Happy Monday to you all. I hope your weekend was stupendous. The weather in Atlanta was ridiculously beautiful and we had lots of fun.

Friday night, Eric and I had ourselves a little date night and went to see the movie Red. This was a hoot. Lots of things blowing up and Helen Mirren as an assassin. What more could you possibly ask for? After the movie we ducked into Fox Grille at Atlantic Station for a drink and to catch up on all the games. Did you see the Yankees against the Rangers? Unbelievable.

Saturday, Eric had a haircut scheduled, so we had a cup of coffee together and off he went. I went across the street to take pictures of our neighborhood park being landscaped by our wonderful neighbors. When he returned, we picked up Valerie and took the MARTA to the Little Five Points Halloween Parade. This is always a a great time, with loads of costume ideas to be inspired by.

Eric, Valerie, Curtis, Me at the parade

All ages enjoy the parade. Even little pups.

I love all the colorful costumes.

These giant puppets were fascinating.

Another giant puppet.

Glad to meet him in the broad daylight....

If Mad Max built a Barbie Dream Car, this is what you would get.

Kiss and this clown from a video game. Is that right, Eric?

My favorite photo of the day.

I didn’t know this guy, but I loved his costume. It was simple, but cool. I caught his eye right before I snapped this photo and he got into character for me. Afterward, I introduced myself and showed him the shot. His name is David and he was feeling a bit under the weather on Saturday, but couldn’t miss the parade. I just love the look of him zoning out as he is surrounded by this crowd. Thanks, David!

When the parade ended, Curtis was meeting some friends, so Eric, Valerie, Leila and I all hoofed it to Pure in Inman Park for some mexican food. We saw our friend Katie there (hi Katie!!) and dined on some scrumptious dishes. I had a salad that had so many chips, guacamole and sour cream, that I’m sure cannot be counted as health food, but it was so good. We ordered two types of queso but were too full for dessert.

Valerie and Leila picked up Leila’s car and Eric & I headed back to the MARTA and home. For kicks we watched a zombie movie and called it a night.

Sunday we had planned to smoke a pork butt and have some of our besties over. Eric started the grill at 10 a.m. and rubbed the pork with an amazing secret rub that smelled so good. I whipped up coleslaw, cupcakes (with peanut butter chips, iced with dark chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt), and homemade cornbread. Clint made some delicious macaroni and cheese and thanks to our good friends Doug and Sharon of Three Sisters Vineyards, we drank up a bit of wine I had leftover while I was pouring for them last Thursday night at Aqua Vino (more on that Wednesday). For an appetizer, I broke out the Pretzel Crisps (more on those tomorrow), luscious dip made by Wesley and everyone devoured everything. It was all so yummy.

Pretzel Crisps and Dip. Hand model - Jay.

Eric pulling the pork.

Pulled smoked pork. So delicious!

Matt and...

Clint. Two of my favorite...

Cupcakes!

Dinner guests included not only Clint and Matt, but Teague, Curtis, Jay and Valerie. The conversation on polygamy was riveting and the wine flowed.

I love all our darlings. They make life fabulous.

See you tomorrow!!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Loverboy – Working for the Weekend

I am still glowing from the weekend’s activities. Last Friday, I got some surprise news that tickled me to no end. It was a treat I wanted to share with our very besties and neighbors so I sent out an email asking everyone to be at our house on Saturday between 5- 7pm for a huge surprise.

All the guesses I received were hilarious – was I pregnant (what?!?!), did I get a television show (hmmm…), are we moving (hell no!!!)

But I knew it would make all of us smile and warm our hearts in a big way.

And it did.

Our darling, dearest bestie, Taruran was in town to move his sister back north and he had exactly 2 hours to spend with us. If you will remember, Taruan and Chioke have moved to NYC to go back to school and their departure has left a hole in our happy little social circle.

But for two hours on Saturday, all was right with the world and we were together once more. The look on everyone’s face upon seeing Taruan was priceless. Having T here and getting to hug him was priceless. Surprising all our favorite darlings with such a precious surprise was priceless.

Let me tell you my sweeties, you cannot put a price on the best stuff. And this was some of the best.

Everyone is abuzz with Taruan's presence. He just wants a cupcake.

Taruan and Chioke tell me there are no Pattis in NYC. Awwwww. I love you guys.

Our three Ts - Tracy, Taruan and Teague

Part of our group - where was everyone else? Imbibing? Celebrating? Probably.

And then, as soon as he arrived, he was off – poof. Into thin air.

So we all went across the street to Tracy’s annual soup party. Which was a blast. 60 guests, 60 soup bowls, one badass homemade photo booth. Unbelievable.

Photos of Souperfest? Ooops, I was so excited about seeing Taruan and sipping bubbly that I just plumb forgot. Sorry. But it was a blast and made us temporarily forget that Taruan was on his way back to the world’s most thrilling city. Lucky New York.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Mary J. Blige – Family Affair (T- you know this is MY jam!)

Whew, what a weekend. Lets get started with the recap.

Friday night we attended FLUX, the art installation in Castleberry Hill. It is more of an art installation than art festival because it is interactive and a bundle of fun. Called Le Flash last year, this year’s incarnation had a ton more partiers and more things to see. There were zebras running on buildings, movies projected onto high rises, singing heads, food carts and much more. Eric and I went with besties Crystal & Teague, said hello (and Happy Birthday!) to our friend Denise Jackson in her gallery, and then stopped for a drink at our other besties loft, Matt and Clint. It was delightful, exhilirating and cultured.

Roll the footage!

Crystal and Teague party down at Miss Jackson's gallery

These polo paintings will be in Denise's next exhibit. We were in her secret space in the gallery. Friends only! VIP!

With every map, you get a free glow stick. I liked the pink one.

Some folks took a whole bunch and made a trail to....

A room with three screens of what I think was running water...

Now, this is what I call a "green" flag. It was made entirely out of old clothes.

Some visitors partied on the moon.

While others were being chased by a giant mantis.

I don't know Stacy, but she set up a tickle suit as her exhibit. I did not try this on.

This photo loses something with the flash. It was all lit with black lights and she was dancing for the plants. This was my favorite of the night.

We stopped by Matt's loft where he was spinning the hits.

Our pretty friend Carole was there, with her equally pretty sister, Linda.

Eric stops for a beverage.

I get a chance to catch up with my bestie, Clint.

The Soprano was projected onto a concave screen, making her look like a bodyless head. Cool.

And how do you know it’s time to go home?

When they are sold out of egg rolls....

Castleberry Hill, you outdid yourself once again. Kudos!

And if you will indulge me, I would like to say hello to my friend, Betty Beasley – thanks a million for reading!!!!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to The Opus Flux – Careless Whisper

You all know how much I adore living in Atlanta. It’s a town filled with surprises. We are genteel, we are foodies, we love a parade, we love a spectacle. Sometimes we like  it rough.

Saturday night was one of those rough nights. Besties Crystal, Teague, Denise, Rick, Eric and I all packed up the food and tailgated before the Atlanta Rollergirls bout at the Shriners Temple. This was my first time seeing the Rollergirls in action, and what a treat it was. But first, we must eat.

Hanging With Denise and Crystal Pre-Game

Crystal prepared the yummiest homemade pimento cheese sandwiches (and I thought I didn’t care for pimento – I had just never had homemade). She also stopped by Popeyes Chicken for some crunchy chicken fingers. I made pound cake soaked in limoncello and Denise whipped up a gorgeous salad. There were chips, pretzels and salami, too. And of course, the cooler was filled with beer. A coconut rum with pineapple & orange juice cocktail completed the bar.

Pimento cheese sammies

Bless the Rollergirls, they allow you to bring your own coolers into the venue, so you are never without libations. I can appreciate that. So after getting pleasantly full on tailgating fare, we loaded up the cooler and made our way to the auditorium.

The Dirty South Atlanta Rollergirls

You have to appreciate all the contradictions of the evening. Here are a boodle of women all out for blood, circling a track in a room adorned with castle walls and chandeliers. It’s like the Princess Death Match. The crowd is also immensely diverse. Old, young, big, little, hip, nerdy – all converging for an evening of fun. And you might think in a room with so many tattoos that tempers would flare. Au contraire. While waiting in line for the ladies room, one of the referees very politely asked if she could cut in line so she could get back to calling the game. Everyone quietly stepped aside and let her pass. I can’t recall a more genteel group in recent memory. But that’s our Atlanta, full of surprises.

Some more fun shots of our evening out.

Crystal and Teague enjoy the game.

Our Atlanta Rollergirls beat the ladies from North Carolina soundly. We even saw a nosebleed. But the most fun for me were the names of the players. There were Celia Fate, Demi Gore, Wheeling Jennings and Nora Gretz. Aren’t they creative? I bet they throw one heckuva party.

And between bouts, there is live music, The King of Pops popsicles, and fun shopping. Something for everyone. I nabbed a Mexican Chocolate popsicle from the King of Pops and was very happy. Drippy, but happy.

Live music between bouts in the courtyard

All walks of life enjoyed the evening

Signing autographs for the fans

And then it was over. We only had tickets to the first bout so off we went. The last bout is September 25, so if you want to enjoy a fun, unusual night out, get your tickets NOW…..they sell out like crazy.

My love, Eric, as we pack up to leave

Everybody has a little freak in them....

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Elton John – Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting

I had the sweetest time in NOLA with my darling husband, but the birthday celebration didn’t stop there.  This past Friday night, 22 of us gathered to celebrate some more at Karaoke Melody, a terrific spot on Buford Highway that has private karaoke rooms. Most.Fun.Ever.

The photos really tell the story here, so lets begin!

Teague Checking The Mics

Lisa Arrives

Lisa Made Party Favors - Filled With Peppermint Patties!

Eric Checks Out The Stage

A Hug For My Sweetie

At first, Eric, Teague, John, Danny, Crystal, Holly, Lisa and I sang a few songs  before everyone else arrived. “Paradise By The Dashboard Light” is one tough song to sing. But we muddled through, giggling til the end.

Matt With Clint Laughing Through "Punk Rock Girl"

Me and My Girls, Crystal, Holly and Lisa

Tim, Becky and I, Wearing the Darling Apron They Had Custom Made For Me

Sweet Miss Diane

Teague Opens With La Bamba - "It's In Spanish!"

Shane In The Hall

Danny and I Belting Out The Lyrics to Something

New Neighbor Dean Brings Down The House With His Rendition of "Lets Get It On"

My Crooners - John and Taruan

Shane And Eric Take A Beverage Break

Holly and Danny Cut Up For The Camera

Val and Leila Share a Moment

In Honor Of Johnny Cash's Birthday, Eric & I Pair Up To Sing "Jackson"

Like All Good Southern Girls, Crystal and I Sing "Delta Dawn"

Diane and I Having A Giggle

Taruan and Chioke Enjoying The Evening

Shane and Teague Sing "The Time Warp"

and if you are going to sing The Time Warp, you know that right behind are folks that…

Are Going to Sing and Dance With You. Guaranteed.

and sing and dance some more…

More Time Warp Fun

Me, Getting A Chance To Thank Everyone For Coming

But there is one (maybe two…) more surprises to come…

Lisa Wrote Custom Lyrics To "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", Just For Me!

This tickled me to no end. I was so thrilled.

I just wasn’t ready for the party to end. And so, six of us brought it on home.

Because no birthday is complete without…

a Pink and White Cake, Complete With Adorable Candles!

It was a fabulous birthday and I was so thrilled with all our guests. We have the best friends ever.

xoxo, Patti

I trust you all had a bang up Christmas.  We certainly did.  There were six of us gathered around the table this year and it was the one of the nicest Christmases I can remember. Oh, we had fun. But you knew that already, didn’t you?

First, let me list the menu:

Prime Rib, Dry Aged By Eric
Yorkshire Pudding
Mashed Potatoes
Peas
John’s Awesome Veggie Bake w/Brussel Sprouts, Portabellos, Broccoli, Wild Rice, Cheese (Everyone had at least 2 helpings of this!)
Beef Gravy
Chocolate Brioche Bread Pudding w/Homemade Whipped Cream
Everything Cookies
Buckets and Buckets of Champagne

John arrived first and gifted us with the coolest photograph he took at our Christmas Party of the table decor. He photographed the mother of pearl easter grass and then played with it so it became the coolest piece of art ever. We hung it in the dining room immediately.

Since our first guest was here, it was time to pop some corks.  Earlier in the week I had picked up a case of champagne at Hop City so no glass would run dry during dinner and beyond. I like for our special occasions to be really special.  And it was.  Teague and Crystal arrived next, looking way too cute in their hats and rosy cheeks.

Looking Like A Christmas Card Photo!

Earlier in the day, Eric had trimmed the beef he had been dry aging for over a week and roasted them in a 220F oven for 3 hours. Right before serving, it gets a blast in the oven at 500F for 10 minutes.

Two Prime Ribs Ready For The Oven

In the afternoon I had mixed the batter for the yorkshire pudding and left it in the fridge to rest.  Although I missed a step (I was supposed to pour the batter into a heated pan), it seemed to turn out just fine.  Take a gander:

Yorkshire Pudding, Hot From The Oven

The table was set with pieces received by friends near and far.  I used the gold flatware from California friend, Alison and candle holders from both Vickie and Miss Diane. So I had a little part of them at dinner, too, which made me very happy indeed.

Personal Treasures Adorn The Table

We also included poppers on the table and Eric taught us all the proper technique.  Hold the popper in your left hand and the person to your right grabs the other side – you both pull and POP! it started the evening off with a bang! Inside each popper is a gift, a joke and a paper hat. You must wear your paper hat. It’s de riguer.  John made this paper had look incredibly fab – isn’t he handsome?

Dang, I've Got Great Looking Friends!

Here are some more table shots for your enjoyment.

Eric, John and Tracy

Teague Fashions A Tower Out Of Popped Poppers

John and Tracy Enjoy The Fun

Tracy had another party to attend so she gave us our gift before she left. She gifted us with a commissioned art piece of our choice. So exciting! It was an Arty Christmas!

Dinner was fab, but there were presents to unwrap. Dishes could wait til later, although everyone was so wonderful and helped clear the table before we moved on to gifts. Love my friends!

Gift exchange was a blast. Eric and I were making up for two missed Christmases and had so much fun with the giving.  John received a Paula Deen Family cookbook and a gift certificate to Cook’s Warehouse; Crystal, the stone planters she has been yearning for and Teague….well, let me tell you about Mr. Teague.  Teague has recently purchased a 2007 Mustang – it is crazy sporty and has been looking to outfit it with cool accessories.  We had Crystal tell us what he wanted most and it became our gift to him.  Teague wanted a turn signal flasher for the Mustang – official name – Sequential Tail Lights. Now this thing was delivered to us and looked to me like nothing but wires and plastic. But our buddy was thrilled. I do believe it was the best gift giving experience we have ever had. Photos!

Crystal and One Of Her Planters

A Very Surprised Teague

Then it was our turn – Eric’s gift from Teague was this hilarious shirt and a fab bottle of scotch from our darling Crystal:

Geeky Fun!

And as for me?  My darling Crystal hit the nail on the head with my gift – the most gorgeous soup tureen. So beautiful!

Best Buddies

Then it was time for more champagne. One of my favorite lines of the night came from Crystal, “now I know what it’s like to drink my fill of champagne” – shouldn’t everyone?

I'm Standing On A Chair and Still Shorter Than John! LOL

SO Happy To Be Back In Atlanta!

Then it was time for dessert – a chocolate brioche bread pudding with english toffee and whipped cream.  For some unknown reason (champagne?) we never got a photo of this ready to eat. But I did photograph it earlier in the day as it came out of the oven.

Yummy Chocolate Brioche Bread Pudding!

That’s a photo of how it looks above it. And it did look like that, only better. I took a recipe from Charlie Trotter’s Desserts and totally dumbed it down for my use.  In the recipe they expect you to make the brioche and the toffee. Uh, no, that is not happening.  What I did use was four huge chocolate chip muffins and toffee from Trader Joe’s.  You can’t tell me mine was not as good. And Eric’s homemade whipped cream was a triumph.

It was the best Christmas ever.  Not too many casualties (2 champagne glasses), so I’m thinking we were wildly successful. Full tummies, joyous smiles and wonderful friends.

I could not ask for more.

xoxo, Patti

Warm and Inviting, Yes?

Good Morning, Darlings!

It is a very rainy day here in Atlanta. I understand there will be snow up north. But here, not so much.

But it has been cold! I thought some soup was in order.  Miss Diane was sweet to pick up a gift for us and swing it by, so I thought she should have dinner with us.  She called me mid-afternoon to let me know that her beau Jonathan would be flying in from assignment in Columbus, Ohio early evening.  How exciting!  We would finally meet her mystery man.  Jonathan is a well-respected videographer and we couldn’t wait for him to join us.

And to add to the mix, we invited Crystal and Teague to join us.  I love a party!

Dinner was very simple.  Vegetable and meatball soup, dinner rolls and homemade peach cobbler made with peaches Crystal canned this summer. Yum! Oh, and wine – we have a ton left over from the party. I hate for it to go to waste.

As for the evening?  It was made fabulously sophisticated by the presence of our new friend and dinner guest.  Full of tales from the frontlines of what we only see on television, we listened intently to Jonathan’s stories.  I have to say, my husband and friends are much more in tune with politics and current events than I am (although I set a mean table!), that I pretty much sat back and enjoyed the conversation.  Not only was Jonathan interesting, he was genuinely delightful.  A great combo.  And we feel like he has hit the jackpot with Miss Diane (she’s such a catch!) They are so cute together.

So, without further adieu, here are some shots from our cozy little dinner last night.

The Best Conversation Happens in the Kitchen!

Happy Dinner Guests!

Jonathan, Teague & Crystal Enjoy Some Stimulating Conversation

The Blogger Photographs The Media Mogul and the President of Adair Park

And on top of all this fun, Teague, who is our neighborhood association President, has asked me to sign on as the official Social Director of Adair Park! I am so excited and flattered! I will be planning events for the neighborhood, all the while learning about permitting and all that goes into a public event.  I can’t wait to take on the challenge!

Keep warm and dry, my Darlings.

xoxo, Patti
PS – For a little extra treat today, you have GOT to check out NotMartha and these too cute for words gingerbread houses that sit on the side of your cocoa cup!

Each year, Crystal and Teague host a Pre-Thanksgiving dinner that celebrates all the wonderful friends and neighbors we have. Everyone gets to cook what they would like for Thanksgiving as opposed to what they might be forced to endure annually with their blood kin on the 4th Thursday of November. My dear friends really know how to throw a bash. This year the guest list totaled 30 people – wow! Not only did Teague fry a turkey, but grilled two pork butts as well. Crystal was kept busy making not one – but two – dressings. One was an old family recipe with raisins and apples and the other was an oyster dressing. Yum yum yum. But that’s not all – no, there’s more! Crystal also made an amazing cranberry sauce with a port reduction, greens, deviled eggs and artichoke dip. We brought a beet, goat cheese and walnut salad and I tried my hands at yeast rolls. There was so much food, the table was groaning with the weight of all of it. There was pear salad, waldorf salad, broccoli casserole, spinach balls, homemade ravioli with brown butter sage sauce, homemade walnut bread, killer mac and cheese, spaetzle, strawberry pretzel salad, squash medley, pigs in a blanket, peach-raspberry pie, pumpkin pie, apple pie, holiday cookies, gingerbread trifle and lots of beverages. Everything was so delicious. One of my favorite appetizers came from our friend and neighbor, Leila, who brought mutsubi, which is spam sushi, a Hawaiian specialty. Keeping an open mind, I tried it. And loved it! For those of you, like me (until last night), who have never heard of this treat, let me offer you a little photo:

Some more fun pics from our great time last night:

Play x Play by Crystal!

Our Adorable Host & Hostess

Our offerings:

Eric's Fab Beet, Goat Cheese and Toasted Walnut Salad

Yeast Rolls From My Kitchen

A Table Filled With Happiness

Teague, Our Local Butcher

My Sweetie and Me

Counting Our Blessings Before Supper

Miss Diane and Me

I would have taken a picture of my plate, but it was gone before you could say, “gobble, gobble.” Everything was exemplary. Our friends really bring their A Game to every event.

The evening was rounded out by exchanging stories by the campfire and just digesting the incredible meal we all shared.

Returning home, I checked the mailbox and found this fab gift from Teague’s mother, Pat. I thought it was very timely:

Cooks For Looks, The Neiman Marcus Spa Cookbook

This highly needed gift came with the most lovely, heartfelt note thanking us for hosting a dinner for them when they were in town. I can’t wait to delve into the cookbook and whip up some spa recipes! Fun!

But before I leave you for the day, let me share the recipe for the yeast rolls I baked for the party last night. One night, at our dinner table, Crystal mentioned that the meal I had served tasted like “funeral food.” Now, if you are from the south, this is an extreme compliment. Funeral food is made up of the best family comfort food recipes one has. It is the cream of the crop. So you can imagine my surprise when I arrived home from Los Angeles and in my new kitchen was a copy of the “Being Dead Is No Excuse” cookbook. It is a fabulous and hilarious cookbook from the belles of the Mississippi delta. So, if you need a simple, yet super yummy recipe for dinner rolls this holiday, here you go.

Mary Mac’s Yeast Rolls

Ingredients
1 cup boiling water
3/4 cup shortening
1.5 tsp salt
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 packages active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
6 cups flour
1 stick of butter, melted

Pour the boiling water over the shortening. Add the salt and sugar. let the mixture cool, then add the eggs. Let the yeast stand in the warm water for 5 minutes. Then stir into the shortening/egg mixture.

Mix in the flour, a cup at a time (I used my stand mixer for this). Transfer to a greased bowl in the fridge and let sit for at least two hours (the dough will keep in the icebox for several days). For the short term, a damp cloth cover will do, but longer term requires plastic wrap.

Roll the dough on a floured board. Cut the rolls out with a biscuit cutter, brush with melted butter, and then fold them over. Place in a buttered pan and brush with more butter. About 15-18 rolls will fit in an 8-inch square pan.

Let rise in 1.5 hours in a warm place.

Bake at 375F, about 10-12 minutes or until brown on top.

Gobble up!

Have a wonderful Sunday, Darlings!

xoxo, Patti

For all of you that do not live in Atlanta, I have to tell you that you missed a great time yesterday in Cabbagetown. Chomp and Stomp is just the southern social event of the year. I rode over early with Crystal and Teague so we could help Miss Lisa set up at her booth. The top was off the jeep and the day was warm and sunny. In November!

We arrived and I helped Miss Lisa with her sign for the day. She decided on selling locally made snap-when-you-bite-them hot dogs and beautiful white bratwurst.

You know what? I have so many photos, I believe I will let them tell most of the story. And away we go!

Miss Lisa's Specials of the Day

Those Gorgeous Brats

Miss Lisa & Mr. Bob Share A Moment

Mr. Bob is a restaurant reviewer for the Atlanta Journal Constitution, so we kinda have to hide his face. You would agree his is a great face, if you were to meet him.

There were a slew of celebrity judges on hand to judge the chili (and there was a LOT of chili to judge). There was Kevin Gillespie, of Woodfire Grill , who might very well go all the way on “Top Chef,” Kevin Rathbun, who slew Bobby Flay on “Iron Chef,” Scott Serpas, Shaun Doty , Joe Truex and certainly not least of all, Chef Linton Hopkins of Restaurant Eugene and Holeman and Finch.  Some fun shots for you:

Chefs Gillespie, Serpas, Doty, Hopkins and Rathbun

Chili to be Judged

Chef Gillespie Takes a Moment for his Fans (me!)

As exciting as mingling with celebrity chefs is, there was also live music and other celebrities as well. Hollis Gillespie (no relation to Kevin, I believe) is a famous author who is about to have her books adapted into a television series. She is seriously hilarious and took a moment to let me be photographed with Lary, her bff and herself.  Go buy one of her books!

Hollis, Me and Lary

And of course, lots of friends and neighbors were there, too.

Leila, Val and Jay

Val, Me, Leila, Miss Crystal

Val and Me Before We Entered the Toilet Plunger Relay Race

Yes, Miss Val and I entered a relay race – I called it the Toilet Plunger Relay, Chomp and Stomp called it the Cornholing Relay Race. One member of the team holds a toilet plunger between their legs and runs to the next member, who is holding a roll of toilet paper between her legs – #1 has to use the plunger to thread the toilet paper onto the handle of the plunger. It was fun. We didn’t win, but we laughed – a lot! Oh, and we had to do it while holding a cabbage on our heads. Pretty!

Now for the main attraction – The Cabbage Shredding Contest.  Our bestie Teague has won this competition 3 years in a row.  First, there were two heats to see who would battle Teague for his crown. Then it was time for Teague to show em how it’s done. Little Michelle handed us her ball point pen and we all wrote a big  “T” on our palms to show our support. Teague was clearly in the lead when all of a sudden, he dropped his cabbage! We all gasped and waited to see what would happen next. Teague, the consummate professional, just popped over the table, grabbed the cabbage core and once again took the crown! We all howled with joy! Wooooooo Hooooo!!! I even got some cool action shots. And I won’t even make you wait to see them.

Teague Was In It To Win It! Look at the Cabbage Flying!

Our King and Queen

As Teague’s motto goes – “Today We Slaw!” and slaw he did. He most certainly did.

Besides cabbage and chili everywhere, there were some other food vendors (besides Miss Lisa and her awesome dogs and brats). Lets take a look, shall we?

Perla, One of Miss Lisa's Coffee Girls

Nobody Can Resist a Corndog!

Funnel Cakes! Fried Dough! Nom, Nom, Nom...

After all our darlings filled up on chili and beer, Pie Queen Crystal and Cabbage King Teague (foodie royalty!) invited us all back to their house for a bonfire.  Miss Lisa was so sweet and gave me a bundle of bratwurst and buns to take to the bonfire and I added some blue corn chips.

Miss Crystal grilled the brats while we all warmed ourselves by the fire. They were insanely tasty and everyone gobbled them up.  Then Becky and Tim introduced us to a twist on an old favorite – ‘smores.  They took two slices of Italian bread, brushed it with olive oil and salt, grilled it, spread it with a nice smear of Nutella, roasted a marshmallow and slipped it between the two pieces of grilled bread. It was heavenly. Tim called it “Italian ‘Smores,” I said it should be called “It’s A’smore.” Whatever you call it, I can tell you what it tastes like. It tastes like you need one more.

"When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, It's A'Smore!"

By this time I was pretty beat and ready to hit the sack. Eric and I bundled up and walked home as our shoes crunched the dried, fallen leaves underfoot.

I am going to leave you with a quote from Mr. Tim’s blog :

I hope you live where you love and if you have a longing to be somewhere you’re not I hope you find your way there.

For me, that place is Atlanta.

xoxo, Patti