Jaymes

Well, I've been in the aftermath of two hurricanes. Both times, we evacuated, and then came back home after the storm had passed. Water was certainly readily available (it was everywhere), but it was contaminated. The first time, we hadn't stocked up at all. I had two small children. The electricity was completely out throughout the entire area. Trees blocked the roads, many of which were also six inches deep in water. Emergency and repair crews had a very difficult time getting through and the electricity remained out for the better part of a week. Stores didn't want to open because there was no electricity and it was dark back in the stores, even in broad daylight. One store close to us opened up for a very few people (including me) because we had small children. No refrigeration meant no milk for the kids. Powdered milk was no good because you didn't have any non-contaminated water to mix it with. Our stoves were electric, so you couldn't cook anything. At the store, two employees with flashlights accompanied each customer that could prove they had small children back into the cavernous store to get some formula/baby food, etc. We were wading in several inches of water. We had to pay with cash, exact change, because the registers were down. At the store, I bought the three gallons of water that they were letting each person get, canned milk, some other canned goods, matches and a small hibachi that I could use to cook some food and boil water. Even though I boiled water, we all got giardia. The workers at the store were nervous and on edge. They were afraid of things getting out of hand, and of people rushing the store if they could see that anyone was being let in. They were concerned about rioting and looting. They really didn't want to let anyone in, and were down there replacing the window boards that had blown off when I and a couple of others came upon them. They had hired armed guards, but they weren't there yet. Broken glass was everywhere, and there was stuff in the aisles as we waded along in the dark. I almost tripped a couple of times. It was absolutely horrible in every aspect you can think of. Several years later, we were again in hurricaine country, and this time, I didn't wait for even a HINT of a storm. I did indeed keep canned tuna, water, etc., on hand. Sure enough, a big storm came in and again we evacuated. But because I had stuff on hand, I didn't need to make the mad dash to the grocery store. I could concentrate on moving furniture to the 2nd floor, boarding up windows, packing up the kids and getting us out of there. But this time, when we came back home, we were prepared. We did have a mess as far as our property went, but we were just fine where food and water and light and warmth were concerned. All I've got to say is that if you have never experienced a large, wide-spread disaster hitting your region, you will be absolutely astounded at how far-reaching its effects are should that happen. Far beyond what you can imagine. I'm by myself now, no small children to worry about. And I don't think I'm in a high-threat area (although it's no secret to anyone that Austin is the capital of Texas which is Bush's home state). I skipped the duct tape and plastic. But I did buy a couple gallons of water, non-electric can opener, and a few more canned goods than usual. Just in case. After all, as we say in Texas, "What could it hoit?"

B&M the famous Boston Bean company They're actually from Portland, Maine.

B&M the famous Boston Bean company also produces a canned bread product. I think they have both plain brown bread, and brown bread with raisins. They're both pretty good, either steamed over the pot of cooking beans, or plain out of the can, sliced and toasted and schmeared with cream cheese.

I'm with you, girlfriend. And to all those disgruntled, jealous guys who complain that "he can't cook," -- well, first of all, I've tried some of his recipes and they turn out great. But even if he couldn't, well so what. Whoever said Pamela Anderson can act?

I started making Buttermilk Candy when I was about eight. It's like Southern Pralines. Very good.

Well, in my L.A. earthquake kit in the hall closet, I had some of that canned brown bread that the yankees steam with baked beans.

I actually do know people that are stocking up. And there have been many articles in the local magazines and newspapers about what to choose - 1 gallon of water per person per day, and to count on about 7 days - and so forth. It sorta reminds me of the "earthquake kit" that we were all supposed to have when we lived in California.... Bottled water, peanut butter, non-electric can opener, canned goods, crackers, paper towels, non-water cleansers, flashlight, batteries, transistor radio, that kind of thing. Also, we were told to have a supply of several sizes of garbage bags, to put all sorts of yucky things in, if we were going to be trapped for several days in a small space, no electricity, etc. We were to keep all of this in an interior closet (preferably in a hall) and when there was an earthquake, to go there immediately. In Alaska, we were to keep an "emergency kit" in our vehicles in the winter: a blanket or bedroll, a large metal coffee can and matches and candles and some peanut butter and a couple of candy bars for quick energy. The thing was that a candle in a metal coffee can gives off enough heat to keep you alive in a stranded car. Also, you can use it to melt snow. The "candy bar" thing never worked out for me very well, though. I just kept eating them.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it is. I think there's a small park surrounding it now, with benches so that other newlyweds can sit and contemplate -- thereby drawing inspiration -- and a commemorative plaque. It's very popular with wedding couples and honeymooners for photographs. And there are food booths offering appropriately-shaped commemorative corn dogs, and shops selling souvenirs such as miniature replicas of your trailer (with a shiny-green astroturf lawn and permanently-attached Christmas lights and windows that illuminate and wheels that really turn and a tiny little screen door that really opens)*, and T-shirts that say, "Rock me in a trailer all night long" and "I got 'hooked' in Hook" and "My folks 'hooked up' in Hook and all I got was this lousy T-shirt." Oh, and one of those Texas Historical Places medallions. You should probably come in disguise if you don't want to be mobbed by your public. *I think you can get a radio version of this that plays songs from your first year. Just kidding. They don't really have radio versions.

Hum... "good 'cue." Are you driving? If so, you are going to be driving right through the heart of "good 'cue" country. Make that, "fabulous 'cue" country. There are some good places in Dallas, so we can give you some tips if you're going to be there a few days. And, if you leave Dallas early, you should be in Lockhart by lunchtime - some of the world's best 'cue, by EVERYONE'S standards. Also, if you're driving that route, DFW to Laredo, then down to Brownsville, back up to Corpus, I and some other Texas buds can make some other memorable suggestions for your "road food." Including French food in a wonderful little "Alsatian" town along the way. Not to mention good food in Nuevo Laredo, Progresso, the "Valley," etc. Approximately when are you doing this?

I was just there. We didn't eat downtown, but did eat at Snoopy's - out on the island. Thought it was very good, and fun atmosphere. Bluebeard's was recommended, too, and I think it's downtown, but we didn't go there. At the end of one of the downtown piers, there is a fish/bait shop called "Jane's L-Head Bait" where you can buy gulf shrimp right off the boat. To get some "where's the good eatin'?" tips on my next trip, I fully intend to go there, buy some shrimp, and chat up Jane, who has supposedly been in Corpus since Christ left Chicago. But as far as the funky little seafood places that one hopes one will find in Corpus -- we were told that they are all over at Port Aransas ("Port A" to the locals). There is, however, other stuff to see and do. For one thing, the Columbus ships are there, and you can go through two of them. It was a really memorable experience for me, and I'd recommend that highly. They are right downtown at the Columbus Plaza.

Okay - so that's one of my very favorite urban hotels. But it can be pretty pricey - especially if you get water view.

you're british, and the foreign version looks different. and it's probably not snipped either. but i think the pink and non-pink version are the same at the end of the day. Or, sadly, in my case, every single goddamned morning at 5AM.

Hey NS'sM, thanks! I'm currently undergoing tutelage. (And I'm learning how to post Pix&Linx, too. ) And River Run in Ladner is the most divine place I've ever stayed. And I've stayed in some pretty divine places.

Drat. Don't know how to post pix & linx. Drat. BUT, check out www.riverruncottages.com. You stay on houseboats tethered to shore. You soak in the hottub as Canadian geese fly overhead. You fall asleep to the rise and fall of the tide.

Yeah, but it's the pork fat that makes them flakey. Well, as I ain't MOT, I ain't telling her.

And so, Amiga, we are simpatica after all.

Sandra, I understand your point. However, I'm not sure that with this crowd, it's necessarily an "either/or" proposition. I have two of Diana Kennedy's books, and I very much appreciate and value her "take" on things Mexicano. I believe that an English/American-oriented writer can help Anglo newcomers to a foreign cuisine get started in a manner that is less intimidating. And then, after getting their feet mojado, they can explore the food, culture, etc., more deeply if they choose. As for me, in addition to books on Mexican cooking written by Anglos, I also have several written by Mexicans, including three or four in Spanish. My advice when considering a new cuisine is to by all means explore it - through whichever avenues you feel most comfortable - but DO explore it.

Ditto Vancouver. Stay at River Run Cottages on the Frasier River. Take the rowboats out for a serene and leisurely float. Take the bicycles up to the Farmer's Market.

Afternoon cooking class in Oaxaca? My god, my heart is palpitating. Have you gone? Do you have any other info? Alas, I have not taken a class from Ms.Trilling in Oaxaca, but I have taken a class from her here in Austin. It was magical. And I don't use that word lightly. Don't know how to post links, or I would. But you can access all the information you need at www.seasonsofmyheart.com. There is also a B&B at the school. I've spoken with people who have been there. There are even escorted trips to the Indian markets, nature walks, etc.

I'd also suggest you check out Seasons of My Heart by Susana Trilling, who lives in Oaxaca and operates a cooking school there. More personal than a traditional "cookbook," Seasons of My Heart explores the reasons why she loves Mexico, the land, the people, the culture, the food. Also, if you are going to be in Oaxaca, perhaps you could take an afternoon class at her school.

Actually, I have a Jewish friend that makes meat-filled empanadas for Hanukkah. She, too, uses Asian wrappers. She says that they are kosher, which traditional empanada dough would not be with the meat filling.

Unless you're buying goldfish.

Huummmm... Are those anything like "sportin' events"?

Okay, y'all. I'm totally convinced. And I'll admit, I hate handling those unsettling "waxy" skins that the "regular" cucumbers invariably have.

Me, too. Unless, of course, we're being filmed.