Zanily Random

Zane is a nature lover.  He likes the nature shows on the television, like Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan, or River Monsters, Monster Bug Wars, or Call of the Wildman.  When he was two-ish, he found My First Book of Bugs, and had to have it.  Then we had to read it to him so many times that I memorized it, and I didn't even need to open the book, which came in handy when you're trying to read in the dark at bedside.  Zane has learned fat, juicy words like arachnid and centipede, and I have enjoyed learning some of the names for bugs as well.  For example, I had NO idea that roly-polys are actually crustaceans!  That's right--next time you're chowing down on some fried shrimp, remember that shrimp are cousins with roly-polys.    You're welcome.

San Antonio just finished up Fiesta down here.  Not that we need a reason, but Fiesta is a two week long party thrown by the city to celebrate.  I've never been sure what exactly is being celebrated, since I tended to fade out in history class.  We could be celebrating the day that some long ago mayor found an extra bottle of whiskey in his smokehouse, or some event in 1832 when somebody did something that somebody else noticed.  But who cares?  We really don't need a reason to whip up a big party that lasts two weeks. Set up a tent with a keg and some bbq on the smoker just about anyplace, and people will congregate.

This past Sunday was my wedding anniversary.  Larry and I have been married since 2001.  A lot has happened since then, cancer and my couple of almost dying episodes, but we've managed to weather through all those storms pretty well.  Plus, we got a great kid out of the bargain!  Can't beat that.  I can completely understand why a lot of couples don't make it this far--marriage is tough, no matter what the romance novels say.  Sometimes it's hard work, but wait five minutes, and it's cake. 

There's a place in San Antonio, called the 410 Diner.  We've been going there for years, and I always get the same thing: Snapper Artichoke.  Red Snapper, pan grilled to perfection--crispy on the outside, melty like butter on the inside.  Over that goes a mix of mushrooms and artichokes in a garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon juice.  I am salivating just thinking about it!  I usually like to try different things and mix up the menu when I eat out. The 410 Diner has some great burgers, for instance. But this is the only place in town that has this dish, and I never know when I will be back or even if my favorite will still be on the menu.  So each time I hit the door and see that Snapper Artichoke is still on the menu, I heave a huge sigh of relief and order it again.  And because of my anticipation, I completely enjoy the heck out of that snapper.  I guess that's what they call savoring the moment.  I wish that I could do that in other areas of my life! 

I passed a sign at the grocery store advertising for "HOBO FEST".  I was a bit confused and concerned.  Are they celebrating hobos or roasting them?  Are there actually any hobos still around?  Do they need a party?  Am I supposed to find a hobo and bring him to the party?  Should I clean him up first, or just bring him as is? 

And this is the last day of the April A to Z Blog Challenge.  Those of you who have stuck it out with me, I really appreciate it.  I was amazed and humbled by the creativity of the other blogs participating.   I think I did okay, even though I didn't come up with a good theme like some of my bloggy friends.  Maybe I will try that next year, since I will have a year to actually think something up.  Anyway, tomorrow it will be business as usual! 



Go visit Stacy today, because she's got pretzels.