Tag Archives: catfish
Travels in the South
Hello sweet friends and welcome to another great edition of Travels in the South. This past weekend, my mom/dad had to go to Alabama for a quick trip. While they were gone, they stopped at a restaurant called Top O’ The River in Gadsden, Alabama. Now this restaurant has special meaning to mom/dad. You see it was over 20 years ago that dad and his family ate here. They then told mom about it and mom and her family ate here. But mom/dad together have 
never been here. So going to this restaurant was kind of like a coming home if you will.
When mom/dad arrived at the restaurant, there was not a single available parking space in the entire lot. It was barely 5:00pm and there were 100’s of cars. Mom says this is a sure sign of good food to come. Finally mom spotted a parking space, they parked and entered the restaurant. That’s when they saw lots of people waiting in line. Mom/dad knew they were going to be in for a long wait so they put their name in and started looking at the menu. You can see the menu here. Amazingly, mom/dad might have waited less than 15 minutes and their number was called. Mom/dad were ecstatic to say the least. There were lots of big parties here that night so thank goodness it was just mom/dad.
Mom/dad got a fantastic seat at a booth next to the windows which was what – overlooking the top o’ the river. Cute huh? And what a view they had that you can see from this picture. Beautiful and serene, lots of green trees and there were some ducks swimming around in the water. Can you imagine what these trees are going to look like when Fall finally decides to get here?
The sweet little waitress came to the table and mom asked her what was good to get. She said that there platters were awesome and way more food than one can eat… although the platters say for one. So mom/dad said why not and went with the platter to share. Boy, were they surprised when the waitress came back with some starters in the form of cole slaw and cornbread.
If you have never had southern cornbread, you are in for a treat. Cornbread is one of mom’s specialties and dad says she makes the best. In fact here in the south, a good cornbread will get you a good man… so says mom/dad – snorts. But mom said this cornbread was fantastic! Cornbread is made with cornmeal, milk, eggs, some people add a little sugar although mom doesn’t, and this cornbread had corn and jalapeno peppers. This cornbread was served with a delicious creamy cole slaw and sliced onions on the side. Mom/dad said they could just eat these starters and be just fine. That’s country folks my friends – simple food for a fantastic experience.
But mom/dad ate all they could and before they knew it, it was time for the main course. Remember the platter was suppose to be for ONE person? Well here is that platter in it’s glory. There is boneless catfish fillets, popcorn shrimp, fried shrimp, chicken fingers, hush puppies and french fries. Doesn’t that platter look simply amazing! And the size of it compared to dad’s hand. Remember, the platter was for one person. There is no way! Mom/dad were so glad they decided to share the meal.
They ate to their hearts desire both of them afterwards being so full and happy. That’s what this experience was all about. Enjoying each other, sharing a wonderful experience and just enjoying the time and scenery. For a while, time stopped and mom/dad sat for a while and just relaxed for a bit away from everything. And of course, you all know my daddy. He’s never met anyone that he can’t talk to. Today was no exception.
On the way out of the restaurant, he met the restaurant mascot, Mr. Catfish at the exit door. They had a moment to discuss politics, the secret recipe for those wonderful catfish fillets and dad got directions home… that is after they visited the back deck of the restaurant for one last final view.
And that final view is what I leave you with today my friends. A reflection of a great meal with some wonderful memories made. And I have to ask you. When was the last time that you had a dinner with family that you just sat in comfort with each other, laughed and just let everything stop for a moment. Enjoy my friends.
Dear Bacon
Dear Bacon,
I don’t get it. Everyone calls me Spider Frog. Why? Can you explain that to me? Signed Colorful
Dear Colorful,
Well my friend. It could be because of your colors. You see, Spiderman is a super hero. His colors are blue and red. And well, your colors are blue and red. I wouldn’t be upset with your friends for calling you Spider Frog. I would take it as a compliment that they think you are also a super hero – wear it with pride!
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Dear Bacon,
It’s most embarrassing here in my crib. My brother Al – well he has no clothes on. He always wants to snuggle with *me* because he gets cold. Can’t my humans get him a sweater or something? What do you think? Signed Eeww
Dear Eeww,
Well, Al is just a different kind of kitty than you my friend. Not all of us can be born with such good lucks as us fully furred. Just because he looks different doesn’t mean you should treat him different. He’s your brother – your fellow purr thing if you will. Give him a shoulder to lean on and cuddle once in a while.
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Dear Bacon,
I love to swim. I know it seems strange and I’m not suppose to like water but I do. Better yet, I like to play catch with sticks IN water. Do you think it’s wrong for me to be different? Signed CatFish
Dear CatFish,
No. It is not wrong for you to be different. Every one of us have to walk our own path to happiness. No one else needs to pass judgement. Live your life and if it makes you happy swimming and fetching sticks, I say go for it my friend.
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Dear Bacon,
So every morning I get up, go to the bathroom and look in the mirror. I think my eyes are sagging just a bit. You think? Signed Primp
Dear Primp,
You know what? May I make a suggestion? Stop looking in the mirror. There’s no reason for you to worry about such things. You’re gorgeous as you are my friend. Walk with your head held up high and be proud of who you are.
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Dear Bacon,
What? Why does everyone look at this picture and laugh? I just don’t get it. Can you please tell me why. Signed Kitty
Dear Kitty,
Oh dear. They’re not laughing my friend. They are just looking at you and thinking what an amazing kitty you are. You have talent. I could *never* sit like that with my tail between my legs. Have you ever thought about joining a circus?
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Remember friends – send your pictures/questions to me at baconthompson@gmail.com
Dear Bacon
Dear Bacon,
My mission is complete. I have finally made the dog go over the edge, roll over and laugh hysterically. Hopefully the little men will be coming soon with the white jacket to take him to his padded room. I’m thinking of writing a book about my accomplishment. Signed Purrfect Plan
Dear Purrfect Plan,
Well, that dog does look a little giddy. I don’t think I’m going to ask what you did to him. I’m almost afraid to. As for the book, I’ll be blocking it on the computers here at the Hotel Thompson so my purr things don’t get any ideas. Good luck to you though … I think.
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Dear Bacon,
Do you ever just have one of those days that you can’t get out of bed or off the sofa without the floor coming up to greet you in the face? I’m not really sure what happened? Signed Droopy
Dear Droopy,
There’s not a lot of times that I’m at a lost for words but for this one I am. That look of sleepiness and amazement on your face is just priceless. Perhaps you want to keep low to the ground so you don’t fall on the floor? It’s a thought. Sorry little dude. HUGS
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Dear Bacon,
You say you like bananas. Well, so do I. This is my tower of joy. I also have other fruits in it that I just absolutely love. You’re little mouth is watering, isn’t it? ADMIT IT PIG! Evil laugh. Signed Chico
Dear Chico,
Although your little mountain looks like a piece of heaven, at the Hotel Thompson I get my bananas sliced into small bite size pieces. They are then served to me on my special pig plate. Yes, I said served. Jealous are we? ADMIT IT MONKEY BOY! Evil snort.
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Dear Bacon,
I know how you are about your capes and super heros. I thought I would share and show you who the real Super Squirrel is – me! I wear it always and keep it under my skin. Go super heros! Signed SAS (Super Agent Squirrel)
Dear SAS,
That’s my furr thing!! High paws! I think I love you. I am so going to have to get with mom about making me a suit like that. That is totally awesome!
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Dear Bacon,
Can you tell the difference between these two ‘cat fish’? Chuckles – Signed Swimming with the Fishes
Dear Swimming with the Fishes,
Your parents are creepy. Who the heck keeps that in their bath tub? That is just wrong on so many levels – up, down and SIDEWAYS!
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Dear Bacon,
I have a problem. Everyone is scared of me. I have no friends. What’s a good guy to do? Signed Double O Jaws
Dear Double O Jaws,
Perhaps it’s the smile my friend. Perhaps it’s those jagged teeth. If you had regular teeth, I bet you people wouldn’t be so afraid. Just picture it in your mind. You would look nicer. More approachable. Maybe smile with your mouth closed for now… you know until you can find a dentist to fix those teeth with some caps. 🙂 Swim on my friend.
Piglove 