The Adventures of Bond Girl & Iron Bladder

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?

posted under | 0 Comments

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.

posted under | 0 Comments

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.

posted under | 1 Comments

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."

posted under | 0 Comments

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?

posted under | 1 Comments

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.

posted under | 1 Comments

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!

posted under | 1 Comments

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!

posted under | 0 Comments

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.

posted under | 1 Comments

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.

posted under Photos | 0 Comments

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.

posted under | 1 Comments

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!

posted under | 0 Comments

Field Photo 3.31.2010

posted under | 0 Comments

All You Need Is...

posted under | 0 Comments

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.

posted under | 0 Comments

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!

posted under | 0 Comments

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.

posted under | 2 Comments

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.

posted under | 0 Comments

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?

posted under | 0 Comments

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.

posted under | 0 Comments