Charlotte, NC

Hey … remember this stuff?? Just wanted to show ya what it looks like (yep … I’m told it’s still wet, and can be a little slippery.) I’m told we’re finally gonna get something that looks like it this week … or next … maybe next …

(Incidentally, the title of this post comes from the King himself. It was a short blues ditty Elvis did during one of his movies. Anyone wanna take a guess as to which one??)

Anyway, as you know, during this heat wave, the Queen City has put a water advisory out for its citizens. Hey — it’s a sharp move, since we’re gonna need some left for emergencies, building up our water tables, etc. Now, Mount Holly and Gastonia are gonna be following suit, so, if (I said, “if”) this heat wave breaks soon, we oughtta be in good shape.

Now, you’re probably wonderin’ “Well, then, what the ?&*! do I drink?” Well, nobody said ya couldn’t drink the water — just be careful about how ya use it (for example: waterin’ the lawn, washin’ your ‘07 Boltbucket Deluxe, etc.). But here are some thirst-quenchin’ ideas:

• If you’re into soda-pop, go grape! (Hey … we’re in the South, so that can only mean … NEHI!) Actually, grape soda does wet ya down and fill you up better than any other soft drink, including Pepsi! (WHA…?!?! Hey — go ahead. Don’t give up your Sutthunness for some statistics! Just go … er, sparingly, okay?)
• While you’re sippin’ (don’t swig or chug it; ya won’t get the full coolin’ effect!), be sure to take a break … get off your feet, let the “fanny hit the fabric,” and relax in the shade!!
• Of course, ya got bottled water everywhere these days! And, when ya drink it, don’t make it ice cold … that can shock an overheated system! Make it cool enough to enjoy, but not throat-numbin’ cold!
• Above all else, stay away from the liquor! I’m tellin’ ya, that kickapoo joy juice can do ya more harm than good, ’cause it’ll not only dry you out a lot quicker, but it can also cause a lot of gastric pain. ‘Sides, (heh-heh!)who likes an overheated drunk?

Now, we’re headin’ into some fun things to do over the next month or so, Crown Towners, and you’ll be readin’ about them here in the next few blogs. Just be sure ya stay hydrated (meaning, non-mummified) and ready for ‘em! A little common sense and patience will do the trick every time …

GOIN’ BACK TO WHERE IT STARTED

Years ago, when this dude called “The Eagle” penned his Coffee Talk column for five different area papers (I did it for [hang on ... lemme think ...]almost eight years), the writing was like everyday talkin’: informal, dialoguish and got a lot of good response.
Well, I’ve been asked to continue that style here at A-C, so look for things to liven up a little from here on out. ‘Course, there’ll be times to be serious and proper, but, starting now, we’re “goin’ back to where it started.” So read a few, then contact me here, and lemme know whatcha think, okay??