Hot Diggity Dog!

The ultimate beginning of summer barbecuing day has just passed - July 4th - but that's not going to stop me from eating hot dogs.

Above is a graphic of how hot dogs are prepared in different cities around the U.S. and how they eat 'em in other parts of the world.

If you're the adventurous type, you've got lots of options!



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2016: Fashion Statement
2015: Proof They Have All The Training They Need
2014: The Value Of This Place Continues To Increase
2013: Bursts Of Light And A Bean
2012: Cool As A Cucumber
2011: I Think We Have A Winner
2010: Progressively Yours,
2009: Spill It
2008: I’ve NEVER Colored Inside The Lines. Why The Surprise?
2007: I Didn’t Make It, But I Ate It
2006: Sorry, no post for this day.
2005: Slim Or None! I’ll Take None.

The Horsepower Of The Apaches Was Natural

Ed took this photo of his Kawasaki KLR 650 and MacG's BMW 1200 RT when they stopped for a break from their ride along the Apache Trail.  



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2016: Putting In The Miles
2015: Grand Parking Lot
2014: True Independence
2013: Pyrotechnic Parade Across The Midwest
2012: Plane, Train, Or Automobile – Just Get Me To Canada!
2011: Hello, Kitty. Who’s Your Friend?
2010: If It’s Good Enough For Homeland Security, It’s Good Enough For Me
2009: The Top At Dock
2008: Night Interrupted
2007: Just A Train And A Tree
2006: This is One Lawn Boy I Have No Desire To See Naked
2005: Not So Cuddly

Life, Liberty, And Ribs

Today we celebrated Independence Day by preparing enough food to feed the United States Army.

On the menu:

Babyback Ribs done on Ed's famous pellet smoker
Lemon & Rosemary Grilled Chicken
Hamburgers
Boar's Head Natural Casing Pork & Beef Frankfurters
Whole Grain, Ciabatta, and Hawaiian rolls for burgers and dogs
Sauerkraut
Baked Beans
My mother's famous Macaroni Salad
My mother's famous Coleslaw
Sautéed fresh spinach and garlic
Sautéed mushrooms in white wine

We had SO MUCH FOOD.  I got a little carried away.  But we'll have leftovers for days which means I don't have to cook.  Yay, me!

Hope you all had a safe and fun Fourth of July!



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2016: Happily Celebrating Beautiful Things
2015: Bring On The Bright, Bursting Skies At Night, Bring On The Thundering Booms
2014: Have A Berry Happy Fourth Of July!
2013: Relieved Of Civic Duty Just In Time For America's Birthday
2012: Blind With Patriotism
2011: Independence In The Town Of The Big House
2010: It’s So Much Prettier
2009: Soap Box Derby – Spavinaw Style
2008: Eddie’s Independence Friday
2007: Miss Independent
2006: Independence Day
2005: The Mother Road To Independence

When A Bolt Turns You Into A Bitch

Today brought a whole new adventure to Ed and MacG.  Their plan was to ride to Globe, Arizona.  A short ride that would get them back home in time for dinner.  They left the house at seven in the morning.

They wound up riding past Globe, up to Roosevelt Lake, through Tortilla Flat, into Apache Junction, through Florence, down through Catalina, and back to the house in Oro Valley.  Let's just say they weren't home in time for dinner.

A few miles past Tortilla Flat, MacG noticed he was losing tire pressure.  Stuck behind a slow moving RV pulling a boat, there was nowhere for them to pass on the narrow dirt road.  They knew there might be trouble, but they had to wait until they could safely get around the giant snail.

Finally finding a place to pass, they pulled into the first gas station they came to.  Once there, they inspected the tire and checked it for air when they noticed something protruding from the tire.  At first, MacG thought it was a rock but when he tapped on it, it sounded like metal.

At that moment, another driver - named Scooter, who was driving a scooter - with 45 years of driving experience offered his help.  He had a sidecar crammed with tools and gadgets and parts.  Unfortunately, after having emptied the bulk of his sidecar didn't have the tire plug they were going to need if they pulled out whatever had pierced the tire.

They went to a nearby auto parts store and seventy-five dollars later, they had what they needed to pull out what looked like some kind of nail.  When they started pulling, they laughed saying it was like a magic trick where a magician pulls a scarf out of someone's ear.  What now looked like a bolt seemed to go on forever.  Eventually, Ed pulled the last bit of it out and looked down to see a 4" bolt in his hand.

They called us several times to update us on their situation.  At this point, they had missed dinner and were venturing into the "we're going to have to get a hotel and resume this task tomorrow" territory.  They finally made it back to the house by 9:45 to eat dinner.  But they weren't finished.

The best part of the whole story?  Because it was Sunday, no shops were open to take the bike to for repair, so they both rode back to the house - over 50 miles - on Ed's KLR.  MacG was the one who had to ride bitch.

They didn't get back to the house until 9:45 p.m.  They were hot, hungry, and tired.  But they weren't finished since they had to go back up to get MacG's bike.  They took the truck for that trip.  Their day didn't end until they got back at 1 a.m., took showers, and crashed by 2 a.m.

Someday they'll look back upon this and laugh.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2016: The Most Important Meal Of The Day
2015: The Weirdest Reunion Ever
2014: River Alarm
2013: A Face Only A Mother Sniffer Can Love
2012: Rolling In The Deep
2011: A Castle On A Bluff
2010: The Skies Really Are Friendly, No Matter Who Is Flying In Them
2009: Eddie Beach Feet Friday
2008: Panoramic
2007: My New Motto
2006: Fake It Till You Make It
2005: Feria Colour Strands

Reaching The Boiling Point

Today Ed and MacG went for a ride that underscored my thought that it's just too damn hot to be out on a motorcycle.  Seriously, I don't know how they do it.  They started early, leaving by six, but it doesn't take long for it to heat up.  By eight, it's usually already in the 80s.  

They rode for a while when Ed realized he needed to fill the tank.  It was 113 degrees by this point, so the guys took a break and went for lunch.  When they came out of the restaurant, they heard a hissing noise coming from the gas cap.

When Ed opened the cap, a geyser of fuel shot straight up into the air, spraying gas on Ed's gloves and part of his clothing.  He quickly replaced the cap and stepped back from the bike.  When he went to wash the fuel off of him, MacG stood by laughing.  You know, like a guy.

They surmised the combination of the heat and the black gas tank sitting in the sun caused the fuel to expand and essentially create a pressure cooker environment which, like the cap on a radiator, caused a liquid explosion when the pressure was released.

When they slowly removed the cap again, they heard gurgling.  They looked inside the tank and saw what you'll see in the video above - the fuel, at a rolling boil.

Boiling fuel.  You do know liquid has to be 212 degrees to boil.

What the everloving hell??



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2016: Any One Will Do For Doo
2015: A Lazy River Surrounding A Big 'Ol Lazy Pool
2014: A Successful, Safe, Million Mile Driving Man And His Timepiece
2013: In Hot Pursuit
2012: The Spotlight Isn’t Just On The Community
2011: The United States Of American Cheese
2010: Waiting
2009: My Mother The Jihadist
2008: Perfectly Reasonable Defense
2007: Provocative
2006: Sidewalk Sushi
2005: $4,000 Worth Of Tupperware

Partying Among Nations

Our friends staying with us this week are Canadian, so while they're visiting they suggested we celebrate Canada Day - Canada's 150th Birthday - by eating foods that represent a selection of the Canadian provinces and territories.

First up is Sockeye Salmon to represent the province of British Columbia.  According to Marlaina, a huge salmon fan, it was done to perfection.  She topped it with an olive oil, Dijon, and maple syrup glaze.  

Next (seen in the last photo), were baby lamb chops which represented the province of Ontario.  They were tiny, delicate, and very tender.  Baby animals tend to taste that way.  Grilled with just a sprinkle of salt and pepper, they were served the traditional British way, with mint jelly.

One of my favorite parts of the meal was the lobster tail.  Representing the Maritime Province of Nova Scotia, these cold water lobster tails were brushed with olive oil, salt and peppered, and put on the grill.  Ed, the grillmaster, was in charge of all these delicacies being cooked under the watchful eye of his sous chef, Marlaina.

The meal was rounded out with potato salad (potatoes representing the prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba), coleslaw (representing the province of Newfoundland and Labrador), and roasted peppers (representing me).

For dessert, Marlaina made an amazing apple crumble topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and real maple syrup, representing Québec, the second-most populous province of Canada.

Overall, it was quite the celebration.  Ed played the Canadian National Anthem, O Canada, while MacG and Marlaina sang along.

In a few days, we'll be celebrating Independence Day, more commonly referred to as the 4th of July, the day the United States of America declared themselves no longer part of the British Empire.

Ed's already preparing the smoker and the BBQ!



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2016: When You Need A Little Boost
2015: Celebrating At The Creek
2014: Show Ed Some Love And Crank Up The Good Luck Vibes!
2013: Canada Or Bust!
2012: Salena Scissorhands
2011: The Bald And The Beautiful
2010: Here To Win, Here To Stay
2009: Her Bosom Is Heaving, His Member Is Throbbing
2008: Worn By The Sea
2007: Spinning In The Night
2006: Forget Country Music! We Have Bungalows Full Of Breasts!!
2005: I Demand An Explanation

Performing One Of The Oldest Textile Arts

Sewing the seat cover.  Photo by MacG.

I knew when my friends rolled into town that I was going to have some sewing projects lined up.  Marlaina and I had been emailing and already discussed modifying her sheets to fit the bunk in her truck, and creating a new duvet cover.

What I didn't realize is that I'd be hunched over a sewing machine for days.  Like a Sri Lankan sweatshop worker.

OK, so it wasn't really that bad.  My house does have awesome air-conditioning.  And snacks.  And Diet Coke.  The Sri Lankans should be so lucky.  

The first order of the day was to take her Tempur-Pedic mattress cover and make it smaller to fit the bunk size mattress.  I had to cut it down from king size to twin and I had to recreate a zipper stop.  I've been sewing for years, but when it comes to zippers, I break into a sweat.  They're not the easiest thing but I was going to attempt it.  How bad could it be?  I wasn't too worried because really, who's going to see it?  It turned out quite well. I did a pretty good job on the zipper and the cover fits perfectly.

One project down, three to go.

The next project involved cutting the sheets to fit the bed and making a handy little foldover kind of pocket to slide over one end.  I did this to my sheets because Ed has a tendency to roll over and pull all the sheets with him.  They would always wind up untucked and bunched up underneath him when we woke.  I solved that problem with my modification and Marlaina wanted to implement my "invention".

The only concern I had with doing Marlaina's sheets is the fact that one sheet - a flat sheet in this case - costs $220.00. One sheet.  No fitted sheet, no pillow cases, nothing. Granted, we got them on sale, but that doesn't ease my mind at all because the sheet on sale, still costs $110.00.

I measured carefully, pinned precisely, and sewed slowly.  There was no room for error.  I knew, because of the nature of the fabric, that I wouldn't be able to successfully rip out the stitching if I screwed up without damaging the sheet.  I work fast, I do things without directions or instruction, and usually, I wind up with something that works as intended.  My patience during this project paid off because project number two turned out just fine.

The third project was making a duvet cover.  We needed to cover the comforter Marlaina had that belonged to her mother.  It was lightweight, filled with feathers, but old and stained from years of use.  The duvet cover they currently had was too heavy and was difficult for Marlaina to maneuver in the truck when making the bed in the small, cramped space.  She wanted a cover that complemented the airiness of the feather quilt.

We found two twin sheets (thankfully, not $200 dollar sheets!) that I was going to sew together to essentially make a big pillowcase.  I planned on putting ties inside each corner, which would secure the comforter inside, and buttons on the end to close it all up.

Sewing the three sides was the easy part.  Making buttonholes was the challenge.  I couldn't get the automatic buttonholer on my sewing machine to work so I had to eyeball it, resulting in Frankenstein buttonholes.  Let's just say they're not beautiful, but they are functional.  And, when turned under in the buttoning process, aren't even seen.  We deemed the duvet cover a raging success.  Marlaina loved it!

And the last and final project was a protective seat cover for the truck to be used when MacGyver gets in the cab wearing dirty clothes.  You never know when a spot of grease, taking the journey on the back of your work clothes, might wind up smack dab in the middle of your seat.

Photo by MacG

I used the old duvet cover for this project and even added a little monogram as a joke - K for King.

I really hope that moniker doesn't go to his head.  Because next time they visit, he'll be expecting me to sew a velvet robe with ermine trim.




~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2016: Helping Hand
2015: Mickey Is Electric!
2014: High Floor, King Bed, River View
2013: Pitchin' Melon
2012: As If The Heat, The Dust, And The Politics Weren’t Bad Enough
2011: My Office Window
2010: All The Live-long Day
2009: What Every Child Leaves Behind
2008: What Happened To Being Human?
2007: I’ve Been Everywhere, Man
2006: Gulf Shore Toe Magnets
2005: Sorry, no post on this day.

The Home Of The Twelve Dollar Burger

Tried a new restaurant today, locally owned Truland Burgers & Greens.

I think it opened earlier this year and Ed and I had been planning to check it out.  My mother told us her friends said, "The burgers are nine dollars.  And you don't even get fries with them!"

They're right.  The burgers start at $8.95 and you don't get fries.  Everything is à la carte.  I had the Shroom & Swiss burger and my friend had the Truland Classic.  We split a basket of fries.

I liked it.  It's not my favorite burger place, and it's not the best burger place, but it's close to the house, the food was decent, and it has a nice atmosphere.



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2016: Monsoon Mountain
2015: Patriotic Blooms
2014: Someone's Going Home With This
2013: Hey Cutie!
2012: I’ll Have To Pry It From Her Dead, Cold Fingers
2011: Straight Talk
2010: Who Knew There Were Things To Do Other Than Eating Pie?
2009: 157 Years Of Light
2008: Call Me. We Have Telephones In Nebraska Now.
2007: Reach For The Sky
2006: Sorry, no post on this day.
2005: Sorry, no post on this day.

Separated At Birth?

Our friend, MacG, took this picture of Ed in his riding gear foundations (his Heat-Out crew neck tee and helmet liner, and Bilt cooling vest) and did the side-by-side comparison with The Edge.

For those of you who don't know who The Edge is, he's the "English-born Irish musician and songwriter best known as the lead guitarist, keyboardist and backing vocalist of the rock band U2".

Don't you feel cooler now?

I'll likely never meet The Edge but I really don't have to, do I?

Because I have The Ed.



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2016: Red Is The Color Of Desire And Love
2015: Cutting Through The Rain To Get To The Sunshine State
2014: Ed Drove A Million Miles To Get Here
2013: When Summer Comes, The Countdown To Fall Begins

2012: Tough Choice: Scale Mountains Or Flip Channels

2011: Eyes On The Road

2010: When You Own, You Owe

2009: It’s Not The Nina, Pinta And Santa Maria

2008: One Word At A Time

2007: The Only Way It Could Have Been Better Would Be If It Came With A Side Of Fried Rice

2006: Wanna Sip Of My Jagermeister?

2005: Playing Favorites

So This Happened In My Kitchen

These two went riding today but yesterday were playing around with their helmets, setting them up so they could talk to each other while on the trip.  And yes, they were walking around the house with them on.  Talking to each other from different rooms.  Like total dorks.

But, Houston did not have any problems.  Lines of communication were open and ready for takeoff.

Boys will definitely be boys.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2016: Our Neck Of The Woods
2015: Power On The Potomac
2014: Ma And Pa Kettle Lived Here

2013: "License, Registration and Insurance Card, Please"
2012: Welcome To Hell
2011: When She Passes Each One She Passes Goes Ahhhh
2010: The Key To Being Funny
2009: Wishes Really Do Come True
2008: Eddie Plays It Safe Friday
2007: What Road?
2006: I’m STILL Looking To Get Me Some Good BBQ
2005: Say Cheese!!

Italian Butterflies

Marlaina and I found these little beauties while shopping today and I made farfalle Farfalle Aglio e Olio with them.  Aglio e olio is a simple sauce that I had all the time as a kid.  It's a quick way to make any kind of pasta into a delicious meal.

And these were pretty to look at!



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2016: Views Of The South
2015: Supreme Love
2014: Unfuzzed
2013: I Think We May Be Following A Derecho. Or Is It An Izquierda?
2012: This One Time, At Summer Camp…
2011: Into The Wild
2010: It Was Clear The Moment You Opened Your Mouth
2009: Eddie Captures A Sunset Friday
2008: Pelicans Enjoying Their Rule Of The Lake
2007: Bigfoot
2006: There Is A Reason People Try To Repress Certain Childhood Memories
2005: Painted Ladies

Southern Hospitality The Southwestern Way

Our friends arrived today!  It's been 13 months since we last saw them and we are so excited for their arrival.  They'll be the first ones to use our newly redecorated guest room - which includes a few surprises just for them - and a brand new super-comfy mattress that's definitely the star of the show.

They'll be staying for a couple of weeks and we're hoping to log a lot of quality time that'll include food, conversation, wine, laughing, and relaxing.  As you can see, I've stocked up on fruits and veggies, my kitchen counter exploding with color.  Ed even bought a pineapple!  The perfect symbol for their stay.

I learned about the pineapple being the symbol of hospitality when I lived in Alexandria, Virginia. They were everywhere in that beautiful waterfront colonial town!  Door knockers, spoon rests, tea towels, tote bags.  You name it, there was a pineapple version of it.

The following is from Southern Living magazine.  It tells you why the pineapple became the symbol of Southern hospitality:

The rise of the pineapple as a symbol of hospitality in Colonial times no doubt came about because of its rarity. But the tropical fruit had a long journey before it found its present-day purpose as a refreshing cocktail or the ever-popular upside-down cake.

Introduction of Pineapples To Europe
The first recorded encounter between a European and a pineapple occurred in November of 1493, when Christopher Columbus, on his second voyage to the Caribbean region, went ashore to inspect a deserted Carib village. Among dense foliage and wooden pillars carved with serpents, his crew came upon piles of freshly gathered vegetables and strange fruits. The European sailors ate, enjoyed and wrote about the curious new fruit, which had an abrasive, segmented exterior like a pine cone and a firm interior pulp like an apple.

Refined cane sugar and fresh fruit were expensive rarities when Columbus returned to Europe and introduced the sweet pineapple. It was an instant hit among the royal court, but it took almost two hundred years before gardeners were able to perfect a hothouse method for growing a tropical pineapple plant. Even in the late 17th century, the pineapple remained so uncommon and coveted that King Charles II of England posed for an official portrait in an act that was symbolic of royal privilege -- receiving a pineapple as a gift.

Across the Ocean
In the small towns and sparse communities of the American colonies, two things worked together to solidify the pineapple’s reputation as a status symbol: sparse supply and high demand. Trade ships brought in preserved pineapple sweetmeats--pineapple chunks candied, glazed and packed in sugar, while the actual whole fruit was even more costly and difficult to obtain. Most of the fruit rotted during the hot, humid, and slow sea voyage from the Caribbean to the colonies. Only the speediest ships, aided by the best weather conditions, could deliver ripe, wholesome pineapples to the confectionery shops of cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, Annapolis, and Williamsburg.

The Tradition 
The ability of a hostess to have a pineapple adorn her dining table for an important event said as much about her rank in society as it did about her ingenuity. These beautiful fruits were in such high demand, but so hard to get, that colonial confectioners would often rent them to households by the day. Later, the same fruit was sold to other, more affluent clients who actually ate it. While fruits in general--fresh, dried, candied and jellied--were in great demand, the pineapple was the true celebrity. Its rarity, expense, and striking beauty made it the ultimate exotic fruit. Visitors confronted with pineapple-topped food displays felt particularly honored by a hostess who obviously spared no expense to ensure her guests' dining pleasure. In this manner, the image of the pineapple came to express the sense of hospitality characteristic of gracious home gatherings.

The Legend 
The sea captains of New England traded among the Caribbean Islands, returning to the colonies bearing their heavy cargoes of spices, rum, and a selection of fruits, which sometimes included pineapples. According to the legend, the captain would drop anchor in the harbor and see to his cargo and crew. Once his work was done, he would head home, stopping outside his house to spear a pineapple on a fence post. This would let his friends know of his safe return from sea. The pineapple was an invitation for them to visit, share his food and drink, and listen to tales of his voyage.

As the tradition and legend of the pineapple grew, colonial innkeepers added the pineapple to their signs and advertisements, and bedposts carved in the shape of a pineapple were a common sight at inns across the colonies. It is not surprising that this symbol of friendship and hospitality became a favorite motif of architects, artisans, and craftsmen. The Shirley Plantation of Virginia, a bastion of Southern hospitality since 1613, has a pineapple finial atop its roof, and the motif appears as an architectural element throughout the home. This tradition continues today, for pineapples are still popular motifs for gateposts, door knockers, and beautiful serving pieces.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2016: The Short List
2015: From I Love Lucy To The Lily Of The Valley
2014: We Were Ear!!
2013: This Disturb's Me 
2012: Not Sure The Money Will Follow
2011: Trucking Al Fresco
2010: 3000 Miles To Squidland
2009: It Could Be Africa If It Weren’t For The Schlitterbahn
2008: How To Ace A Job Interview
2007: Diver Down
2006: Day Tripping
2005: Nipple Rock

Passing Through

Ed went riding today at Redington Pass, just east of the city of Tucson.  

Redington Pass is a high mountain pass between the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Rincon Mountains.  The area is a favorite of mountain bikers and ATV riders.

There are more than one waterfall and some swimming holes that fill during the spring when the snow melts from the mountains and comes down into the valley area.

Ed plans to go back when the weather is cooler and check out the scenery.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2016: Man With A Plan
2015: Don't Try This At Home
2014: This Place Is For The Birds
2013: Get Your Travel On
2012: An Art Deco Tower In The Panhandle
2011: Traffic Might Just Have Saved My Life
2010: Joining The Ranks
2009: The Daily Rant Goes Farther East Than Ever Before
2008: What He Does When I’m Sleeping
2007: Now You Don’t Have To Go To The Ghetto To Get Crack
2006: Satchel Pitches A Great Question
2005: A Night In Yakima

After I Stop Laughing

Ed asked me today if I'd go camping.

After I stopped laughing, I thought "Did he just meet me yesterday?".

I have only camped once if you can even call it that.  I don't think it was considered "real" camping because there were port-a-potties, but I know I slept in a tent.  For one night, with three other people.  

It was in Central Arizona, at Apache Lake, over twenty years ago.  The only thing I remember is that I felt as if I were sleeping in a zip lock baggie, suffocating from the heat.  I also slept on a rock all night, and I can tell you it was no Princess and the Pea scenario.  Never again.

I can't imagine I'd be very interested in camping at this age.  I like comfort and luxury and air conditioning way too much. I've had to dismantle air conditioning units in hotel rooms to override the thermostat.  You know they rig them, right?  That's probably the only gadget I have mastered and I learned how to do that years ago.  I can't stand a warm hotel room, can you imagine what I'd be like in a tent??

I don't even want to utter a maybe because I don't want to be held to it, but I could possibly consider it if the weather circumstances were favorable.  Which essentially means around 65 degrees.  It's going to take a lot of thought and even more convincing. 

I don't even think even Glamping is going to cut it for me.

Who knows what will happen, though.  Ed has me getting a motorcycle endorsement "just in case" I want to ride someday.  It's going to be a real feat for him to break through the anti-camping barrier.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2016: Manly Ribs
2015: My Brush With Nature
2014: Dear Summer,
2013: I Wrote This After A Day Of Doing Nothing, Sitting On My Ass, While I Watched TV  
2012: The Beautiful Strangler
2011: Art Enables Us To Find Ourselves And Lose Ourselves At The Same Time
2010: Even God Can’t Help Men
2009: My President’s House
2008: Don’t Give Up Hope If You Just Don’t Know What You Want To Be When You Grow Up, You Have Choices
2007: Alright, Mr. DeMille, I’m Ready For My Close Up
2006: Stone Magnolia
2005: Fitty Nine!!!

Thirty And Eight Twenty

The I-30 and I-820 interchange in Fort Worth, Texas. 


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2016: Saturday's Child Works Hard For A Living
2015: Along The Shores Of The Unpredictable Cat
2014: I Think I Saw A Nimbostratus
2013: Ed Breaking Bad In The Lap Pool
2012: View From The Bridge
2011: Small Place, Big Flavor
2010: La Vita è Bella
2009: He Looks Much Better Here Than On The Penny
2008: One Of The Few Places In Iowa NOT Under Water
2007: We Need A Manager On Register Three Please!
2006: Mobile Misses

Pizza On The Q

We attempted pizza on the BBQ grill again, using the pizza stone.  This time we used fresh store-bought dough that I got in Sprouts.  It was pretty decent.  I also bought a wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano which was amaaaaaaazing.

Ed's pizza (above) has summer sausage and black olives.  Mine has the sautéed spinach and garlic left over from Father's Day dinner.  Very delish.

Look at that beautiful bubble in the middle of my pie!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2016: DQ Cat 

2015: Happy Father's Day!
2014: WARNING: Very Low Flying Aircraft

2013: Stop. Look. Read.
2012: You Won’t Miss Me Coming On This Bike

2011: An Extra Large Bargain

2010: Maybe You Can Learn A Little Something From A Few Truck Drivers

2009: The Fathers In Our Lives, Our Fathers Who Art In Heaven And The Father Of Our Country

2008: Who The Hell Left The Pool Float In The Sea Of Tranquility??

2007: Lure Me In

2006: Sometimes The Reasons NOT To Have Children Are So Very Clear

2005: U-Ta-Dah!!

Hello From The Other Side

Please don't focus on the dust on my dashboard.

Look at the temperature.

That says 116 degrees.  116.

Today was ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTEEN DEGREES!!

I was out running errands.  What the everloving fuck is wrong with me?  I clearly didn't plan well.

This is killer heat.  

Heat that grounds planes.  

Heat that kills people.

Heat that breaks records.

If you know anything at all about me, anything, you know I hate the heat.  HATE.  Can't think of anything I hate more.  Well, except maybe the short-fingered vulgarian.

Our friends are coming to visit next week and I've already told them not to expect me to do anything outside.  In this heat, I leave leave the house for grocery shopping and emergencies only.  And if I get talked into going out for any other reason, I start the car remotely to cool it down and make a beeline from the air-conditioned house to the air-conditioned car, then from the air-conditioned car to the air-conditioned store, and repeat the process on the way back home.  Or I send unsuspecting people on errands.  That doesn't happen very often, though.

FYI - there's nothing you can do to escape this heat if you're outside.  Misters at restaurants, shade (it's still over 100 degrees in the shade), cooling towels, lightweight clothing.  They all do nothing.  In fact, I don't even know what "dress for the heat" means.  What the hell does one wear for 116 degree day?  I was so hot today - inside the car, with the air conditioning on - that I wanted to peel my skin off.

This is Tucson.  Actually, this is the Southwest most of the time but especially in the summer.  This'll be the second time in 14 years that I've been here for the entire summer.  I am really missing over-the-road life right about now.

I'm thankful I have a job that allows me to keep the house as cool as a meat locker.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2016: Stick It To 'Em
2015: Links To Food Dominate This Post
2014: 30 Miles To Spokane
2013: Truck And Sky
2012: Not Despicable At All
2011: Slice Of Summer
2010: Time Suck
2009: The Spirit Of Sharing
2008: Sailor Boy Friday
2007: Cozy Dining
2006: It’s All About Me
2005: Alien Land    

Resting In The Open Range

Ed went for a ride in Pinal County today, doing a little exploring off the main roads.  He came across open range cattle and a kettle of hawks.

We're lucky he made it home alive.



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2016: Dinner On A Stick
2015: The Good Deeds Of Summer
2014: The Mountain Was Out
2013: Small Town Bullshit. Big City Nothing.
2012: She’s Political Coming And Going And Doesn’t Even Know It
2011: Old As She Was, She Still Missed Her Daddy Sometimes
2010: Crafty Little Bugger
2009: Beauty For A Buck
2008: What My Thoughts Sound Like When Left Uncensored And Ultimately, Formed Into Words
2007: New York Style
2006: I.H.O.P.G.
2005: Sorry, no post on this day.