Saturday, February 29, 2020

February 29, 2020 - Happy Leap Day

I honestly don't remember anything about Leap Day of 2016, but all these goofy little apps on my phone sure made a point to remind me that it was coming yesterday. If it only comes once every four years, then heckfire, we better celebrate it with a sale here and a sale there. So, last night I decided to do a little research and find out some interesting facts about Leap Day.


  • There are actually 365.242188931 days in a year. Do that math and you know what's up.
  • Did you know that the year 1900 was not a leap year? 2100 will not be either. It can only be a leap year if it is divisible by if it is divisible by 4, or even 400 (for turn of the century years). 
  • There is an Irish tradition where women will actually propose to men on Leap Day only. This was started by the Saint that everyone in America loves to celebrate, St. Patrick.
  • Evidently in Greece it is an unlucky idea to wed in a leap year, especially on Leap Day. 
  • The official Leap Day Capitol of the World is in Anthony, Texas, on the border of Texas and New Mexico. There are gatherings and celebrations there for Leap Year babies.
  • There is even an honor society for babies born on Leap Day
  • In Denmark there is a tradition where women have to wear twelve gloves to hide their non-ring wearing hand if their proposal is shot down. 
  • In a region of North Italy it is believed that whales only give birth during leap years. 
  • Various retailers have had all kinds of fun promotions through the day, especially if you are a Leap Year Baby. 
  • This one is an easy to think about - every time we have a Presidential election, we have it during a leap year.
  • In Scotland, it used to be considered unlucky for someone to be born on Leap Day. 
  • Leap Day is also considered St. Oswalt's Day, named after the archbishop of York who died on February 29, 992. He is celebrated every Leap Day, nonetheless. 
Here are just a few random tidbits regarding Leap Day. Hopefully you have not taken a daring leap of any kind today. That is unless you are in the NFL Combine. That is a totally different story though. 

Friday, February 21, 2020

February 21, 2020 - Get that Guac - Las Palmitas

It seems that lately there has been a ton of debating. Too bad they aren't debating food instead of politics. That would be ten times more to watch. Considering how fancy some of these folks are they might put us asleep with the way they talk would about anything.

So, something that is a healthy debate topic - food. One food group that we love to discuss is that of the chips, salsa and guac category. Yes, I just named a food group based off of those three. We might as well have a little fun here.

I will be honest and say I have not ventured out and tried much Mexican lately. Everyone knows (or at least should know) about the wonderful places over on Summer Avenue where you can venture into Mexican food comas daily and still not eat at the same place. We all have our personal favorites in that area and may even know what we order every single time we go and eat. If it is in Midtown or Downtown, I am sorry, but I would rather drive east to get my authentic Mexican food.

One place I have gotten to know a little bit about lately is called Las Palmitas. It is located near intersection of Summer and Stage road off the road in a little small building. At lunch time you would rarely have a hard time finding a place to sit. Las Palmitas is about 3/4 full every time the old man I go to eat there. The same sweet lady serves us almost every single time with a charming smile and our two giant cups of water.

One of the greatest attributes to this place is their homemade chips and salsa. I know, I know. There are other places in town that have homemade this and homemade that as well. The chips may have a little saltiness to them, but you will rarely detect and grease on them. They pack plenty of crunch and are fresh. Be careful that you do not eat the whole basket before ordering your meal.

You are not getting hungry, are you?
The salsa is good. It's not knock your socks off amazing, but it is pretty good. I like it because it will accommodate all taste buds, and doesn't leave you aching for more water. Some restaurants will have different varieties of spiciness to their salsas, but Las Palimitas keeps it real, and keeps it mild.

Now for the best part. That guacamole that you order at this place will knock your socks off. Perhaps they prepare it as soon as an order comes in for it, or new batches are made hourly. Either way, I just cannot get enough of this stuff. Do yourself a favor and order a small bowl. If you order the large one, just make sure there are at least 3-4 folks at the table there to enjoy it.  Chips, salsa, and guacamole. That is a heck of a start to a great meal at a Mexican restaurant.

Las Palmitas has tons of options including some amazing fish tacos, veggie tacos, and even breakfast on the weekends. I usually bounce between their fish tacos and their veggie dishes. The fish tacos are excellent. They aren't huge tacos, but they are filling, even after you've been filling up on chips and salsa. The fish tacos come with grilled tilapia, just in case you were wondering. The tilapia tastes fine, but it is usually masked by the special sauce that comes on the tacos.

 The only issue with the veggie tacos or burritos is the amount of onion they pile on your tortilla. I like some onion, but at least give more love to the peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes. The really unique veggie dish here is their potato tacos. Those are great and who the heck doesn't like potatoes, right? Whatever you order, you will be satisfied. You will be satisfied from the get go, once you get hooked on those chips and that guacamole though. I admit I am not one for cheese dips, so I cannot give an honest opinion about the cheese dip at Las Palmitas. If you get a chance on a Saturday or Sunday check them out one morning for breakfast and let me know what you think.

Thursday, February 20, 2020

February 20, 2020 - The Nearly Completed List of Random Thoughts


1)    These come in no particular order. If you would like to add something to this list, please let me know.
2)    Hug someone. Every single day.
3)    Honor women like Jesus and Paul would. 
4)    Go enjoy some "French Fried" taters with your burger, even if it is a veggie burger. 
5)    Some part of every holiday should be used to honor what that holiday stands for.
6)    If you look in the mirror and you are not satisfied with something you see (inside or outside), it's your choice. 
7)    Cats love YouTube also. Fish, birds, squirrels, and even the commercials.
8)    Gift someone with an experience not just an object.
9)    Control your temper. All. The. Time. 
10)A drink or two , or quite a few truly won't solve much at all. 
11)When you go to the rental car counter, make you sure walk out with the keys to the big truck. Be sure to let the lady drive it as well.
12)Eat your vegetables. You only get one chance on Earth, so eat some vegetables. 
13)Get off the couch and take a hike. Seriously.
14)Change your hair color. If you have hair. This one is for the pure enjoyment of others. Ha ha.
15)Go to a Farmer's Market. Make sure you buy plenty. 
16)If you don't know the answer, that's okay. You can always phone a friend, ask a "know it all", ask Google, Siri or perhaps Alexa will know. 
17)Speaking of Alexa, you should ask her to make animal sounds in the presence of your pets. This one is pretty fun.
18)Speaking of Siri, she doesn't know the answer to "Who let the dogs out" anymore, does she?
19)Teach your dog or cat to fist bump.
20)Never, ever give up. When you realize you did, it will hurt like crazy! 
21)One should always answer the phone with a little "Who Dat?", when they answer a call.
22)Vegan sweets? They are actually pretty darned good.
23)Make someone's day.
24)Be thoughtful, and not just sometimes. 
25)Be prudent and give thought to each step you take. 
26)Snowy days in the South are special. 
27)Snowy days in the South are bad reasons for people to drive. 
28)Some people just can't drive know matter what the weather is like.
29)Live like you have a timeline. 
30)Pick up your dog or cat high in the air and sing that Lion King song to them. 
31)Lose your independence for the sake of others in your life. 
32)People watching at airports - very fun.
33)Go run at sunset. At least take a walk if you don't run.
34)Share your awesomeness with others. Sharing is caring.
35)Write down your thoughts, fears, joys, etc, daily. 
36)Try using a calendar. I'm not talking about that one that auto syncs on your phone.
37)Plan a trip with someone. You do all of the planning though. 
38)Write a poem for someone. Be creative and corny.
39)Dress up for friends and loved ones as if you they were the most important people in the world. 
40)Open every single door for every single woman.  
41)Never let the lady walk on the side of danger when walking on a sidewalk. 
42)Plant something and learn how to properly care for it.
43)Always see a sunrise or sunset when on vacations.
44)Learn about another country's currency.
45)Kids love foreign currency. 
46)Then again kids love money.
47)I paid two bucks for a newspaper recently. Heck fire, where did the days of giving two quarters for a paper go?
48)Sudoku. That's all.
49)Those ads in flight magazines. Goodness gracious folks.
50)Home Depot is super fun on a Black Friday. 
51)Learn to play an instrument. There is still time. 
52)Boys II Men anyone?
53)All the past can do is educate you.
54)Get off the couch and go for a run.
55)Read this until the end and then go for a run.
56)Open the door for all women and children.
57)Be brutally honest with everyone.
58)Take care of yourself as a favor to those who love you.
59)Help a homeless animal find a home.
60)Give some food or warmth to a homeless person. 
61)Apologize sincerely and take responsibility when you hurt someone dear to you.
62)If someone doesn't forgive you, always love, honor and respect that person no matter what. 
63)Forgive abundantly. Jesus would appreciate you.
64)Take risks.
65)Branch out of your foodie comfort zone.
66)Watch your mouth, especially around kids and the ladies. 
67)Do you know about Jesus's gene pool? Maybe yours isn't so bad after all. 
68)Give up something, especially if it is harmful your mind, health, or your relationships with others. 
69)Visit a state park. I'll find one that you will be guaranteed to enjoy.
70)Go vegan for a day. It ain't that hard. 
71)Bake something, and not just a 'tater. 
72)Use a Crock-Pot. That was an awesome invention.
73)Buy an Instant Pot thing. I wouldn't, but go ahead. 
74)Pray for someone you do not know, every day. 
75)Compliment someone every single day of your life. 
76)If you see someone drifting off their path or needing some direction in life, then help them out. You might be their light.
77)If you have a fear of doing something, just do it anyway. 
78)Get a passport and use it. You have ten years to do so when you get it.
79)Take that hike. Or tell someone else to take a hike - I'm sure their reaction will be priceless. 
80)Go play some putt-putt. 
81)Put that phone down in the presence of others that are close to you.
82)Texting is great, but make that call. Please make that call.
83)Visit a national cemetery and honor those that are buried there. 
84)Kimchi - it is good for you and me. Like my rhyme? 
85)Bake some cookies. I might even do that one soon!
86)Go ride a horse. 
87)Hit a punching bag. It's better on your hand than a wall, or a window, or a face. 
88)Do some burpees - or watch someone do burpees, and then do them.
89)Clean out your closet. You probably have way too much stuff in there anyway. 
90)Go a week without TV - as long as football as season isn't around, right?
91)Practice abundant forgiveness. 
92)Hold yourself accountable for all that you do.
93)Honor, respect, and love your family and friends. 
94)Buy a stranger coffee/lunch/dinner. 
95)Wake up and watch a sunrise. 
96)Go walk the dogs. They need it and you probably do too.
97)Find the best places in your area to watch the sunset. Then take a bunch of pictures of it.
98)Send thank you cards. 
99)Find significant events that took place on your birthday. 
100)      Learn some words in a foreign language. Use them in a sentence. 
101)      Those "white lies" are still lies. They aren't cool either. 
102)      Don't give up on people. Don't ever give up on people.
103)      Taco Tuesday. Heck, tacos any day of the week.
104)      Moderation is important.
105)      It is okay to cheat. . . on your exercise routine or diet. 
106)      Many of us cheat, but we don't realize it. We cheat through over committing ourselves to jobs, and other obligations that take keep us away from loved ones more than we should let them.
107)      Turn off the car radio and spend time talking.
108)      If you are going to have that car radio on, then at least sing the songs together. 
109)      ALWAYS support loved ones in their endeavors. 
110)      Don't be so hard on yourself. 
111)      Help someone conquer their fears. 
112)      Go get in a kayak. 
113)      If they treat you like family, love them, honor them, and cherish them.
114)      Please and Thank you. 
115)      Chivalry will never die. Some of us boneheads just need a little lesson here and there. 
116)      Everything in life works out for a greater purpose. 
117)      Buy a Sunday paper. You'll find something in it that you like. 
118)      Learn something about another culture.
119)      Learn how to make or build something new. 
120)      Invest in those around you. The dividends will be priceless. 
121)      Spend ten minutes a day in silence and prayer.
122)      Fear is a liar. 
123)      Be that person that pulls someone out of their darkness. 
124)      Pancake suppers are some awesome. 
125)      Pancakes are awesome. 
126)      If you had to choose between waffles or pancakes, what would you do?
127)      Be grateful.
128)      Dogs Rule.
129)      Run for a long time. Then you can really eat lots of pancakes. 
130)      Buffets are overrated. 
131)      You are never, ever alone. 
132)      Get off the couch and go for a drive. 
133)      While on said drive, go eat somewhere new. 
134)      Mexican Ice Cream is amazing. 
135)      Pick berries. 
136)      Go dance. Wherever you please. Keep it clean, as well.
137)      Do some Karaoke. That kind where the windows are down and the car next to you can hear it all. 
138)      Respect others and their beliefs. 
139)      Always vote. Then you can always complain.
140)      Go photo-bomb some tourists.
141)      Learn new words and use them correctly. 
142)      Always use spell check and grammar check. I hope to do the same with this. 
143)      Prayer works. 
144)      The bible is full of stories that still apply to the world we live in.
145)      LeBron definitely whines and complains a lot. He is also a heck of an athlete, businessman, and philanthropist as well. He seems to be a pretty good dad too. 
146)      Tom Brady, eh, he's Tom Brady. 
147)      Drew Brees - that is one incredible dude. 
148)      In Louisiana, many people wear Black and Gold on Sundays in Fall. It's fun to experience.
149)      If you can't touch your toes, then you got work to do. 
150)      Speaking of Saints, we all have those in our lives that can be truly considered Saints. 
151)      Donate some books to a library or school
152)      Run a race, don't it for just the medal
153)      Read something.
154)      Go dig for diamonds (there is a state park in AR for it)
155)      Go eat a doughnut, if you have another one, that is completely fine.
156)      Drink 64 oz of water in a day, and not just in a week.
157)      My alma mater has a much cooler mascot than your's does (hint: it's a big red blob). 
158)      Choose kindness.
159)      Show mercy.
160)      Be grateful.
161)      Travel, and not just across town.
162)      Take a look at your spending habits. 
163)      Make a budget for once. 
164)      Choose your words very, very wisely. 
165)      Put in overtime for God, family and friends, not just your company. 
166)      Learn how to use chopsticks.
167)      Read a biography about someone you admire. 
168)      Cancer sucks. Cancer really does suck.
169)      Stop smoking. 
170)      Go a week without something.
171)      Some of it you learn the hard way. Most of it comes with age. Thanks Eric Church.
172)      Do yard work with your old man or son. 
173)      Help a family member.
174)      Be a leader for your family. 
175)      Be a leader, period!
176)      Start a new hobby.
177)      Make a photo album. Google Photos will help. I'm sure Apple can help too.
178)      Go do a Polar Bear Plunge!
179)      Have your steak and 'taters. I'll have beans and cornbread!
180)      Amazing cornbread is not easy to find.
181)      Use proper grammar when texting.
182)      Use proper grammar in public.
183)      Use proper grammar at home.
184)      Always make eye contact with others. 
185)      Don't judge unless you are a picture of perfection. 
186)      You aren't, so just don't judge. 
187)      Work hard. Always work hard. Someone will notice and appreciate it.
188)      Put your phone down when you are ordering food or paying someone at a business. 
189)      Don't just walk your dog, or dogs and use your phone the whole time. They might need to use a phone too. Or at least take a selfie with your dog.
190)      Always be a protector and leader for the women in your life. It doesn't matter if they are friends, girlfriends, wives, co-workers, or family members, or the ladies at church. They are all created in the image of God.
191)      Make goals. Make reasonable goals. Work your butt off to reach those goals.
192)      Become a gentleman. A true gentleman. Thanks Mark.
193)      Never give up.
194)      Every single one of us is gifted. We may not always know what that gift is, but we must become aware of it. Others can tell you if you need help.
195)      Stop what you are doing and call or text someone you haven't spoken with in a long time. 
196)      Do what you say. Say what you mean.
197)      Stop, and help someone. 
198)      Hold yourself accountable for your actions. 
199)      Hold those closest to you accountable for their actions.
200)      Almond butter? I'll stick with peanut butter!
201)      Speaking of, peanut butter, banana and honey. YES!
202)      Take an unexpected road trip.
203)      If you make a mistake, take a step back, pray for those who have been affected, and become a better version.
204)      Think twice and be nice. 
205)      Drugs tests. Every business or company should test once a year. Athletes have to have them, why not the workforce?
206)      Forrest was right, "stupid is as stupid does."
207)      Don't let the past dictate your future. 
208)      Sports can help people heal. 
209)      Dogs can help people heal. 
210)      Cats, well they can be cute.
211)      We are all tempted by certain things in this world. We can choose not give in to those temptations. 
212)      Blame is lame. 
213)      Clarity and courage. Those are important.
214)      Teach your pets some cool tricks.
215)      I could go without TV for a long, long time. Then again there are sports. Never mind that idea. 
216)      Headstands always make my face turn flush red. Yes, I understand why. 
217)      Learn a martial art. They are fun.
218)      Break free from those chains.
219)      Ladies love some Tractor Supply. 
220)      Tractor Supply is pretty awesome!
221)      My dog loves Tractor Supply. 
222)      I confess Tractor Supply is one of the happiest places on earth to go shopping.
223)      Ask for help. Heck, even ask for directions. 
224)      We have Siri and Google Maps for directions, but it's still fun to think we (men) know the way.
225)      Pecan Pie.
226)      Take a compliment sometimes. Accept credit. You deserve it.
227)      Pay it forward.
228)      Everyone should have a guy like Dabo coach their kids. He lives by faith and instills some great values in the young men he coaches. 
229)      Sports are awesome. Find a sport to like. 
230)      Have some darn compassion sometimes. 
231)      Weather in the South is jacked up. Almost 70 degrees one day, 25 the next. Shorts one day, barn coat and jeans the next. 
232)      Don't repeat the same mistake more than once. 
233)      Put the same effort into your family or personal life as you do your work life. 
234)      Enjoy every single moment of it!
235)      I recently used a paper map. It was fun, only it couldn't tell me where to find the  nearest gas station, so I had to cheat just a little bit.
236)      I have two waffle makers. I love to make waffles. Everyone should have a waffle maker. 
237)      I learned this year that due to a few recent innovations there is always time to make dinner. See Air Fryer, or Instant Pot -- thought I'm a big Crock Pot guy in Fall and Winter 
238)      Steve Gleason has coined a phrase "Awesome ain't easy." I have a feeling that Jesus probably said those words too. 
239)      Tennessee has a lot of waterfalls. Around 500 to be exact. You should see one or two of them. I can tell you where to find some of them!
240)      Books are awesome.
241)      My dog loves a good squirrel chase. Thankfully she isn't that fast. 
242)      I named my dog after a lady in the Old Testament. She's that awesome.
243)      Driving is so much more fun than flying. You never know what you might see.
244)      Kids can teach us so much about life.
245)      Dogs can also teach us so much about life. 
246)      Fasting is important, especially when combined with some prayer. 
247)      It feels good when you reach out to others for help. 
248)      Spend time listening, really spend time listening. 
249)      Practice taking 12 hours to log out, or log off. Or just turn off your wifi, or data. You can be asleep during some of it, don't worry. 
250)      Drive the Natchez Trace. 
251)      Eat lots of biscuits. If you can, don't eat those hypocrite biscuits!! Hint, hint. . Involves a dough boy!
252)      Photography is fun. So take pictures, and take lots of pictures. 
253)      Write letters. 
254)      Get a pair of overalls. 
255)      Always be thankful. 
256)      Have at least two pairs of boots. Then you'll have your goin' out boots and your work boots.
257)      Having my dog in the car during a recent car accident has taught me a little bit about PTSD, though on a smaller scale. Ruth didn't take it well. 
258)      I have watched an air fryer make cornbread multiple times this year, and it was really cool. 
259)       I ate cornbread as a pre-run snack and I thought it made me faster.  
260)      If you make really good cornbread, please let me know.
261)      I really love the city of Huntsville. It is very kid friendly.
262)      When taking road trips with a dog, always find a nearby Tractor Supply as a pit stop. You'll thank me later. 
263)      Don't resolve to make a change. Just make it. Just do it. FYI - I still struggle too. 
264)      New Year's resolutions are tough. Try monthly resolutions. Thanks to a few folks for that one. 
265)      Winters in the South are stupid. 
266)      So Tennessee actually has more than 500 waterfalls. 
267)      I almost registered for a race once because I saw the words banana and pudding somewhere on their web site. 
268)      I used to love running races that had beer at the end. These days I usually reward myself with some pancakes or biscuits soon after. 
269)      It's not over yet, just keep going you got this. Thanks for King and Country. 
270)      The older I get, the more I love coming up with corny puns. 
271)      My dog snores a lot. I hope she doesn't say that about her human. 
272)      I once lost my knees. Yeah, that one time I was sleepwalking. 
273)      Forgiveness is tough. Forgiveness is really tough. We just gotta keep doing it though. 
274)      Tabasco is my favorite condiment. 
275)      Honey would be my next favorite. 
276)      The word can't can often be translated as doesn't want to do it. 
277)      Throw the word fear into the conversation and then we might have a sermon.
278)      I love the Proverbs. 
279)      Dark chocolate is a great alternative to all those other things people need to keep them going. 
280)      If I drink a coffee drink at noon, I might be able to get to sleep by midnight. 
281)      It is always best to not offer me coffee. 
282)      I'm sensitive. That's in relation to the previous statement.
283)      Redemption is something we all deserve. 
284)      Grace is a beautiful thing. I heard last week on the radio (3/21) that at this time we should offer maximum grace to everyone. That. Can. Be. Really. Hard. Just. Do. It.