Snackage & Nappage!

I'm a Dietitian. That's a fancy word for a Nutritionist with a college degree and credentials! I state this fact only to illustrate how strong traditions are. You see this picture of my nephew Philip's girlfriend Jessica plopping chocolate icing on a piece of cake? Well, she's following the lead of this Dietitian!

My family loves to joke that if I ever get too full of myself, they'll invite the athletes I counsel to Louisiana to see the "other" side of their Nutritionist! I was raised on southern fried and gravies. My grandma cooked with lard and I've blown out pig intestines with a straw to make sausage. It's where I came from. But after 5 years of higher learning and another 5 years in the performance nutrition field, I'm constantly at odds with my upbringing. Both of my grandmothers lived well into their 80s and had diets that I would advise clients/athletes against. It's only fair to say, however, that they both did physical labor their whole lives which played a huge part in counteracting those diets! Nevertheless, most of my Cajun comfort foods are at odds with the way I eat outside of Louisiana.

Pretty much everyone in my family is a chocoholic. I'm not sure exactly when it started, but my nephews and I used to sneak buckets of chocolate icing from my mom's pantry for a snack! As time went on and my parents let the grandkids get away with all kinds of things their own children were never allowed to do, my mom started buying an extra tub of icing to leave next to the cakes she made so that extra could be added. There's only one rule. . . no double dipping! As you can imagine, this prompts us all to seek out the largest serving spoon that is able to fit into the tub of icing for the coveted first-and-only dip into the tub! It gets more and more ridiculous every year!!

The blog title today is compliments of my niece Julia. The couple of days after Thanksgiving was rainy, so we spent a lot of time inside snacking and taking naps! I'd be big as a house if I did this everyday, but for 2 or 3 days at home for the holidays, it sure is fun! My sister thought that this picture of Julia and I in the recliner was the perfect illustration of two generations of "Deg Legs"!

Our family would never be described as boring. I'm always amused to see how new guests respond to all our rough-housing and bantering. My maternal grandparents were the epitome of jokesters. They set a tradition of cutting-up that endures within our family to this day. Teasing, story-telling and physical antics were, and still are in the repertoire of prompting laughter. This pic of my brother with his son and step-son rough-housing and tickling confirms our belief that a family that plays together stays together!

Another form of great family-bonding is games. If the weather's nice, that means horseshoes, volleyball or football (or shooting guns in the pasture). If it's night or we're confined to the indoors due to inclement weather like we were this holiday, that means board games. With such a wide age range, games like Pictionary or Cranium are perfect for our gang. For the last several years, a highly competitive game of Pictionary between the boys and girls has ruled supreme! Much to the dismay of the males in our family, the girls have once again outwitted (or out-drawn) the guys. Not to be deterred by years of losing, the boys have demanded a rematch over Christmas vacation!

Although this post may seem quite mundane and low-keyed compared to previous posts from far-away lands, this is the stuff I love! It's such a cliche', but there really is no place like home. After a canceled flight from LAX to San Diego and an enjoyable couple of hours hanging out with a WWII vet full of great stories at the airport while waiting stand-by, I'm back on Coronado preparing for the work week ahead. Stay tuned for some new twists in the road. . .

Happy Thanksgiving

Another Thanksgiving come and gone! I ushered in the day by landing in New Orleans just around midnight. My mom has been cooking up a storm for days, so I went to bed with smells of the feast to come. After a cup of coffee and a quick run, I was surrounded by family and food for the rest of the day!

As you can see in this picture, the "kids" are all getting big. I have 3 nephews and a niece ranging in ages from 20 to 5 years old. In the dark and white striped shirt on the left of the photo is Andy who is 20 and somewhere around 6 feet tall and the tall lanky guy on the right is his brother Philip who is 16 and about to 6'3". I'm not sure how tall Julia is (at the end of the table) at 10 years old, but she definitely has the family trademark long lean legs. Although I've taken to pronouncing my last name as "day-gull" over the years for ease of understanding, here in Louisiana it's pronounced "deg". Folks always comment when they see an offspring of the Daigle clan that it's obvious that the kid belongs to our family because they have "deg legs"!!!

And it takes a lot of food to feed this tall family! Although I had moved up to the adult table at some point in my life (probably back when I was married), it's been quite some time now that I've been assigned back to the kids' table. From the smiles on our faces, you can see that I don't mind one bit sitting at the kids' table with Julia! Our family is filled with story-tellers and jokesters, so meals are always a lively event. I don't know if it's the jovial energy expended while dining that makes us all so tired or the overindulgence prompted by the day, but we always end up reclining in some capacity shortly thereafter! Usually everyone is sprawled across sofas and on the floor in the living room, but the weather was so beautiful today (mid-70s!) that we moved the rest-fest under the carport to enjoy the breeze and visit.

It seemed like we were just finished digesting when it was time to move on to the next house on the itinerary for Thanksgiving supper. After more visiting and eating at Dean's house with his family, we're back at my parents' house and hanging out for the evening. What a great, leisurely day filled with love & laughter!

I hope that everyone's day was as peaceful and filled with family as mine was and that it's not hard to think of things for which to be thankful. My brother returns tomorrow from Texas with the rest of his family so I'm sure I'll have more to post about over the next few days before I return to the West Coast on Sunday.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

A non-traditional baby shower

I sincerely believe that people come in and out of our lives for a reason. With some, it's a short-term reason and are only meant to fill a specific need for a specific time. Impactful, but not meant to last. With others, the reason is long-term and you watch each other mature and grow and fulfill needs as they present themselves. Those life-long friendships come with responsibility. So you can imagine that after witnessing Whit & Kathie's emotional roller-coaster attempts to start a family over all these years that the future Aunt Karen knew she had to throw a baby shower. Thank goodness that Kathie & Whit also have other girlfriends in the area to join forces with this non-domestic oriented friend to successfully pull off a shower!

At first I cringed. . . the thought of an afternoon of pastel colors, cutesy baby-themed stuff, cool-aid punch, cheesy games and the mother-to-be sitting in a sheet covered chair opening gifts one by one to "ohs" and "ahs" over baby diapers was more than I could bear. Then in dawned on me; Kathie isn't that kind of girl either! A quick consultation with her and the other three women throwing the shower confirmed that we wouldn't be throwing a typical baby shower!

The first pic of the funny napkins (click on the pic for the full size version) pretty much sets the stage for the party! We held a coed, adult-beverage shindig in a park by their house. There were kids too so we had bubbles and juice boxes for them, but the grown-ups in attendance loved the catered Mexican food, margaritas & sangria! It was very informal with folks from different areas of Whit & Kathie's lives all mingling together.

We never got a solid count, but there must've been about 30 adults and a half dozen kids at one point. The day started out a bit overcast and chilly, but the sky cleared and the sun shone through. It seemed as though everyone had a good time and were thrilled that Whit & Kathie's family will be doubled in size in only a matter of weeks. This last pic is of the three of us who threw the party with Whit & Kathie (Shannon, Kathie, Whit, me and Karen). Laura also helped with shower preparations but was in Rhode Island and couldn't attend.

With the nursery ready and gifts being put away, there's nothing for them to do but wait patiently for their long-awaited babies to arrive! Positive, healthy baby thoughts sent their way would be greatly appreciated!!

It's a great day to be alive!

There's a great country song by Travis Tritt with the same title as my post today. The reason I mention it is because I was humming it all day today while riding! There's one line that goes "I might take my old Harley for a three day cruise" that I was absolutely feeling today. Like a cowboy (or cowgirl) I could've rode off into the sunset on my Harley and been perfectly content!

My friend Dave works with me at the OTC and rides a sport bike. I usually get to work first and pick a spot and leave room for him to park in with me when he gets to work a little later in the day. It's a seemingly insignificant courtesy, but for bikers it's a huge camaraderie thing!

We've been working together and talking bikes for a year now but have never been able to ride together due to our conflicting schedules. His wife had other plans for the day, so we took advantage of a little down time and took to two wheels.

We took a route that I've ridden many times before with Whit, Bridie and Fred- Hwy 94 along the U.S/Mexico border to S1 that straddles Borrego Desert National Park and Cleveland National Forest. I started the day in a long sleeve fleece shirt as we rode the twisty desert Hwy 94 to Campo. At the foot Mt. Leguna, we stopped and I put on my jacket and gloves.

As we ascended in altitude to 6000 ft, the temp dropped but our speed certainly did not! As you can see from this picture of the stock pipe I removed from my bike after the ride today in order to put my after-market Rush pipes back on, I was leaning pretty heavily into the turns! I let Dave take the lead knowing that he was much more maneuverable in the turns on his Honda sport bike than I would be on my Sporty. Without a single car ahead of us, we pressed our handlebars into every turn of the twisty mountain road like it was made to be leaned into by riders on two wheels. I can't even describe the euphoria we felt as we pulled over half way into the 25 mile mountain road to high five and gloat over our good fortune of perfect weather, minimal traffic and great roads! Due to my incompetence of the day and forgetting my purse at the diner in Julian, we road the S1 mountain road three times today! The motorcycle Gods were smiling down on us!

I've had a lot on my mind lately and have felt weighted down by the responsibilities of a working grown-up, but today reminded me that the raw sensory experiences that comprise everyday are the things that make my spirit light. Today was a great day to be alive!

Happy Veterans Day

OK, so Veterans Day isn't officially until tomorrow, but I have today off from work so I'm celebrating the holiday today! I love the symbology of the date (eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month) that marks the armistice (temporary cessation of hostilities) between the Allied Nations and Germany of World War I. Although the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 marked the official end to "The Great War" Armistice Day on November 11, 1918 is generally considered the end of the "war to end all wars." Over the years, what was once known as Armistice Day is now known as Veterans Day here in the U.S. I also really like this holiday because it's one day apart from my dad's birthday who also happens to be a veteran! For some great old pics of my dad & I and a few of the USS Midway, check out my previous Veterans Days posts from 2006 and 2007.

The 3-day weekend started off with some bayou entertainment in downtown San Diego. For the third year in a row, I saw Tab Benoit perform out West! If you're not familiar with his music, click on these links for a little taste of Cajun Blues. The fun, rhythmic guitar on Night Train and up-beat tune of Fever for the Bayou makes my body move no matter what mood I'm in while When a Cajun Man Gets the Blues tugs at my soul when I'm aching for the bayou. Not only has this Houma native been nominated for a Grammy, he's also president of Voice of the Wetlands, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the coastal erosion problem in south Louisiana. Go to the website and learn that the flooding isn't just the wrath of Mother Nature directed at the residents of the Louisiana Gulf Coast, it's a predominately man-made problem that will affect the whole country if allowed to continue. The unique hospitality, culture, customs, language, food and music of Cajun country are in real danger of extinction so please take a moment to learn how the loss of this land impacts the rest of the nation.

The rest of the weekend has involved visiting the beach, riding my Harley around and hanging out with Whit & Kathie. With only weeks left to go before the twins arrive, our days of hanging out on the sofa eating, drinking and watching movies are numbered! Looking forward to the arrival of Cal (Caldwell) and Naomi!!

To all my active duty and veteran friends. . . Happy Veterans Day!

Go out and VOTE!!!!

I'll start off this post with saying that I'm not a huge fan of politics. Politics involves playing games, and anyone who has seen me trying to play a ball sport or attempting to be PC knows that I'm good at neither kind of game!!! Upon reading this joke email in my inbox this morning though, I just had to post it. It's nonpartisan and for the most part politically correct and oh so timely for today. . . enjoy!

While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

"Welcome to heaven" says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts so we're not sure what to do with you."

"No problem, just let me in" says the senator.

"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where you want to spend eternity."

"Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven" says the senator.

"I'm sorry, but we have our rules."

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down. . .to hell

The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.

Everyone is happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.

They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne. Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go.

Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator goes up, up up . . . to heaven.

The door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.

"Now it's time to visit heaven"

So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

"Well then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."

The senator reflects for a minute, then answers, "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell."

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down. . . to hell.

Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder.

"I don't understand" stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"

"Yesterday we were campaigning. Today you voted!"

Now get out there and vote!!!

You never know who you're gonna meet...

Two years ago, I made a trip to Hawaii with my sister for a vacation/professional conference. I'm always amused with the civilian perspective of the military community. Upon hearing that I had spent some time in the Navy, a nutrition colleague at the conference stated "Oh, you must know Ann then. She's in the Army too." In the non-military affiliated mind, all branch's of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, etc) as well as all divisions (aviation, infantry, medical, etc) are all the same and everyone must know everyone! It was no use trying to explain that I probably didn't know her since I was Navy, enlisted and aviation while Ann was Army, officer and medical! Later during the day, the same colleague introduced us and Ann & I ended up hitting it off instantly. Our paths have continually crossed as colleagues and good friends in the two years since.

A few months ago when Ann invited me to her retirement down in San Antonio, I instantly said "yes" and booked a ticket. If her friends and family were anywhere near as full of life and had as much as a flare for finding adventure as Ann, I knew this was going to be a great celebration! I was certainly not disappointed!

It didn't take long for me to remember why I loved the Navy community so much; Ann's group of friends at AMEDD (Army Medical Dept) were tight knit and obviously respected and enjoyed each other's company. In the first picture is Ann with one of her friends who retired at the same time as her. Both Colonels, Maria closed the chapter on over 24 years in the Army while Ann finished up with nearly 26 years. They ended their Army Dietitian careers right where they started them with internships over two decades ago- at Ft Sam Houston. In a tremendous testament to the bond of military friendships and to Ann's sincere spirit, one of her classmates from her internship, Stephanie flew from Seattle with her husband Keith to help her close this chapter of her life.

Watching the faces of the 11 patriots lined up that morning to close the Army chapters of their lives, I marveled at the spectrum of emotions. At one end of the spectrum were the somber-faced and downright looking scared witless to the other end who could hardly suppress their smiles and readiness to move on to the next phases of their lives. Ann certainly fell into the jubilant category! At the "beret burning" later that evening though, she explained that it wasn't because she disliked the Army that she was happy to be moving on, but rather it was the excitement of the next adventure that was making her giddy about stepping out of the uniform for the last time. As you can tell from this picture of Ann with her sister Pat, civilian attire suits her just as well as Army green!!

The days leading up to the retirement ceremony on Thursday were filled with both local and out-of-town friends and family. On Wednesday, I was informed that I may want to wear comfortable shoes since we were "walking for food." Five miles of walking later, we arrived at a great little bakery for breakfast! The next 48 hours were filled with visiting, eating, drinking and celebration. The ceremony was succinct and professional whereas the private reception for Ann that followed was lively and informal. It was clear from the number of people who attended as well as from the words that were spoken that Ann was not only well-liked by those with which she served, but she also made a significant impact on the lives she touched. The festivities culminated in a get together at her friend Lise's house (also my gracious B&B hostess!). In the last pic is Ann (standing in black), her internship friend Stephanie, her sister-ish from Oregon Mary Lynn with her husband Sigfreid and Lise.

I arrived back into San Diego in time to catch a cab from the airport to Whit & Kathie's house for a Halloween get-together. I think I'll be in town for the next 2-3 weeks, so I'll keep ya'll posted on any local adventures. . .