Day 57 - The Big Easy / Nawlins

First big trip of the tour done. New Orleans, The Big East, The Jewel of the South (kinda). To be honest it is a very interesting place. And one with multiple personality disorder, especially in and around Bourbon Street. It is a city rich in history, both good and bad, which is stuck between trying to preserve that and the amount of revenue that the darker arts brings in. 

Enjoying the Day

For those that don't know, Bourbon is the no-holds barred, pretty much anything goes, strip-bars-opening-at-12pm thoroughfare that New Orleans is probably most synonymous with, especially among the young and young at heart.

The heart of the French Quarter it itself leads a double life - teetering on the edge of respectability during the day with its numerous live jazz bars and friendly places to grab a bite, before divesting all pretence at being anything other than a stag/hen party fuelled state of complete debauchery once the sun goes down!! 

My dad and I wandered down it around 11pm. We decided it probably wasn't quite his scene - but it might be mine under different circumstances!

But to treat the place as just 3 blocks of craziness is to do it a really big disservice. There is so much more to the city than this and we barely managed to scratch the surface in the few hours we had wandering around. 

Bustling with Activity

We still managed to find (amongst other things) a paddle steamer, a number of good places to eat, plenty of interesting architecture and enough reasons to come back and see it all again in a few months time - the advantage of it being merely 70 miles down the road.

Places on the list that we hit and enjoyed:

Bourbon House - Right at the entrance to Bourbon Street. Really good food (see the alligator sausage) and a fantastic selection of bourbon on the shelves.

Alligator Sausage with Spicy Mustard Slaw - Simply Amazing

Mahoney's - Late night cocktails (though we stuck to beer) and enticing bar food (Po'boys looked gooooood). We got here around 10:30pm and it was full with folks finishing off a bite to eat before heading down to Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street itself - You gotta do it. I will be doing it again!

New Orleans Creole Cookery - Great location and ambience in the cute outdoor courtyard. Service impeccable and the food was good, although we rushed them a bit as we had to get to the theatre so it was probably not right at the top of their standards. Would go back and take my time a bit more next go round. 

Jackson Square - Lovely bit of greenery right in the heart of the French Quarter surrounded by artists selling their wares. Some looked really good and I'd definitely consider a trip back to pick up some bargains.

Mid-town Greenery

Natchez Steamer - We didn't get on this time (trip was too long) but definitely worth a look into one of their cruises - both regular and "jazz themed".

Steamer on the Mighty Mississippi

Next weekend was supposed to be Nashville but with the coronavirus concerns we may stay put and enjoy the St. Patrick's Day festivities in Baton Rouge. Will keep you posted.

Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 52 - Steak Night

One of the things I wanted this blog to do was give people an idea of what it is like to live in Houston and Baton Rouge. And a big part of that is the food and drink scene. What better place to get to know the people, the culture and the atmosphere than hanging out with the locals. Houston, unsurprisingly, has an amazing array of bars, restaurants and places to chill out - especially if you like a good beer and a good steak.

A dedicated website has everything you need to know about where to get the best steaks each and every night during the week. And Corey and I have been systematically ticking them over the last few months/years.  

Tonight's choice was Axelrad, a chilled out beer garden in the south Midtown part of town. 

Photo by Jamaal Vince Photography

Boasting a really great selection of beers (draught and bottled) this is a real cool, relaxed vibe with plenty of seating - both on benches and in hammocks. 

They have a pizza place on site and, on Tuesday's, the excellent Snow Topi brings his awesome steak options here for your enjoyment. 

Tonight's offering was a tasty New York Strip with spicy noodles and sautéed purples and greens. Sooooo good. The guy has such great cuts of meat and pairs them so well with great sides. We've encountered him at a few places now and he never disappoints. 

I just love getting into the guts of a city or country, really understanding what makes it and the people tick. And every time I'm here Houston shows me something new, something unexpected or something breathtaking. It is a great city, with fantastic people and so much to see and do. 

Got some fun plans for tomorrow night too. But you'll have to wait and see for that.

Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 36 - Productive in PJs

 I've had one of the those great days where I have barely left my apartment (aside from a quick early morning gym session) but still managed to achieve loads. I love days like that. Days where, on the surface, it looks like you might have wasted them - but actually you were a productive little bunny!

It is all "routine" stuff, not high excitement. But doing it today sets me up for this week and frees my evenings up beautifully. Now the evenings can be devoted to more interesting diversions and activities. It also turns out that I'm likely to be in Houston Wed/Thur/Fri so getting my sh*t in order today will definitely help the week go smoothly. 

From this

Sometimes we forget that the simple things are just important. I'm on this big drive to make every second this year count. But realising that not every second of every day has to be exciting has been an important thing for me to get right. Too often we equate inertia with wasted time. We worry that if we aren't doing something fun then we are wasting that moment.

But to be able to fully enjoy yourself you've got to take care of the nitty-gritty - the oil to grease the wheels as it were. It is not often glamorous but needs doing. And the trick is to find a way of doing these things that don't equate to feeling like a grind. Because then you'll just find ways out.

To this

Today I've prepped meals, changed my bedding, washed a ton of clothes, ironed everything for next week, dusted everywhere and cleaned the kitchen and bathrooms all over. All while dancing around like a first class idiot. In my PJs. With my new noise-cancellers on. Singing at the top of my voice to some of the best tracks that have ever existed. And just like, a chore stops being one. That Mary Poppins had the right idea!

And the sense of satisfaction is real. It feels as good as that 10km last week, or finally finishing that book I've been circling for a few weeks. 

So find yourself a way to make those routine activities fly by. You've got to do them. Might as well stick on one tunes and show the world why you should never be allowed to sing in public. 

Hope the weekend has treated you right. And hope the week ahead is full of the wonder that we all know is out there.

Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 19 - United in difference

I hadn't realised until I came here just how strange a place the USA is. And I don't mean the people, or the food, or even the culture. I mean the concept of a United States. Somewhere around 330 million people live in the 50 states and 1 district, but I hadn't understood just how different that country feels and looks as you move across it. Again, I don't mean physically. It is more about how where you are can have a huge impact on your life. I know that is true for anywhere, but there is so much variety within this country that it somehow feels more unique.

Did you know for example that county in which Jack Daniels Tennessee Whisk(e)y is made is actually dry? Yep that's right. Moore County, Tennessee does not permit the sale of alcohol. You can buy a commemorative bottle at the distillery but can't drink it until you cross the county lines. 

In fact if you look at the map below you'll see that a vast majority of the counties that don't permit alcohol sales (in red) are in the southern states of Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky and Tennessee. Prime bourbon and moonshine country I thought. 

By File:USA Counties with FIPS and names.svg:File:USA Counties with names.svg: User:Mr. Mattéderivative work Kbh3rdderivative work: Fry1989 - This file was derived from: USA Counties with FIPS and names.svg:, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18798115

And if you look at the yellow ones you'll see huge swathes of Texas, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and North Carolina (to name a few) that have some restrictions on them. And you can see the definition on a state-by-state basis.

Contrast that with the Western states where there is only one county in the Pacific and Mountain Time Zones where you can't buy alcohol with very few restrictions.

Doing a bit more digging and it really comes down to the control individuals states have over certain local laws. The alcohol one for example came down to the way the 21st Amendment was was written out in 1933. Individual states were still able (as they often are in the USA) to interpret the amendment in multiple ways, which leads to this type of governance. 

Everything is the same, except where it is vastly different! 

This is in direct contrast to the way I'm used to seeing things - single point of Government sets laws for all and it is only really budgets that vary across the country. Legal age for drinking in the UK is the same everywhere. To us the US model seems very strange. I mean, can you imagine not being able to get a beer in Yorkshire and having to pop over the Pennines to get one?!

You'll see a similar pattern with marijuana legality, the ages at which certain things (such as tobacco, guns, lottery tickets etc.) can bought - and so on. Hell, even income tax varies by state to state, from 14%ish in California to nothing in Texas. This sits on top of federal income tax - and perhaps explains why the state of Texas rarely struggles to encourage those in higher income professions (e.g. Oil & Gas) to move there!

So although the country is United under one (star-spangled) banner - and a more patriotic nation I have yet to spend time in - it really is staggering how vast the differences in people's day-to-day lives are. And the surface is barely scratched here.

This just makes me even more determined to go out and see as much of it as I can. I knew it was a really melting pot of cultures, local traditions, lifestyles etc., but now it is an even bigger adventure than I first thought.

Till tomorrow,

Tom

Ps - Oh, tonight's food was Creole Spiced Tilapia with Sweet Potato Mash, Sprouts, Spinach and Asparagus. It was particularly delicious even if I do say so myself!

Day 18 - February approaches

This last month or so has passed quickly! Already 5 weeks since Christmas, the weather here in Baton Rouge is starting to warm up (yeah I know, crazy right?) and you can already see the springtime on the horizon. It's crazy how quick time seems to tick over when you become an adult. Looking back to where things were only a couple of months ago its hard to actually see the path - even though I've been on it. In a couple more months time, all being well, Katie will be getting ready to visit!

And there are likely to be even more changes coming in the not-to-distant future. Not knowing what may happen next is part of what makes life so interesting. You can look at it in two ways: constant fear of the unknown, or a sense of wonder of what is to com.

I used to love change, I embraced that little bit of chaos which permeates everyone's life in some way. Then.... I didn't. Somehow, slowly, I got scared of change, scared of not knowing. What an idiot! Some change is bad, but even that type of change can be mitigated somewhat by how you react to it. I feel like the last few months have elicited a positive reaction from me in most respects (certainly more positive than I might have expected) and it has given me a fresh energy and fresh impetus to return to being the person I want to be.

Anyway, enough of that for now - that was just something that popped in my head and needed extricating and getting written down.

So what does the next few weeks/months have in store? Well I've got my run in just under two weeks - followed by another three weeks after. I'm pretty close to finalising the details of my sky dive and I've tentatively got my first weekend city break planned. Have a guess where in the US I'll be going to first and if you get it right I'll think of a prize from that place!! Yeah I know its not a great competition but I'm still small-time in the blogging world here!

Managed to grab a few more photos of my little cubicle at work for those interested to see where I'll be based for the foreseeable. 

My own whiteboard 

One computer. Plus drawing board

Other desk - plus Katie's artwork

For those who don't care about that here is a picture of dinner: Pesto turkey with courgette, mushrooms and spinach.

For those who don't care about either, here is a camel. Cos it's hump day.

That means the weekend is fast approaching. My first full one in Baton Rouge And with that another new playground will open up in front of me. Can't wait.

Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 17 - On a roll

2nd working day in Baton Rouge and already feeling on a great roll, especially for a Tuesday. 5:30am gym session, fully productive day at work and managed to get my washing and ironing all done for tomorrow. 

Now this might not seem like much, but when I'm away like this I find I'm so much happier and focused when I have my rhythm. With me, having the mundane tasks planned out and structured frees my brain up for the more interesting things to manifest in there. 

Like, what do I want to do this weekend? Oh, that gym class across the way looks good. Why don't I get back online and speak to martial arts place again. Those kind of things come to me so much more naturally when I don't have to expend brain energy on the more routine tasks.

I think its an important thing in life, to ensure you are able to balance the necessities of being an adult with the spontaneity and freedom that you enjoyed a a child. Too often we adults get held in position almost by the demands of life - and the longer we fail to break those shackles the harder it becomes. Often we don't realise that we are in these holding patterns, more often we only realise when we are jolted out of them and we lose something dear.

So being on this kind of roll is good. It means the perspective is in the right place and I'm only trying to control what is controllable. And not because I seek control in itself, but the opposite in fact. Trying to be in complete control is not viable, and can be dangerous if you don't manage it properly. It can eat away at you, make you scramble to pull more and more threads closer to you, hold tighter to the wrong things. This ultimately can never end well, either for the person who is doing the holding or the person who gets dragged into the cycle with them. Control really is about understanding WHAT you need to manage, and what can be left to, let's call it, fate. It is about understanding your limitations and putting something in place that allows you to work within those limits to benefit you and those around you.

To me, taking care of the routine business frees the mind up to be spontaneous. It allows (at least me personally) the ability say yes to whatever it was I may have said no to last time and to really live. Giving up some semblance of control actually brings order to the right things in my life - and then the rest can be explored with the freedom and enjoyment that is what adventure is all about.

Oh, and dinner was amazyballs. Absolutely top notch 👌

Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 16 - To work!

First day officially in office. Everything that has been in the works (from a career point of view) over the last 18 months or so is finally in place. It has been a long, and often painful, ride but I am here - and ready to work. 

Panorama Action

Got myself a nice little cubicle - complete with my own whiteboard, drawing desk and noticeboard. Wasted no time adding Katie's artwork to the noticeboard, including he collage of "things I want to do which you will have to work hard for Daddy". 

I wouldn't change that for the world, being able to help her realise her dreams is a big motivation for what I do. 

I know I keep going on about it but being a Dad really change my whole perspective on things. It helped me to understand what is truly important, and I genuinely consider it the greatest blessing I've had.

Also thought I'd share my cooking exploits with you all tonight. As the video says, I've been working on this new philosophy called Noom. It has really helped me to make better (if not always good!) decisions on food - particularly around portion size and understanding how to feel fuller on less calories. Food wise its pretty simple and very unrestrictive, which suits my style.

Evening meal generally need to consist of a protein, a non-starchy veg, a low-carb option and a healthy fat. The custom meal plan they provided gives. me recipes but also provides suggestions as to what each of the above might entail - to allow you to make your own recipes options.

Today's is Tom's Pesto Chicken:

200 g Chicken (the protein)

1 cup roasted squash (the low-carb)

1/2 cup sprouts (the non-starchy veg)

1 1/2 tsp pesto (the healthy fat)

Bit of spinach/kale (filler)

Clocking in at 400-450 calories according to my app, it was excellent. And a bit of forward planning means I have plenty for lunch.

Till tomorrow, Tom,

Day 13 - Louisiana Baby

Before

So here we go. Managed to do Houston to Baton Rouge in a time I am not willing to disclose for fear of incriminating myself. 

All I will say is that I now know what speed is required to get a Ford Mustang to leave the road while cresting a slight rise - and not damage the undercarriage or exhaust. 

I may do a charity "guess the speed" at some point. £1 in, 50% to charity, 50% to winner. Or not. We'll see. Probably not actually. Ah sod it, you can just guess in the comments or on Facebook.

After

Thankfully I don't believe I was flashed and certainly wasn't stopped. I will at some point in my future be purchasing a Mustang though. No doubt.

Unfortunately it goes back tomorrow and I suspect what I pick up on Monday from work won't quite have the same level of excitement - nor will it project baby mustangs onto the floor when you unlock it. Pure, American, overstatement - and I love it 😂

The Great Man Himself

Had my usual stop at Buc'ees on the I-10 just outside Baytown. Managed to pick up a few things to send home in Katie's first care package, plus the now traditional chopped brisket sandwich from the hot deli counter. 

If you are ever in Texas near a Buc'ees you need to check one out. Best gas station toilets in then state, some delightful Texas-branded tat and a great selection of food and drink for the journey. 

Plus stuff which you'd never see in a gas station in the UK - full size deer feeder for hunting anyone?

Settled into the apartment already, helped of course by a bunch of my stuff already being here since before the Christmas break. I'll take a few more photos tomorrow once it is light and I can show you around the complex. 

Who knew I owned so many toiletries

The hub of the operation

Really think this is going to be an amazing home for the year. Already got a lot of things how I like them and I can imagine many many nights just lazing back and chilling out on the sofa. 

Perfect for entertaining too so need to make some strides in that direction.

Anyway, that's it for today. 

Heading out to drop the car off tomorrow and then for a proper explore round the area. First impressions are good but I'll have to wait till I pick my car up from work on Monday before I can really get about much beyond the local area. Still, part of the adfvenbture is heading off in a random direction and seeing what you find eh? I'll keep you posted.

Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 10 - Keeping it fresh

One of things I'm trying to work hard on is to find things of interest to talk about during the week. I really don't want this to turn into just a food and resturant blog - mainly as I'm wanting to lose weight but also cos I'm not very good at that kind of stuff! 

So I'm really looking for ideas for things to do, talk about etc. Anything really to keep this fresh and people entertained during the week. 

The highlight so far has been wearing my cowboy boots for the first time. I know that sounds so funny (and I know people are going to be rolling their eyes cos I've not been here two weeks yet) but man what a great investment!! So comfy. Now I just need to find a hat.

7:30pm UPDATE: Oh, my, word. I have just had literally the best sausage in the world ever. Without doubt. Provided by one of the CPChem guys from a deer he shot and had properly butchered himself. Tonight's was Cajun spiced and, as the video shows, awesome. I've got 3lbs of the stuff, mainly as Jeff and John can't take it home. Muahahahahahahaha. 

I've also discovered that my laptop has a multitude of different camera settings so be prepared for a large amount of stupid photos while I experiment with it. I present exhibit A - me checking to make sure no-one is stealing my large stash of deer sausage. 

Right, that'll do it for today. Off to do a bit more research for cool things to do in Baton Rouge when I get there. Let's see what the next day on this adventure brings. 
Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 9 - Brisket, Boots and Brie

Today found myself, John and Jeff over in Baytown on site for a couple of meetings. Baytown, as mentioned oprveiously, is a bit functional. But the area around the Cedar Bayou facility has some hidden gems, you just have to know where to look. Those of you following my blog will know I have a knack for finding cool places to eat that might not seem apparent at first glance!

The very first time I ever went to the Chevron Phillips plant nearly 5 years ago I was taken to a typical Texas roadside BBQ place. And I finally managed to make it back again this lunchtime with the guys. Unfortunately I deleted the photo but the brisket and sausage at Tony's BBQ and Steakhouse in Mont Belvieu (no website) is quality all the way. And the chicken John attempted to devour was about as tender as I've ever seen. Coming in at about $14/15 for two meats, two sides and a drink this is an absolute bargain in every sense.

UPDATE: Found the food picture!

Another Texas tradition we thought we'd hit on John's last day (and Jeff's penultimate) was Cavender's (here), one of the local boot and western wear shop. For us aspiring cowboys this place is a nirvana: boots as far as the eye can see, belts, hats, shirts, pants everything you can think of. 

Thought I'd treat myself a little bit in the spirit of the "just say yes year" and so I'm now the owner of not one but two delightful pairs of damn comfy boots. Just keep an eye on future blogs for their debut performances!!

To finish the Triple B in B(aytown) we managed to find ourselves a might fine pair of cheese platters in the Hilton Garden Inn hotel. 

Featuring figs, honey, garlic bread, apricots, fig jam and berries (as well as the obvious cheeses) this was a culinary delight. 

Seriously tasty from start to finish and well worth me hanging around in Baytown another 3-4 hours for. 

Following that it was back in the Mustang and home. Jeff and John are heading back to the UK in the next few days so I'm back to being a solo Brit in the South. The gym is calling, the healthy cookbooks are singing to me - and the real adventure begins now!

Till tomorrow,

Tom

Day 6 - Sausages to end the first week

So it turns out I need to start making a better job of writing my blog before I go do something in the evening. It's now nearly midday if Day 7, but here is Day 6.

Friday has finally arrived and that means the weekend is on the doorstop. It's also Jeff and John's last night in town so decided to make a night of it. Started off with what John unfortunately referred to as a "sausage-fest", but he was at least half right.

Moon Tower Inn Cookshack and Sudworks (here) does an amazing line in gourmet hot dogs and beer brewed round the back of the outdoor shack. 

It is a great little place maybe 5-10 minutes cab away from north downtown and well worth exploring. 

The one shown here is Elk with Bacon and Cheese. Other delights include Pheasant and Cognac, Buffalo with Chipotle, Rabbit, Duck, Lamb. Absolutely top quality fare, down-to-earth and rustic.

Houston is a city of distinct districts and pockets. We spend a lot of our time at the south of end of Downtown in the business district, where there isn't much in the way of bars/restaurants for evening entertainment. There is a bit in Midtown but it's definitely more of a studenty type vibe with outside bars rather than the classic bar you'd see in, for example, Spinningfields or the Northern Quarter.

So we headed up to the North part of Downtown and checked out a couple of places that tick the more traditional bar model. Admittedly we got there a little on the early side (Houston doesn't really get going till gone midnight) but the vibe and the scene down there is definitely worth going. 

Okra Charity Saloon (here) is a great concept. All profits go to various charities around Houston (a different one a month to a total of around $1.3m in 7 years). There is a constantly rotating beer selection (but nowhere near the choices of places like Woodrow's and Pub Fiction) and the food is pretty good too. The homemade cookies with milk are to die for, but we steered clear this time. The other place we hit was Bovine and Barley (here). Good beer selection and the wine was well received by Jeff.

Houston really is a great place to go out in, provided you keep in the right areas. There are plenty of people if you time it right, but it never feels overcrowded. I haven't seen any hint of trouble, everyone is beyond friendly and the atmosphere buzzes. 

And there are plenty more places to try before my year is over!
Till tomorrow, Tom

Day 5 - A bit of reminiscing

Strange day today. Realised when I was sat in work that the last time I sported the suit, shirt and tie combination I had on was my mum's funeral, nearly two years ago. It also dawned on my at the time that this was the first major life-altering period I've been through without her. So that brought plenty back.

It got me thinking about the future, and how we should embrace it. My mum was too young when she died, just around the time my dad finally retired and they seemed to have everything all set up. Life is shit like that sometimes. But it also presents you with opportunities, even in the dark times.

It gives you a wake-up call and the opportunity to take stock of your life and work out what is important to you. It gives you the opportunity to make positive decisions and consciously be a positive force. Dwelling on what might have happened is unproductive, but remembering the good times and promising yourself that you'll make good memories moving forward can be constructive. 

For me the sad part is that (at almost the drop of a hat) you can lose the ability to continue to make memories with the people you love. 

So take advantage and go make those memories today. Don't put something off waiting for the right time, turn the situation into the right time. We all have the ability to influence our surroundings and our mentality if nothing else. Be positive, be amazing and be in control of your own opportunities. 

With that out of the way I'll revert back more mundane and fun topics. We finally managed to find Jeff some red velvet cake - and it was demolished at a rate of knots! 

He's been after some for a while and finally we found one that looked worth the hassle. And it was. I had a sneaky bit. This came after we managed to put away a good 1 1/2 16" pizzas between three of us from the excellent Russo's in Midtown (here).

So the healthy living is struggling a touch! I've stabilised the next few days but once I get to BR it'll all be good. 

That's it from me. Hope you have a fantastic Friday and I'll catch you tomorrow.
Till then, Tom

Day 4 - Tamales and Parenthood

Minor technical issue with the video. Never could get it transferred so you get a day without getting to hear my voice. I feel your pain and I'm sorry 😂😂.

Another day, another adventure. Well not so much of an adventure as it mainly involved work but that's the right attitude isn't it?!

Definitely starting to get back into US life and becoming a bit more acclimatised to the fact I'm here for a year. I won't settle properly till I get to Baton Rouge and get into a routine but I can feel the process starting.

Caught up with a couple of friends from the client side tonight. Corey was anxiously checking his phone all night as his wife is 9 months and 1 day pregnant. I always wonder what this is like, waiting and knowing that at some point in the next few days your life will be changed for ever. 

I obviously didn't have that with Katie as I met her much later bit I know for a fact that when I became Katie's dad it was the moment that everything I knew changed. Becoming a dad is the single greatest thing that has happened to me and I'm a better person for it. 

I became more aware of what is actually important in life and to understand how priorities should be. I lost that recently, and that feeling is one I'm desperate to feel again. I'm off to a good start, and always trying to look forward.

What I do know is that my world became so much bigger and better when Katie arrived and I'm so excited for Corey and Alyssa to experience that.

Anyone coming to Houston with a liking for meat is in for a treat. As well as a number of great steak restaurants we have the brilliant Houston Steak Night website (here) which details which bars have pop-up steak vendors and on which nights. Most of them come in around $20 for a steak and a couple of sides (some also include a beer). 

Last night was Little Woodrow's in Midtown (here) - and the filet was to die for. Those who don't like to see any red on their steak should look away now, I have mine essentially still moving.

Another thing LW is famous for (in my eyes anyway) is the "tamales" guy. I've been here on numerous occasions and always said at some point I'd get some. We took the plunge tonight (even after that steak) and got some. I'm not going to bore you too much with what tamales are (google/wikipedia can do that job) but I was ever so slightly disappointed. Thankfully they were rescued by some amazing jalapeño sauce and they all got polished off pretty quickly.

Finished off in the Coaches Pub, which definitely falls into the category of American bar rather than English pub but never mind. And we've still not managed to find Jeff a good red velvet cake in town. As you can see, it is definitely playing on his mind!

Till tomorrow, Tom