Dirty Jobs at Fat Bottom Farm!
Yes, that is the famous Mike Rowe of the Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs
series! In March of 2007 we were graced by a visit from the DJ gang: Mike
himself; the infamous Dave Barsky; cameramen Chris and Doug;
Monroe..sound man and all-around cool dude who is one of the few living
humans who knows just what I'm saying as I walk around talking to myself;
production assistants Erin and Paul. We didn't get photos of everyone; our
apologies to those not featured on this page and also if I have created
inaccuracies in job titles!
Our appearance on the show was actually unintended...being both soap
makers and big fans of the series, it occurred to us that Mike could probably
use some soap, dirty boy that he is. After writing to the show to offer a case
of soap, the magnificent Mary Bess from Pilgrim Films & TV contacted us for
more information.
I, for one, did not immediately jump for joy at the idea of being on TV...suffice
to say our farm has its name for a number of reasons. I've heard that the
camera adds 10 pounds and I am convinced that it adds other "qualities" as
well. Not only am I thinner, but also younger and much more beautiful than
the image which consistently appears on film. I considered hiring a body
double or stand-in to truly represent me. I felt Sharon Stone or Darryl
Hannah would be acceptable. Amazingly, neither responded to my offer of
double the scale for goat milkers at our place...meaning they would only owe
me a few dollars for the privilege. They must have been very busy to decline
such an opportunity!
A more valid issue was the fact that we had only recently purchased the
current property; were recovering from a brush fire; milking under a shed
eave; had barely managed to get fences up, goats moved, built a small
studio to make soap in; and dragged in a new, old mobile home to camp in
until a house is built. To refer to our facilities at the time as primitive and
rudimentary would be an understatement. What we were blessed with was
the presence of an abandoned mobile home. It had been partially salvaged
and completely leveled at the time of filming; with a good deal of the former
inhabitants' belongings scattered liberally around. It was only thing we
asked them to try to avoid filming. And they had a ball with it. All over it like
fire ants.
At any rate, we provided Mary Bess with the requested information; as my
children would not allow me to say no despite the absence of an acceptable
stand-in. The rest, as they say, is history! You'll have to watch for the
episode to find out more....
We can say that Mike made some quite interesting as well as pretty good
soap. We custom-labeled and shipped the batch out to Mike, Barsky, and
crew; and the "dirty deed" was done. Hope it's keeping them clean!
We can also say that Mike is passable at carving brisket, and might even
make a milking hand if the TV thing doesn't pan out for him. We enjoyed the
chance to offer the gang some Texas hospitality despite record rainfall
making a real pit barbecue impossible. The entire crew was delightful and
nice even when they didn't have to be. Except maybe Barsky. Not really;
Dave is a great guy and very professional. Likes Tres Leches cake too,
although he valiantly resisted temptation...I think...
Have a glimpse of our 15 minutes of fame. It was lots of fun but we're glad
it's over! The crew is welcome at Fat Bottom Farm anytime for more not-so
dirty fun. Y'all come back now!
series! In March of 2007 we were graced by a visit from the DJ gang: Mike
himself; the infamous Dave Barsky; cameramen Chris and Doug;
Monroe..sound man and all-around cool dude who is one of the few living
humans who knows just what I'm saying as I walk around talking to myself;
production assistants Erin and Paul. We didn't get photos of everyone; our
apologies to those not featured on this page and also if I have created
inaccuracies in job titles!
Our appearance on the show was actually unintended...being both soap
makers and big fans of the series, it occurred to us that Mike could probably
use some soap, dirty boy that he is. After writing to the show to offer a case
of soap, the magnificent Mary Bess from Pilgrim Films & TV contacted us for
more information.
I, for one, did not immediately jump for joy at the idea of being on TV...suffice
to say our farm has its name for a number of reasons. I've heard that the
camera adds 10 pounds and I am convinced that it adds other "qualities" as
well. Not only am I thinner, but also younger and much more beautiful than
the image which consistently appears on film. I considered hiring a body
double or stand-in to truly represent me. I felt Sharon Stone or Darryl
Hannah would be acceptable. Amazingly, neither responded to my offer of
double the scale for goat milkers at our place...meaning they would only owe
me a few dollars for the privilege. They must have been very busy to decline
such an opportunity!
A more valid issue was the fact that we had only recently purchased the
current property; were recovering from a brush fire; milking under a shed
eave; had barely managed to get fences up, goats moved, built a small
studio to make soap in; and dragged in a new, old mobile home to camp in
until a house is built. To refer to our facilities at the time as primitive and
rudimentary would be an understatement. What we were blessed with was
the presence of an abandoned mobile home. It had been partially salvaged
and completely leveled at the time of filming; with a good deal of the former
inhabitants' belongings scattered liberally around. It was only thing we
asked them to try to avoid filming. And they had a ball with it. All over it like
fire ants.
At any rate, we provided Mary Bess with the requested information; as my
children would not allow me to say no despite the absence of an acceptable
stand-in. The rest, as they say, is history! You'll have to watch for the
episode to find out more....
We can say that Mike made some quite interesting as well as pretty good
soap. We custom-labeled and shipped the batch out to Mike, Barsky, and
crew; and the "dirty deed" was done. Hope it's keeping them clean!
We can also say that Mike is passable at carving brisket, and might even
make a milking hand if the TV thing doesn't pan out for him. We enjoyed the
chance to offer the gang some Texas hospitality despite record rainfall
making a real pit barbecue impossible. The entire crew was delightful and
nice even when they didn't have to be. Except maybe Barsky. Not really;
Dave is a great guy and very professional. Likes Tres Leches cake too,
although he valiantly resisted temptation...I think...
Have a glimpse of our 15 minutes of fame. It was lots of fun but we're glad
it's over! The crew is welcome at Fat Bottom Farm anytime for more not-so
dirty fun. Y'all come back now!
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© Fat Bottom Farm
Photo courtesy K.Daniel
Photographic images this page courtesy Scott Hancock unless noted
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