Lesson Learned

As I write this blog, I am in pain. Pain like I've never felt before! You may have experienced it once or twice before, or maybe you've dealt with this every summer.

Yes, I am talking about sunburn. The worst sunburn of my life!

My back is one shade lighter than the red shirt I'm wearing. I call it a reminder of Memorial Day weekend 2009.

I went to Pensacola, FL with some friends and had a lovely time at the beach. But, dang those clouds. I didn't even think to put on sunscreen, partly because, I have never burned and partly because, it basically looked like it would rain at any minute.

Lesson learned! From this day forward, I will have that 30 spf with me rain or shine. But just in case, I'll have a nice big bottle of aloe to go along with it.

A sidenote.....I wouldn't be surprised if you saw my colleague, Lauren, writing a similar blog. She's just as red as I am. Misery does love company and at least I'm not suffering alone.

Hurricane Season Already?

Oops. This is my first post in a couple of weeks. Where does the time go?

Lately, we've been running a lot of stories about hurricane preparedness. It struck me this morning, the storm season begins in two weeks. Again, where did the time go?

Doesn't it seem like just yesterday, we were all living in the dark, sweltering in the heat, after Gustav hit? I'm praying for a calm season.

Covering last year's hurricane was exciting for about a day, since I've never lived through a hurricane. Then, reality hit. It's pretty unpleasant when there's no power, you can't drive, because of trees in the road, and you run out of food.

But, should Mother Nature send a storm our way, I'm ready this year. I've "got a game plan," if you will.

I'm not springing for that expensive generator, but you better believe I'm stocked with battery powered lights, and most importantly, battery operated fans.

Where are the cheese curds?

The past two weekends have been busy. From Festival International in Lafayette, to Jazz Fest in New Orleans, it feels like I've been driving all over the state.

I was pleasantly surprised by both events. Great music, great food, and beautiful weather. You can't go wrong, especially when natchitoches meat pies are involved. Those are the best!

But, if I could add one thing to festivals in Louisiana it would be Midwest fair food. I'm talking cheese curds, chocolate chip cookies, pronto pups, homemade french fries, and mini donuts.

Yes, it is a heart attack waiting to happen, but the food is so good, I'm salivating just thinking about it. It's so good, I've been contemplating a trip back to MN, just so I can eat all my favorites at this year's state fair. You can point and laugh now, but don't be surprised if I'm away a few days at the end of August.