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!!!