My New Food Toy... Brinkman Vertical Smoker Grill!

Yesterday, my wife and I got up early, had a quick cheese and mushroom omelette- with our fresh ground morning coffee- and headed up to Traverse City, for a little day trip R & R... Casino was under construction, so play was limited and really not that much fun. We drove over to a little municipal park on Grand Traverse bay, and checked out the beautiful view. We then stopped at North Point Brew Pub for an early supper bite to eat. With the breeze off the bay, it was perfect weather to eat on the deck, and watch the world go by... T.C. is an upscale, kind of hip place (for Michigan!) with many specialty stores, restaurants, and things to see and do. The service, menu, prices, and quality of food was a pleasant shock- T.C. is not known for cheap or being overly friendly to "fudgies" (that's one of their terms for down state tourists!). We ordered an appetizer of hot melted Gorgonzola, dried cherries, and walnut pieces, served with a cracked grain fresh bread. Delicious! My wife had a fried Walleye sandwich, and I had their Deli sandwich (Italian ham, turkey pastrami, Havarti cheese, tomato, lettuce, and a delightful chipotle mayo that really had a kick!). Long, relaxing ride home down some less busy highways...
Today, I tackled the project I alluded to earlier this week- I assembled my new smoker grill! This was after I grilled marinated chicken and made mashed potatoes and chicken gravy for my son and me! Dinner done, I started the task that the manual clearly had stated would go better with two people working on it. My son had to work, and my wife was down at Festival 2008, and attending a play later, so it was me, myself, and I who got it done! Right in the middle of this project, with parts strewn all over the driveway, we get a thunder and lightning rain storm! Put everything inside garage, and waited until it blew over, then finished it up. Really wasn't that bad to assemble- the instructions must have been written by an American! I took some pictures of the retiring smoker grill.. 10yrs old and still works, but I wanted a new vertical one. The new unit has a regular charcoal grill over the firebox for grilling, while the smoke chamber has lots of racks and room for competition BB-Q! It's compact, but heavy and well-built. I have to "season" it before cooking in it- which means I have to build a hot, smoky fire in the firebox and take the unit up to about 400F for a couple of hours, to cure and seal the painted metal with a layer of smoke residue... I may add another thermometer, as I have heard the one that it comes with isn't that accurate...
I hope everybody has a full-of-good-news upcoming week!

Recap Of My Week...

Monday: 1. 35th Wedding Anniversary.
2. Wife starts new full-time job at staffing agency.
3. My butt talked to by boss about not doing paperwork.
4. New 200+lb. Brinkman smoker grill del. on back of 40ft. semi, no way to unload except by driver and I muscling it off, and carrying it to garage in pieces to be assembled Sunday, while wife is at local Festival watching niece's child chimp around with the other dancers in her troupe....
Tuesday: 1. Wife goes to new job, then classes at night.
2. I work all day, the usual...
Wednesday: 1. Work, get blood drawn for testing, had lunch with customer whose wife had premature twin girls last week- at the same time an AeroMed helicopter crashed on the hospital Helipad- the hospital she was at! Crash made national news...
2. First supper together this week with wife- home made Tacos...
Thursday: 1. Work for both of us.
2. Thunderstorm- biggest bolt of lightning I had ever seen- close enough to see colors in the lightning bolt! Lunch w/customer- killer Havarti/olive burger !
3.After pork steak supper, we went to our club, hung out w/friends 'til 9PM...
Friday: 1. Work, another cust. lunch, Tool room consult at local Propeller Mfg. plant, pickup cracked alum for mill testing, etc....
2. Finally home to simple supper of cheddar cheese tuna melts, plans for run up North Sat....
This week stayed busy, even though quite a bit of it was routine! This morning, a quick home made cheese and mushroom omelette, and road trip to Traverse City, MI!
Enjoy your week ends, little rangers...

You Vegetarians May Want To Skip This Post.....

A couple of times a year, I buy a whole beef loin, either tenderloin or boneless rib. It usually costs about 70-80 bucks, and comes in a Cryopak in one piece, waiting to be cut into steaks, roasts, or I guess you could cook it whole if you wanted! I usually cut it up myself, trimming away some of the unnecessary fat and silver-skin, to thicknesses usually not seen in the meat case. The savings is only about $15.00, but you get exactly what you want, packaged in quantities that work for you! I bought a pretty good vacuum packer a couple of years ago, and it is simple and fast to use... Vacuum packed products will last longer in the refrigerator or freezer than zip locks or literally any other packaging method. I've seen venison packaged this way last more than a year in the freezer, with no freezer burn! As a borderline hoarder, this suits my idea of being ready in case a mob shows up!

35th Wedding Anniversary Today!

Who'd a thunk? My wife, Sharon and I hit this milestone today, and you wouldn't believe the day we have planned...
Said "Happy Anniversary" to each other about 10 minutes before I left for an early work meeting (butt chewed for not doing paperwork!). My wife starts her new job today at noon (tomorrow starts full-time!)and has to go directly to school from work. That's right, we won't see each other all day or evening long! Tommorrow will be the same, so no celebration then either! She left me a card, and I brought her one too, along with a box of candy and 1lb. of fudge from the local candy bandit...
I think you'll find after 35 years, it isn't one day that made the difference, it was all 12,775 days doing a little every day that makes it happen... We are not the kids who got married all those years ago, but I'm pretty sure we still have whatever it took to get married in the first place!
Don't any of you ladies worry about her getting a special night or week end out celebrating, friends of ours have their 35th soon, and mentioned we'd better do something together to mark this great accomplishment!

Duplicating Famous Restaurant's Recipes....

You have probably seen cook books that are compiled of "secret recipes" from famous (or chain!) restaurants and food manufacturers, claiming to give you that elusive taste of whatever product they make and you crave... I have two such books, fun to read for the background info on these companies, but the recipes are hardly mysteries! If you have taste buds, you probably can figure out 90% on your own!
When our kids were young (under 6!), taking them to a place to eat where we wouldn't be barred or ejected was a challenge. We found early breakfast at Denny's in the non-smoking section really meant The Kiddieland Restaurant! Hi chairs abounded, jelly was the wall decoration, and there were other parents like us, trying to civilize their kids so they could go someplace really nice with them some day... I love Eggs Benedict, but Denny's had their version- The English Scramble. this was two English Muffins, open face, with scrambled eggs, Canadian bacon, and Hollandaise sauce over it. This evolved into a deluxe version of a Ham and Egg McMuffin (Moons Over MyHammy- really!), where they took scrambled eggs, ham, and cheese- then put it between two toasted English muffins. This morning, I did that, except we left them open-faced, and used mild white cheddar instead of American(Nerd!)cheese....
Kind of fun to go Retro now and again,, isn't it?

Mini-Meme! Food Likes And Dislikes...

Monday we looked forward to having "Cuban Midnight" sandwiches. They are a small sandwich, that traditionally has Thinly sliced roast pork, sliced ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, mustard, and mayo- all on a fresh elongated roll, grilled in a panini press(or equivalent device!). By the picture posted, you would swear we had a wonderful sandwich- but that would be wrong! The bread we found was a tasteless garlic roll, too hard and too dry to do the sandwich justice. The pork and ham were actually on the bland side, with the baby Swiss crumbly- because the deli had frozen it at some time in it's life! Oh well, live and learn.... Oh by the way, if you're wondering what grill I use, it's a Cuisinart Griddler! Two sets of grates, heat controls, adjustable for thick sandwiches- it's like a George Foreman Uber Grill!
Today's Meme couldn't be easier! List your three favorite foods, then list three foods you don't ever plan on eating ever again! Explanations are welcome! I'll go first;
1. Chili dogs- once a week, minimum!
2. Grilled cheese sandwich- when nothing sounds good, this does...
3. BB-Qed baby back pork ribs- seasoned, tender, and sauced!

1. Brussels Sprouts- smells worse than they taste( to me!)
2. Cream of Wheat- a non-event, with a nasty texture!
3. Peas- I will eat pea pods any day, but even my dogs won't eat peas....

Saturday Road Trip, Sunday Cooking!

Yesterday, we headed north, after the Friday road mob dragging trailers, boats, and what-all were all up there and off the highways! We had a nice breakfast of scrambled eggs and English muffins before heading out. I also packed us a lunch type snack- a beef, swiss, lettuce, onion, mayo, mustard wrap for my wife, and a Krakowska (Kraki), swiss, lettuce, mayo, horseradish, mustard wrap for me! Kraki, you ask? It's a Polish cold cut, kind of a highly spiced ham formed into round tubes and sliced. Reminds me of moist Pastrami if you made it from pork! Casino didn't pay big bucks, but fun anyway... We pulled off the road to eat our wraps, drink a pop, and look at the wondrous fresh water inland sea called Lake Michigan... The water was dead still Saturday, but this same lake can have 10-12 foot waves in a flash, if a front comes in! This lake measures 118 miles wide, and 307 miles long. Maximum depth 975 ft., avg. depth 279 ft. Not the biggest Great Lake, but that is alot of fresh water in one puddle!
Today, I am marinating pork tenderloin in an Asian flavor, planning to add a finishing sauce similar in flavor while it is on the charcoal grill! Corn on the cob, sauteed portobella mushroom pieces, and a devils food/white frosting cake is the menu du jour... Hope you're all having a great, long week-end!

Mini-Meme Today- Gambling

I like to place a bet. I get in football pools, baseball pools, bet on the triple crown races, play Keno, and go to casinos a few times a year... It's never alot of money, but it is fun to win once in awhile!
The Mini-Meme today is;
1. Do you gamble? Why, and what is your favorite form?
2. Not a gambler? Why not?
There is no "right" answer, but I look forward to yours! If you have a good gambling story- throw it in!

Sunday After Chili- Chinese Sounds Great!

Usually, after a chili filled Saturday, our Sunday meal is as far away from chili as we can get! This meant a seafood stir-fry over white rice was going to be on the menu... We hit Sam's Club for our every other month stock-up of T.P., paper towels, cat litter, etc. I really look forward to checking out the meat and seafood deals at Sams, as I find the quality pretty good! Scored 2lb. of frozen sea scallops- some of which were diver scallop size! A large cut of Dutch Gouda cheese, some thick cut bacon, and some 90/10 ground beef was about all I needed for the food supplies today.. I had some shrimp already at home, in addition to plenty of other ingredients for stir-fry, so away we went!
The dish I prepared had 1lb. shrimp, half of those scallops, onion, green pepper, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, and mushrooms- all sliced to size. The sauce had chix broth, organic soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, sesame oil, white pepper, rice vinegar, honey, and salt- all thickened with corn starch into the right consistency. I stir fried the veggies in oil, added scallops, shrimp, and sauce a little later, as not to over cook. Came out pretty tasty- not much left!
Later, I decided to try coconut macaroons with chocolate chips for the first time. Learned alot! I learned they are a mess to make! I took the remaining cookie mix, added cocoa and confectioners sugar, and made a no bake choco-coconut ball! easy, and good! Hope you all have a good week!

Would You Believe Another Chili Cook-Off?

Last night, I prepared my competition red chili for a contest today! Usually you have to make the stuff on-site of the contest, but a few places- mostly the small cook-offs sometimes have a crock pot format. This means everybody can make it the night before and let it cold blend overnight. This also means there is alot of good chili because of this! I have 5 or 6 trophies from this place over the 10 or 11 yrs. I've been going to it, and they are old friends to boot! For once, I took a couple of pictures of the chili, before it was all gone! I rarely get a whole bowl of my own chili, because I hardly ever make it unless if it's for a competition or a crowd! It really hit the spot, but still needs more tweaks before the contest... Wish me luck!
Addendum : Seems like everybody today had trouble "dialing in" their chili- including me! I did manage a 3rd place finish, won $25 bucks and a small trophy... believe me, with the chili I made today- I'm grateful!

Annual Club Mens Meeting- Free Food!

Last night was our club's once-a-year induction of new members. There is a usually a little, humiliating task they have to do- all in good fun! I have gotten into a tradition of fixing free food for the guys after the meeting is over. Free means the club pays for the food, but my buddy and I will fix and serve it, with clean-up afterward. We anticipated about 100 people, and made 17 large pizzas, which should have been enough. 125 guys showed up, some only for the free food! We could only do 8 pizzas at a time in the clubs ovens, so we had to time everything like a space mission! We bought Papa Murphys take u bake cheese pizzas, then added our 4lbs. of sausage, 3lbs. of pepperoni, 5lbs. of sliced mushrooms, 4 chopped green peppers, and 4 chopped Vidalia onions. Came out great- and everyone was trying to figure out where we got such good pizzas! I wish I had a picture of those pizzas, all prepped to go into the ovens- it took up the entire 3' x 12' foot stainless table in the kitchen! As always, too much work for too little praise... Give people free food and there are always jerks who say stuff like this; "Is it all gone?" "Can I take some home?", "I don't like mushrooms", "My wifes here, can she have some?" Many of the older members came and thanked us- mainly because they had volunteered in the past- and knew how much work we had done...

Mother's Day Weekend- It Isn't Just One Day Long, You Know..

Saturday started with breakfast out at a local restaurant. We then did grocery shopping for the Mother's Day feast. I then took my wife's van for a wash and wax, picked up some candy for her(locally made!), rented a movie she wanted to see (The Golden Compass), and made last trip to store for the forgotten baking potatoes... I then came home, made the apple crisp for Sunday dinner, and caught my breath! Made a loaded up bean dip for supper/snack, using tortilla chips as the dippers... Watched the movie, (which I actually enjoyed!) and hit the hay.
It's Sunday now, time to start preparing the feast! The rib-eyes are marinating and the rest of this post, with more photos will be up this afternoon...
It was raining, which usually means lots of smoky charcoal flavor! I hope you all know you don't have to wrap baked potatoes in aluminum foil when cooking in oven... Blueberry muffins, and asparagus- now let's eat! Apple Crisp later- too full to even try for dessert... Hope you are all enjoying your Mothers Day- I'm pretty sure my wife did...

Simple Supper For A Tired Guy...

This week was not alot of fun, and food hasn't been the center of attention... Tonight, I'm just going to broil some seasoned boneless skinless chicken thighs (yes, thighs!), put them on a bun with mayo, lettuce, tomato, and cheese and call it good!
My son that lives in Kansas City actually sent( on he and his brothers behalf) their mom some nice flowers for Mother's Day! Unprompted by me! Felt just like they were here- the card was misspelled, as usual! Toying with what to feast on for Sunday- her choice, of course! Hope all you that still have moms in your lives remember something good and wish her a great Mothers Day!
Enjoy your weekend!
Uncle Buf

Our Weekend Up North...

We decided around Friday, we ought to get away to our place up north that we are part owners in. It's a really nice place, with all the amenities- but gets used about 2-3 weeks out of the entire year! Electricity, wall to wall carpets, two bathrooms, running water, heat, full basement, electronic dart board, pool table, large screen TV- everything! It sits on 160 acres, with two tracks throughout. We went to a casino first,and on the way encountered the drawbridge in downtown Manistee MI for the first time! Got whupped by the casino, then headed for the lodge. Dropped my wife off to get the heat going, and to settle in while I went back down the road to a little town called Tustin, to hit Powells for supplies. Supplies- frozen pizza, pop, munchies, and treat. Powells is your classic up North store; you can buy bullets, tampons, booze, jerky and sausage(homemade!)a picture of Jesus, and a goose decoy- pretty much in the same aisle...It is interesting to note that they had no less than thirty frozen pizzas, 10 from three different manufacturers- and every one of them was a Pepperoni pizza- no others.. When in Tusin carry , or wear the scent of pepperoni- they seem to prefer it... The clients on a Saturday night are a good argument that Bigfoot is indeed very real... 3 of them were buying a case of beer each, with money that looked like it pulled double duty in an outhouse! The two 20 yr old girls running the store, weighing about 95lbs. each, herded them like dancing bears into a line behind me.. I wanted to buy some sliced cheese from the deli, but from the look I got from the Sasquatch Triplets, I decided against it.Back at the lodge, the frogs were croaking their brains out in the swamp, trying to get lucky, the night sky cleared and I spent part of the night watching the constellations move across the sky, through the big windows on the end of the lodge... We hit another casino in the morning, but won nothing big... Every time we go up to the lodge, we say "We've got to do this more often- but we never do... This has to change!

A Thursday Night That Was More Fun Than It Should Have Been...

Coming home from work last night, I decided to stop in to a club I belong to- just to catch up on the news, and play a few games of Keno. I ended up volunteering for a steak dinner dance, where I'll be in charge of about 200 baked potatoes! I also am responsible for pizza for about 100 guys at our men's' meeting in 2 weeks. The friend that helps me with this stuff, says they are catching a burger at another hall in about an hour that serves food every Thursday. We invited ourselves along, just to see friends for awhile. The burger is about 1/2lb., with anything on it you want, and a bag of chips for $3.00. Really. The drinks are; pop is .75 and a shot & pop is $2.00. Really. Burger is great, but we were there for the friendship! Told jokes, updated current life activities- shot the breeze in general. Low key fun, at $10 bucks a couple.. Have good week-ends, everyone!

Dinner For One...Sort Of A Huevo Ranchero Minus Tortilla!

My wife and I ended up on different schedules yesterday, so when I got home, she was on her way to class. I had some leftover taco meat, a hunk of colby cheese left just big enough for one serving, and a dab of jalepeno salsa- both red and green... I fried one egg, over easy, put the meat and cheese on it until cheese melted, put it on a plate, and poured on the salsa! This is what a guy would eat when no one was looking...
The weather frauds predicted snow flurries for Tues., but no way is that going to happen- way too warm for that, thank God...

Another Chili Cook-off, Defending Our Title...

Last year, an out of town bar ran their first chili cook-off. It was for charity, specifically C-snips, a no cost/low cost neutering for pets. We had a great day last year, winning the White Chili catagory, as well as the overall winner. There were a few changes this year, but all for the best. My wife and I made B.D.s' Wicked White Chili, while my cooking pardners made Chili Dans'Red Chili. When the awards were given, our White Chili had won that catagory again! My buddies made a great batch, but got some very erratic judging, and they didn't win... It was a windy cold day, that finally warmed up, and they had a good turn out for the charity! I'll post a picture of our trophy tomorrow, as we are bone tired right now...

A Six Word Story- Tagged By Akelamalu...

I got tagged by Ake to do a six word story. I'm not one to make a chain letter out these things, but if anyone wants to do this one, check out the details on Akelamalus' blog "Everything And Nothing".
"Life"
Sunrise is promise, sunset- promise kept..

Sunday, Today A Lay Around Day.....

Yesterday was the Grand Haven Chili Cook-off, and we didn't win, place, or show... A good enough batch, but they made it clear there would be some new judges, which is their way of saying there would be new winners! It was a beautiful day on the channel between Spring Lake and Lake Michigan, not much wind and sunny. It is always a good time, and quite a crowd showed up. As usual, our 3-1/2 gallons of meaty chili was gone- with quite a few compliments... Today, I'm getting a Papa Murphys bake it yourself pizza, because I may need a dozen of them next month for our mens meeting at the club- if the price is right, and they are good! These chili cook offs are fun, but the lugging, cooking, and clean-up can get old-like me!

The Humor And Wisdom Of Children...

I have two sons, currently 27 and 30 yrs. old. Neither are married, nor have any children from previous liaisons... This adds up to no grandkids- yet! Reading some of the antics you folks share about your kids (that are still kids!), it helps me remember some of those moments when our sons were younger...
On Race: Eldest, at age 5 says "Dad, why do they call black people black, and us white?" I say, "Because we are." "No were not! They are more Mocha, and we are Peach colored!" He brings a box of Crayola crayons over and shows me....
On Pirates: Youngest, when at Disney World, goes through "Pirates of the Caribbean", and gets a souvenir flintlock cap gun. "Avast ya scurvy slobs!" he yells. "Son it's scurvy swabs.." Later, in the airport they scan a gun in our luggage. "Can you explain this, sir?" "Yeah, we were going to hold up the plane with a cap pistol one shot flintlock , and then go a-rovin'" They were not amused.... Chewed on my butt about it for a bit....
On Dating: My youngest had some slightly wild girlfriends while "growing up" The short answer is they liked "Mr. Right", but liked "Mr. Right Now" better.. After about three of these gals dated and dumped him, he says to me, "Dad I believe I'm attracted to the wrong kind of women"... I said, in my best Ward Cleaver voice, "Son, all normal men are attracted to the wrong kind of women, but most of us don't bring them home and introduce them to your Mother"...
On Graduating: My eldest, was a computer prodigy. He helped the school set up some of their computer system. He comes home from school about 2 weeks before graduation, and proudly informs me there is a little problem. "Dad, they are going to let me graduate, but won't let me in the ceremony until I tell them how I hacked into the computer system". I gave him my level-eyed stare, and told him to run, not walk, to his car, get in it and drive back to the school and tell them what they wanted to know. He started to protest, when I said "This is not a debate-do it!" Graduated, went to U of M., graduated, and now pays taxes like the rest of us...
I may start making this a weekly post, as I consider our blogs a rolling history of events that our progeny may actually read and appreciate someday!

Sunday Dinner, After A Spam Cook-off...

Yesterday, I participated in a Spam cook-off. The turn out was pretty good, with about 12- 14 teams entered. I had never been to one, so it was a bit of a learning experience! I was by myself, as my cooking pardner had to work. Reheating my entry was a problem, but got through it! Some of the entries were, Spam pizza, Spam Lasagna, Bean-n-Spam soup, My Scotch Eggs, Spam meatballs, curried Spam, Spam Kabobs, etc. I tried a few, but honestly- there is only so much you can do with this stuff! The Lasagna won, but the pizza was my favorite. My eggs all got gone, but I was about 6th or so... My stomach is still upset! Later that night, we played poker with 3 other couples, while I bitched about an upset tummy....
I did feel a little better this morning, but decided a simple meal might be better than going all out. Roast chicken breast, steamed asparagus, and home-made banana bread was plenty for today! Still, didn't eat with too much excitement... Hope you all had a good week-end, and are ready for Monday!

You Won't Believe The Cook-off I'm In Today...

A Spam Cook-off. I kid you not. Hormel Spam, not computer spam! Friends of mine have held this for years, but I was unwilling or unable to go and cook. I was talked into it by my cooking buddy, who calls yesterday and tells me he might not be able to go! Asshat.
Anyway, I got on the website for spam recipes, and was floored to find hundreds! I had already decided to make a Scotch egg, using Spam as the sausage case. Apparently no one has done that before- which could be good or bad.... A few facts about Spam.. Many state and county fairs have Spam contests... Hawaii eats more Spam per capita than any other state... There are now about 5-6 flavors of Spam... The shelf life approaches spent uranium, or a Twinkie... and finally, This is the first Spam I've purchased in 20yrs.! I plan to drizzle it with an oriental sweet/hot sauce that should mask any flavor of Spam that might leak through..
I've asked myself numerous times during the making of this entry- How bad do you want to win this? Would you ever show anyone the trophy?
P.S. Pictures to follow, as some assembly has to be done a contest...

Broiled Salmon With Long Lost Dessert.. Tapioca Pudding!

We are trying to have a bit more fish in our diet, so Tuesday night I broiled a large salmon fillet. While rummaging for the correct spices I wanted to use (lemon pepper, dill, sea salt) I came across a small package of tapioca(instant) and decided I would fix some- as I probably haven't had any in 20yrs.! It really isn't "instant" as it still takes 20 minutes to make, and I was planning on refrigerating it before supper... I added a little vanilla and almond extract, along with a splash of maraschino cherry juice- as I think all those flavors go well with each other. Salmon was great, but next time with the tapioca I'll use old fashioned style- the texture of the instant was not was I was expecting, and it came off a bit too sweet for me...My stuff looked pretty homely compared to the desserts Pinknest and jeff posted today! Check them out!

Haven't Had a Steak In Awhile- Rib-Eye!

We went to Sams' Club yesterday, with the mission to secure more meat in our freezer!
Some choices' were easy, some we took a pass on... The Rib-Eye steaks could not be ignored! About a pound a piece, and a thickness that cried out to be broiled, we bought them for Sunday dinner!. This, with a classic Potato Au gratin, a little bread, and a brownie- was the plate my son received today at work, should sustain him for a day or so...We stocked our freezer with pork steak, pork roast, chuck roast, chicken tenders- and a salmon fillet that will be eaten in the next 2 days! I'm also making beef jerky today- we'll see what that looks like in about 5 hrs. ...

First Grief, Then A Homely Little Friday Treat For Supper....

I had to get over to my club, to interview a new member Friday afternoon- about 4PM. I was a little late, but knew my buddy would be there to start the interview! I walk in about 20 minutes after, and ask "Is he here?" Nope. This was the second interview he had missed, and I was pissed... Called him, and he explained he had a flat 35 miles away, and would be late. He was late already, and hadn't called us- why not? This guy is a friend of a pardner I have in our Hunting Club up North, and he knows alot of people I know.. not getting off on the right foot with me. Our club is a working mans' club- but hard to get into, average wait= 14 years... He promises to be there today at noon- and he had better be...
Got out of the club, and zoomed to the local meat market to pick up some Kielbasa- a Polish sausage very popular around here. Simmered in beer for 1 hour, got out the Polish mustard, catsup, and horseradish sauce and had a quick, but excellent Friday treat! Wife made brownies for later- the Dutch sweet tooth will never die..

Breakfast For Supper- Kind Of A Midwest Thing...

Occasionally, we like having traditional breakfast food for supper. I remember this from when I was growing up. It might be pancakes and sausage links, or scrambled eggs with toast and bacon, or waffles! Incidentally, I never had an omelette until I was in my teens- neither Mom or Dad knew how to make one! I saw it on a menu and said "That's for me!"
I don't like to eat anything first off in the morning, but enjoy breakfast food immensely- so this works great about once a month. Tonight, I made a 4 egg cheese and mushroom omelette, split in half, with homemade strawberry jam on 9 grain toast. It really was enough, and hit the spot! This whole thing took 12 minutes from start to finish! Sometimes you just don't want to cook for an hour or two before finally eating- this is a great way have a quick, tasty supper!

April Fools' Day! Mini-Meme Time! Humor Is The Theme...

The questions today are:
1. What was a memorable funny stunt you pulled on someone?
2. What was a memorable stunt pulled on you...
Me first!
1. Once we had a young(21 yr. old!) kid bowling as a sub on our team. We were hootin' and hollerin' as we were bowling well, drinking, and having a good time... I offered to buy a round, and as a newbe to boozing, the kid says "I'll have a wine cooler!" I looked at him like he was an alien, but said I'll take care of that.. The gals at the bowling alley had known me forever, and when I said "I want a wine cooler, berry flavored, with a tampon in it for a swizzle stick" they laughed, got one, and I served the drink... The league went nuts, laughing...
2. Golf outing, make up teams from work, very few real golfers... Scramble format- we had just played a long par 5 really well, a girl drops a stupid long putt and gives us a birdie.. Our team member keeping score calls to me and asks; "Do you have a pencil, Dick?" I answer "Yeah, but you don't have to yell it all over the golf course.." We are all rolling around on the green, while the people behind us are wondering what the heck is wrong with us...
Post something, everyone! Let's be fools today!