Izzo's, After Hurricane Isaac

After staying inside for two days waiting out Hurricane / Tropical Storm Isaac, getting out of the house seemed like a 'Must Do'.   At least for me.  Lunch sounded like a great idea, and after a quick phone call, it was confirmed - IZZO's was Open.    Now, IZZO's is an Illegal Burrito location.  Why Illegal? Well, because they are so damn good.    We arrived there with minimal issues; only a couple traffic signals out with different areas still without electricity.

 

 

I'm calling this picture, LUNCH WITH FRIENDS.   Here we have three young ladies, apparently out for lunch ... unless they are just hanging out at IZZO's.  Anyway, if you look closely, all three are on their phones.   One texting, two talking.   This picture makes me nostalgic for those times friends went out to lunch and talked to each other, versus talking to others somewhere else.    Now, back to my regularly scheduled dialog.

 IZZO's refer to themselves as a 'Roll Your Own' burrito place.  Actually, you pick the size and ingredients, and they roll it for you.  The display on the wall shows you the three sizes available.   Now, I don't know the young man here.   I asked if I could take a picture (meaning the display, of course), and he removed his glasses and turned so I had his profile, versus the back of his head.   I don't know the name of this hairstyle, but do think it is adorable.  

 After you choose your burrito size and if you want it to be beef, chicken, pork or vegetarian, you move down the line and choose your other ingredients.  Decisions are hard ... even with the huge shell, there is only some much room in a wrapper.

And then, you get it back to your table and start evaluating what technique is best used to eat your monster creation.   Meet some of our family members -- Will, Debbie and William who evacuated Destrahan to wait out Hurricane Isaac.  

That is my Quesedilla on the end of the table ... I branched out and tried something new.  

Although this is their first visit, I think they've got it mastered. 

The folks at the next table were eating the 'Burrito in a Bowl'.  Doesn't it look fabulous?   I just started the Atkins Diet today and when this might again be on my diet, we are heading back.

I recommend IZZO's .... Any location.

Lorrie

Here Today Gone Tomorrow Thrift Store

Notice my special smile here.   This is my 'I found a new Thrift Store and have treasures to show for it' smile.  The same smile, can double for yard or garage sales, and even the occasional church bazaar.

The Thrift Store is Here Today and Gone Tomorrow, and is just a couple miles away.  And what treasures might those be ?

 Well, this time it was all about the sewing treasures.   There was a big box of sewing 'stuff', a few pieces of fabric, a couple patterns, tidbits (that I'm sure I will be talking about at a future date), and a pair of beads that will soon be downsized until a pair of earrings.

There was actually an entire bookshelf of fabric at the thrift at very good prices.   I selected just these 5 colorful, yet generic pieces.  I'm not sure why; I certainly don't need fabric.  Just had to have them I guess.

The main calling, was this box.   I hauled it, along with a cup of coffee, up to my room, cleared off a table to spread out on and started the sorting.    This is where treasures can be found and hints of the previous owner learned.   (Bet you never thought of a sewing box as a history lesson before).

Of course, there were sewing and embroidery threads.   Some of the spools were near empty; our seamstress was a frugal one.   At least half the spools are of the wood.     I took the time to empty those that were almost empty (not being much of a hand stitcher), and will put the empty wood spools with the other couple hundred in my collection.   Note to self ... decide what to do with all those wood spools!

 A small collection of belt buckles and two pair of cut-off sock ribs.   When I saw the first set - the red ones - I thought 'Oh cool, wrist warmers'.   But no, these are socks cut off right above the heel, where the ribbing starts.   I can see how they could easily be transformed to wrist warmers, but being here in the South where it doesn't stay cold long enough to bother, I don't think so.   The belt buckles will go to the buckle collection, the socks to the trash.

And then, there is a collection of lace packaged -- the Ben Franklin variety.  I don't know for what, but these are definite keepers.

With this one, the excitement mounted.   It's a little treasure parcel, about 3 x 3 inches, just like those shown in artsy magazines.  You know, when you gift something small, put it in interesting wrappings.    So, I carefully unwrapped the bundle.  And what did I find?   Nothing ... just old pieces of newspaper.  Looked like our original owner may have made some newspaper pattern pieces for shoulder pads and then put them to double duty by folding them up to hold leftover threads.   Frugal (and inventive) as well.    There is no date on the papers, but a couple of the pictures would imply early 1970s.

 Of course, there are a couple patches.   The Raggedy Anne's appear to be home appliques cut from fabric, and the others, except for the stars have been removed from other items.

 And a variety of buttons, hooks and clasps.

 And some miscellaneous stuff.   The black pieces are some type of clips.  I assume to hold fabrics in progress together.  They open about 1/2 inch wide and have inch markers (1 to 4) across the front.  

And yep, Zippers.   Not the pretty extra ones that never got out of the wrapper, but zippers removed from other garments.   Some you can see were carefully removed, others, tugged at a bit; two that are broken and two that are literally cut out of jeans (with the fly still intact).    This is my MOST FAVORITE find in the box.  and they will start showing up in something soon (I hope ... not just becoming another collection).

So, all in all, a great Thrift Store find.   Not only are there usable items here, there was a good hours worth of entertainment going through it.   Not bad of $3.95.    Now, of course, comes the hard part.   Putting all the little bits and pieces where they belong.  

Lorrie 

Field Trip to Brian's Furniture

Now that we are settled into the new house, the plan is to renew our weekly field trips to learn our community and get out of the house - Beau plans one week; I plan the next.   This week Beau decided on Port Allen to see the locks, as well as Brians Furniture to get information on a specific garden hose.  

As it turned out, we found the locks, but didn't figure out how to get into the immediate area.  The gate was solidly locked.  And, as the moment would have it, there was no traffic in the vicinity either.  But, Brian' Hardware was a totally different story.

 Brian's is actually two sets of stores across the street from each other.   One side of the street is  Home Furniture, appliances and home accessories and the other side, where we started, is garden furniture, pots and upscale yard art.  

There was so much to encompass that I pulled up a seat on a wicker couch to take in the surroundings.  My eyes fell on a set of sculptures across the room.  Obviously garden sculptures, I'd say they stand around 18 inches tall.   It was love at first site.  They would look incredible, one each, on the sills in my dining room.  I also admired the stained glass windows, sculptures and interesting furniture pieces, but kept coming back to these, with the idea forming .... please don't be more than $100 each.   Finally, I went for an up close, personal look.   Yes, incredible, and $369 each.   They are solid brass and from the talents of Roelna Louw.   Definitely not in todays' budget, but certainly an addition to my Christmas list.

Every nook and cranny of the store are filled with intriguing visuals. 

I was particularly fond of the tall metal sculpture giraffe in the front.   Back in my concrete sculpture years I'd actually considered creating one.   (Now that we've moved, I'm glad I didn't).  Perhaps someday in paper mache.

Beau, of course, loved the LSU Mike the Tiger sculpture.   

And, I can't resist sharing with you this HUGE Cockroach sculpture.   He is a work in progress; an artisan was in the middle of a brush painting.   I asked if I could take his picture and he said yes, and then went indoors.   I guess we thought I meant the cockroach ... not him creating this very realistic (perhaps 5 foot) sculpture.  

And, of course an array of LSU and Cajun country signs.  With football starting in 17 days (Beau can also count down the hours), these are a very hot item.

Across the street is the home furnishing and appliance store.  Very tasteful and artistic all the way through.  I really should have taken more pictures to share.  But, here's one of the signs posted in the window.  

They have a wonderful selection of Sid Dickens Tiles.     The first time I saw his tiles I was inspired to make a line of mosaic's on slates.  I'll have to dig those pictures out sometime.   Every home should have one of these, but I have to admit the impact is in the groupings.

 On the way out, stopped for a quick pose with the bench monkey.  

While here, we found a bedroom set for the guest bedroom.   I didn't manage to take a picture, however, will tomorrow when they deliver it.  

In case I didn't mention it, I REALLY LIKE THIS STORE and recommend a visit should you ever find yourself in historic downtown Port Allen. 

On the way home we stopped at Bergerons Boudin and Meats, also in Port Allen for lunch.  This wonderful lunch is the Wednesday Daily Special.   I'll admit that any of the three - chicken, beans and potato salad - are better than any I've ever cooked (and I'm a pretty good cook, if I don't say so myself).

It's now my turn to plan next week.   I'll have to put on my planning hat.

Lorrie

Jalapeno Egg Poppers

The other day we stopped by The Pro Bass Shop in search of a barbecue cover.   In addition to the cover, we found a Jalepeno Popper Tray.   

I'm not typically a gadget person, or an impulse buyer, but .... This is a Jalepeno Rack with Corners.   I love Jalapenos and not, until the moment my eyes landed on this rack, did I realize that my life was incomplete.    I tucked in under my arm and discreetly carried it to checkout.   I'm not sure Beau even realized I had it until I plopped in on the counter.  

This purchase, of course, necessitated a trip to the produce stand for fresh Jalepenos (along with squash, lettuce and all the other veggies).    The plan was to stuff them with a mixture of sausage, breadcrumbs and cheese and have as a side for dinner.  BUT, right when it was time to prepare, I couldn't find the sausage.   It was hidden so well that I began to doubt that we had even bought it.    This required a bit of creativity in using what I had on hand - after all, the peppers were already cored and in the tray.   

 Out came 4 eggs, shredded cheese and a little salt and pepper.   Yes, I know, rather unconventional, but we do like jalapenos in our eggs, so why not try some eggs in our jalapenos.    I overfilled each of the beauties right to the top and turned over to Beau to put on the pit.   (Did I mention these meant for the grill?).

Official Recipe - Beat four eggs in a bowl, add salt and pepper and the amount of shredded cheddar cheese you might like.   Whip together and pour into each Jalapeno, about 3/4 full, with a tablespoon.   Put in barbecue put for approx. 10 minutes, until cooked.  

And, here they are in all of their unappealing glory.    Beau passed on trying them and Alex thought they were okay.    I ate them - not all in one sitting, but all of them regardless.   And, although I'd not suggest them as a dinner side, I think they might be quite great with breakfast or brunch.  (Particularly if you are a jalapeno lover).    Just imagine them along with a couple flaky biscuits dripping with butter.   Breakfast Poppers!

I cleaned the tray carefully and put away.   I'll be giving it another run (with a more conventional recipe) this weekend. 

Lorrie 

My first Fiber Art Bowl

In the past, whenever we headed out on a car trip vacation, I'd buy three or four craft related magazines or books and envision possibilities (if only I had the talent), while passing the miles.  Then, after vacation, they'd get stacked into a cabinet and mostly forgotten.   While going through the downsizing process for our move, I couldn't pass them on.   They made the move to us.  This time, however, I've put them on the bookshelf in my new studio and am going to start working through them.    What do they call that .... search for my (hopefully not off-key) voice?

I started this magazine.  Why?  Well, Beau and I were making a short car trip over to Biloxi and I needed a magazine to look at in the car.  

The first article in covers marvelous journal bowls by fiber artist Diane Wright.  (I searched the web and it doesn't appear she has a site of her own, however there are a good number of references to her work on others).

 Along with a several delicious shots of bowls, there is a short tutorial on how to create one of your own.   

Okay ... I'm game.  

 I made a quick stop by the hardware store for the suggested cotton cording.  Then, selected a piece of fabric for it's color values, and cut into 9 - 2"x40" strips as directed.   

Now, for the first holdup.   This is the first time the sewing machine was set up in the new studio.   I couldn't find the box of bobbins, which resulted in an hour search.   Well, it didn't really take an hour.   I just kept coming across other items that belonged somewhere else and was, as my mother would have called it --- sidetracked.  

 I wrapped a couple lengths of the fabric around the cording, leaving the 1/2" spacing as suggested.  The next step calls for coiling the cord around itself (in whatever shape one might desire) and zig zag stitching between the cords to hold together.  But, ... uh oh .. the cording doesn't fit under my zipper foot.   I tried several different feet .. nope.   

So, the next day, another trip back to the hardware store for smaller cord.  After checking to make sure it would fit under the machine foot, I wrapped all nine strips to the cord (securing with little clasps here and there) -- a great TV time activity.   

 And then, the final moment .... I stitched it together.   I had just began making my turn to start the bowl edges and I ran to the end of my pre-covered cord.    This is the point where I should have gone and cut another 8 or 9 strips of fabric, wrapped the cord and continued on.   But no, I stopped here.  

Why?  I have no real need for fabric bowls and I was mostly interested in the exercise itself.   I do think there are alot of other possibilities for fiber wrapped cord here, which I'll have to ponder.  

I'll move on to the next article in the book in a day or two.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

P.S.  Saw this rope (it's tied around the entry posts at Pro Bass Shop in Denim Springs.   It was an instant double take!   WOW ... now that would make a really large bowl.

 

Duct Tape to the Rescue

For those of you who don't know him, this is Alex, our favorite (and only) son.    He was accepted and started the JATC Electricans Apprenticeship last week.  He was assigned to a plant over in Bruley.

The first day of work he learned that was a no-smoking anywhere on the plant policy, and took immediate action.   He made an almost immediate stop at the Drug Store for Nicotine Patches to help him quit.  The next day, he returned with patch in place and feeling pretty good about the prospects of being a non-smoker.  

But, as the temperature started to soar, as it will here in SE Louisiana, sweat played it's trick and off came the Patch.   What's a person to do ?  

Duct Tape to the rescue !!!!    Smart thinking son.  

Lorrie 

Tiger Prefers Water from the Toilet

Tiger, our cat, has been living with us for the last 14 years.   Perhaps I should say mostly 'sleeping' with us, as that seems to be his primary function in life.    He sleeps in the living room, in the bedroom, and, in the last house, sometimes on the deck.    He has always ate and drank from his pet bowls tucked up against the wall in the kitchen.    That is, until now.  

Whether it was the traumatic event of being uprooted from his nice, stable and sleepy life, or some other factor that I am yet to understand, his habits have changed.    

It was the lapping noise down the hall that first caught my attention.   And, the lapping noise went on and one until my investigative instincts kicked in and I went to investigate.   And yep, there he was, drinking from the toilet.  

TIGER, is that you?   He turns and gives me that out of the corner of his eye look --- like, "who were you expecting"?    Did I mention that not 30 minutes before I had just cleaned his bowls and given fresh water?     I wonder if he even realized (in his only partially awake state of life), that we even had toilets in the last house.   

Now, if we could just get him to turn around !

Lorrie