Chance meeting with the folks of 2nd Chances

Today I ran into a group of folks traveling the country, moving to end hunger across America. They call themselves 2nd Chances; Free Food Kitchens. We got to talking and I took my camera along for the conversation.

I was invited to see the inside of their bus which was fully stocked with food and supplies and somehow also managed to house at least 8 people (along with dogs and other pets). The ceiling of the bus was decorated with signatures of people they had met along their movement, and I am happy to say that my name is now one of them.

Atlanta is next on their feeding tour and then they're heading to the coast. If you see them along your way be sure to stop and say hello. Donations (food or money) are welcome!

They have a Myspace page, check it out..
http://www.myspace.com/freethefood

Introducing Tiger

Tiger is a four year old Plott hound mix who I rescued from the Mobile Animal Shelter (two weeks ago, yesterday). An old friend of mine is affiliated with animal shelters and helps find homes for dogs on the euthanization lists. She posted a photo of him on Facebook, explaining that he had only one more day to find a new home or at least a foster parent. To make matters worse, he was not getting much adoption attention at the shelter since he was no longer a puppy.

I was torn about taking in a new dog since I did not want to seem disrespectful to Basil, my beloved Boxer who passed away in January (see previous posts). After some soul searching though, I realized that I couldn't think of it that way.. instead, there was a dog with only hours remaining in his life and I needed to step up to help.

Now, two weeks later, Tiger has had a new awakening in life. He has taken a strong liking and attachment to me. I offer stability and continue to work and rehabilitate him. Steven has become attached to him as well, so we are sharing the guardian role.. in fact, he has spent the week with him up in Memphis. We look forward to sharing our love with Tiger and giving him a new lease on life!

**Update on Tiger**
Now, three weeks to the day, here is an update. Steven and I took Tiger to the vet to inquire after his lingering cough and to administer a standard heartworm test. Much to all of our surprise, Tiger's blood tested positive for adult heartworm disease. The vet suspected he was infected at least six months ago due to the adult worm stage.

While tackling heartworm disease is a long and expensive process, it is not a hopeless venture. The medication will arrive in the next week or two and we will begin the 3 to 4 month process. Steven and I will not give up on him like others in his past.. just more reason not to look back, only to look forward in his new (and better) life.

Condition of the Gulf waters

Two weeks ago while down in Navarre and Sandestin, we saw no sign of oil or suspicious residue. In fact, schools of sting rays (at least 200) swam around us. While floating along, I also saw a sea turtle bobbing less than 50 feet away. I began to reflect after seeing these peaceful animals in their beloved habitat. I want to help and protect them, but what can I do?

Over the last 45 days of the oil disaster in the Gulf, I am just as concerned as ever. Currently the Louisiana coastline is suffering heavily, though soon that will not be the only case. My god brother is out in the Gulf waters, assisting BP with the clean up efforts. Check out his blog at slickwilliesoil.com if you're interested.

(Images from Getty, AFP)

Nuptials in Navarre

A big congratulations to Pat and Amber who got married over the weekend in fabulous Navarre Beach, Florida! I took the entire last week off and we went down to enjoy the beautiful sand and emerald waters of the gulf..

Cooking in Memphis

Steven and I love to cook when I come to town. His kitchen is pretty quaint, so I usually take the reins and he accepts the role of recipe "guinea pig." Over the weekend, we played around with a new creation and were pleasantly surprised. We'll probably tweak it a little more, but for now, our Citrus Glazed Salmon is delicious! (As you can see in the photo above, we added a little extra color to the plate with Steven's fried rice and a broccoli/carrot medley.)

A Wedding in Music City

Congratulations are in order for two dear friends who got hitched over the weekend at the beautiful Travellers Rest Plantation in Nashville, TN. I am so excited for Ryan and Sarah and wish them the very best! See y'all next month in Navarre Beach.

Continuously inspired, thanks to Ina and Martha

(WARNING; Girly alert)

What you may or may not know about me is that I heart all things Martha Stewart. Maybe it's her use of pastel colors or the marriage of vintage and modern delicacies, maybe it's her flawless taste.. with the exception of investment advice. I'm a fan.
http://www.marthastewart.com/

I'm a big Ina Garten fan as well. Her love of beautiful homes and gardens, creating photogenic French cuisine, and chic cottage living.. I'm addicted. I own her cookbooks and tune into her show every week.
http://www.barefootcontessa.com/