, it only makes matters worse. If I have to sleep sitting up in my recliner I bet I have company tonight.



Sydney taking a nap with grandpa (Steve) before he leaves to drive back to the Delta.



Who ever thought we could have "Pineapple Upside-Down Cake", "Strawberry Shortcake", "Apple Turnover", and "Lemon Meringue" Yoplait that is Gluten-Free? Flavors like this usually contain gluten. My daughter called me this week to tell me of her new find. As soon as I had a chance I went to the grocery store and bought myself some. I can't wait to try them!

I've finally gotten over the dust attack and enjoying playing with the dog. She's not sad any more, I guess she realizes I'm not going anywhere.

You too can live gracefully gluten-free!

Gluten Free Farm Life

A tomato bought in the local grocery raised in Indianola.


We attended my Aunt's funeral on Sunday and after visiting with our family headed to the Delta. Now we're back in Inverness, spraying and irrigating the crops.



First thing upon arriving in the Delta I have to stock the castle (camper) so that I can cook in my gourmet kitchen. This time I went to Wal-mart anticipating what I might find after my great finds last trip. I didn't find a lot of new things although I did come across some great Spinach dip. It is made by Tostitos and is really good with Tortilla or Corn chips.



Hormel Natural Lunch Meats are Gluten-Free
I use something like this for quick lunches. When Steve comes in and has a few minutes we go ahead and prepare lunch so he can quickly get back to the field.




I enjoy cooking so have to be careful because I also love eating. I think Steve and I are addicted to food. At Wal-mart found a very small pork roast, I hate leftovers because we don't have room to store them. This roast was great cooked on low in the oven



We will soon be heading back to Macon so I had to work in a little baby shopping, I mean what do you expect? I bought these two little outfits but I am not sure whether they will be given as a gift or saved for one of my own babies! I'll be glad when I know what we're having in Indiana so I can buy even more! (Work hard Steve I'm after your money!) :)

I close for now because I have a lot to do in my palace. For now don't forget to eat Gracefully Gluten-Free!!!