Friday, July 29, 2011

Let's Go Camping

Recipe for Smores Brownie Bars HERE

I will admit I am not the camping type.  I know that sounds very high maintenance, but it's true.  My favorite thing about such an adventure is not being at one with nature or the calm of leaving the real world filled with  modern conveniences behind.  No, it's the smores.  I love the taste of melted chocolate on a crisp graham cracker combined with that smoky gooey goodness of a melting marshmallow.  There's just nothing like it.  In fact, just last week I made those smores brownie bars, and holy cow, they knocked our socks off!! 

So while you won't find me pitching a tent in the woods bright and early tomorrow morning, I will indeed be going camping.  Training Camping that is!!!


In just 35 minutes, the Saints open the doors to the 2011 training camp, and tomorrow, we are heading to their morning practice. I cannot wait to arrive at the team facility and see the green turf lined with players dressed in their finest black and gold. Since free agents can officially be signed this evening, we should see some new faces on the field. And of course, there's a bit of sadness as we had to say goodbye to some of our favorite Saints.

For more from my trip to the White House HERE

To my dear Reggie (I consider us on a first name basis since we met last year at the White House),

I am one Saints fan who will be forever grateful for what you did for our organization. I truly think there was a higher power at work when the Texans chose to take Mario Williams with their first pick in the 2006 NFL draft.  At a time when it seemed our franchise was moving to any city that would take us and our people were living in any city where they could find refuge, you were drafted by our team.  For the first time in team history, we had a face to our franchise.  You made us a brand name.  Growing up a Saints fan, the only time you saw a black and gold jersey in a commercial was when someone else's offense was breaking our tackles and scoring touchdowns.  Not so any more thanks to you.

As a 22 year old kid, you came to this city and before stepping foot on a field, you gave back.  You donated vehicles to first responder units, field turf for a football stadium, and money to a high school in desperate need of operating funds.  You took us on as your project, and we took you in as one of our own. 

Much will be speculated about your career here and what could have been and what should have been.  All I know is, with you, we went to the NFC Championship game in 2006 and won a superbowl in 2010.  At a time when we didn't feel like waking up everyday and giving life in New Orleans another go, you inspired us to push on and move upwards.  You were a part of an extraordinary group of men who played this game for us, the fans, so that we could wake up on a Monday and feel joy and relief and hope that if we all have one common goal and we work toward that goal anything is possible.  Gayle Sayers did many things, but he didn't do that. 

I wish you nothing but the best.  You were a class act when you arrived in New Orleans and a class act as you left.  I hope you always call this place your home, because to us you're a Saint for life.

WHO DAT!!!

7 comments:

  1. Amen. I've read too many articles the last 24 hours the neglect to mention what an important force Reggie was to Saints fans and especially the city of New Orleans. My husband's family are life-long, die-hard Saints fans as well so Reggie is always a topic of conversation, but even i'd forgotten about his contributions to NOLA after Katrina. I hate to see him head to Miami, but i hope it's going to be a great year for him. Poor guy has had a rough year.

    As big Bama fans (hubby's side), we'll be excited to watch Mark Ingram carry the rock again though. And as a UGA grad i'm always thrilled to see one of my fave players ever, #78 Jon Stinchcomb, hold that line. Who Dat indeed! Have a great time at Training Camp - can't wait to read about it on the blog next week.

    And thank you so much for stopping by my blog this morning. That was so sweet of you! I've been a subscriber of yours for some time. It was a thrill to have you visit :)

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  2. That made me teary eyed. WHO DAT!

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  3. WHO DAT! Thanks for reminding us how much Reggie did for NOLA off the field as well!

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  4. Other than the fact that I need a new jersey, I am cool with Reggie leaving :) It's always good to get new blood. He did amazing things for this city and regardless of whether he was "productive enough," he was an inspiration to all.

    WHO DAT!

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  5. I love Smores too! I usually get a quick fix with Smores poptarts!

    Who Dat Baby! I miss working in the city. I used to work on the West Bank (the best bank...LOL!) but I have been back working closer to home about 45+ minutes away. I'm ready for some Saints football!

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  6. I think you and I could be great friends! I'm not much for camping either (I'm too fond of my Stearns and Foster) but bring on the s'mores baby! :)

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  7. My jersey is Bush and the rest of my familys jersey is Shockey so looks like we will need new jerseys this year. My heart is saddened with the both of them gone. Who Dat indeed. Cant wait to see pics...
    OMG the smores looks so awesome I love love love them!

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