Most Southern states during the winter months rarely experience any significant amount of snow. However, it seems we have more ice storms. An ice storm is characterized by freezing rain, creating a glazed event. Although it can paint a beautiful wonderland, it can be a little creepy when the freezing rain comes at night. The cracking of tree limbs breaking sends shivers down my spine.  Ice storms can also be very dangerous. Ice-covered roads become slippery and hazardous, as the ice causes vehicles to skid out of control, which can cause devastating car crashes as well as pile-ups.  In addition to hazardous driving or walking conditions, branches or even whole trees may break from the weight of ice. Falling branches can block roads, tear down power and telephone lines, and cause other damage. Even without falling trees and tree branches, the weight of the ice itself can easily snap power lines and also break and bring down power/utility poles

Although ice occurs regularly, I can remember two very memorable ice storms. New Years Eve in 1978, We were living in Dallas, there was a huge ice storm that moved into the Dallas/Ft Worth area. I remember a huge tree broke in half in our yard and pulled our electrical box out the wall. We had to leave our home and move in with friends. We spent New Years Day, gathered around a fireplace and playing cards by Coleman lanterns. Many in the area were without power for days. People huddled in homes around who ever had gas stoves to stay warm. The Cotton Bowl parade was cancelled and the game was played in an ice-covered stadium.

The other was January 2007, right here in Springfield, MO. For weeks Springfield was paralyzed. Thousands went without power – some for days, many for weeks- shelters filled, residents huddled around fireplaces. It was an historical event. 

Well, winter is upon us. We will see what 2013 will bring.

Autumn Fun!!

Oh the smells of Autumn. I have great memories of Autumn family fun, especially when we were pastoring. Autumn in the South means cool weather, hayrides and bonfires. And you could just count on a church-wide Hayride/Bonfire when the weather started getting cool. Just throw on a pair of old jeans or other long pants, sneakers or cowboy boots. Be sure and put on a comfy sweat shirt for the evenings would be a little cool. On a wagon stuffed with hay, you would start on a magical adventure, pulled by a tractor or horse. Expect to be itchy and get dirty. There is usally sing-alongs, spooky stories, and lots of laughter. Hayrides are an easy 5 mph ride, possibly winding through corn or pumpkin patches. In the South the hayride usally will have a pitstop at a bonfire. 

At the bonfire you can roast on sticks, weenes to enjoy a smoky hot dog or marshmallows, which I like burnt black. When I was growing up, without fail, someone would start to tell a ghostly tale that would have all of us kids on the edges of our seats, and/or someone would pick up a guitar and sing a hymn or two, which we all sang along. Then back on the trailer where happy full hayriders would snuggle close for warm for the journey back to start. It was a journey that would always fill our hearts with warm memories.

“Ya’ll come over tonight, we gonna boil some crawfish.”'

Louisiana and crawfish go hand in hand. 

Crawfish season in Louisiana is still an exciting time, with crawfish boils and backyard parties a time-honored tradition. Crawfish are freshwater crustaceans, inherent part of Louisiana Cajun culture. "Laissez la crawfish router" which means, "let the the crawfish roll!!" Many cajun South Louisiana favorites are jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish pie, etc. all are made with crawfish.  But the all-time favorite is "Crawfish Boils". 

You have to start with 35+40 lbs of fresh crawfish, Until ready to boil, keep in large ice chest.

You can boil up to 10-15 lbs in a propane cooker. Now get the water to a rolling boil and using a basket, add the crawfish. Stir them up a bit with a large wooden paddle, then cover the pot and return to boil for about 5-10 minutes. Stir them again. urn off the fire and allow them to soak for about 10-15 minutes. Drain the crawfish then pour them out on your table covered with newspaper. If you want them more spicy you can add seasonings at the table. Some favorites are Zatarain's, Louisiana Fish Fry or Tony Chachere's. 

Now, for a step to step instruction in peeling and eating. Usually people just eat the “tail,” but  true Louisiana crawfish eaters, will "suck the head" of a crawfish by separating the abdomen of the crustacean and sucking out the  fat/juices. THAT'S WHAT I SAID.....YUCK!! 

oh, well maybe you will get a chance to enjoy one of these crawfish boils.  "Laissez la crawfish router" 

Coming down with "The Vapors!"

You might say, what in the world is "coming down with the vapors?"  Although a Southern Lady possesses an undeniable natural charm, when facing a crisis or trivial event, she is a delicate flower you know, and a stressful or excitable situation can cause an unladylike response. So the quick and effective response is to, fan yourself, a theatrical collapse and claim to have the "vapors". The "vapors" was a common term for female hysteria, usually associated with swooning or fainting. No worries, there is a cure, a good of dose of smelling salts, briskly used hand fan, and most of all, a tall mint julep, a severe case....might require all three.