Fall in New England

While fall is beautiful everywhere, I recently decided that New England is my favorite place to spend fall. The Mainers celebrate fall by having a Maine-style fair. What's different from the normal fair? Well, some things are quite similar... You'll see the strength test and funnel cake (which yankees call 'fried dough'). But, everything at the fair is organically grown, and the food options are much more bohemian than at your typical fair. I saw pie cones, Bog Jooce (made with cranberries), tea pops, and many other delicious treats. The vegetable contest was my favorite event of the day. Here are some gourgeous organic gourds:


And this was the winner in the 'vegetable oddity' category:

To make fall even more special, I recently spotted these wild turkeys at work:

Biscuity Goodness

Wrapping up Biscuit Month, I have just a few more crumbs to share. I've shamefully neglected my British biscuit devotees - a serious offense when one realizes that their biscuits are what we call cookies. Even more so that while the Brits are famous for their cuppa tea, you'll find the loyal biscuit by it's side. Proof of this lies with the Biscuit Appreciation Society. Oh, if only I could join; I admire their brilliant cause. And I want to get my mitts on their biscuits.

I don't know if they make biscuits, but The Biscuit Factory is self described as "Britain's biggest original art store". So that sounds all right too. They probably serve biscuits in the restaurant. If not, they could turn to United Biscuits, makers of the famous McVitie's. Homemade biscuits are never a bad idea, either. The Royal Naval Museum shares a traditional recipe for "Ship's Biscuits" for the history buffs. No worries for the scientists, there are enough biscuits to go around for you as well. Bookish types should probably check out the Biscuit Press or Biscuits O'Bryan, the cowboy poet.

For some Aussie flavor, you can see what happens when biscuits go wrong. Mango biscuits? No thank you. But perhaps you'd like to try the ANZAC biscuits?

If you've stuck around to the end of this post wherein I've dropped all of my biscuit trivia on you, then I'm guessing you've exhausted all other Internet time-wasting options for the day. I hope for your sake it's time to go home. Clearly biscuits are premium with other people besides me, and these hopeless cases of biscuit lovers might tempt me to do some more research.

Hoot

A conversation between sisters:

Ramona: I'm thinking about being an owl for Halloween.
Natasha:With feathers and brown tights or something?
Ramona: Yeah! And some kind of Mardi Gras mask for the face.
Natasha: Or you could just wear a paper bag over your head.

Medieval Kids

I had no idea the Medieval Festival was really just a kiddie event, and my perpetually sweet boyfriend accompanied me anyway. It was quite lame, entirely too hot, and inexplicably there were heads hanging from some of the trees. So we recouped and went to see the Rembrandt etchings and have gelato. Much better. And in typical Savannah fashion, we saw something quirky downtown: the Cinderella pumpkin carriage.

Some Wee Details

1. Have you seen the Sock Monkey Dress? It looks like it has tumors. Or is straight from a horror movie set.

2. I really thought I saw Sarah Vowell on a TV show called "Six Degrees". I love her books, so an investigation ensued - and it was her!

3. Yes, this is about Mr. T (again). So what? His new show "I Pity the Fool" starts October 11th on TV Land. He is going to "teach some fools some basic rules", so I suggest you check this link out for a preview.

Get Down On It

Oh man, I’m happy. Fall is here! The light is turning golden, nights are cool, and soon I’ll be able to throw all my windows open and breathe deeply of the fresh air. Autumn is when I feel most like myself, my Ramona-ness peaking in a splendid whirl of decorating, baking, being outside, and getting stuff done. No matter what city I’m living in, autumn makes everything look and smell better. There is so much to look forward to, like Oktoberfest, fall festivals, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and enjoying frisky walks. The crisp cool air clears my head and amps up my energy, and suddenly I feel more alive, creative, and optimistic.

The clothes are so much cuter too – boots, scarves, sweaters and jackets all make their brilliant comeback. I have this list of meals I’m craving to cook but can’t be bothered to make in hot weather. Risotto, casseroles, chili, fondue, potato-broccoli-cheese soup, and homemade sweets are heading my way. Plus the Borat movie, and new episodes of TV shows.

Even though the leaves don’t change much in Savannah, I have a few beauties I keep my eye on. And acorns! I love acorns. When I’m walking, there is a compelling need to crush acorns for that satisfying feel and sound. I have to get an equal number for each foot too, stepping exaggeratedly to keep it even. Add a few acorns for my pocket, to later find their way into a mason jar, and I’m content. Fall - it’s just so good in every way.

Noodle Salad, Britcoms, Pirates

1. I’m the type of person who will pick up notes found lying on the ground. Or from a garbage can, if it’s on the top and doesn’t have greasy food stuck to it. It can’t be helped – the discarded words need to be read one last time, by an impartial scholar, to verify that yes, it really should be in the rubbish bin. My latest discovery was a typed note found in a parking lot. The content of the note: “Best wishes for a happy life together! Love, Tom, Sue, Lindsey, and Amy Smith”. Okay, nothing interesting there. But then it goes on to say, “P.S. Good times Noodle Salad”.

That whole last sentence is so mysterious – is “Noodle Salad” someone’s nickname since it is capitalized? Or did they send the newlyweds a dish to serve noodle salad in, while having some good times eating it? I like it; what could have been generic has lasted 3 days on my desk, and it’s still funny.

2. If you have devoured both seasons of The Office (British version), then you probably need a new Britcom. The best way to cope with the longing for some fresh humour is Little Britain. Owen and I are rationing this one, it is that good. Lots of new catchphrases – I dare anyone to not walk around going “Eeerrrhhh, Eeewwrrhhh, EEEEEWAAHHRRAHH!” spontaneously, robustly, and frequently after watching. Also, it’s terribly hard to resist responding to my co-workers with, “Computer says no-oh”. But that’s what Lady Buttercup is for. Now go throw an entire loaf of bread at some ducks.

3. Owen and I went to a concert in Forsyth Park Saturday night. It was Sister Hazel. Just goes to show that if it’s free and you can take your dog to it, the whole matter of taste and standards matters a wee bit less.

4. Ahoy, Mateys! September 19^th is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Get the most out of it and enjoy annoying your loved ones – I know I will. Arrggh!

5. Oh, and War Eagle – you know!

Biscuits & Gravy

Hey biscuit fans! The Biscuits & Gravy Quarterly ought to keep you busy for awhile. Then you can check out the presidential pardon. You know, if you feel like it or whatever. Still want to get your biscuit freak on? Then head on over to King Biscuit for even more of a media blitz.

That'll do.

Hot Biscuits

Childhood visits with my Alabama grandparents guaranteed I would hear five of my favorite words: Hot biscuits in the oven! Hot biscuits in the oven! Joyfully sung on summer mornings to bribe sleepy kids out of bed, the thought of my Grandma’s biscuits motivated me every time. I’m convinced we woke up so sweetly and easily for Grandma because of the savory aroma of biscuits drifting into our subconscious just before waking. Suddenly, grumpiness was traded in for excitement, and one of my favorite memories was born. When our parents collected us at the end of the week, they were always informed with a wink that it was no trouble getting us out of bed. I’m not sure if the parents knew exactly what the trick was, but there must have been some suspicion.

Biscuits have always been special to my family, showing up as part of the happy memories of holidays or breaks from the routine. Natasha and I were lucky to have a Yankee father who quickly adapted to the pleasures of Southern food. When we were kids, it was our father who drove us to Catholic school each morning. Every now and then, he would wake us up earlier than usual and take us to breakfast at Hardees. They had these huge, delicious biscuits, and we enjoyed that warm biscuit buzz for the rest of the day. On a particularly good streak one winter, our father also bought us the Shirt Tales stuffed animals. The Shirt Tales became synonymous with biscuit mornings at Hardees, until an ex-boyfriend’s dog soiled that association by humping Pammy the panda.

The biscuits we bake now are sometimes a bit healthier, but OH MY! Butter on a biscuit is the ultimate breakfast pleasure. If Mumsly is rolling out the dough, it's probably wheat flour with a sprinkling of flax, sesame, and poppy seeds. I kind of have a thing for cheese grits too, but me and biscuits go way, way back. Pretty much every weekend these days starts with a frozen biscuit – the ones by Mary B’s or White Lily are actually quite good. I suppose now the supreme way to wake up is to a rainy day where I don’t have to be anywhere. But I still make sure to get my biscuits.

If Biscuits Played Instruments

Most of us find the homey, comforting associations of a lovely biscuit irresitible. Whether it's a cookie and a cup of tea in the U.K., or the flaky, buttery breakfast of Southerners, biscuits are universally adored. So much so that people might name their band after them.

If the Frisky Biscuit had a house band, there are at least three candidates based on their name alone. For the bluegrass fan, there is The Biscuit Burners. "Fiery Mountain Music", or biscuit gluttons honoring their favorite food? For the jam band junkies, The Disco Biscuits won't harsh your mellow. Meh. How about something a little more hardcore for the punky metal types - the Gorilla Biscuits? Something tells me Lady Buttercup won't approve.

None of these suit The Frisky Biscuit exactly (we're a bit more alternative over here), but the search continues.

Somebody’s Fool

When it comes to making sure the children stay in school and don’t do drugs, Mr. T is no fool. As far as celebrity causes go, Mr. T is so heartfelt and genuine that you don’t want to let him down. In the words of Mr. T, “You don’t have to be famous to get respect. You just have to be somebody”.

As soon as I saw that the Sentient Bean* was offering a viewing of Mr. T’s Be Somebody, or Be Somebody’s Fool, I knew I couldn’t miss it. Oh, yes. This was a delight beyond what I was expecting. If I told you Mr. T wore short shorts and Punky Brewster socks, you would watch for that alone, right? Plus, you get some embarrassingly awkward break dancing, raps about treating your mother right, and exercising with a bag of popcorn. Let’s not forget the fascinating presence of a pre-Black Eyed Peas Fergie and a pre-train wreck Bobby Brown. Also, music by Ice T!

Don’t find yourself in an “Absoludicrous” situation. You can “Recoup” by watching it on Google Video. Gather the kids around and get a glass of milk, because you don’t even need a cocktail for this to make you high.

* The Sentient Bean is the Savannah version of the Black White and Red Theater for all you Gilmore Girls fans.

The Biscuit Bullet

For your biscuit rations today, a little urban legend called the Biscuit Bullet. This one involves a can of biscuits exploding in a car and getting stuck to the back of a woman's head. She hears a bang, feels the impact of something, and mistakes the dough for her brains. I think the lesson here is to just not eat canned biscuits.

The Eurotrash Cousin

Fusion food – I’m on to you. Don’t think we haven’t noticed. If you were able to do one thing well, you wouldn’t have to invent yourself a distracting, sexy name. Preening for attention from well meaning and innocent diners, your flashy style masks your lack of substance.

Every time, it’s the same sneaky hustle. First you come on too strong with those sweet words promising luscious decadence. Full of potential and delight, a glance at what you offer starts off with words like “fresh king prawns” or “tender, juicy chicken”.

Then you make that inappropriate pass, a wrong turn towards Crazyville. A few minutes in and suddenly you’re all, “basted with a cilantro-fig-peppercorn chutney and accompanied with grilled beets. Served with a glass of buttermilk”. Sure, sometimes it’s the dill mayonnaise mashed potatoes, or the eggplant, avocado and raisin couscous. But I think you look ridiculous. Who decided you were such hot stuff?

Baseball Biscuits

Biscuits are soooo good, they even have a baseball team named after them: the Montgomery Biscuits. Check out that pat of butter for a tongue! I wonder if they serve biscuits at the games.

More gushing from Natasha Dylan

Bob Dylan is a chameleon. After watching years of video footage (yes, I am that obsessed), I knew this. He rarely plays a song the same way twice. If you attend a Dylan show expecting him to play ‘Rainy Day Woman’ as it appears on ‘Blonde on Blonde’, you will be disappointed. However, if you expect to see a consummate performer present a twist on his American classics, you will be in for a treat. When Wildflower and I saw him, he played the keyboard, not your classic harmonica/guitar combo. He was backed by a band and performed songs mostly from ‘Love and Theft’ and ‘Blonde on Blonde’ with a bit of a honky tonk twist. He played my favorite, ‘Just Like a Woman’, and he also played ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ and ‘Rainy Day Woman’ back to back as an encore. Bob showed a rare display of interaction with the audience by pointing at us and smiling mischievously every time he sang the chorus… Everybody must get stoned. We get it Bob, and I for one, love you as always.

Mmmmm.....biscuits

Did you know that September is National Biscuit Month? Oh yes. The very mention of biscuits creates a trance-like fixation on those fluffy, golden Southern breads. But I also like that in the U.K., a biscuit is a cookie - one of my other passions. And since September is (conveniently) Shameless Promotion Month, The Frisky Biscuit will be in full-on biscuit trivia mode. If its related to biscuits, I'll be all over it.

First up, a vacation to the City of Biscuits. Fantastic, eh?