Pork and Saurkraut

On New Year's Eve Mom and I decided to be traditional for once. We prepared pork chops, mashed potatoes, and Saurkraut. This was the first time I ever mashed potatoes. Usually we whip them with the mixer. In all, I will say it was good, but I'm not a great Saurkraut fan. It needs to be served in small doses and cut with some shredded apple. 

Anyway, this was in Pennsylvania where I always spend Christmas. When I move to Paris full time I don't expect to fly home every year. One reason for moving to Texas was so I could work at a job that would allow me to drive home or fly home for the holidays. And I have. And I'm not sorry. 

Only time will tell. 

Big Butler Fair- I was there!

This meal cost me $12; the gyro was $7 and the lemonade was $5 and they were worth it! The sandwich is a lamb/beef mix with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a cucumber sauce on a pita. The lemonade has actual lemon halves in the cup. Hey, it's fair food. I didn't ride any of the rides. I walked around and took pictures of some of the exhibits and rides. It's a large fair, one of the largest in the state.

(I also went to Doo Dah Days, the Stephen Foster Music and Heritage Festival. Pictures to come.)

Saddest Sign in Slippery Rock

In older days, the 1980's, the best sub shop in my college town of Slippery Rock was Bob's Subs. I lived only 20 minutes away and wanted a sub during the summer. However, THEY CLOSED FOR THE SUMMER!
Later, they moved to the old post office. And they no longer closed for the summer. :) But I graduated and moved away.
Now I am visiting for the summer. Several times a week I get to go to the college and swim in their wonderful indoor pool. ahhh. Then we (Mom and Karl) go to Bob's for dinner.
BUT,  not today. Because they posted this sign:

However, they were already closed on the evening of the 2nd. (And why are they closed until Bastille Day? Do they like the French, too?)

(This is a reprint of an article that would not post- to show my desperation.)
The saddest sign I've seen is this one posted in my favorite Slippery Rock Sub Shop. Back in the 80's, when I attended college there, the store closed for much of the summer. Most of the students left town and they could survive without being open for a while.
Now, they close and I don't think *I* can survive! No roast beef subs with Bob's special mayo! (sniff, sniff pardon me while I cry!)
I must be strong. I will eat at home (Mom's house) after swimming at the college pool. And I will allow the hard working people at Bob's Subs to have the time off from just before American Independence until Bastille Day.
I will return, smaller no doubt, but eager for a junior or senior roast beef sub. I can wait.
(Yep, but my summer is quickly going by.)

mini diner

This was today's breakfast. Not too many days ago a small trailer appeared near the liquor store. The man there sells breakfast burritos and lunch plates like tacos and beans. This burrito of chorizo, eggs, potatoes and cheese cost $2 and is quite filling! Bremond has two full time restaurants, three gas stations with mini marts, one every-other-weekend bbq place, and now this burrito-taco stand (there is no seating.) No McDonald's, no Wal-Mart. This is small town Texas (not even a Dairy Queen!)