Red Stripe! Hooorraaay Beer!

Yesterday was great, despite an auspicious start that I'll leave to your imagination, dear reader. I'm sure you don't want to hear another bowel and spilled-breakfast-all-over-his-head story. Dr. Winnail gave a fascinating sermon, we had a new member who's recently moved from another area attending, and we had an enchanting evening at the House of Burdette. I think he found some Caribbean caterers or something, because we were treated to jerk chicken w/ mango salsa, grilled plantains (or, the brother to the banana), an exquisite bean-and-rice dish (I'm still trying to figure out what the underlying sweet flavor was), that wine we like that I'm not going to try to spell, and some pie for dessert. Oh, let me not leave out the rum punch. Just when the M.R.S. had almost come to terms with the fact that we're not going back to Jamaica for the Feast this year... Oh yeah, I'm a disappointment to the South because I don't eat cole slaw. Or potato salad.

The conversation was thought-provoking, as is usually the case when MHB is involved - unless he's ranting and raving, in which case it's best to just step away from the soapbox and let him purge. (Dem's just jokes, Sir!) I got to play the role of Jesse Jackson/Al Sharpton as SPEAKER FOR BLACK AMERICA, as we discussed the Civil War/War Between the States/War of Northern Agression, confederate flags, the Duke Boys, George Wallace, race riots in the north, police procedures (we're actually NOT entitled to those extra 10 mph above the speed limit), and the most boring stretch of Highway in the world - Hwy. 441 from Commerce, Ga to Lumber City, Ga. Four hours of mind-numbing boredom (except for the beautiful homes in Madison, I'm told). And yes, if you weren't there, you WERE talked about. Lovingly of course...

Oh well, the athletes have been pretty good tonite. I guess the fact that it's exam week is helping them focus. Wait - do I spy someone in the back reading CALVIN AND HOBBES?????

Thanks for the invite, Burdette clan. Thanks also for the opportunity to get to know the other guests better. All in all, a great night.

PS: Do they eat cornbread in the Caribbean? Inquiring minds want to know.