Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Warmer Weather...

I think Chick is going to get her wish for warmer spring weather. The forecast is looking better all the time.

We did fairly well tonight bowling. We have fought our way back up to 6th place with 3 weeks left to go, the clock is ticking...

We may break the top 3...I'll let you know.

B.D.

Monday, March 27, 2006

Got to love her...

Vicky told Julie...

If I was going to post a picture of myself on the beach, then I needed to post one showing my six pack abs.

Sorry darlin'...that was a picture of my twelve pack abs. (GGG)

TN. Chick said on the Weekend Report, she was ready for some warm Spring Weather. I'll second that comment...

I'm not really looking forward to cutting grass, but I am ready for warmer weather and full trees and flowers and planting tomato plants. I miss my grill and I miss my ribs and I miss home grown tomatoes.

The rest...is just sand.

B.D.




Saturday, March 25, 2006

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

Henry sent this to me, so I thought I would share it with you.

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar...and the coffee...

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, " I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things, God, your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions, things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else...the small stuff."

"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18 holes of golf. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised their hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple cups of coffee with a friend."

Weekend Report









It's Spring... but yet it ain't.

This weekend is pretty much a wash for any major outside work, so I'll do a little of this & a little of that & a little of the above. (G)


Of course I would rather be doing this.









But I'll settle for the above...for now.

Enjoy your day!!!
B.D.

Friday, March 24, 2006

This & That ( part II )

I'm a little behind on posting...

Sorry I can't write for you everyday. I have other things that must be done sometimes, and I just don't have enough hours in the day. A lot of my readers that have been with me from the beginning know that I get busy sometimes, and that I will return to get caught up. This being said, let me tell you what Julie did Wednesday, bowling night.

She did real good series wise, one game she had the front 9 (to the layman that means 9 strikes in-a-row) in the tenth frame she pulled it (a small brain fart) and got 9 leaving the dreaded 10 pin.

My babe, she did good...

Me... I had two good games, but brain farted really bad on my second game... (lowest game I have ever shot...127)

But I'm proud of Julie, she did great, and Lena did good too, she had a good series.

Me...I have my moments, some good, some bad, but that's just me. As Forest Gump quoted, "Mamma said, stupid is as stupid does." That was me my second game.

Life is good...
Beer is better...

See you this weekend...

B.D.



Wednesday, March 22, 2006

This & That

For those of you that like "hot stuff" like I do, the April issue of Chile Pepper magazine has a great review of 110 hot sauces. This is some good information so you don't waste your money on sub-par sauces. Check it out.

They also have a hot wing recipe but I must say sorry guys...my hot wing recipe beats yours by a mile... and then some.

Life is good...
Beer is better...

B.D.

Monday, March 20, 2006

Results of the Road Trip...

Some of "my girls" did good on the bowling trip...and some struggled, this is how the game goes sometimes. I'm always proud of all of "my girls" as they put forth their best effort.

They may not win...but they always put their hearts into it. Some cash, and some don't, but they never give up...

You go girls...
You will always be winners to me...

B.D.

Saturday, March 18, 2006

Weekend Report

Mr. Sunshine has graced us with his smiling face, so hopefully it will warm up enough to do some work outside. If not... I will have to revert to my indoor "to do list."

I would prefer to keep that one for rainy days, but I will have the house to myself (well almost, the Bear is with me) so I can get a few things done before spring gets here full time. You would be amazed at all the work that has to be done when you have elaborate landscaping that takes almost constant care year round.

It is beautiful, but it is a pain in the derriere...and a crunch on my wallet, and very time consuming.

It is not "Keep up with the Joneses." It's everybody else trying to keep up with me!

But anyway...here are a few recipes to add to your collection.
I'll be talking about BBQ here in a few weeks, so get your gear together...

Enjoy!!!
B.D.


Apple Dijon Pork Roast

1 (3 1/2-4 pounds) boneless pork loin roast
1 cup apple juice
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) fat-free chicken broth
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup cornstarch

Trim any visible fat from the pork and cut the roast in 1/2 so that it will fit into the slow cooker. Place the halves side by side in the bottom of a 5-quart or larger slow cooker.

In glass bowl, mix together the apple juice, chicken broth and Dijon mustard. Pour the mixture over the pork roast halves and cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until a cooking thermometer inserted into each roast piece registers at least 160 degrees.When the roast is cooked, remove the meat to a platter and, using two forks, shred the meat.

Mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water in a small jar with a lid. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture a tablespoon at a time into the sauce remaining in the cooker. Stir until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. (You may not need all of the cornstarch mixture.) Ladle the sauce over the meat and serve.
Serves 8.

Cook's note: Serve with fried cornbread, mashed potatoes, and pinto beans.


Fried Pickles

1 bottle hamburger dill slices
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow corn meal
1 to 2 teaspoon BBQ rub
1/2 cup yellow mustard
1/2 cup beer
Oil for frying

Combine the flour and cornmeal (50/50) and season with your favorite BBQ spice rub. In a small bowl make a slurry of the mustard and beer.

Dip the pickle slices in the mustard-beer mixture and then in the flour-cornmeal. Deep fry 5 to 6 pickles at a time at 325 degrees until the batter is browned, about 30 seconds. Pickles will float to top when done.

Serve as an appetizer with icy cold beer.
Serves 4-6


'I don't know what country these beans came from, but they didn't come from the South country. Maybe they're fancy North country Southern want-to-be "Sunday go to meeting" beans.'

Country Green Beans

1 pound green beans, whole or cut
1/2 cup walnut pieces
1/3 cup olive oil
2-3 cloves minced garlic
1/2 cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

Place the beans in a saucepan with a little water and cook until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

In a hot fry pan add the olive oil, garlic and walnuts. Cook until garlic is soft. Add beans and a dash of black pepper. Stir fry 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Sprinkle with bread crumbs and cheese and mix together.
Serves four to six.

Friday, March 17, 2006

Happy St. Patrick's Day

It's the day of the Irish and the day of the green.

Now that's fine with me, but I ain't drinking no green beer, I don't care what day it is, ain't going to happen.

The Dogwood got planted today, so that is my celebration of the green. Now that that's done, I can move on to other things.

"BD's girls'" are lined up for a road trip this weekend of bowling in Clarksville, so I must say "Good Luck to my girls," go kick some butt!!!

I'll post some recipes this weekend if time will permit me to take a few minutes off from my "to do list."

Enjoy the rest of your day!!!
B.D.

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Mid - Week Report (kind of)

Not much going on... just got home and have to get ready to go bowling shortly. "Oh for joy for joy." I have totally sucked in the bowling department here lately.

I just get brain farts, and can't do anything...this is very frustrating sometimes.

We were tied with the 1st place team and started back peddling all because I got brain farts and started bowling bad. And Medical Insurance won't cover this dreaded condition.

So we... or I should say they (my team) are having to take up the slack and fight their way back up towards the top. And no...beer has not come to my rescue either. I'm cursed...dang brain farts.

But fear not...I am married to the team captain, so my spot is secure, unless I get hiccups and brain farts at the same time...then I'm dead in the water...

Wish me luck...
B.D.

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

After The Storm...

Things got a little bumpy around here yesterday...
Some folks got hammered, we got some pretty decent rain fall with near 80 degree temperature, but that was just a taste of what is around the corner.

Today and the rest of the week will be more inline to where our temperatures should be. And of course the weekend will be a wash as rain is in the forecast. You can see the grass coming to life and cutting time will be very soon.

I picked up another Dogwood tree over the weekend, so it will be in the ground by the end of the week (I hope)

Yard work has already kicked into gear as Mother Nature & Mr. Sunshine work their magic and awaken things from their winter slumber.

So...I've been just a tad bit busy.

But alas, now I must trot off to work and earn a dollar so I can afford to buy gas for the lawn mower, as it too will soon awaken from its winter slumber.

Enjoy your day!!!
B.D.

Saturday, March 11, 2006

Weekend Report

Here is a recall that Henry sent to me that I thought I would pass along. Chicken Recall

Also there is an email going around about the Formosan Termites being in mulch, here is the subject.

"If you use mulch around your house be very careful about buying mulch this year. After the hurricane in New Orleans many trees were blown over. These trees were then turned into mulch and the state is trying to get rid of tons and tons of this mulch to any state or company who will come and haul it away. So it will be showing up in Home Depot and Lowe's at dirt cheap prices with one huge problem; Formosan Termites will be the bonus in many of those bags. New Orleans is one of the few areas in the country were the Formosan Termites has gotten a strong hold and most of the trees blown down were already badly infested with those termites. Now we may have the worst case of transporting a problem to all parts of the country that we have ever had. These termites can eat a house in no time at all and we have no good control against them, so tell your friends that own homes to avoid cheap mulch and know were it came from." Here's the link: Click here: LSU Ag Center . Formosan Subterranean Termites Portal


I sent this to Henry seeing that he lives down there, and this is pretty much bogus.

Here is the real link for the LSU Ag Center


I've got things to do and places to go...
Enjoy your day!!!
B.D.




Thursday, March 09, 2006

Where have you been B.D.?

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days.
I have been feeling a little bit under the weather.

Spring is here... and things are starting to fly around in the air.
(This does major damage to my nose, and sometimes to my body as well.)

I love Spring...but I hate the allergies that come with it.
No amount of beer will cure allergies...Dang it!!!
That's just my luck...

That's why some dude got rich inventing Kleenex.
It's hard to get a date when you're walking around carrying a roll of toilet paper sneezing your fool head off. People tend to shy away...so this guy got rich, and got the babe too!!!

But you still look like Rudolf "with your nose so bright"... even with Kleenex. So I'll just take it one day and one sneeze at a time. I don't have to worry about the one part...I've already got the babe, I just need to work on the rich part...


Life is good...
Beer is better...

B.D.

Monday, March 06, 2006

He Said What???

On the Weekend Report, I said I over-extended myself. And it was brought to my attention that some people thought I had 'tied one on'. This was not the case. Over-extended and over-indulged are two different animals. Now, when I said I over-extended myself, I meant - I pushed myself beyond my physical limits. Now, if I had 'tied one on', I would have said "I over-indulged". But this not being the case (since I was at work). So I hope I've cleared up any misunderstandings (on your part).

In the future, I will be more explanatory (ooh, that's a big word!) in my endeavors (another big word!) to try and explain what's happening in BD's world. So next time when I say I over-extended myself it means that I didn't 'tie one on'. But that's a good idea. I'll take that idea under advisement.

(GGG...)

B.D.

Sunday, March 05, 2006

Weekend Report

Today is a R&R lazy kind of day.
I over-extended myself yesterday and it caught up with me.

Here are a few hints & tips for people just entering the world of beer drinking. Follow these words of wisdom and you'll have no trouble.

Enjoy your day!!!
B.D.

Hints & Tips for the Newbie

SYMPTOM: Beer unusually pale and tasteless.
FAULT: Glass empty.
ACTION: Get someone to buy you another beer.

SYMPTOM: Beer tasteless, front of your shirt is wet.
FAULT: Mouth not open or glass applied to wrong part of face.
ACTION: Retire to gent's room, practice in mirror.

SYMPTOM: Feet cold and wet.
FAULT: Glass being held at incorrect angle.
ACTION: Rotate glass so that open end points toward ceiling.

SYMPTOM: Feet warm and wet.
FAULT: Improper bladder control.
ACTION: Stand next to nearest dog; complain about its house training. Demand beer.

SYMPTOM: Floor blurred.
FAULT: You are looking through bottom of empty glass.
ACTION: Get someone to buy you another beer.

SYMPTOM: Opposite wall covered with fluorescent lights.
FAULT: You have fallen over backward.
ACTION: Have yourself leashed to bar.

SYMPTOM: Mouth contains cigarette butts.
FAULT: You have fallen forward.
ACTION: See above.

SYMPTOM: Room seems unusually dark.
FAULT: Bar has closed.
ACTION: Confirm home address of bartender and go for it.

SYMPTOM: Floor moving.
FAULT: You are being carried out.
ACTION: Find out if you are being taken to another bar.

Friday, March 03, 2006

Chili Recipes

Although the weather is turning better, there are still some chilly days in the forecast. And what is out there (besides Whiskey) that will help you fend of that chill? A big batch of Chili.

So here are a few Chili recipes to add to your collection. To find other Chili recipes I have posted, just type in Chili into the search option, and they should be easy to find.

P.S.
I have to work Saturday so the Weekend Report will be late.

Enjoy!!!
B.D.

Chili for the crowd
(this is from 1966)

1/2 pound dry pinto beans (1 1/4 cups)
8 cups water
1 1/4 cups canned tomato puree
3 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
2 cups chopped onion
2 cups chopped green bell pepper
2 minced cloves garlic
2 tablespoons oil
3 pounds ground chuck
1/3 cup chili powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin

Place beans in water in large saucepan. Cover. Heat to boiling. Boil 5 minutes; remove from heat and allow to stand in tightly covered pan for 1 hour. Heat beans again to boiling; continue cooking covered over medium heat for about 45 minutes or until tender.

Add tomato puree and tomatoes; simmer 10 minutes. Saute onion, green pepper and garlic in oil in large pot over medium-high heat about 5 to 8 minutes.

Add meat and remaining ingredients to onion mixture. Cook 10 minutes. Add bean mixture; simmer uncovered 30 minutes longer. Serve hot in bowls with corn chips.
Makes about 11 cups.


Halftime Chili
(this is from 1996)

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onions
8 large garlic cloves, chopped
3 pounds ground chuck
5 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes with added puree
1 14 1/2-ounce can low-salt chicken broth
1 12-ounce bottle beer
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
1 15- to 16-ounce can prepared chili beans

Heat oil in heavy large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 8 minutes. Add chuck and sauté until brown, breaking up meat with back of spoon, about 10 minutes. Add chili powder, cumin, basil, oregano and thyme. Stir 2 minutes.

Mix in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, beer and tomato paste. Simmer until thickened to desired consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Mix in beans. Simmer 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 3 days ahead. Refrigerate until cold, then cover. Rewarm over low heat before serving.)
Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Thursday, March 02, 2006

Pictures of the Bear...

These are pictures of our black lab, Sweetie.
(Our adopted child)


"What? This had better be important."














"Are the Hot Wings ready yet?"














Just like a woman (showing off her stuff)














B.D.