Katrina Cleanup

I was reading in a recent edition of Stars and Stripes that some OIF vets said living conditions here are better than at the cleanup. Okay, few suggestions, Jason, on surviving a MRE experience.
1) Some of them aren't that bad. In my opinion, the meatloaf with onion gravy is one of the better ones. Heat up the meatloaf and mashed potatoe at the same time. Don't worry, they ARE edible. However, save your meatloaf gravy and pour it into you mashed potatoes.
2) Every MRE comes with a small bottle of tobasco to drown out the flavor of the less desirable ones. It does help, especially with the chicken breast with the fake grill lines on it.
3)A good desert is "Ranger Puddin'": mix your cocoa mix, sugar and creamer together first, DRY. Then add just enough water, a little at a time, to mix it up so it looks like brownie mix. It's pretty good. I add my instant coffee packet to give it a little kick.
4)Doubtful, but if you can find some infantry guys with some C4, if you pinch off a piece and light it with your lighter, it's great fuel and a great way to boil water to make coffee. Just don't step on it to put it out 'cause it's the combination of heat and pressure that makes it go "BOOM!"

5) Mix the cheesespread up real well by kneading it, or else the oil in it will sit on top when you put it on your crackers.

6)Any camping gear you can take I guarantee will make your life more comfortable, especially a mosquito net and a burner with some propane tanks. Take as many refills as you can carry 'cause you know there ain't none down there. And keep them locked up.
7) Take antacids and laxatives 'cause you'll need them both, depending on what MRE's you eat. Oh, and don't worry about the smell. MRE's do that to everybody.

Well, take care everybody. Love y'all.

Chris

Correction: Jason is leaving for the Hattteras cleanup first; then on to Mississippi.

Love to you all, Aunt B.

Camping

Ricky, we will miss you. Hannah, you know that we will help with the children and putting up the tent. Amber Nicole and Kyle will be disappointed if none of the other children will be coming.

Our world is changing! Now, Jason is leaving this weekend to work in Mississippi for an unlimited time. He turned in his resignation this morning at Jimbo Jimbos. Camping? Rick says he doesn't want to go without me. Hannah doesn't know if she can handle it without Jason, or her mom and dad. Shawn was planning to go, but haven't heard from him yet.

Sorry to hear that you'll not be with us this year, Bertie. Make us Baptists proud. Ricky knows that Ed wants him to be there but Ed does not believe in encouraging (dinging) someone to do something unless they want to do it, nor does he want someone encouraging (dinging) him to do something he does not want to do. Does Ricky want to go? Tell him everyone wants him to. It won't be the same without him or you. He can even sleep in our tent if he doesn't want to mess with putting his up.
Looking forward to seeing everyone who'll be there.

I will miss you all at the campout. Plans have changed and the childcare unit will be moved to Gulfport when we get there. The unit had an average of 39 children in Meridian. I guess the need is greater in Gulfport.

Everybody, get ready for Ophelia! Hopefully we won't get too much here. Love, Aunt B.

It's the chili that I was going to bring last year, but I forgot it. I was just joking. I think it's time to trash it.

Camping

Bertha, Sorry you won't be back in time. You had indicated that you would be back. We'll miss you. Joyce, since you complained that I didn't give you enough to bring, do you want to bring the applesauce and chips that Bertha was to bring? Cathy, is it the same chilli that you brought last year? Is that the reason you wanted to know? I don't know how long it stays good.
Looking forward to camping. Margaret

CHILI

I'll be glad to bring the chili....does anyone know how long frozen chili lasts in the freezer?!?

Thanks for including me, but I'm afraid that I'll have to pass this year. Will be getting back from Mississipp too late Saturday night to enjoy the campout. I'm not sure about Ricky, if he'll go with Hannah or not. Hopefully he will go. Maybe Ed can call and encourage him. Love, Aunt B.

CAMPING

FRIDAY NIGHT: YOYO (You’re On Your Own)

SATURDAY MORNING:
BACON OR SAUSAGE
EGGS
GRITS
FRUIT
JUICE

SATURDAY LUNCH: HOTDOGS, BEANS, CHILI, CHIPS, APPLESAUCE

SATURDAY NIGHT: PIG PICKIN' - MENU-COLESLAW, BAKED BEANS, HUSH PUPPIES

SUNDAY MORNING:
BACON OR SAUSAGE
FRENCH TOAST
FRUIT
JUICE

EVERYONE NEEDS TO BRING:
LAWN CHAIRS
DRINKS
SNACKS
FLASHLIGHT
TOILETRIES
1LB BACON OR SAUSAGE

I WILL BRING:
SALT/PEPPER
MARGARINE
SYRUP
MAYO/MUSTARD
COFFEE/SUGAR/MILK
KETCHUP
PAPER TOWELS

HOW DOES THIS SOUND/DOES IT SOUND FAMILIAR TO ANYONE?
Hotdogs - Margaret
Buns - Cathy
Bread - Margaret
Eggs - Margaret
Chili - Cathy
Beans - Christie
Fruit - Lol
Juice - Hannah
Grits - Joyce
Chips - Joyce
Bacon or Sausage - Everyone
Drinks - Everyone
Ice - Everyone
Applesauce - Joyce
Paper products (plates, cups, napkins) - Christie & Margaret
Plastic Products - (eating utensils) - Hannah
S'mores Stuff - Christie
Milk/Cereal - Lol
Onions - Margaret

Firewood - Jeremy, Dad, anyone else?

Any suggestions or changes, let me know.
Joyce, I'll talk to you tomorrow or I've just realized, I'll talk to you later today. So sorry to hear about Ed being sick again. Also hope Jeremy's dad is doing well at home.
We had a good time at Clay's birthday party. I stopped by after leaving the beach.
Margaret