The Adventures of Bond Girl & Iron Bladder

Field Photo 4.29.2010

Photo Courtesy Meg Richardson

Meg snapped this photo while we were surveying Harbor Drive yesterday in Ocean Springs. Boats are stored in a multi-storied metal "butler" building across from the boat dock. I assume people who wish to store their boats pay a storage fee. When they want to use their boats they call the storage facility and the boats are unloaded via a forklift, like the one shown in the photo, and they are placed in a boat lot at the dock.

I'm sure the forklift operator has a lot of experience unloading boats but I have to admit, the way the boat was bouncing on the lift made me a little nervous. Luckily, nothing happened except Meg got an awesome photo of a "flying" boat in Ocean Springs.

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Field Photo 4.28.2010

I have no idea who he is but we see him everyday, navigating the avenues of Ocean Springs on his bike. When I saw him coming our way yesterday, I tried to stop him for a picture. Instead of stopping, he rode around in circles until I could get a decent shot. Bike dude is a man of little words and his name remains a mystery but he has an air about him that I envy; carefree.

Thanks bike dude! See ya around Ocean Springs.

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Field Photo 4.26.2010

We, meaning Meg, Mandy and I, agree this photo should be called Cock of the Walk. This afternoon, as we were making the hike back to the car we noticed Hugh had his shirt tucked into the back of his pants. When someone asked Hugh about it, Mandy explained, "That's Hugh's rooster tail." Hugh is the only man in our four-person team or the only "rooster in the hen house and bears our teasing well." So well, we often joke he's "one of the girls."

So in honor of "our rooster," Hugh's "cock walk" is the field photo of the day!

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One Week From Today...

is the 136th annual Kentucky Derby. Just in case you were wondering, twenty-one horses will be contending in this year's Run for the Roses. They are:

Awesome Act (15-1)

Tempted to Tapit (15-1)

Caracortado (12-1)

Dave in Dixie (15-1)

Sidney's Candy (9-1)

Noble's Promise (20-1)

Dublin (12-1)

Eskendereya (5-1)

Discreetly Mine (15-1)

Aikenite (30-1)

Ron the Greek (20-1)

American Lion (20-1)

Jackson Bend (15-1)

Super Saver (12-1)

Rule (12-1)

Conveyance (14-1)

Lookin' At Lucky (5-1)

Setsuko (25-1)

Odysseus (15-1)

Ineractif (20-1)

Ice Box (15-1)

Although I haven't finished researching each horse, if I were going by names alone I would put my money on those in purple. Eskendereya and Caracortado just sound like Derby-winning names. As for considering the odds. Well...that's the beauty of the Derby; anything's possible.

Although I won't be in Kentucky I will be watching all the pre-Derby coverage which will air on NBC beginning at 5PM EST. Rascal Flatts will be singing the National Anthem, so Rae Rae may want to tune in. Post-time is scheduled for 6:15PM EST.

Derby pie, great company, listening to My Old Kentucky Home play as the horses parade across the field...All I can say is seven days, seven hours and nineteen minutes can't pass quickly enough. I know where I will be on Derby day...how about you?

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Field Photo 4.22.2010

Today Amanda and I surveyed this purple Craftsman front-gable Bungalow with its lovely partial-gable porch accented by decorative beams and an eight light fixed wood window, massive brick columns and a secondary projecting side gable. In addition to the exposed rafters peaking beneath the eaves, this house had gorgeous multi-light double-hung wood windows. Additions extend from the rear but are veiled by the heavy foliage that surrounds the main facade of the house, making it difficult to photograph the house from the left and right oblique sides. The turquoise wood entry door contrasts against the purple clapboard and painted brick of the house in a fun, innocent manner that is inviting instead of being a turn-off.

This may sound silly but a house like this makes me happy inside. I don't know who lives in this bungalow but kudos to them for the tlc they've given their purple abode.

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Justified

This morning Meg and I were discussing last night's episode of Justified a tv drama which airs Tuesday evenings on the FX channel. Other than NCIS, I do not watch tv. However, a friend suggested we check out Justified because the story is set in Harlan County, Kentucky.

As I was telling Meg, the highlight of last night's show was when Raylan Givens, played by Timothy Olyphant, answers the door in a pair of jeans that sit a little low, kinda like the shorts he's wearing in the photo above. Just low enough to show off the "v." Ladies, you know what I'm talking about. This photo is nice but, believe me, it doesn't do Mr. Olyphant justice. I don't know what it was about him in that pair of jeans, shirtless, but ladies it totally justified the time I spent watching tv instead of reading or doing a million other worthwhile things.

And to justify posting this photo I'll say I'm doing it for Meg because she missed last night's episode and she won't understand my excitement unless she sees a photo, right? Just-i-fied.

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Field Photo 4.19.2010

This afternoon we stopped by Sonic for their half-price "Happy Hour" drinks, which is awesome by the way. Large drinks are ninety-seven cents and served with doo-doo ice. You may be asking yourself, "does it get any better than this?" and the answer is, "yes, it does," because as I pulled into order my drink we, meaning Meg, Mandy, Hugh and I, noticed the dog beside us had sunglasses on. Jumping out of the car, I asked the owner's permission before snapping the photo. While doing so, I observed the sunglasses had been fashioned to fit the wide bridge of the dog's nose. As I shared my discovery with the team all I could think was "good dog; good owner."

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Field Photo 4.13.2010

This week we have been surveying on Bowen Avenue in Ocean Springs, which is a lovely neighborhood lined with some of the town's more historic homes. This afternoon Mandy and I surveyed this home which is individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places as "The house at 1112 Bowen Avenue." Unlike many other historic homes listed in the National Register, this home was not named after its former occupants. Mandy and I agreed this was not only disappointing but kind of depressing too.

I am not sure what I would name the home if given the opportunity but I love the octagonal dormer that projects on the half story, the brick pier foundation visible in the rear, the white clapboard siding, the green operational shutters, the two tapered columns on the wraparound porch, the Queen Anne entry door with single-light transom and the decorative brackets beneath the eaves.

Ms. Carver, an elderly lady that lives a few houses down, told us the postman used to occupy this house and he would blow a whistle to warn people he was approaching their house to deliver mail. Knowing this, perhaps an appropriate name for the house would be, "Whistler's Corner" or "The Postman's Perch." I am curious to hear others' thoughts or suggestions. If this was your historic home what would you name it?

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Field Photo 4.12.2010

This afternoon Mandy and I had the pleasure of meeting Tony and Bella while surveying in Ocean Springs. Although Bella has an impressive vocabulary, today her favorite word was beep, as in "beep-beep," which is the noise Tony's motorized chair makes.

Bella was also being a little camera-shy today. It took several attempts to get a descent shot. I like this photo because you can see the adoration in Tony's eyes as he watches his beloved bird. I also like the way Bella is posing for the camera. She kinda has this coy look about her.

Interacting with wonderful people like Tony and their pets, often we interact more with peoples' pets than with them, is often the highlight of my workday. Don't get me wrong. Working with Meg, Hugh and Mandy is always a pleasure but its especially nice when we make a positive connection with the people we are working to serve. Thanks Tony for sharing your beautiful Bella with us.

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Field Photo 4.7.2010

Photo Courtesy Hugh McAloon

Crazy Hat Survey Ladies, Amber and Amanda, on the steps of the "Ole Mary C." building in Ocean Springs. Although it was rather warm yesterday, I am wearing a long sleeved shirt (my Dad's) to protect my arms from burning. The hat is for my face. It is difficult to determine in this photo but my nose, cheeks and arms were lobster red from surveying the day before. Hooray for surveying in the hot Mississippi sun!

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Field Photo 4.6.2010

I received this photo from Amanda this afternoon while I was en route to the dentist office. Unable to join the team in the field today, Mandy, Meg and Snew sent me a photo to be used as today's field photo. Thanks for thinking of me and terrific photo Snew Bear!

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A show of support.

This guy won't leave my side today. You see, his Whisperer is in distress and he can't live until I express it for him. So, Cat Whisperer, here is some furry love from afar.

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I mean, really?

Ah ha! She's alive! She's out of the newly wed cave! And posting! Ok, don't die. Turns out, I have time again. Most things are unpacked and organized and the rest of it can wait. The office is still a bit mad--we have three laptops and two desktops in there alone. Not counting the other computers floating around the house. Ahhh, geek marriage.

Anyway, that's now what I'm here to post about. Have you ever taken a photo that it makes no sense to love and yet, you do? That's how I feel about this one...

That is 7/8's of a duck. With no real amazing angle or anything else. And yet? I love it. I love the purple-blue on the wing, the texture of the feathers and, yes, the missing head.

I can picture the plum sauce more easily that way.

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Field Photo 4.2.2010

The best place to eat in Ocean Springs is Government Grocery. Meg and I had lunch at the Grocery twice this week. Never a disappointment, if you are ever in Ocean Springs stop by. Tell Johnny Meg sent you. You won't regret it.

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Field Photo 4.1.2010

Photo Courtesy Amanda Burke

Spring has finally arrived on the Gulf Coast and I couldn't be more grateful after the long, dreary winter we endured. Mandy snapped this photo yesterday while we were surveying in Ocean Springs. Lovely!

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Field Photo 3.31.2010

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All You Need Is...

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Babies and Bunnies

Earlier this week I received an email from my cousin Brittany with these photos attached. Kenlee Faith looks right at home in the snow. At six months she is a fashionista sporting darling snow wear for her first snow.

Madison is looking every bit the snowbunny in her camo snow suite holding Ms. Rylee Grace who is not outdone by her older cousin. They make playing in the cold, wet snow look fun. I am almost tempted to join them.

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Field Photo 2.3.2010

Meet Cow Cat. My initial thought, when I saw this cat was "Holstein!" I even called it cow. Imagine my surprise when I learned from the owner's friend that it's name, indeed, is Cow Cat.

Cow Cat was so loving and playful. Although there were other cats hanging around none of them approached us, let alone allowed us to pet them except for Cow Cat. Cow quickly became the highlight of the afternoon, thus, earning her place as the field photo of the day. We love you Cow Cat!

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Love in Ocean Springs

Constructed in the 1920's, Lovelace Drugs, located on Washington Avenue in Ocean Springs is a local institution worthy of note. A two-story, early-twentieth century commercial structure with decorative brick detailing, a Coca-Cola mural (left facade), a lovely concrete cornice, and a decorative seal displaying the construction date, Lovelace is an architectural gem.

Meg and I surveyed the old pharmacy two weeks ago. While doing so, we noticed a soda fountain through the large store windows. Vowing to investigate, we did just that last Tuesday (January 26th) after an afternoon of surveying.

This is when we met David whom I would wager makes the best strawberry milkshakes on the Gulf Coast hands down. I was so impressed with David's mad milkshake-making skills that Meg and I convinced Mandy and Hugh they had to try one for themselves.

Knowing David works on Tuesday afternoon we all piled into Lovelace for an afternoon treat.

We were not disappointed. Hugh ordered chocolate while Mandy got a caramel shake. To my delight, there were no complaints.

A Senior at Ocean Springs High School David moved to Ocean Springs six-years ago from Japan where his Dad was stationed with the US Navy. David is well-mannered and efficient; two characteristics that encourage future business from repeat customers.

After graduation he will begin his undergraduate studies at the University of Arkansas where he hopes to complete a degree in Engineering. Until then, we plan to become more acquainted with the red and chrome swivel stools at Lovelace Drugs, especially as the temperatures rise, watching David work his magic making milkshakes that rival Mississippi's finest.

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Mamas, Divas and Chocolate

The day before the Saints battled the Vikings in the Super Dome Meg and I drove to NOLA for a day of fabulous food and shopping. We began our day at the Canal Street mall and then headed to Magazine Street to grab some grub before hitting the boutiques.

Nachos Mamas is a personal favorite of mine. Known to me as a Park City icon, I was shocked to discover it was actually a chain restaurant with a Mamas located in NOLA. The food was just as I remembered it, fabulous! I am still dreaming about the black bean and cheese quesadilla I had two weeks ago. Yummy!

Following lunch Meg and I walked several blocks to Trashy Diva, my new favorite store. Each article is co-designed by New Orleanian Candice Gwinn, a diva with impeccable taste. Interested in checking her out? Visit http://www.trashydiva.com/site/indexNOW.html. Warning: This website is addictive. Believe me, I know! I can't stop drooling over the vintage inspired frocks and am excited to share I finally own one; a leopard print coat dress.

On our way to Trashy Diva we passed Sucre, a swank little chocolate shop recently featured on the local news for their NFL inspired cakes. In honor of the home team I snapped a photo of this impressive rendition of the Saints helmet over Easy Breesey gelato, which was heavenly. During your next trip to the Big Easy, include this local favorite. You won't regret it.

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Field Photos 1.27.2010

Meg and I discovered this structure Wednesday while driving Harrison County. Surrounded by Katrina Cottages and single story Ranch houses, it definitely doesn't compliment or enhance the existing landscape. However, I can't help but wonder what type of person would choose to design and subsequently construct a home like this. Try as I might I can't
imagine what it would be like to come "home" to this every evening.

What is the interior like? Does it resemble the exterior? How is the interior space divided? Why did the builder choose to install garage doors on the upper stories? Why not enclose the ground story and install a two-bay garage there? What's with the small single-light windows and the metal screening on the front and rear facades? I am assuming the metal screening functions to protect the windows from flying debris during hurricanes but could there be another purpose, one I am missing? Who knows? But seeing structures like this in post-Katrina Mississippi begs the question. Will the post-Katrina Mississippi resemble the "Old South" or will it evolve into something that is a complete departure from its architectural past?

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Field Photo 1.26.2010

Photo Courtesy Meg Richardson

King and Queen of the Mardi Gras geese were spotted on Jackson Avenue in Ocean Springs yesterday. Just one more reason to love Mardi Gras.

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Field Photo 1.19.2010

The Old Cuevas Bistro and Bakery, located on Menge Avenue in "the Pass" is a Gulf Coast gem. Meg and I revisited Old Cuevas yesterday for lunch. Meg enjoyed a smoked salmon salad, while I feasted on a cup of veal vegetable beef stew, southern fried chicken, mashed potatoes with a cracked pepper gravy and steamed green beans.
Though completely satisfied, the waitress convinced us to sample a slice carrot cake, which was honestly the best carrot cake I've ever had.
If you're looking for a pleasant dining experience, which is often a challenge in southern Mississippi, set your sights on the Old Cuevas Bistro and Bakery. You won't regret it.
For more information regarding Old Cuevas Bistro and Bakery see http://dining.passchristian.net/cuevas_bistro.htm.

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If I Were...

Preservation Barbie, Biloxi Edition, this would be my dream home.

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Field Photo 1.15.2010

Photo Courtesy Meg Richardson

Have you ever seen an herb garden? Perhaps your parents planted one in your backyard, or your grandmother had one near her house. My parents and grandparents didn't bother with herbs. They focused more on potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, and corn; hearty vegetables whose plants were easy to distinguish from grass or weeds. I didn't even realize herbs were grown in gardens until I saw my first herb garden at Shakertown. I think I may have been eight. Since then, I think I've seen maybe half-a-dozen herb gardens, the majority of which were growing at historic sites or in small flower pots on porches where they were protected from foot traffic and easily accessible to kitchen cooks, dying to add rosemary and thyme to, you know, whatever.

Yesterday, Meg and I decided to walk around a structure, we were surveying, to investigate the building's rear exterior. Without thinking, we walked through the area depicted in the photograph above. Our stroll was interrupted midway by a chicken in a floral jacket waving her arms and shouting, "You're walking through MY herb garden!"

I reacted by frantically scanning the possibly affected area for A.) herbs and B.) damage. I saw neither. Apparently, Meg didn't either because we both asked where the plants were and what they were. The chicken squawked that herbs were not currently growing in her garden but they would be planted and growing soon. The chicken also confessed she felt like beating us with an organic carrot. The thought of being chased and beaten with an organic carrot only gave Meg and I something to mock and giggle about the rest of the afternoon. Thank you hysterical chicken.

After the organic carrot line, my Yankee bitch side came out. It became clear hippie chicken was catching on when she asked, while eyeing me, "how many of you are Yankees?"

Unwilling to humor someone who abused people with organic carrots I remained silent. Meg must have felt the same way because she didn't speak either. Only Hugh responded by saying, "I'm from Virginia." The hippie chicken responded with a knowing nod and a "Humph." As in, that explains it all.

Before concluding our conversation with distressed chicken, I suggested she post a sign marking the area as an herb garden to prevent future trampling. Apparently that was the wrong thing to say. "You want me to post a sign?" she asked. "I've posted a dozen signs! You know what? They all disappear! I can't keep signs in MY garden because EVERYONE wants a sign for THEIR herb gardens so they steal them."

Try as I might, I found it difficult to imagine young men or housewives, creeping into herb gardens to steal signs for entertainment or in desperation. I also tried to imagine vengeful chicken wondering the streets peering over wooden fences or around peoples' houses hoping to locate her stolen herb signs so she could beat the culprit with an organic carrot. Call me skeptical, but I just don't see it happening.

I thought about offering additional suggestions to violated chicken but abandoned the idea to thoughts of hibachi chicken and steak mixed with fried rice and non-organic vegetables. We ended our encounter with hippie chicken with excuses of wrapping up so we could break for lunch, which we did, by the way.

Moments later, while savoring my non-organic carrots smothered in teriyaki sauce I marveled at the power of imagination. I imagine myself doing many things but imagining an herb garden where there isn't one is something I have never done BUT walking through an imaginary herb garden...DONE.

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Field Photo 1.13.2010

This afternoon Meg and I surveyed the Manhattan Grill in Ocean Springs one of the best dining experiences I've had on the Gulf Coast. It's located in the historic downtown area on Washington Avenue almost directly across from Al Fresco's another personal favorite of mine.

Although it's a small town, Ocean Springs, boasts over one-hundred restaurants, and is quickly earning a reputation as the restaurant capital of Mississippi.

In addition to it's great restaurants, Ocean Springs has an abundance of boutiques, which I also love. If you're looking for great food, fantastic shopping in a small southern town, Ocean Springs is the place for you. If you need a place to stay my door is always open.

C'mon down y'all.

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Field Photo 1.12.2010

Ever wonder what happened to Herbie the Love Bug? I'm not sure where Herbie is but it looks like his twin is hanging out in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Check out those "eyes" and racing stripes. Too cute!

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Field Photos 1.11.2010

Photo Courtesy: Hugh McAloon

Instead of joining the team in the field, I was asked to take notes for a meeting. Although I was relieved to be spared another day of surveying in the freezing temperatures I missed Meg and Hugh tremendously.

In my absence, however, they took two field photos for today's post. The first photo shows Meg posing next to a very feminine-looking bush. Note how stylish she is in her new JCrew coat. I have taken to calling her MiMi, which I think she enjoys and I totally love.

Photo Courtesy: Hugh McAloon

This dinosaur, according to Meg and Hugh, is a lawn ornament for a house located across from the Mocha Moose coffee house, which I attempted to patron once but they only accept cash, and as my friends know, I never carry cash. Seeing this photo makes me wonder about the type of people who would purchase a dinosaur lawn ornament for their house.

Are they young singles who are trying to make a statement? A married couple with young children who love dinosaurs? Or perhaps, an eccentric Southern lady like the characters in the Southern literature I enjoy so much. Either way, I think beside the fox, turtle and bears, a dinosaur may be the perfect addition to our lawn ornament family at the Cat Farm.

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Field Photo 1.6.2010

For the first field photo of 2010, Mandy submitted a photo she took yesterday in Bay St. Louis. Although they resemble brick kilns, the odd pyramidal structures located behind the playground equipment are porta potties. I don't know about you, but these kiln-like structures are unlike any potties I've ever seen, let alone, used before. Not sure who designed these potties but I think they're kinda cool. Just one more reason to love fun, friendly Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

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New Years in New Orleans

The purpose of this post is to convince all my friends that New Orleans is one of the best locations to welcome a new year. My hope is, if I am still residing in Biloxi on December 31, 2010, my friends will plan to join me because they want to experience New Years in the Big Easy too.

New Orleans is known for its Cajun cuisine but the Italian isn't bad either. I began my New Years celebration at Angeli's on Decatur, a hip local joint on the outskirts of the Quarter. We arrived just in time too. Shortly after we grabbed a table, several large groups descended on the restaurant only to hear they would have to wait outside or return later.

Despite their busy evening Angeli's did not disappoint. This beautiful calzone found it's way to our table. I ordered my signature pizza, of course, and enjoyed every bite. A great way to ring in the New Year.

Strolling down Decatur we made our way to Jackson Square. Most of the streets in the Quarter were closed to vehicular traffic, enabling pedestrians to navigate the city in safety. Mia Borders and her band were on stage entertaining the crowd with her funky soul music. If your interested in checking out her tunes her website is located at http://www.miaborders.com/home.html.

On our way back to the hotel we decided to "stroll" down Bourbon. We anticipated the street would be crowded but nothing prepared us for what we encountered; a sea of humanity ebbing and flowing filling any empty space available between the street, the stores and the sidewalk. I felt like a salmon fighting to swim upstream.

The Sugar Bowl is January 1. So, naturally the street was flooded with Cincinnati Bear Cat and Florida Gator fans who taunted one another by cheering for their team. In addition, Saints fans could be heard screaming all over the city, "Who Dat?!" The energy was incredible. Definitely, something to experience.

After retrieving our coats we wondered over to the Jax Beer building where baby Bacchus was waiting with his Saints football helmet and banner to countdown the new year. A fleur-de-lis, also located on the roof of JAX Beer was lowered at midnight. I couldn't see the baby but I did manage to watch the fleur-de-lis descend. This was followed by an impressive fireworks display over the Mississippi River. Showers of confetti floated through the cold air while silly string landed in my hair. Standing in the large crowd gathered on the banks of the Mississippi, watching fireworks with total strangers I felt hope. Hope for humanity, hope for a wonderful year, hope for me.

Welcome, welcome 2010.

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Lunch

Today I had lunch with Hugh. As the menu demonstrates we chose to eat at Hooters (the Hwy 49 location). I really like Hooters' cobb salad but the salad I had today left much to be desired. However, we had a cute, blonde, perky waitress with adequate "hooters" or is it "hoots?" To his credit, Hugh behaved like a complete gentleman.

But, as this picture illustrates, Hugh enjoyed lunch much more than I did. One of the many reasons it's great to be back!

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Home for Christmas

Christmas for some, "is the most wonderful time of the year." Others equate Christmas as a time to spend with family and friends. Some celebrate the holiday in traditional ways, i.e. opening gifts, preparing and enjoying a large meal followed by movie viewing or game playing.

Others prefer to totally relax during the holiday, avoiding the stress of holiday shopping and gift giving like an unwelcome illness by booking trips to tropical climes to escape the commercialism that Christmas has become.

Christmas, for me, has become a time to endure. A day, I honestly, dread because I don't know how to celebrate the holiday anymore. Things are different now and I can't seem to recognize the holiday in a way I feel comfortable with. In a way that will leave me feeling warm inside, instead of empty and depressed.

Last year I tried to celebrate in a more traditional way with family, gifts and a large dinner. Instead of feeling happy and content the holiday ended in frustration and sadness.

This year, I am trying to approach the holiday through service.

As an alternative to laying around on Christmas day, which always bores the hell out of me, Dad and I are scheduled to play Bingo tomorrow at the Kenwood nursing home. We'll see how that goes.

In the days leading up to Christmas, Dad and I have occupied our time with errands and housework. One thing we accomplished was applying a veneer to my bedroom doors. Now all I need is an antique handle and a sturdy lock.

I have to admit when Dad described the doors to me, prior to my seeing them, I was a little nervous. But as you can see the doors are perfect. I absolutely love them! My Dad has excellent taste when it comes to certain things like women, jewelry and, as it turns out, doors.

Each time I come home, the house looks different, a living organism that continues to evolve in new and exciting ways. I am grateful to have a space of my own to help create and decorate. A room I hope will house many happy memories in future days.

I also hope 2010 will be the year I rescue my belongings from storage and find a place to "put down roots." No matter where that will be, or how I decide to celebrate future holidays, it's nice to know I have a place where I can always come home for Christmas.

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Field Photos 12.16.2009

Mandy and I noticed this bar while we were working on Wednesday in Kiln also known as "the Kill," Mississippi. After seeing "The Broke Spoke" I can't imagine how this backwoods Mississippi town got its nickname.

Ever wondered where the world's largest rocking chair is located? Lucky for us, Mandy and I discovered it on Wednesday while driving Harrison County. If you were looking for an excuse to visit Mississippi, search no further. Seeing the world's largest rocker is something you shouldn't miss.

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Field Photo 12.10.09

Photo courtesy M. Richardson

Meg and I spotted this today while surveying. It made us laugh. Hope you enjoy it too.

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Field Photo 12.04.09

This afternoon Meg, Hugh and I completed our survey of Joe Avenue, which is a small enclave of bungalows located behind the Wayne Lee supermarket in Pascagoula.
I have noticed bungalows, located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, predominately have three roof types: hip, side-gable and front-gable. Jerkinhead roofs are rare on any house or building type along the Gulf Coast, it seems, so we were pleasantly surprised by this house which has an intersecting jerkinhead and side-gable roof with a smaller projecting jerkinhead roof on the main facade. Jerkinheads are also referred to as clipped gables because it looks like the point of the gable has been clipped creating an unfinished look.
Meg, a new member of our team, and I were having a discussion about architectural elements that "turn us on." I confided that houses with three or more dormers, "turn me on." I don't know why but I LOVE dormers. In fact, each time Mandy sees a house with dormers she says, "looks there's Amber's house."
I then asked Meg if there was an architectural element that particularly excited her. She responded, "jerkinhead roofs." It only took us a few seconds to identify the double entendre. Sharing our epiphany with Amanda all she could say was, "Amber you're always a little slow on the uptake." This time, however, I wasn't the only one. Just one of the many reasons why I am so happy Meg has joined our team.

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Field Photo 12.03.09

This baby girl rounded the corner just as Meg and I were surveying our second house of the morning. As soon as I saw her bounding toward me I knelt down, threw my arms open and welcomed the shower of licks this little one offered. I have no idea what her name is so I called her Hershey Kiss or sometimes just Kisses. Afraid she would wander into the street Meg and I tried to keep her occupied which was not easy. Surveying requires two hands and a good measure of concentration, neither of which were possible with this sweet thing biting our pant legs and pulling at our jacket sleeves. I have several small holes in my RL sweatpants as a reminder of our time together.

She stayed with us until it was time for us to break for lunch. Afraid she would follow my car into the street, I ran her to a nearby home and asked the resident to distract her while we drove away.

Thinking she would be gone by the time we returned we were pleasantly surprised to find her waiting for us. The fun ended when a neighbor who knows the owner spyed her near my car. We gladly turned her over to a warm, safe home, relieved she would be safe from street traffic but regretful we couldn't play with her longer. Perhaps we'll see her again tomorrow.

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Field Photo 12.02.09

This afternoon as we were surveying Pascagoula Street we were approached by Mr. Daviddson a native son of Mississippi. Mr. Daviddson will be 90 in January and has been married to the love of his life, Annie, for 64 years. Mr. Daviddson spoke to us twice while we were surveying, praising his wife each time for being an excellent manager, meaning she didn't "go on shopping sprees," a good cook and a skilled housekeeper.

In addition to being a charmer, he referred to Meg and I as "Suga", "Darling" and "Sweetheart" repeatedly, he had a Southern accent that I could listen to forever.

Best wishes to Mr. Daviddson and his lovely bride Annie. May they defy the odds and enjoy many more years of wedded bliss together.

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