Froot Loops and Pink Milk

Morning has arrived.  Alas.  Through the cereal cabinet I raid.  Economy size Froot Loops.  Three or four bowls and drink the pink milk when its all gone.

Oysters on Bourbon Street, New Orleans

Browse the menu and make a selection. Tonight it’s a steaming bowl of chowder and an ice cold beer as I wander off of Bourbon Street.

Acme Oyster Bar photo by Jon Sullivan

Going to Charleston

I am going to Charleston to visit my dad for a few days. My posts may be a little bit sparse for a few days.  Andy

Airplane photo by Magnus Rosendahl

First I Taste the Zest

First I taste the zest of the Navel rind
As I nibble my finger nail
And the fresh peeled orange
Once sweet, now sweeter

Orange photo by Paolo Neo

Stepping in Spearmint Gum

I stepped in spearmint gum today. I don’t even like spearmint gum.

Choo-Choo Train Magnets

I sell Choo-Choo Train magnets on the internet, and for months I have been wondering, “Do people like them or am I just in a slump like the rest of the businesses that seem to be shutting down around me?”  I have been sending out about one to two packages a day-not enough to pay the rent, but not so bad to close up shop, either.  Sales are finally doing a little better, and, being my first real year on the internet, I can only hope that I can survive in the sea of retail of Black Friday this year.

Hostess Orange Cupcakes

I have recently found snack-cake chocolate to be a bit strong.  From Ding-Dong’s to Ho-Ho’s, Donut Gems to Cup Cakes, I just seem to have lost my taste for the stuff.  I guess I have become a more mature snack cake junkie.
A year ago, when I started to reject chocolate, I wondered, “Am I getting too grown up for Zingers?  For Ho-Ho’s?  For Little Debbie?”  I was afraid.  Am I now longer a kid?
Snack cake chocolate seemed a little strong.  What was I going to do?  Was I going to quit snacking?  Was I going to stop eating 200-calorie fixes in the middle of the afternoon?  That would almost make take my life into a realm of responsibility that I couldn’t begin to handle.
Then, about two months ago, on a trip to Barstow, I rediscovered the greatest snack, the Orange Hostess Cup Cake.  It is mild, with a hint of citrus zest; a touch of class that one wouldn’t expect over the snack counter.  When you bite, all is mild; a sharp contrast from its snack brethren.  I understand that is not the experience that most junk food junkies may be going for, however, if you want a special experience at the 75c pastry counter, do try this cupcake.  You will be pleasantly surprised and will understand why it is so elusive, as those of us in its cult know when the Hostess man drops it off.
If you aren’t in the cult, you will never beat us to the rack and will only find chocolate ones on the counter.  You have to be quick if you want to know the joy of the Orange Hostess Cupcake.

The Coffee Fund is Gone

That was the day. It was 3:30 and on your break you had your third non-fat, no-whip latte of the day. Ah, one last shot to get you through your hectic afternoon. Steamed milk hitting your senses-that was the day. You reached into your “coffee-fund,” or even used one of many Starbuck’s $5 gift cards that used to flow like shots of espresso. That was the day.

And as you said, “Nah, I don’t need my receipt,” clang, into the bin, you tossed fifty-cents. The steamer attacked the non-fat milk, and anxiously you awaited the call of your name. One last shot to get you through the afternoon. Five o’ clock wasn’t so far off with a latte.

But sadly, the gift card stream seems to have dried up. On Secretary’s Day, you get a “Nice Job” card with a dozen jellybeans. You rub your temples to get through the afternoon. Five o’ clock just inches along, slowly. No more shots, no more lattes, just bags of jellybeans and empty thank you cards.

When you hit the café, maybe once in the morning, you have traded that big frothy cup for ordinary Joe. Non-fat milk poured into French-Roast is pretty much mediocrity in a cup compared to yesterday’s smooth, steamy late. You make the best of it, and you wish Secretary’s Day would bring its little rewards. However, when the quarter or fifty-cents comes back your way, you put it into the bin. Your gift card has dried up; that does not mean somebody else’s has to.

Hello world!

Hi, I am Andy