Signature sandwich from each state, part 1 of 3 Alabama-Georgia

The food preferences of the United States are as diverse as its multicultural population, with each state proudly boasting its own signature sandwich that often tells a rich story of culture, history, migration, and tradition. The origin stories of these sandwiches are as varied as the ingredients themselves, often rooted in immigrant traditions, agricultural abundance, or the innovative spirit of American cuisine.

Across the country, there is a vast array of sandwiches, each with unique flavors and preparation methods. These range from hearty, meat-laden creations to creamy, sweet-filled delights, showing the many possibilities found between two slices of bread. There is no denying the integral role sandwiches play in America's food identity.

This week's part 1 of 3 signature sandwich series covers Alabama thru Georgia.

Alabama: Pulled chicken sandwich with white barbeque sauce

Alabama's pulled chicken sandwich features tender, slow-cooked pulled chicken drenched in a tangy white barbecue sauce made with mayo and served on a bun.

Alaska: Salmon sandwich

This sandwich is a joint product of Alaska's rich fishing industry and abundant salmon population. Variations include different toppings, such as avocado or aioli, to complement the grilled or smoked fish.

Arizona: Sonoran hot dog

The state's significant Mexican influence and proximity to Sonora, Mexico, make this iconic borderland sandwich an Arizona favorite. The Sonoran hot dog features a bacon-wrapped hot dog stuffed into a bolillo roll and topped with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, mustard, and mayonnaise.

Arkansas: Fried bologna sandwich

The fried bologna sandwich features thick slices of bologna, fried until crispy, on white bread with mustard and mayonnaise. Originating from simple, hearty fare popular in the rural South, this sandwich is a nostalgic favorite. Ingredient variations include cheese, onions, or a fried egg.

California: French dip sandwich

Hailing from Los Angeles, the French dip sandwich consists of thinly sliced roast beef on a French roll served with a side of au jus for dipping. Originating from Philippe The Original or Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet, both of which claim to have invented it, this sandwich reflects the diverse culinary influences in California. I can remember as a young child when our family would make the trek from West Los Angeles to downtown to get French dip sandwiches at Philippe's.

Colorado: Denver sandwich

The Denver sandwich, also known as the Denver omelet, consists of scrambled eggs mixed with diced ham, onions, and bell peppers served between slices of toasted bread. The sandwich can include cheese or different types of meat.

Connecticut: Lobster roll

Connecticut's lobster roll is served hot with warm lobster meat tossed in melted butter on a toasted bun. This version differs from the New England cold lobster roll, which uses mayonnaise.

Delaware: The Bobbie

The Bobbie layers turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mayonnaise on a sub roll, mimicking a Thanksgiving meal. Originating from the Wilmington, Delaware, founded Capriotti's Sandwich Shop in 1976, it quickly became a local favorite.

Florida: Cubano

Cuban bread, roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard pressed until crispy—that's what gives the Cubano its perfect crunchy bite. It originated with Cuban immigrants in Florida around the turn of the 20th century, and additional layers may include salami, a Tampa, Florida, specific twist.

Georgia: Pimento cheese sandwich

The pimento cheese sandwich, a Southern staple, is especially beloved in Georgia. It consists of a creamy spread made from sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos (cherry peppers) served cold or on griddled white bread.

Fun Fact:  The sandwich originated in 18^th century England, made popular in 1762 by John Montagu, the 4^th Earl of Sandwich, a man obsessed with gambling. Legend says the Earl ordered meat between slices of bread so he could eat with one hand and not need to leave the gaming table. Others at the table ordered "the same as Sandwich." Named in the 1760s, similar bread and filling concepts actually existed thousands of years earlier.

Stop by next week for a look at part 2 of 3—Hawaii thru New Jersey.

No Blog This Week

I have out of state company staying with me Sunday May 10 thru Saturday May 16, 2026.  I'll see you next week. 

Mother's Day—A Brief History

Mother's Day is a holiday honoring motherhood. It's observed in different forms in many countries, the date traditionally falling on the second Sunday in May in the United States (for 2026 that's Sunday, May 10).

The celebration of mothers and motherhood goes back to the ancient Greeks and Romans who held festivals honoring the mother goddesses. The clearest precedent for Mother's Day is the early Christian festival known as Mothering Sunday. This was once a major tradition in the UK and parts of Europe, falling on the fourth Sunday in Lent. It was a time when the faithful would return to their mother church (the main church in the vicinity of their home) for a special service. Over time the tradition shifted into a secular holiday with children bringing flowers to their mothers as tokens of appreciation.

Although the roots of the modern American Mother's Day go back to the years prior to our Civil War (1861-1865), the official Mother's Day holiday in the U.S. arose in the 1900s as a result of the efforts of Anna Jarvis. Following her mother's death in 1905, Anna Jarvis conceived of Mother's Day as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers made for their children. After gaining financial backing from a Philadelphia department store owner, in May 1908 she organized the first official Mother's Day celebration at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia. That same day also saw thousands of people attend a Mother's Day event at a retail store in Philadelphia.

Following the success of her first Mother's Day, Jarvis—who remained unmarried and childless her whole life—resolved to see her holiday added to the national calendar. Arguing that American holidays were biased toward male achievements, she started a massive letter writing campaign to newspapers and prominent politicians urging the adoption of a special day honoring motherhood. By 1912, many states, towns and churches had adopted Mother's Day as an annual holiday, and Jarvis had established the Mother's Day International Association to help promote her cause. Her persistence paid off in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.

Anna Jarvis had originally conceived of Mother's Day as a day of personal celebration between mothers and families. Her version of the day involved wearing a white carnation and visiting one's mother or attending church services. But once Mother's Day became a national holiday, it wasn't long before florists, card companies and other merchants capitalized on its popularity.

While Jarvis had initially worked with the floral industry to help raise the Mother's Day profile, by 1920 she had become disgusted with how the holiday had been commercialized. She outwardly denounced what she believed it had become and urged people to stop buying Mother's Day flowers, cards and candies. Jarvis eventually resorted to an open campaign against Mother's Day profiteers and even charities. She also launched countless lawsuits against groups that had used the name "Mother's Day," eventually spending most of her personal wealth in legal fees. By the time of her death in 1948 Jarvis had disowned the holiday altogether, and even actively lobbied the government to see it removed from the American calendar.

Even though versions of Mother's Day are celebrated throughout the world, traditions vary from country to country. For example—in Thailand, Mother's Day is always celebrated in August on the birthday of the current queen. And in Ethiopia, families gather each fall to sing songs and eat a large feast as part of a multi-day celebration honoring motherhood.

In the U.S., Mother's Day has become one of the biggest holidays for consumer spending. 

Secret Societies

Secret Societies…Conspiracy Theories…these mysterious entities have been with us ever since mankind formed civilizations.

Secret Societies abound across the face of the planet, touching every race, religion, creed and color of humanity. Some are associated with religion and some with politics. In fact, you can find secret societies embedded in every facet of society. Although there have been many books written, movies and documentaries produced about conspiracy theories and secret societies, the publication of Dan Brown's book THE DA VINCI CODE and release of the movie starring Tom Hanks focused a world wide spotlight on a specific set of conspiracy theories and secret societies galloping across the pages of history.

One such Secret Society is the Freemasons, an organization constantly in a swirl of public attention from books and even an onslaught of television documentaries. They are, perhaps, the most recognized of secret societies with the greatest number of conspiracy theories attached to them due in great part to their longevity, an organization whose roots date back to biblical times formed by stone masons who built things such as the massive temples of the time. The older the organization, the more conspiracy theories that become attached to it over time.

However, other secret societies remain far more elusive from public scrutiny. I recently came across a list of four secret societies (among what is probably hundreds, maybe even thousands) that have not routinely been thrust into public awareness.

The Bohemian Club:

Founded in San Francisco in 1872, the Bohemian Club holds an annual retreat in the redwood forest of northern California at Bohemian Grove.  At this location, they conduct a secret ceremony in front of a giant owl statue.  Only the most powerful men are invited to attend.  Women are prohibited from being members, a situation upheld by the California courts.  Famous members included Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, two former United States Presidents.

Ordo Templi Orientis:

Founded in the early 20th century by an Austrian chemist.  One of its known members is famed British occultist Aleister Crowley (1875-1947). He revamped the masonic group to focus on a religion he created called Thelema. They believe that mankind's existence is a product of the relationship between the space-time continuum and the principle of life and wisdom. Prospective members must go through a series of secret rituals and initiations before being granted membership.

The Rosicrucians:

Rosicrucianism is a spiritual and cultural movement which arose in Europe in the early 17th century. They have one central belief, that all their members share the same secret wisdom. Their beliefs combine occultism with aspects of popular religion. They're named for their symbol of a rose on a cross.

Skull & Bones:

Founded at Yale university in 1832, it's probably the most famous of the secret societies due in part to such high profile members as three generations of the Bush family, including two presidents—George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.  Skull & Bones have allegedly been a part of many monumental historical events despite the fact that only fifteen Yale students are chosen each year to become members. It's rumored that they took part in the creation of the nuclear bomb. There's also a persistent belief that in 1918, nine years after Geronimo's death, a group of Skull & Bones members dug up his grave and stole his skull, a few miscellaneous bones, and some relics that were also buried with him. The grave raiding party allegedly included Prescott Bush, father and grandfather to the two Bush presidents. Twenty descendants of Geronimo filed a lawsuit against Skull & Bones, Yale University, and the U.S. Government to have the remains returned to them. A federal judge dismissed the case in 2010, citing the 1990 limitations in the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

There are certainly many more secret organizations functioning and flourishing world-wide in today's society other than those mentioned here.

Earth Day—Where, When, And Why

Wednesday, April 22, 2026, is Earth Day. We only have one planet and we need to do everything we can to save it.

Supposedly originated in 1969 at a UNESCO conference in San Francisco, the name and idea for Earth Day was first observed on March 21, 1970—the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere that year. This day in celebration of the Earth was put into a proclamation signed by UN Secretary U Thant.

And at about the same time, a separate Earth Day was founded in the United States as an environmental teach-in first observed on April 22, 1970.  The April 22^nd date was taken international in 1990 with organized events focusing on environmental issues in 141 nations.

The impetus for an Earth Day came following the huge oil spill in 1969 off the coast of Santa Barbara, California.  Originally a teach-in on environmental issues to be observed on every college campus in the United States.  The name Earth Day was a logical and obvious suggestion made by several people in the fall of 1969.

The April 22, 1970, Earth Day was the beginning of the modern environmental movement.  Media coverage of the first April 22 Earth Day included Walter Cronkite's narration of a CBS News Special Report Earth Day: A Question Of Survival.

Earth Day became a popular event in the United States and soon around the world as well.  Earth Day seemed to work because of a grassroots level enthusiasm that quickly spread.

In 1990, on the 20^th anniversary of Earth Day in the United States, the observation officially went global in 141 countries.  The status of environmental issues now had stronger marketing tools, greater access to television and radio, and multimillion-dollar budgets.

Earth Day 2000 marked the first time the movement used the internet as its principle means of organization both locally and internationally.

Today Earth Day continues to grow in membership, number of countries participating, and the scope of its effectiveness.

We only have one planet and now, more than ever, we need to do everything we can to save it. 

9 UNUSUAL USES FOR VODKA

I came across these interesting little tidbits of household helpful hints and thought I'd share them with you.  Most people agree that vodka doesn't have a smell or taste.  However, to me it smells and tastes like rubbing alcohol.  Therefore, I find these uses for vodka far more viable than drinking it.  :)

Remove a Band-Aid

If you've got a Band-Aid you want to remove without the pain of ripping it off, dab some vodka over the adhesive part so that it comes off with more ease. This method also works with stickers.

Treat Poison Ivy

If you think your skin has come into contact with poison ivy, pour vodka over the affected area immediately. Some say the stronger the alcohol, the better. Rubbing alcohol can also be used.

Freshen Laundry

Spritz some vodka on your clothes to freshen them up. Vodka kills odor-causing bacteria and dries with no smell. Be sure to keep the clothing in a well-ventilated area.

Ease a Toothache

Got a toothache? You should go to the dentist, but until then swish some vodka in your mouth. It will help disinfect the affected area and also numb the pain a little.

Insect Repellent

Pour some vodka into a spray bottle to repel pesky insects. Spray near you or on you, but avoid the eyes!

Keep Flowers Fresh

Mix vodka with a spoonful of sugar or baking soda with water to keep your flowers fresher in the vase for longer.

Tame Frizzy Hair

Mix some vodka into your hair conditioner to tame any frizzy hair and make it shinier. It also might help reduce flakes.

Window Washing

Instead of buying that blue stuff, use vodka to clean your windows. Just mix some cheap, high-proof vodka with water and spray away.

Treat Jellyfish Sting

Stung by a jellyfish? Pour some vodka on it ASAP to disinfect it and calm some of the sting.

DO AND DON'T FOR THE MORNING AFTER…

It's a familiar scene in real life—your first date with him, either someone you just met or maybe someone you've known for a while but the two of you have never been on an actual date until now.  The evening went really well, you both had a great time.

Even though you wouldn't normally end up in bed with a guy on the first date, in fact you never have before, somehow this time is different.  He seemed like a terrific guy and you definitely wanted to see him again.  It's as if the two of you were really meant for each other.  Destiny has brought you together.  Fate has decreed it to be so.

Maybe you go to his place or perhaps you go to your place.  Either way, you end up in bed.  A night of hot sex—in fact, the best sex you've ever had.  Then the cold and occasionally cruel light of dawn hits you with reality.

It's now that dreaded morning after!  Terribly awkward or truly comfortable?  Is he really the right guy for you?

I recently found a list of Do And Don't For The Morning After…ten items on the do list for that comfortable and blissful morning after and ten items on the don't list for that awkward morning after…to let you know if he's really the one for you.

The List Saying 'This Could Be The Guy':

1)  He cooks breakfast, goes on a food run, or makes a pot of coffee without being asked.

2)  He walks your dog.

3)  He likes to get it on in the morning.

4)  He's into showering together.

5)  He makes jokes, but never at the wrong time and never at your expense.

6)  He plays DJ while you're getting dressed.

7)  He warms up his car for you on a cold winter day.

8)  He remembers where you left your earrings last night.

9)  He gives you not one, but two clean towels and wash cloth for your shower if you're at his house.

10) He makes your bed, even if he does a crappy job of it.

The List Saying 'This Definitely Is not The Guy':

1)  He's in a cranky mood and doesn't want to get it on because he's not a morning person.

2)  He wants to know why you don't have a specific brand of gourmet coffee.

3)  He doesn't leave your place until late afternoon even though you've hinted that it's time for him to go.

4)  He's in a rush to leave/get rid of you or is obviously panicked at waking up next to another human.

5)  He won't have breakfast or even a cup of coffee with you and if at his house doesn't offer you a thing to eat, not even a glass of water.

6)  He takes forever getting out the door in the morning because first he has to check his email, then he watches Sports Center or some dumb internet videos.

7)  He overdoes it when spritzing that vile smelling cologne.

8)  His shower contains a gnarly-looking loofah his ex-girlfriend left 2 years ago and some kind of questionable soap.

9)  He doesn't take out the trash until it's overflowing and then some so that his apartment smells like the dump.

10) He complains about the comfort of your mattress and pillows.

Anything you'd like to add to the do or don't list?