Mom and Dad in the South

I was still studying for the big test that was coming at the end of October, but I was aloud one fun weekend without studying. My parents flew in from Colorado to come visit and see what the Deep South was all about. They found out that 1.) most people do wear shoes (most) 2.) people do know how to read (most) and 3.) it doesn't matter where you are its fun when the fair is in town. They flew in over Columbus Day weekend and the first night we had fun cooking (Lesley made a pot of red beans and rice) and catching up.

Saturday morning we got together at our
apartment. It was a relaxing morning. I made my famous biscuits and we took a walk to orient them with our neighborhood. We walked around the pond and watched the birds and then headed down the bike path to show them our route to work when we pedal. Then we headed downtown to the fairgrounds.


Flashing lights, the smell of stock, and the sound of screams of excitement lay before us in all directions. First things first, foot long state fair corn dogs and fresh lemonade.

After our gullets were filled we wound our way through the games and rides and into the stock barns to watch cows and goats getting ready to meet their maker. Les reminisced of the days she showed sheep at the fair when she was a young girl. My mom reminisced of entering her sewing projects in the 4-H competitions.

We had fun laughing at the half woman/half snake exhibit and remembering as kids we used to beg our parents to pay money to let us go in and see such a site. The fair is one of those things that is the same whether you grow up going to the Louisiana state fair or the Colorado state fair. They probably each have a little something significant that stands out and makes it its own. One of the notable events at the Mississippi state fair is the biscuits. As a bread baker myself with a specialty in biscuits I was drawn to this state fair tradition. A group of ladies sit under a tent cranking out biscuits with fervor.

And anyone who wants one can have one. They are free! They give out over 100,000 biscuits by the time the fair is over. It's best with maple syrup. These biscuits have, I believe, three ingredients; shortening, milk, and flour (the southern way). They are cut out with mason jars and Campbell's soup cans and then baked in the oven, and with a quick turnaround they are eaten by the fair goers. Delicious! Winding our way through the barns we went over to the equine center to watch what must only happen in southern fairs, mule pulling. A team of two mules attached to a sled and 5000+ pounds are encouraged to pull and the team that pulls the most wins. It's quite a site. After the fair we went to enjoy some authentic Jacksonian food at Julep's. Shrimp and grits, spaghetti squash, blackened fish and of course a mint julep. Lesley's mom and Tucker joined us for the evening as well.

The next morning after another fantastic breakfast we chose to check out the Natchez Trace south of Jackson. We drove the National Scenic Parkway down to a little spot called Rocky Springs. There is a trail that follows the old sunken trace for a few miles and you get to see what it was like before the cars and the pavement.

At the trail head we saw a sign that said trail closed due to the bridge across Rocky Springs being out. We decided to venture on despite the obstacles and what we discovered was that the bridge was only kinda out. The bridge was navigable with a little care and we then were able to enjoy the old trace.

We saw birds aplenty, though the mighty Pileated woodpecker still eludes me. The day was fun and it was great having my parents in town.

I however had to go to work the next day. On Monday while I was at work Lesley took them to the Mississippi craft center to see some of the local art and then they swung by my office to see where I worked and to take us to lunch at Hamal's, the down home, soul food, all you can eat, must try before you leave Jackson restaurant. Well, thanks for visiting mom and dad and we can't wait to see you again our way.