In our "previous life" in Baton Rouge, a computer was an extension of our arms. Neither Jeff nor I were ever far from a computer. We had monitor stations at the office, at home and at the camp with high speed internet connections. It is not an exaggeration to say we were always behind a keyboard.
With that mindset, we started this blog when we moved to Tensas Parish. Surely that aspect of our life would not change.
WRONG.
We've been living here over 3 years now, and we find we are more and more disconnected. And this is a good thing. We are outside more, or in a tractor or other equipment, and find we do not spend much time inside at the keyboard. We use our smartphones more and more . . . and we all know how frustrating it can be to type a long message on your phone.
So I guess I am saying all this to give us an excuse about why we do not blog much. We do like to share our experiences, however, and we found we posted more on our personal Facebook pages. It's easy to do that from a phone. So we started an open Facebook page for Agriana and will be posting there as much as possible. Even if you aren't on Facebook, you can see the page at www.facebook.com/pages/Agriana/196982200325223. If you are on Facebook and "like" the page, our posts will show in your news feed. We welcome your comments and look forward to interacting with you about life here at Agriana.
We do plan on blogging when we can. I hope you will stay with us :)
Jeff & Karen
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Friday, July 5, 2013
Thoughts on LSU's leadership
Jim Brown wrote an essay on LSU's current leadership change (view here). They are getting a new president. Jim faults LSU for not permanently and strongly establishing itself as the state flagship university. I was a contributor for a number of years and had a wee bit of an inside view. One word comes to mind. Arrogance.
They made this big in-your-face push of "flagship" that didn't go down well with many people associated with the other universities of the state. My opinion is that if they wanted that status they should just be it. But be it by an damned big margin that can't be legitimately argued against. Otherwise it's a big mistake. I've seen it many times in business. Start bragging and the knives come out. If it's just a PR war then you might need to make some claim to be noticed. But it better be a claim that can't be challenged. The "flagship" status might have made everyone inside LSU, and their "boardly" bodies feel good at home and around the country. I thought the "flagship" push was bad not only for bringing out the Louisiana knives in the Louisiana legislature, but also didn't likely help outside Louisiana. When I was president of my company I had no need to brag because I was Mr. Lewis. I had respect because of what I accomplished and my company's reputation. We never revealed revenue or profit, both of which were underestimated outside my company. We kept having record revenue year after year. Revealing that would have only caused problems with no upside unless I had wanted the bitter pleasure of letting people think, including competitors, that I was "better" than them. Well the LSU community seemed to have enjoyed that pleasure. Maybe they got the "pleasure" but the other universities certainly got the "bitter" from LSU. So where's the surprise that the knives come out in the legislature? And why the surprise at how many knives and how sharp they are and how determined they are to draw blood. And why the surprise at how much blood flows until LSU is just about slouching with the rest of the state which they see as inferiors? So now LSU is slouching and stumbling. I don't know much about the direction of the "inferiors" but I would guess their momentum is not on the bad downward trajectory of LSU.
The problem with the new president is that he likely got the job by making all kinds of assurances that he would quickly turn around the failing "flagship" mission. Don't be surprised to see more blood spilled.
I have not liked any of the recent presidents or chancellors. They are all from outside Louisiana. Sure they look good. But Michael Martin was the only one I ever heard anyone like. The rest were described as backstabbing and untrustworthy. Do you remember Sean O'Keefe? The search committee, as I heard it, stopped looking when they interviewed him. Stopped looking? Really? What in the world did they fall for? But they got what they bought. And could not get rid of him fast enough.
To be sure, William Jenkins was the real deal. I think what made him different, along with his special skills across the board, was that he was not a Yankee. He was from South Africa. And another thing that made him special was that he had been with LSU since 1988, only becoming chancellor in 1996 after eight years of getting the lay of the land. That is important.
One of the wisest things I learned about selecting leaders, coincidentally from someone I served with in the College of Science at LSU, was that when things are going good you promote from within. But when things are going bad you bring in new minds. Jenkins fit this rule. O'Keefe and John Lombardi failed this rule. The new president is coming from California. I think that's a big mistake. I think they need a local good-ole-boy for the turnaround. And by turnaround I mean in the actual operation of the university. Sure it's not as sexy to the outside world to introduce your local President Bubba, but President Bubba can get the knives back in their sheaths in time because he knows all the offended knife holders. He knows the "inferiors" can't be asked to decline while LSU arrogantly steps on them trying to become their superior. I've been away from Louisiana politics for about 20 years now. (Sad to say, but I now regret every single dollar I ever contributed.) In that time I only met a couple men who could be President Bubba. I'm pretty sure they are both in their eighties by now.
I wish the new President Alexander the best. If he calls me I will be glad to go see him. Yet you and I are pretty sure he's not likely to see things my way. Nor would his "security" screen want him to consider my approach. They will likely go with some sort of "bigger knife" strategy. Bad plan. A tiny blade in the right place will kill you. So will a hundred in even some "safe" places.
My advice for President Alexander: Find somebody to take your calls. Get a really good assistant and spend the rest of the summer visiting every single legislator in their personal homes. And especially visit ever other university President the same way. Chancellors too. (Together if you can arrange it.) They are all expecting you to be the latest enemy leader. Change that expectation before you make a single big decision. Win them over.
One last thought: If they suddenly have to fire President Alexander don't start thinking Jeff For President. My official resume is weak, well actually negative, from a university viewpoint. I'm just a wanna-be strategist. We never get evaluated so our thoughts are not to be trusted.
They made this big in-your-face push of "flagship" that didn't go down well with many people associated with the other universities of the state. My opinion is that if they wanted that status they should just be it. But be it by an damned big margin that can't be legitimately argued against. Otherwise it's a big mistake. I've seen it many times in business. Start bragging and the knives come out. If it's just a PR war then you might need to make some claim to be noticed. But it better be a claim that can't be challenged. The "flagship" status might have made everyone inside LSU, and their "boardly" bodies feel good at home and around the country. I thought the "flagship" push was bad not only for bringing out the Louisiana knives in the Louisiana legislature, but also didn't likely help outside Louisiana. When I was president of my company I had no need to brag because I was Mr. Lewis. I had respect because of what I accomplished and my company's reputation. We never revealed revenue or profit, both of which were underestimated outside my company. We kept having record revenue year after year. Revealing that would have only caused problems with no upside unless I had wanted the bitter pleasure of letting people think, including competitors, that I was "better" than them. Well the LSU community seemed to have enjoyed that pleasure. Maybe they got the "pleasure" but the other universities certainly got the "bitter" from LSU. So where's the surprise that the knives come out in the legislature? And why the surprise at how many knives and how sharp they are and how determined they are to draw blood. And why the surprise at how much blood flows until LSU is just about slouching with the rest of the state which they see as inferiors? So now LSU is slouching and stumbling. I don't know much about the direction of the "inferiors" but I would guess their momentum is not on the bad downward trajectory of LSU.
The problem with the new president is that he likely got the job by making all kinds of assurances that he would quickly turn around the failing "flagship" mission. Don't be surprised to see more blood spilled.
I have not liked any of the recent presidents or chancellors. They are all from outside Louisiana. Sure they look good. But Michael Martin was the only one I ever heard anyone like. The rest were described as backstabbing and untrustworthy. Do you remember Sean O'Keefe? The search committee, as I heard it, stopped looking when they interviewed him. Stopped looking? Really? What in the world did they fall for? But they got what they bought. And could not get rid of him fast enough.
To be sure, William Jenkins was the real deal. I think what made him different, along with his special skills across the board, was that he was not a Yankee. He was from South Africa. And another thing that made him special was that he had been with LSU since 1988, only becoming chancellor in 1996 after eight years of getting the lay of the land. That is important.
One of the wisest things I learned about selecting leaders, coincidentally from someone I served with in the College of Science at LSU, was that when things are going good you promote from within. But when things are going bad you bring in new minds. Jenkins fit this rule. O'Keefe and John Lombardi failed this rule. The new president is coming from California. I think that's a big mistake. I think they need a local good-ole-boy for the turnaround. And by turnaround I mean in the actual operation of the university. Sure it's not as sexy to the outside world to introduce your local President Bubba, but President Bubba can get the knives back in their sheaths in time because he knows all the offended knife holders. He knows the "inferiors" can't be asked to decline while LSU arrogantly steps on them trying to become their superior. I've been away from Louisiana politics for about 20 years now. (Sad to say, but I now regret every single dollar I ever contributed.) In that time I only met a couple men who could be President Bubba. I'm pretty sure they are both in their eighties by now.
I wish the new President Alexander the best. If he calls me I will be glad to go see him. Yet you and I are pretty sure he's not likely to see things my way. Nor would his "security" screen want him to consider my approach. They will likely go with some sort of "bigger knife" strategy. Bad plan. A tiny blade in the right place will kill you. So will a hundred in even some "safe" places.
My advice for President Alexander: Find somebody to take your calls. Get a really good assistant and spend the rest of the summer visiting every single legislator in their personal homes. And especially visit ever other university President the same way. Chancellors too. (Together if you can arrange it.) They are all expecting you to be the latest enemy leader. Change that expectation before you make a single big decision. Win them over.
One last thought: If they suddenly have to fire President Alexander don't start thinking Jeff For President. My official resume is weak, well actually negative, from a university viewpoint. I'm just a wanna-be strategist. We never get evaluated so our thoughts are not to be trusted.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Jeff's deer hunt this afternoon
Jeff really enjoyed his hunt this afternoon . . . the only shots he fired were from the camera. You can enjoy the hunt with Jeff here: Agriana Photo Album
You can also "like" our Facebook page here: Agriana
Jeff & Karen
You can also "like" our Facebook page here: Agriana
Jeff & Karen
Monday, December 24, 2012
Merry Christmas!
We would like to wish you a very wonderful holiday season, and all the best in the new year!
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Jeff & Karen Lewis
(and Roux!)
Friday, November 2, 2012
Pimiento Cheese
I've tried several versions of pimiento cheese over the years . . . some store bought, some from the farmers' markets, and some at friends' parties. One thing that is consistent with all versions is that all versions are different. The same holds true for recipes I have researched. One recipe said it best: pimiento cheese ingredients are quite personal. I am sure she was referring to ladies in The South.
I gathered several recipes and melded ingredients together to come up with our personal recipe. We think it is pretty good . . . however, I am open to other ingredients you may use. Take a look and let me know what you think.
Karen’s Pimiento Cheese
1 package cream cheese (8 oz.), room temperature
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
½ cup mayo
1 teaspoon garlic pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Tony Chachere’s seasoning
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
10 tablespoons diced pimientos (8 tablespoons blended)
Use electric mixer to beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add all other ingredients and beat until well blended.
Blending the pimientos will make it seem watery, but refrigerating the mixture will improve the consistency.
I gathered several recipes and melded ingredients together to come up with our personal recipe. We think it is pretty good . . . however, I am open to other ingredients you may use. Take a look and let me know what you think.
Karen’s Pimiento Cheese
1 package cream cheese (8 oz.), room temperature
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
½ cup mayo
1 teaspoon garlic pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Tony Chachere’s seasoning
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
10 tablespoons diced pimientos (8 tablespoons blended)
Use electric mixer to beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add all other ingredients and beat until well blended.
Blending the pimientos will make it seem watery, but refrigerating the mixture will improve the consistency.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Today's adventure with a fawn
My blog entry today should read:
I saw a beautiful young fawn today. I stopped momentarily to gaze upon it with wonder, then continued on my path as the fawn bounded through the field to meet it's mother in the woods.
Unfortunately, that's not what happened.
We have a fenced-in area we call The Pecan Orchard. While it has pecan trees, it is mostly a large field, and I take Roux there several times a day to chase birds and get his exercise. This morning, I had already opened the gate and Roux was off running after birds . . . and I was outside the opened gate standing by the golf cart when I heard what sounded like a baby's cry. I looked to my right and saw a beautiful young fawn bounding toward me. I assume something else in the grassy field alarmed it, as we were too far away to cause a cry for it's mother.
I was contemplating taking a photo with my phone, but as the fawn got closer, I started to get alarmed as it took a hard turn into the fence. I should have quickly left . . . but I didn't recover fast enough and the poor thing was so upset about the fence, it ran toward me instead of away . . . and ran right by me and directly into The Pecan Orchard.
This is a bad thing, as the gates are always closed unless we are working in the area or I am taking Roux for a run. The fawn was running away from the only way out.
The fawn knew to go to the woods, but it was now inside the fence and couldn't get there. It kept running into the fence and crying. I immediately went into "mother mode" and had to do something.
I drove into The Pecan Orchard, trying to stay away from the fence, to get ahead of the fawn. I had to go through a low area, which was full of mud and water thanks to Hurricane Isaac. I got ahead of the fawn, and thought I could chase it back out the gate to safety.
It did turn around and start back, but it was still trying to get through the fence and was wearing itself out running into the fence. Then Roux decided to come see what all the fuss was about . . . oh boy . . . he immediately went after the fawn.
I got out of the cart and started running toward the fawn, yelling at Roux to stop. I lost a shoe in the mud, but I was able to get to them both and Roux did stop. The fawn was in shock and had bloodied it's nose on the fence. I picked it up and held it to my chest. I've never held a fawn before and I have to say it was so awesome to hold that beautiful animal . . . but the circumstances certainly dampened the awe.
I am so proud of Roux for getting in the golf cart and sitting in the seat while I cradled the fawn and drove outside the fence. That took a lot of restraint for him, but he did it. If only he could have maintained that discipline . . .
I brought the fawn back to the grassy area outside the fence. It was breathing hard, which I took as a good sign. At least it was alive. Looking back, I like to think being held against a warm body helped calm it a little. I laid it in the grass and went back to the golf cart. The fawn jumped up and started back for the woods, and that's when Roux lost his discipline. He went after the fawn and knocked it down before I could stop him. He knew I was mad when I approached him and he quickly assumed that submissive position on his back like he does when he's in trouble. I dragged him away and we went back to close the gate . . . oh, and to find my shoe.
I handled it all rather calmly, except the yelling at Roux, but now my heart was pounding and my hands were a little shaky. After giving Jeff all the details, which were confirmed by the mud all over me and in my hair, and the deer hair all over my shirt, he assured me how tough deer are and that the fawn was probably fine. I also knew from our state wildlife biologist (thank you, Johnny!) that it is better to leave the fawn because the mother does leave it at times and it is not abandoned, despite your instincts telling you to "save" it because it was abandoned.
Despite all assurances, I went back to the area about an hour later to check. I am happy to say the fawn was not there . . . therefore, it had not died but made it to the woods and it's momma calmed it down, cleaned it up, found a safer place to hide, and all is well. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
And next time I see one of those beautiful creatures bounding in a field, you can bet I will not stop for my own pleasure, but enjoy the glimpse and keep going so nature can do it's thing.
I saw a beautiful young fawn today. I stopped momentarily to gaze upon it with wonder, then continued on my path as the fawn bounded through the field to meet it's mother in the woods.
Unfortunately, that's not what happened.
We have a fenced-in area we call The Pecan Orchard. While it has pecan trees, it is mostly a large field, and I take Roux there several times a day to chase birds and get his exercise. This morning, I had already opened the gate and Roux was off running after birds . . . and I was outside the opened gate standing by the golf cart when I heard what sounded like a baby's cry. I looked to my right and saw a beautiful young fawn bounding toward me. I assume something else in the grassy field alarmed it, as we were too far away to cause a cry for it's mother.
I was contemplating taking a photo with my phone, but as the fawn got closer, I started to get alarmed as it took a hard turn into the fence. I should have quickly left . . . but I didn't recover fast enough and the poor thing was so upset about the fence, it ran toward me instead of away . . . and ran right by me and directly into The Pecan Orchard.
This is a bad thing, as the gates are always closed unless we are working in the area or I am taking Roux for a run. The fawn was running away from the only way out.
The fawn knew to go to the woods, but it was now inside the fence and couldn't get there. It kept running into the fence and crying. I immediately went into "mother mode" and had to do something.
I drove into The Pecan Orchard, trying to stay away from the fence, to get ahead of the fawn. I had to go through a low area, which was full of mud and water thanks to Hurricane Isaac. I got ahead of the fawn, and thought I could chase it back out the gate to safety.
It did turn around and start back, but it was still trying to get through the fence and was wearing itself out running into the fence. Then Roux decided to come see what all the fuss was about . . . oh boy . . . he immediately went after the fawn.
I got out of the cart and started running toward the fawn, yelling at Roux to stop. I lost a shoe in the mud, but I was able to get to them both and Roux did stop. The fawn was in shock and had bloodied it's nose on the fence. I picked it up and held it to my chest. I've never held a fawn before and I have to say it was so awesome to hold that beautiful animal . . . but the circumstances certainly dampened the awe.
I am so proud of Roux for getting in the golf cart and sitting in the seat while I cradled the fawn and drove outside the fence. That took a lot of restraint for him, but he did it. If only he could have maintained that discipline . . .
I brought the fawn back to the grassy area outside the fence. It was breathing hard, which I took as a good sign. At least it was alive. Looking back, I like to think being held against a warm body helped calm it a little. I laid it in the grass and went back to the golf cart. The fawn jumped up and started back for the woods, and that's when Roux lost his discipline. He went after the fawn and knocked it down before I could stop him. He knew I was mad when I approached him and he quickly assumed that submissive position on his back like he does when he's in trouble. I dragged him away and we went back to close the gate . . . oh, and to find my shoe.
I handled it all rather calmly, except the yelling at Roux, but now my heart was pounding and my hands were a little shaky. After giving Jeff all the details, which were confirmed by the mud all over me and in my hair, and the deer hair all over my shirt, he assured me how tough deer are and that the fawn was probably fine. I also knew from our state wildlife biologist (thank you, Johnny!) that it is better to leave the fawn because the mother does leave it at times and it is not abandoned, despite your instincts telling you to "save" it because it was abandoned.
Despite all assurances, I went back to the area about an hour later to check. I am happy to say the fawn was not there . . . therefore, it had not died but made it to the woods and it's momma calmed it down, cleaned it up, found a safer place to hide, and all is well. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
And next time I see one of those beautiful creatures bounding in a field, you can bet I will not stop for my own pleasure, but enjoy the glimpse and keep going so nature can do it's thing.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
The cats of Agriana
Before there was Roux, there was Gracie Lou. I found her at a shelter in Baton Rouge and immediately knew I had to take her home. I struggled with a name, and finally came up with Gracie . . . she is gray and white . . . yeah, I know, not that creative. As she got used to her surroundings that first week, she woke me up during the night to "talk". I was particularly frustrated one of those nights and gave her my best chastising voice . . . "Graaacieeeee . . . " and at that moment I had a flashback to my childhood . . .
I was always just "Karen" growing up . . . unless I was in trouble or aggravating my parents . . . then I became "Karen Sue". Using my middle name made me perk up and pay attention. Plus it's a good Southern thing to do.
So as I drawled out "Graaacieeeee . . . " something in my brain told me I had to use her middle name. She didn't have one, and "Gracie . . . Lou" just came out. I think maybe I was thinking about that Sandra Bullock movie. Anyway, it stuck and she was Gracie Lou after that.
This is Gracie Lou that first week at home. This was about a month or so before Jeff and I started dating.
For the next four years, Gracie Lou made weekend trips to Agriana with us. She didn't like the car ride so much.
The white towel in the picture was for when she got car sick. Happened almost every time. After four years, we moved up here and she hasn't been in a car since then. Yes, she is very happy about that.
After we moved here, we had to send a piece of equipment to Monroe for repair. When the machine came back, it had a cat in it. It took me six months to get her to come within a foot of me, and eventually I was able to pet her.
We had her checked out at the vet and then spayed (catching her required an inventive scheme a la Jeff), and she has become our "Outdoor Kitty". She is a great predator and definitely keeps the field mice in check. One of my friends gently suggested that maybe referring to her as "Outdoor Kitty" wasn't appropriate and I should name her. Coming up with another name is easier said than done. We finally settled on Jamie, after the man (James) that owned the repair shop in Monroe. He is a cat lover, too.
So Gracie Lou is in the house with us, and Jamie is all alone outside . . . and I decided she needed a friend. I put a note on my facebook page, asking if anyone had a feral cat that needed a new home. Jamie was still very skittish around humans.
A high school friend answered the call and gave me Purdy. Kristen is much better at names than I am . . . she named Purdy after a brand of paint brushes because her coat color reminded her of soft paint brush bristles.
Purdy and Jamie became fast friends, and Jamie would even hang around the porch with all of us. I think Purdy taught her to be more social and less afraid of humans.
Then we got Roux . . . and it all changed.
Purdy decided she likes the dog door and hangs around inside more than outside. Jamie is scared of Roux and prefers to hang out at the shop these days. Gracie Lou doesn't like Roux and prefers to stay on her high window perch. Roux has definitely changed the cat dynamics around here. Ah, but those are stories for another time.
I was always just "Karen" growing up . . . unless I was in trouble or aggravating my parents . . . then I became "Karen Sue". Using my middle name made me perk up and pay attention. Plus it's a good Southern thing to do.
So as I drawled out "Graaacieeeee . . . " something in my brain told me I had to use her middle name. She didn't have one, and "Gracie . . . Lou" just came out. I think maybe I was thinking about that Sandra Bullock movie. Anyway, it stuck and she was Gracie Lou after that.
This is Gracie Lou that first week at home. This was about a month or so before Jeff and I started dating.
For the next four years, Gracie Lou made weekend trips to Agriana with us. She didn't like the car ride so much.
The white towel in the picture was for when she got car sick. Happened almost every time. After four years, we moved up here and she hasn't been in a car since then. Yes, she is very happy about that.
After we moved here, we had to send a piece of equipment to Monroe for repair. When the machine came back, it had a cat in it. It took me six months to get her to come within a foot of me, and eventually I was able to pet her.
We had her checked out at the vet and then spayed (catching her required an inventive scheme a la Jeff), and she has become our "Outdoor Kitty". She is a great predator and definitely keeps the field mice in check. One of my friends gently suggested that maybe referring to her as "Outdoor Kitty" wasn't appropriate and I should name her. Coming up with another name is easier said than done. We finally settled on Jamie, after the man (James) that owned the repair shop in Monroe. He is a cat lover, too.
So Gracie Lou is in the house with us, and Jamie is all alone outside . . . and I decided she needed a friend. I put a note on my facebook page, asking if anyone had a feral cat that needed a new home. Jamie was still very skittish around humans.
A high school friend answered the call and gave me Purdy. Kristen is much better at names than I am . . . she named Purdy after a brand of paint brushes because her coat color reminded her of soft paint brush bristles.
Purdy and Jamie became fast friends, and Jamie would even hang around the porch with all of us. I think Purdy taught her to be more social and less afraid of humans.
Then we got Roux . . . and it all changed.
Purdy decided she likes the dog door and hangs around inside more than outside. Jamie is scared of Roux and prefers to hang out at the shop these days. Gracie Lou doesn't like Roux and prefers to stay on her high window perch. Roux has definitely changed the cat dynamics around here. Ah, but those are stories for another time.
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