Easter Dinner At The Buffalo Dicks' Diner....

Yesterday, I bought the biggest leg of lamb the store had, freshest green beans, and newest red skin potatoes.... I made a cherry crisp for dessert, and have some excellent bread to go along. I butterflied the leg of lamb, making it boneless, and with all the fat and fell removed. This was a bit*h! Getting that lamb off the bone so it could be grilled like a steak was a pip! I then marinated it overnight in an olive oil, garlic, pepper, salt, red wine vinegar, onion powder, rosemary, and thyme goo. Lamb shows best over charcoal, served medium rare. The potatoes are a redskin, cut in half, with garlic, rosemary, salt and peppa, butter mix, that gets baked for about an hour. Bacon bastes it! Green beans are steamed, but then drizzled with bacon renderings, seasoned with your choice! Lent is a done deal! Pig(Lamb!) out and enjoy yourselves today!

An Out Of Town Friend And A Dinner For Him...

Yesterday, my kid calls and tells me Koob is in town. This is a guy who grew up as one of my youngest sons' best friends. He asks if it's OK to bring him over Thursday night for dinner. After this kids' Dad died-just before he went over to Iraq as a Marine, and I kinda would help him with Dad-like wisdom once in awhile. I had a big day of presentations with corporate people, and my wife works tax season, so we would have to put something together the night before! I made my patented 6lb. lasagna with ground beef, Italian sausage, mushrooms, and 4 kinds of Italian cheeses. This is when my kid calls and asks if his buddys' girlfriend can come to dinner too. Sure, plenty of food! I tell him what we're having, and he says he thinks she's lactose intolerant! Goddamitt... I tee off on him, and he says he'll check... Turns out cheese is OK but not milk. My wife made Koobs' favorite treat from when he was a little kid- peanut butter chocolate Rice Krispie squares! Garlic bread should round out a decent meal!

A Quiet Week-End Before The Storm...

Yesterday, my wife and I made one of our "Let's Get Outta Dodge" day trips to a casino in Manistee, Michigan. We had fun, but the place was packed, and lady luck wasn't paying too much attention to us... Got home, snarfed the last of the leftover pizza from Friday night, and crashed to watch absolutely nothing interesting on the TV.. We decided for Sunday dinner, we(me!) would make a meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and some steamed asparagus, along with a traditional shortbread lemon bar. You can figure out which picture is which- I hope!
This coming week will most likely be a life crossroads for me, which I can't explain right now, but will later. Things change for a reason, and it should be interesting...

Someday I Will Write "The Chronicles Of Buffalo Dick"...

1. Don't go in any deeper, unless you can breathe Bullsh*t....
2. There is no such thing as a "Free Lunch", just nod and smile and don't buy anything..
3. I have Tourettes Syndrome, but it only shows up when I'm driving in rush hour...
4. You only have "X" amount of air left to breathe, don't waste it on Assh*les..
5. I love a good "battle of wits", but most people who argue are unarmed...
6. You do not have to be in the majority to be the one that is right..
7. Giving something makes you feel better than the person who needed it...
8. Ignorance can be cured, but stupid is forever...
9. When a little kid comes to your door step for a worthy cause, buy it, donate it, sign it, if you can.. You are teaching that child that good causes will find good people..
10. A smile is the most disarming weapon that you will ever carry...
Enjoy your week-end, people! I am now going to relax, after another week of life!

Mini-Meme- About Being Alone- About Being With People..

Like many of you, I have felt alone in a crowded room- at a party, a bustling restaurant, a store that was packed. Other times, when we are actually alone, all by ourselves- we do not feel lonely at all! Humans, by nature, are animals that need to belong to a tribe, family, organization, or a group of like-minded humans. There is a part of us that needs to belong... Technology has allowed alot of people that are shy or nervous around others, to withdraw further and still function in society, dealing with it by E-mails, computers, or fax machines. Who are we?
Mini-Meme today:
1. What do you like about people?
2. What bothers you most about people?
I'd better say what I think here..
1. I like that they are different from me in so many ways, yet in other ways the same. No one has the same skills and talents, and I am always in awe of people who can do things I cannot.
2. Selfishness, fear, stubborn ingnorance, and hate. Fortunately, all of these can be cured with proper treatment!

It's That Time Of Year For Corned Beef...

About this time every year, St. Paddys Day starts to loom. Green beer, corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew starts to pop up at eateries all over town. As I do not have a drop of Irish blood in me(I'm not even Catholic!), I usually scratch my itch for corned beef in the form of a home-made Reuben sandwich! I hear the Catholics are in a bit of a quandry this year, as St. Pats' Day falls before Easter, making alot of Lent vows pretty hard to keep! I take a 3lb. package of corned beef(not cooked, but cured) simmer it in beer and spices for about 3 hrs. and let it cool for slicing. My Reuben will consist of thinly sliced corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut(cooked,squeezed dry, and chopped!) with a modified Thousand Island dressing dressing, light rye bread, all grilled until golden and cheese is melting.
Today it works out I will have a home for the left-overs in the form of a Reuben Tortilla Roll-up. Chopped, cooked corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, cream cheese, chopped sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, extra pickle relish, horseradish, and a little dab of sweet hot sauce,(mixed thoroughly) make a great filling for these small, handy appetizers. Spread on a few torillas, rollup into a tube shape( semi-loosely!), place seam side down in a flat container and refidgerate for 2 hrs. Slice into round, bite-sized treats 3/4" and chill them wrapped,until needed. If you're short for time, just make the filling, use as a spread on crackers(RyKrisp!)or bagel chips. We have to go to a little "bring an appetizer" party tonight, and this stuff is usually pretty popular..

Sort Of A Chicken Cacciatori Over Rice...

Tuesday was a busy day time-wise, so I threw some boneless skinless chix thighs into the crock-pot on a platform of onion, covered in red bell pepper, seasonings, red pasta sauce, and Parmesan... Went about 6 hrs. in slow cooker. Cooked up some white rice, and served as seen. Not too bad! Wife is taking some night classes, so we had a window of about 15 minutes to eat!
Today for me was a challenge.. 6 phone calls to 4 people to get one piece of steel priced correctly and delivered on time.. I am glad age has brought me some patience, because this would have sent me ballistic 20 yrs. ago...When I had fixed everything, and all had gotten back on track- I told the new kid (who had screwed up!) in the office to call the customer with the good news that all was well. I'm not much into glory anymore, and I wanted him to learn what feels like to get a little credit for a job well done. Pats on the back are getting rarer everyday!

Two Of My Favorites! Broiled Walleye, And Pound Cake..

I try not to go to Sams' Club more than once a month, as everytime I'm there, I spend about 150.00 bucks! They carry a sharp Pinconning cheese that is the best (made in Michigan!), and I usually find other treats without working at it! They have a decent selection of fish fillets, and they had a pack of three Walleye fillets that had my name on them... To the people wondering what this fish is like, it is a flavorful, fresh water fish popular in northern states and Canada. Mild, firm flesh that flakes easily, it would remind you of lake perch- only bigger! They can get quite large, but best eating size would be a 17 to 21 inch fish. Simply seasoned with salt, pepper, dill, and butter, then broiled skin side down for about 10 minutes- you are in heaven! Lemon, or tartar sauce has been seen accompanying the finished product. Sour cream scalloped potatoes, and steamed broccoli will be there too.
Saturday, my wife attended a play with her sister, so I thought I'd make a couple of small pound cakes. Traditional recipe is 1 pound butter, 1 pound sugar, 1 pound flour, 1 pound of eggs. I added a bit of almond extract and lemon, mixed until consistency right(a long friggin' time!)baked at 300f for 70 minutes- came out great! Topped with a lemon, butter, powdered sugar glaze- it is a simple, rich treat you can eat as is, or add whipped cream or any topping you might think you'd enjoy!
Hope you all are enjoying your week-ends!
P.S.- We don't use paper plates all the time- that's our sons' "to go" plate every Sunday!

Mini-Meme For Week-end Pondering...

As I go forth everyday (Monday thru Friday) I wonder "How the hell did I end up doing what I do for a living?" I like what I do, for the most part, but it really isn't what I went to school and college for. I'm in outside sales, for technical metals and if anyone would have told me 35 years ago that's what I'd be doing, I would have not believed them!
The Mini-meme today is:
1. How did you end up doing what you do for work? (paid or unpaid!)
2. Do you like it, or would you like a change?
I look forward to your answers!

A Fill-In Food Blog... The Rest Of Sunday..

Even though I was "cooked out" after Saturday, for some odd reason I was moved to cook more.. After dinner, about mid afternoon, I decided to use up some thawed chix breasts, and make chicken salad- for sandwiches, or filled cantaloupe. As that was going, I decided to use up a half a box of graham cracker crumbs, and some leftover Key lime juice, and make a version of a lemon bar, only different! I made a Key lime bar, with a cracker crumb crust, instead of the usual shortbread crust... Tart and tasty, topped with powdered sugar(I topped mine with whipped cream!) they are are refrigerated snack that disappears over a few days..

Simple Sunday- Baked Chicken Breasts, Rigatoni Alfredo..

Yesterday I was in a small chili cook-off, took 2nd in category... When cook-offs are small, usually judges know who made which chili- which usually means their judgement can be a little different than in a bigger event. No sour grapes- all chilis were really good! I had to beat feet out of there to finish meatballs at a big birthday bash. I've made better, but they all got gone...
Today, I was looking for no culinary challenges, so I seasoned and baked some chicken breasts(bone-in). with a side of rigatoni alfredo.. Why not fettucini? I didn't have any! Besides, the the tougher pasta goes well with this sauce and mushrooms.
Odd happenings... My cook buddy works at the same company I used to 35 years ago. I was only there 1 year, when our project was cancelled and I was out of a job. He found employee files that should have been destroyed 20yrs ago- still in storage! Found my employee record, and gave it to me yesterday. The boss of Engineering had been there 6 months before I arrived, and was gone 3 months afterward! My review said I had an attitude(imagine that!) but thought with training I could be a better employee(I was 19- 20yrs old!). They later tried to rehire me, but I was making more money and had found out on the streets what a bunch of schlocks that company was! If I had stayed there, I would know half as much as I do, and made about 1/3 as much as I have so far... Change ain't bad- at least not all the time!

Eclipses And A Novel Way To Make A Cheeseburger!

I'm hoping you all got a chance to see a really excellent eclipse of our moon Wednesday night about 9PM. Here in West Michigan, the air was cold, crisp and clear- perfect for a good look! I took a picture that is by no means a good one, but it clearly shows the shadow on the moon. I think the next one will be in 2010, so I am glad I got my butt off the downstairs couch and saw this! Things like this help me remember Earth is actually round....
The next subject is a style of burger I've wanted to try, but never did until Thursday night. Instead of my usual 1/3 lb. burgers topped with cheese and goodies, I made 4 thin patties from ground chuck, seasoned them, put a thick slice of cheddar-jack cheese on the two bottom ones, then put the two other patties on top of them, sealing the edges completely-no cheese showing. Fried both burgers until medium-rare, then topped with onions, lettuce, mayo,pickles, catsup and mustard. Really worked out well! Toppings held better than if they were sliding around on cheese, and created a great flavor meld, without the normal mess! I'll be doing this again, real soon!
Tomorrow a small chili cook-off, then I have to make 15lbs of danish meatballs for a birthday bash that night! Have fun for me this week-end- I'll be too busy!

Time For Another Mini-Meme! Past, Present, Future..

As I grow older, I have been pondering the changes age does to you. When young, I had a hard time understanding why older people acted older when they got older(follow all that?).. I figured I would never see life from an old fart point of view! Well, age changes your values, your goals, and sadly some dreams you may have had of the future, will not ever materialize... Good things happen, to all of us- appreciate them! Bad things happen to us all, too- learn from them, and have empathy for others when bad times come their way..
The Mini-Meme today:
1. Who do you think you were? (What were you growing up?)
2. You do you think you are today?(What do you think you are now?)
3. Who do you think you will be? (What do you want to accomplish before you die?)
I'll go first- 1. A smart, active kid- an over-achiever, who always wanted to win or excel.
2. A person who has done a decent job of succeeding in my career of 35 yrs., but is a little burned out mentally and physically. A family man whose family grew up. Not a Grampa yet- maybe never...
3. A person that will never retire, but will do many other things less lucrative than current career. Will never stop learning, or teaching if anyone is willing to listen..
Looking forward to your answers!

Saturday, Then Sunday Food! Hope You Enjoy!

Saturday- Wife had to work(tax season), and I was tired of the weather we had to deal with daily! Finally went to store for a stock-up- as my comfort zone is similar to your neighborhood survivalist! Made a hearty salad for Sat. night, and had plans to finally cook that damn pork loin that apparently came off Hogzilla! I enjoy a chef salad with lots of non- healthy goodies covering it.. Slathered mine in my favorite blue cheese dressing, while wife opted for Ranch. We both agreed-it hit the spot! Sunday had me putting the marinated pork loin(cut into two equal portions!) into the oven for about 2-1/2 hrs. Yukon Gold potatoes, cut in half(seasoned with rosemary,olive oil,garlic, and onion powder) made a marvelous side to a great hunk of pork! The roasted mushrooms are always alomost a given when I roast meat.. Stroked some peanut butter thru the brownies, for a dessert that was also tasty!
A sad commentary on my cooking style- I seasoned the pork so it could be used as pork BB-Q, or pork chili leftover meals!

We Don't Have To Eat Fish On Friday- But We Did!

Friday night, crappy weather- let's check the freezer for inspiration about what to have for dinner... Pork roast- too big, too frozen! Boneless skinless chix breast-nah, just had that... Wait! There's 4 small flounder filets that should thaw quickly!
Had read a recipe earier in the day, Creole flavors, had all ingredients-done deal! I seasoned the filets with Old Bay and laid them into a glass pan, covered with diced tomato, green bell pepper slices, and sliced onion. Seasoned again,adding lemon pepper, put into a 350F oven for 35 minutes, and served with a side of rice. Spicy! But perfect warmer-upper on a cold Friday night, and it wasn't as "heavy" as some the the meals we've been having... Enjoy your week-ends everyone!

Leftovers Don't have To Taste Like Leftovers....

Another blinger of a storm hit us Tuesday, making driving a 1st gear event! Got stuck in a parking lot, but was so slippery, two guys pushing moderately got me rolling... Tuesday was colder than Monday- if you can believe it, so another stick-to-your-ribs supper was made. I'm not a cheapskate, but I actually find it fun to create something different out of leftovers! Sundays' post showed food on that day. The following day, I took the left-over potatoes, chopped some broccoli, made cheesy broccoli soup in a crock pot. Good stuff! Tuesday night, I took left-over pot roast, chopped, fresh mushrooms and celery, chopped, mixed with leftover gravy, water, and soy sauce, simmered until tender and bubbly, and put in over brown rice for a quick, warming meal. Three meals, two out of leftovers, none tasted the same, all good! It's almost like a game with me- at the end of the game, dinner!

0 Degrees F- Time For Comfort Food, Pot Roast!

After seeing the weather report for today, we decided having the oven on for 3- 3-1/2 hrs. wouldn't feel too bad! My version of Beef Chuck roast pot roast coming up!
1. Lay a large piece of heavy duty aluminum foil flat, enough to cover and wrap your roast easily, without any air holes.
2. Spread seasonings (I use Mrs. Dash Original, and Lawrys seasoned salt!) onto alum foil. Lay beef roast onto that, then season with same, until coated.
3. Put one can of cream of something soup( I used celery) spread over top of roast. Then sprinkle 1 envelope of dry brown gravy mix over all.
4. Top with thin sliced onion strips (about half-cup), and wrap carefully but so it will seal without leaks. Place in pan.
5. Bake for 3-1/2 hrs at 300- 320 F .
6. Remove from oven, and open one end of wrap- enough to pour out gravy you just made! Pour into a pan, and thicken (with flour mixed with cold water)if needed.
7. This should be falling apart tender, with great flavor. Serve with potatoes, pasta, or rice!
Today, we're having that with small yukon gold potatoes, seasoned with garlic and rosemary, along with some decent French style bread. Fudge browies for dessert- I was lazy today!

A Story From My Youth- About Guns??!!

Once upon a time, when I was young and full of male hormones... Guns were quite fascinating to me! My Dad, a WWll vet had given up such weapons in the early 1950s' due to someone almost blowing his foot off while bird hunting! I found out about weapons by reading Guns and Ammo, and other related hunting magazines. I wanted to hunt! I wanted to target shoot! Conned my Dad into buying me a single shot shot gun for a Christmas present, and couldn't wait until the weather got clear to go forth and shoot! One day, no one was home, and being about 15 I had learned more stuff than I could ever need... I took a shotgun shell (16 gauge, for you guys that know and wondered!) cut the top off, emptied out the gunpowder and 6 shot out of it and placed it in the chamber. I wanted to see the "strike area" of the firing pin on a shell. It's Feb., I'm standing in a hallway, pointing the gun towards a window in our dining room- and pull the trigger... Imagine my 15yr. old surprise when the damn gun goes off with a bang! I had forgotten about the primer! I can still hear the doorbell chimes ringing faintly, as I ran around screaming like Nancy Kerrigan... I checked the window, which was fine, but the sheers my Mom had over the windows were full of holes, with powder-burned edges! Cleaned that off, but the holes remained..
Fast forward 7 yrs.- We are having dinner at my parents house, and Mom says, "I found some holes in my sheers- I think it was moths"... I lose it and confess all, and the table erupts in a knowing laughter... I wasn't a good kid, I just got away with about everything I pulled! Picture is not of that weapon, that's my double barrel 20 gauge mod and improved cylinder- great upland bird gun!

My 200th Post! A Mini- Meme....

When I started blogging, it was a way to comment on my sons' blog- the one that lives in Kansas City, MO. It quickly became a way to write down thoughts and events that someday in the future my friends and family might appreciate as an on-line diary. It then became a great source of entertainment and knowledge from people literally all over the world! It has taught me that we are all different- but not as much as I used to think.. I have referred to it as the 21st centurys' version of "pen pals"! I think if you all look backward on your blogs, you will see that you too have been documenting thoughts and events that people can read and appreciate after you are gone....
Todays' Mini-Meme:
1. Why and how did you start blogging?
2. How has it benefitted or affected your life?

Amish White Bread- For A 1st Try, Not Bad!

Saturday was snowy, and only left the house once. I had baked a pizza, my usual home-made crust, home-made sauce, sausage, pepperoni, mushroom cookie sheet sized pizza! The dough raised nicely, so encouraged by this I decided to bake a couple of loaves of bread! I would rather cook than bake- baking is fussier than cooking, and I don't do fussy well! Found a recipe for Amish white bread that sounded pretty good, so away we went. I'm getting the hang of Mega Mixer (Kitchen Aid, monster-sized!) and all went as planned. I had a rare patient day, where I wasn't rushing the dough as it rose. The recipe was good, as it came out about like it was supposed to! It's a dense, sweet, soft white bread with more substance than higher rising white bread you might get in a bakery. Pink- This one's for you!
A Pubic (strike that!)Public Announcement: Dutch Bitch is having a "Worship me" contest, and urge all single males out there to join in! Who knows what you might win.....

A Little Brightness In A Michigan Blizzard...

My wife (code name "Goob" or "Goobie"-actually Sharon!) won a door prize at one of the holidays' events we all have to go to. She comes home with a plant that resembled Audrey II in "Little Shop Of Horrors"- as a prize? My wife loves plants, but usually they don't love her back... I don't know who killed more, Jimmy Jones with Kool-Aid, or my wife with fertilizer and houseplants....
Anyway, Audrey II grew like it was on Blood, or Miracle-Grow! Next thing, It's blossoming into a really cool flower! To see a living thing doing so well in the wasteland we call "Michigan Winter" is amazing! It brightens a time where light is short, and the predominant colours are black, white, and gray...
In the the night, when all is quiet- you hear a voice you don't recognize.... Saying plaintively "Feeed me, feeed me! This thing is getting big, and I haven't seen the cat lately...

Work Goes On In Spite Of Worst Storm This Year...

I just returned from a Regional sales meeting, and I'm still shaking.. Got up today at 430AM to get ready for this meeting. The weather report said blizzard conditions, stay off the roads if possible. I quick checked my E-mails, hoping they had cancelled our meeting, which was being held 100 miles north of my house. Nope! We were car pooling, so I only had to drive about 10 miles to a commuter lot. My car doors were frozen shut, had to beat on one to get it open. The temp was 6F, winds about 30 mph-gusting higher! Drove to lot, missed driveway 2 twice- white out visibility.. The other 3 guys couldn't believe this either, but away we went! We never saw the high side of 45 mph., but we got there 3 hrs later-on time! Morning went as planned, but our President had to drive back after lunch- he's on the road 10 minutes, calls the meeting and tells everybody to go the hell home-safely... Trip back was icier than morning but at least it was light out! Days like this make me wonder why with our companys' technology we couldn't have done a teleconference, and sent a video around to show us the new facility...Driving 6 hours for a 4 hour meeting, Welcome to Michigan!

Sunday dinner- Simple Stuff!

As it is winter, snow everywhere- we wanted something roasted, so the kitchen would be toasty for hours! Stuffed roast capon- a favorite! About a 6 pounder, stuffed with a brown rice,celery,bacon,onion concoction worked like mad. Sliced mushrooms rendered in the juice always works. Blueberry muffins were on the side.. Wife delivering that one plate to my son at work, we eat soon!

No Grandkids, So A Post About Our Ugly Step Child..

I've posted before about our current Airedale, Clara- But came across a photo that probably only a mother could love. A product of ATRA (Airedale rescue) we were really impressed with her, even though she had a rap sheet as long as your arm. With a big bark, and an trim build even at 80lbs.(Big for Breed!) she is our smoke alarm and burglar alarm combined. Clara is now the biggest cookie with fangs you could ever meet- a sweetie who has to greet you when you get up, come home from work, or any other time you leave her for more than 15 minutes! A big dog underfoot all the time can cause you some annoyance- I've described her as like having someone throwing a saw horse in front of you-all day long! She's seven now, and this breed usually doesn't live as long as smaller dogs. Got a lady in the neighborhood that walks her TWO Airedales every day! I've met her- a humourless woman, who seems more on a mission than enjoying her dogs...No animal I know of has the bond with Humans like dogs.... But God, can they crap alot...

1St Chili Cook Off Of The Year...

We found out about a chili cook-off a couple of weeks ago, and decided a tune-up before the big season would be a good idea. It was held at a V.F.W. Post in our neighborhood, so we got in it. Our friends and major competition Dragon Spit was there, so we knew there would be another battle for a trophy! 14 teams- not a big cook-off, but nice people and a decent turn-out. The Buffalo Bros.(us!) made a heck of a batch that day, and liked our chances for winning. Team Dragon Spit had a new banner, a photo book of all their successes, and a good batch of chili to boot! 2nd place goes to- The Buffalo Bros.!! Take a wild guess who won... We have become the dominant teams in this areas' chili cook-offs, and yesterday I noticed the teams that didn't win more than the ones that did. They worked as hard as we did, and got no trophy. They had fun, people had a great time- but have you ever felt bad about winning? Live and learn... Oh, the trophy was really nice- until I dropped it... The picture is what frozen, leftover chili looks like when left in a trunk in Michigan when it hits zero.... :)
P.S. Yes, DoggieBloggy I used some of that chili powder from New Mexico you sent- hot stuff!

I Am Inventing The Mini-Meme!

I like memes- but some take more time than my two fingers typing is willing to spend! Here's your challenge:
1. Write something you like about yourself.
2. Write something you don't.
I will go first(dropping underwear, looking nervous and embarassed!)
1. I will never put myself before others' needs.
2. My Ethics are impeccable, my Morals need work.

Korean Style Beef Short Ribs...

I'll start by saying this- I love the flavor of these things! We were shopping for a few things at Sams'Club, and I can't go in there without hitting the meat department! They will carry some cuts of meat most places around here don't- like short ribs. The first time I had these in a Korean style was at a very good Korean restaurant( go figure!) The flavor was intense, the meat was fairly tender- and I knew I would definitely be fixing these at home!
Marinade- chopped green onions, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, peanut oil, red pepper, honey, and five-spice. Left in marinade 24hrs, turned meat a few times.
The traditional cooking method would be to grill these over an intense charcoal fire, for a short period of time. I'm going to broil them instead- maybe 5 minutes a side. The brown rice, and sauteed mushrooms should go well with this! I may add a picture of the cooked product- if it looks good- and I remember to...
Two more pictures- one is the plate of food we deliver to my son (Craignutzz)nearly every Sunday while he has to work. Calls me and says "It's great to know what's going to be on the menu by reading your blog!". I don't if he'd have gotten it, after calling me a liar.... I didn't know he liked Kimchee, although I know he'll eat anything!
By the way, the ribs really were good- imagine kabob sized chunks of marinated beef, done about medium-rare, still sizzling- tender and full of flavor!

Global Warming In Michigan...

We went from neck-breaking ice slicks and a foot of snow to a really, ugly green-brown in about the span of 4 days.. I will take ugly green-brown any day you give it to me in Jan.!!! Butt-Ugly vs. Dangerous Roads.... Butt-Ugly wins! Jan.- Feb. in this State are long,cold, and gray.. It bums folks out, even equaling the mini-economic Depression going on in Michigan! Probably like Nordic or Canadian folk- we value friends, food, and warmth more than ever during these months! Big money is spent in December! Jan. and Feb.- not so much... Fight your winter blues, everyone! Hope all are well... Having posting problem with pictures- sorry!

Well, Here It Is! A Rare Sighting Of The Elusive Buffalo Dick And Mate..

I got a request from numerous people over my blog history to post a picture of myself. As I am not the most photogenic person on Earth, I resisted this! A request from DoggyBloggy, who holds a marker on me- made me decide to do this. Not much to see here folks, move along....

Snowniece Meme I Said I'd Do...

Four Jobs I've Had:
1. Gardener- I scraped pond scum for money. Local car lot had a back pond, that would clog up with algae. I would throw a rake tied to a line out as far as possible and get the stuff off the water. 90 degrees, humid, you get the picture..
2. Rest Home Office Help- Great job! Did my homework while telling people where their loved ones were located. Got to hit on girls working in nursing center and kitchen!
3. Draftsman- Drew and designed technical products.
4. Metals for Tooling Sales Rep- Most of my career, spent in selling and suppling tool steels, alloys, steel plate, aluminum, copper, brass, bronze, etc. to Manufacturing..
Four Places I've Lived:
1-4 Grand Rapids, Michigan, 5 different places, all in North-end!
Four Vacations:
1. Vegas- With and without kids. More fun without!
2. Key West- Kids- but I didn't know about the gays. I was looking for Jimmy Buffet.
3. Disney World- Kids.
4. Wisconsin Brewery Tour- We went to every obscure brewery there was, and collected beers. Later, we drank them...
Four Favorite Foods:
1. Chili dogs! Chili, cheese, mustard...
2. Pizza- Home-made, by me!
3. Wall-eye. Fresh-caught, battered with Drakes, beer, and Lawerys- fried!
4. Soup. About any kind, done well...
Four Places I'd Rather Be:
1. Retired!
2. Anywhere, off season.
3. Home.
4. Visiting People I'd Like To Meet!

Story-Telling, Jokes, And How We Communicate...(My Twice A Year Rant)...

A New Year provokes feelings- Hope, Anticipation, Fear, Apprehension, Etc (fill in the blank!). Since I started blogging, I have been able to polish my skills as a writer- hopefully keeping up with the people that also blog!
People are losing the ability to tell a good story, a good joke- in short, reading has become an inconvenience to a majority of the people on Planet Earth! Movies supplant reading a book. Music has become a packaged commodity, instead of an Art. The computer has become the Artist- the graphics that talent used to supply is now a common technical skill. What are we losing as humans, when we stop using what makes us humans? Most movies, books, and other forms of entertainment are about Emotions. Love, Hate, Redemption, Greed, Compassion, again etc.... Can you feel the difference between a "success formula" and a real written story? Check the movie listings in your area- How many are remakes of old movies (or books)? How many are computer generated cartoons with someone famous doing the voice? The average is about 5 out of 10.. That's B.S. people- with all the creative talent I've come in contact with blogging, that's B.S. ... I am impressed by the one thing in common with the bloggers on this post- You are intelligent! You have wit, a command of the language, knowledge on subjects I'm unfamilar with, and personality! Do not presume to tell me we are the only people not getting paid to be interesting and smart! Demand more of your entertainment! Hanna Montana? Britney Spears? All the athletes arrested or charged with crimes that would send you to the slammer for 20yrs?
Do not support these dipsh*ts! Walk out of bad movies! Laugh at morons trying to be funny on TV without a writng staff! Seek out your local entertainment stars- they might have more to offer than the canned crap the networks sell you. Pant-pant-pant- I'm winding down now, but please- The message today is don't value these media-hyped "Stars" above real talent. Look closer, and you will find it in your own back yard...
After all that, I'd better tell a joke or two , to show what I'm bitching about!
What does a "lady of the evening" say after sex?
"Jeez buddy, what took so long?"
What does a nympho say after sex?
"Are you done already?"
What does a wife say during sex?
"Beige... I think I'll paint the ceiling beige..."
Two rich trophy wives are talking at the Country Club....
"My dear! Have you met the new cosmetic surgeon that has moved into the neighborhood?" "Yes, why?" The one says " I was thinking of letting him do breast augmentation on me"... The other rich wife, not to be outdone says " Well I was thinking of having my a*shole bleached"... The first rich chick says " How do you think your husband will look as a Blonde?"
Thanks to all you put up with my rant!