Like Charles Kuralt, my first Friday lunch bunch took its show on the road today. We ventured deep into the boonies to visit Pap’s Place, a restaurant in Ackerman, Mississippi. Population - about 500 - except during lunch when the body count rises to almost 1,000, all because of Pap’s reputation for the best fried catfish “in these parts.”

“Sir, may I have hush puppies AND cornbread,” I inquired of Pap Smiley who guards the cash register while his wife bustles about wearing a huge catfish head. “Whatever melts your butter, honey.” What a guy. His dark locks were oozing with something that made me suspect he’d dipped his comb into the frying oil. (more…)

Autumn in Tuscaloosa

It started off like any other day. I tumbled out of bed, stumbled to the kitchen … poured myself a cup of ambition. (S’cuse me, I think someone already wrote that.)

Suddenly, the doldrums receded as if my magic. I remembered that I had a day trip planned to Tuscaloosa, the home of the chief of the Black Warriors, that place that birthed the gridiron powerhouse that dances to the tune “Roll Tide,” the university town that may be one of the most beautiful southern towns I’ve ever seen - at least in the fall. (more…)

With Thanksgiving only two weeks away, I suggest that you begin getting ready for the worst task to befall the American housewife….cleaning out the refrigerator.  Do you really want your sister-in-law to open your fridge and gasp in shock and awe.?

My sources differ on the exact day - some say Friday, others say Saturday is National Clean out the Refrigerator Day.  I suggest you get the jump on them all and do it today.

What’s that in the back of the refrigerator!?  You don’t want to find out. Don’t (more…)

I subscribe to Dr. Charles Stanley’s monthly devotional magazine entitled “In Touch” because it always provides guidelines on dealing with everyday problems of the modern world. It never fails to deliver a daily dose of hope and faith that my multivitamin has never been able to achieve.

Today’s message was on worry and it reminded me that worry never added one thing to my life. He noted that prayer is the best antidote to this dreaded affliction which can shorten our lives and make them downright miserable.

I come from a long line of worriers on my mother’s side and the reminder was (more…)

I kid you not! You can lose 20 inches by Saturday and probably 50 pounds (I haven’t tested that yet). Send me your credit card number and authorization for two payments of $19.99 and I will send you the secret.

If you act within the next 30 seconds, I will knock off one payment of $19.99 which means you will pay only $19.99 for this miraculous secret. If you act in the next five seconds I will include a 1/2 ounce of my miracle “fat slasher” (more…)