Pay no attention . . .

. . . to the weatherman.  I had planned on hiking today with friends, my usual Tuesday hike.  We were going to one of my favorite places:  Sugarloaf Mountain, near Dickerson, Maryland.  I always used to get lost when going there, until I realized that the local Interstate Highway (I-270) was the best bet. 
Now Joe likes New Orleans and Mobile, both places he knew well when we were young.  And he always gets eager when some hurricane looks to threaten those places.  So this summer, this week, there's hurricane Isaac and there's also the Republican party having a big nominating convention in Tampa, down in Florida.  And there were fears that Tampa might be adversely affected by Mr. Isaac.  Sunday and Monday Joe put on his channel-flipper gloves and likely did not watch anything more than weather reports, some on site, some off site, looking for word of New Orleans and Mobile.   After all, this week is the 7th anniversary of hurricane Katrina. 
What has this to do with Tuesday hiking?  I know not why the local weather reporters got so crazy, but they were predicting showers, sunshine, thunderstorms, partly cloudy - - not a one of them consistent with another.  And so this morning, bright and early - - well, not bright.  That was the problem.  It was cloudy, and it was humid, and I dithered around and finally decided.  If I were on a Through-Hike on the C & O Canal or if I were hiking on one of Scotland's lovely long-distance footpaths, I would soldier on through rain, wind, sleet, whatever.  But I'm not there and not doing that.  And rather than drive 35 miles just to walk in what might turn into a thunderstorm, I decided to stay home.  Particularly after Pat reminded me of the time years ago when 4 of us arrived at Sugarloaf's West Parking Lot just in time for a deluge to drop upon us and turn the steps to the summit into a waterfall. 
No walking today.  But how silly that was.  Yes, the early morning was cloudy and humid, but the day progressed (as it always does), and became a bright, sparkling day with shadows so crisp and sharp you'd think they were cut with scissors. 
So I got things ready for the Scotland trip next Wednesday.  Not quite a wasted day.  But no walking today.  How'm I supposed to get my lower extremities ready for walking 7-12 miles/day if I'm not doing some of that now?  Well, there are still 7 days to go.

Bayou Bakery brings back memories

 There's a new restaurant in Arlington.  The Bayou Bakery has been open about 3 weeks now, near the Arlington County Courthouse.  The wonderful thing about this place is that it serves New Orleans style food.  The chef grew up in New Orleans, and knows what makes authenticity.  The website's opening page brought back such memories:  It shows fresh beignets.  http://bayoubakeryva.com/index.html

Joe and I, many years back, had headed for New Orleans.   He knew the city well. I'd never been south of the Potomac River in Maryland.   We left Chicago in March on the night train - there was snow and ice on the sidewalk along with an ace of spades playing card as we walked to the train station.  The following morning we entered Mississippi, where the sun shone and flowers bloomed.  We arrived in New Orleans in mid-afternoon, in what felt like summer weather.  I thought we'd landed in heaven.  Azaleas and exotic-looking greenery everywhere.  Warm and humid air surrounded us. 

We left our baggage in the French Quarter apartment of a firend of Joe's and went to the Cafe du Monde for coffee and - - what else?  Beignets. 



 I'd never heard of them.  Was dubious of all that sugar - - and as if there wasn't enough coating the pastries, each little table held a shaker full of more powered sugar.   (Wearing black wool dress in Chicago made sense, but here was unwise - not just hot & humid weather, a lap sprinkled with white was unappealing).  Three puffy squares of fried dough covered with a thick layer of powdered sugar.  I was an instant fan.  And I still am.  I've made beignets here at home.  Not often, though.  It's a time-consuming process.



I was not so attracted by the chicory coffee.  I drink my coffee black, which isn't wise in New Orleans.  Way, way too bitter and strong.  I learned to add water when I was out.   And at home I'd use just half as much New Orleans-style coffee.

Bayou Bakery gets it right with both the beignets and the coffee (which I still drink black).  Here's a link to Joe's initial blog about the place: http://joeb-tallyho.blogspot.com/2010/11/new-orleans-comes-to-arlington-virginia.html.  And a follow-up, continuing to rave. http://joeb-tallyho.blogspot.com/search/label/Bayou%20Bakery



Next thing is to try the Bayou Bakery's muffaletta sandwich and compare with the ones we go at Central Grocery on Decatur Street.