Missing Two

Have you ever started out with objective A in mind, and ended up with objective B?  Such was the case yesterday, I started out to rant a bit, talk about the French Open (tennis), then plans changed.

Way back in 1991, nearly 20 years ago, I accompanied MFO (before she had that tag) and a group of Law Librarians from St. Louis University attending a conference in New Orleans.  I had many good memories (and lunches) from that experience, one of which came into sharp focus recently.  One evening we attended a “group dinner” at a restaurant called “Dookie Chase’s” in kind of a (then) run down part of town. Turned out to be a memorable meal and experience, with great creole food.   Plus we got to meet the chef/owner Leah Chase.  A charming woman with a love of life, food, and good cooking (often referred to as the “Queen of Creole Cuisine)”, you can read more <here> about the restaurant, the family, and her life story) she had just published a cookbook which of course the fledgling Bottom Feeder had to get:

As with all things, life turns the pages for us, and she passed on June 1^st at the age of 95, and I dug out the cookbook and had a fresh look, and was quite taken by her inscription to me, which now, 27 years later popped out with her message clear and in line with my beliefs:

The book itself is not only filled with great (annotated) recipes

Note it calls for Pet Milk!

But also has lovely art in it

Borrowing a phrase from their website “She was a major supporter of cultural and visual arts and an unwavering advocate for civil liberties and full inclusion of all… While we mourn her loss, we celebrate her remarkable life, and cherish the life lessons she taught us. The Family will continue her legacy of “Work, Pray, and Do for Others.”

Grateful To You,

The Chase Family”

Anyway, a great lady who lived the life of good times and celebrated food.  RIP.

And another icon (to me) of a different sort who hopefully has a seat at her table in heaven also left us on May 30 at the age of 69.  Without reading the caption, do you recognize

Yes, the unique and staunchly individual Leon Redbone took his guitar and moved on.  He will never be replaced.  (As I remember) I never had the pleasure of seeing him perform in person, but you hear him from time to time on the Blues Channel (74 on Sirius XM)  a talent like no other..

End of unexpected Objective B.  Objective A was to rant a bit about phrases that drive me nuts (short commute), such as “reach out”.  Seems kind of inappropriate at this point so we’ll end with the usual admonishment to

DFD (maybe in honor of Leah’s food)

And if you look at the photos of her restaurant, you will see NO MJ’s!


Oh, just to add a little lighter note, another bit of "Bird Banter"

American Goldfinch:  "Hi there buddy! Good seed here eh?"
Decorative Wrought Iron Bird: "..............."
AG:  "excuse me pal, was just making conversation"
DWIB:  "............................"
AG: "YOU'RE NOT VERY SOCIABLE!"
DWIB: "......................."
AG: "well the heck with you, excuse me, I'm going to get a sunflower seed"
DWIB: ".........................."
AG flies down to feeder
DWIB: ".........................."