Petro's And Pets On The Porch With Friends

My day launched with a five mile walk and ended with dinner at the home of Carleen and Daniel.  Our evening began with Boursin Cheese. I had never heard of this type of cheese until a year ago.  I must say it is superb.  I eat it alone, spread it on crackers, or combine it in a dish that I am preparing.  The texture is similar to cream cheese that is laced with spices and herbs.  This stuff is so yummy.  As the appetizers were enjoyed, we sat out on the porch which had a tremendous view of the mountains. The four of us took pleasure in the quietness of the evening, while Mckinzie, their German Shepard/St. Bernard family member, carried her treat out to the lawn to enjoy.  The temps have been cooler here in East Tennessee,which made for a perfect evening of chili, a mixture of meat, beans, peppers and herbs.  As the sun was fading, Stone and I gathered around the four top table as lightening began illuminating the sky.  Carleen and Daniel placed the chili with all the accompaniments on the lazy susan.  We ate our chili, Petro style, which is a chili bowl layered with fixings like fritos corn chips, my downfall, onions, tomatoes, cheese and sour cream.  As the rain began and all were full and content, we waddle to the lounge chairs where we enjoyed desserts of petit fours, cannolis, and cheesecake. Yes, I had some of all.  As we departed, Carleen, Daniel and of course, Mckinzie, walked us to the door as the light rain continued.  We drove the short distance home, crawled into bed, and stated, "another great evening with friends."

Me and Carleen

Stone and Mckinzie

Frank and Jesse James fell prey to the taste of chili and are said to have eaten a few bowls of "red" before pulling many of their bank jobs.  At least one town, it is noted, was spared from their shooting and looting by the local chili parlor.  Fort Worth had a chili joint just north of town and the James boys rode in there just for the chili, vowing never to rob their bank because "anyplace that has a chili joint  this good just ought' be treated better.  Source:"http://www.chilicookoff.com/history/history_of_chili.asp

You can be assured that East Tennessee would have been safe from boys like Frank and Jesse, because Carleen and Daniel's chili was that good.