Meat-a-Palooza and More

Parade season is in full swing here, we have marched our first 5 (technically 4 but I’ll explain that later) parades and had our fist cancellation. We started out with 3 Parades or Memorial Day, the fist was the Sunday before and then we had 2 on Memorial Day Proper.

It has become tradition in our house now to celebrate Memorial Day with meat, hence the name Meat-a-Palooza. It’s funny how all of our friends have started referring to is at that and jockeying for invites. I counted 40 people who came to enjoy the beautiful day and the fabulous food the Hubby and I made as well as all of the dishes the others brought.

We started with an 18 pound Brisket and a 22 pound Pork Shoulder

They took a nice long nap in the smoker while we slept and I marched the 2 parades.

We added 24 Chicken thighs and 3 Salmon Fillets (which aren’t pictured cause there was none left)

And above is all of the leftovers we had.

This picture was  recreation of a picture from a few years ago, except my Brothers and Sister and  I are all wearing the same uniform this time.

This year marks the beginning of my 2oth year, and my 2oth Memorial Day Parade with the Drum Corps. It was slightly bittersweet without Mom on the sidelines cheering us on. I know though she had the best seat in the house for the parade.

We had a nice little break between parades this year, the last one being this past Wednesday. We marched this parade twice which is why I said 5 parades so far. The only reason we are able to march this parade twice is that we lead it the first time around for the host Fire Company and the beginning isn’t very far from the end.

The next turnout we have is an annual Flag Day Ceremony that the local Elks Lodge holds every year. I can say I know a lot more about the evolution of the Flag of our Country than some people care to.

We did have a visitor for a few weeks, Classy was a Foster Greyhound who we ended up looking after for a bit. She was fresh from a racetrack and didn’t know the first thing about steps, linoleum floors, or dog toys. She adapted well with the toys, the steps and linoleum not so much.

Here is a picture of her as we were bringing her to meet the Adoption rep who was placing her with her new family.

Other than Parades and work there hasn’t been much else going on. I’ve been trying to walk at lunch time while at work, we have a nice pond area on the grounds that they put a path around.

This is a typical walk we do which takes about a half hour. I usually walk with a couple coworker, but occasionally will do a few laps myself.

Thursday I walked by myself and had to avoid the Canadian Geese families that also enjoy the pond.

This week at work we started what’s known as summer hours, we can leave at 3pm on Fridays, which means half hour lunches the other days of the week, and on Friday I take my lunch at 2pm and just leave the office then. One of the other sales teams mentioned that their manager would allow them to work from home on their Summer Friday so I may look into doing that as well. Saves me the 45 minute trip home and allows more enjoyment of the break from the office.

After the Hubby and I ran our errands today I took a chair out to theyard and decided to take in some of the beautiful sunshine.

Duncan decided he wanted to join me out there,  so we both sat and contemplated the day. Ok he laid there and I didn’t really contemplate anything but a drink and dinner.

Speaking of Dinner, I found this recipe a few weeks ago and decided tonight was a good night to try it again. This time instead of baking it in the oven we cooked it on the grill. I’ve got the flavor down pat, I just need to work on getting the crust a little thinner. What you can’t tell from the picture is that the crust is made from Quinoa. We topped it with some crushed tomato, seasoned it, added sausage and some left over Corned beef, miscellaneous cheeses we found in our deli ends section and Voilà, Pizza!

Tomorrow we start up our monthly brunch gatherings again. It’s been far too long since we have gotten together with the Brunch Gang. The Hubby and I are bringing Bacon Bourbon BBQ Chicken Kebabs, and Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches.

 

TMI Thursday – Memorial Day

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

1. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance but it also signifies the “Official” start of summer. What are your plans this weekend?

It will start on Thursday when the Hubbies best friend makes his annual trek to the north for the weekend. Sunday will be the first of 3 Parades for the weekend, then Monday will be 2 parades and our annual Meat-a-Palooza celebration (and yes this is the Official Name for our Memorial Day party).
2. What is your most and least favorite thing about summer?

Most favorite is spending time poolside/outside with friends, least favorite is still having to work everyday, and bugs.

3. What do you think of when I say “Bar-B-Que?”

Meat, Meat and more Meat. Fire up the smoker and the grill.
4. What is your favorite summer food?

Well I have to start with the spread we put out for Meat-a-Palooza. Smoked Brisket, Pulled Pork, Smoked Beans, and the Quinoa Salad and Coleslaw that I make. Next would be home made Ice Cream Sandwiches.
5. Are you is swim suit shape yet?

Is anyone *EVER really in swimsuit shape. I am happy with my body and will be seen in my swimsuit as much as possible. Although the pool is in our back yard I’m not really sure who will see me.
6. Given the choice, which do you prefer: ocean, lake or pool?

Pool, then Lake – specifically our friends lake house in NY. The ocean is usually only an option when on a cruise, I don’t swim in Long Island Sound.
7. Which summer blockbuster movie are you most looking forward to seeing?

Eh, I can give or take any of them, there isn’t really a must see movie on  my list.
8. Summer reading: What? Recommendations?

Well I do have 2 books I purchased back in February that I haven’t started yet that came highly recommended – The Something Like Series by Jay Bell (Summer, Winter, Autumn, Spring).
9. Vacation Plans? If you can’t, what would you do if you could?

So far the summer travel plans are shaping up nicely, Long weekend in June with the Drum Corps, Grapehounds Wine Tour weekend in July, and hopefully a Cruise in August.
10. Did you ever have to go to summer school?

Not ever, unless you count Drivers Ed which I took in the Summer prior to my Senior year of High School.

BONUS 
Sex on the beach? The Drink Yes! The act Not so much – too much sand.

Hedwig, your Angry Inch was Well-Strung

So this weekend was jam packed full of fun and frivolity. A good way to start off the summer if there ever was one.

The Hubby and I finally got moving on some new plants and vegetables for the Garden so things look spiffy for Meat-A-Palooza next week. But in the meantime we did manage to have some fun along the way.

This weekend actually started back in January when friends of ours posted on facebook about this group called Well Strung billed as an all male string quartet who features classical musicians putting their own spin on the music of Mozart, Vivaldi, Rihanna, Adele, Lady Gaga and more. I looked at the Hubby and said what the hell, they are coming to us locally, literally down the street so I popped online and bought the 2 seats next to our friends, in the front row. This quickly spiraled into 2 more couples, who are friends of ours, buying out the rest of the front row.

About a week before the show I sent out some emails about gathering for dinner prior to the show, so 6 of us met for a nice dinner before heading to the show. Oh I forgot to mention that we opted for the VIP seats which included a post show Meet and Mingle. Seeing as we were in the front I took advantage of it and took some pics (no flash so as not to distract them) which I have posted below.

Dan and Trevor

Edmund, Chris, Dan, Trevor

Dan and Trevor.

The Edge of Glory as sung by Edmund. And a good look at Chris’ arms.

This is Dan Shevlin (Dshevy on twitter) he plays the Cello, isn’t he Dreamy?

This is Christopher Marchant (chrisjmarchant on twitter) he plays the violin.

The show was amazing and I highly recommend that if they are coming to a performance space near you, RUN don’t walk to get tickets.

Sunday we had to pull double duty on the fun and excitement. First up was our End of Season picnic for the bowling league. We signed up to bring Pulled Pork (which we put in the smoker after the Well Strung show). There was not a drop left of the Hubbys’ delicious meat. No big prizes for us, I got another Pin for a 200 game, 0ne perfect attendance, a medal for a 60+ point game over my average, and a pin as a token for being on the Board of Officers.

We had a good time mingling with everyone,  some of which we won’t see again until bowling starts in January, and some we see more often and some in between.

From there we jumped on the highway and drove off into New York City. Our first stop was a bite to eat at Havana Central Restaurant. Picking a restaurant in the touristy area of Broadway/Times Square can be very hit or miss. This one was a hit, the ambience was great, although a bit loud, and the food was delicious.

Our view from the Upstairs section

Empanadas –

Beef Picadillo –  Chicken Sofrito (we ate this one before the picture was taken) – Shrimp Sofrito

My Pernil Asado

Succulent slow-roasted pork topped with pickled onions. Our Chef’s mother’s recip

The Hubby’s Vaca Frita

Marinated pulled beef sautéed until crispy with lime, ajicito peppers, garlic and onions.
Served with cilantro-flavored rice and a fried egg..

The Hubby, the best dinner date in the world, and NO those aren’t both his

Excuse me sir there is a lady in my drink 

– Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail, made with cachaça, sugar and lime. Cachaça is made from the fermentation of sugarcane.

The main reason for the trip into the city was to see Neil Patrick Harris in Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

I see you!

Sneaky pic of the stage from our Balcony Seats. No not the best in the house but they were inexpensive and still allowed us to see NPH!

There are not enough synonyms for the word Amazing, Fantastic, Outstanding, Astonishing, Astounding, Stunning, Breathtaking…..you get the picture, to describe this show.

I didn’t really know very much about the show prior to getting the tickets, but it came highly recommended from friends of ours whom I trust completely when it comes to things like this. The set was minimalist, as you can see by the pic, there were a c0uple walls that moved in addition. The cast was small, NPH, a lead woman (whom we saw in Kinky Boots) and then the 4 people that made up the Band.

Neil Patrick Harris is well deserved of the Tony Nomination he has for this show. He was so full of energy and can sing like no one’s business. The Costumes were gorgeous, and the costume changes handled with flair. I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone who may have tickets or the desire to see this show, so I will just say I was in awe all night and tell you to go if you have the chance.

Now that this is out of the way, the next thing we are concentrating on is Meat-a-Palooza on Memorial Day, along with 3 parades I have this weekend. These are the official kickoff to Parade Season, and then later this summer is Grapehounds, hopefully a cruise, then 2 weddings in September. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.

Bowling Week #16 2014 – Finals

And the final week has come. It’s been a great season.

Game #1 – 182

Game #2 – 133

Game #3 – 145

My average is  158 which keeps me at the 4th highest average for men for the season.

This week we played Team Alley of the Dolls who were in 8th place they in turn finished in 5th place.

We took  o points for the week having us finish the season in 9th place.

The team who took first place Up Your Alley, was a new team to the league this year. The Hubby and I convinced them to join and I am very happy for them.

Til Next Year!

Bowling Week #15 2014

Well here are at the home stretch.

Game #1 – 182

Game #2 – 133

Game #3 – 145

My average is  160 still

This week we played Team Scared Straights we even had the pleasure of one of their girlfriends visiting and bringing cookies.

We took  o points for the week, pushing into 7th place.

Next week is the final week which means position round. We play against the 8th place Team Alley of the Dolls. The best we could hope for is a 3rd place finish as the 1st an 2nd place teams have a commanding lead over everyone else.

TMI Thursday – Snack Time

1. Do you prefer salty or sweet? Sweet usually, but occasionally salty takes control. Every now and again it’s vinegary that wins out.

2. What was your favorite snack as a kid? Charles Chips, they were delivered to the house in a metal tin.

3. What is your favorite snack now? A good cheese and salami plate works wonders.

4. Healthy snacks are….? Good on occasion.

5. Milk and what kind of cookies? Do you dunk?  Macaroons or Ginger cookies, not usually a dunker.

6. How do you eat Oreos? I don’t.

7. What is your favorite movie snack? Popcorn and some of the hubbies Sour Patch Kids

8. Cake or pie? Cake always. There is just something about frosting that wins out over pie.

9. Ready Whip or Cool Whip” If those are the only choices it is cool whip but I prefer real whipped cream.

10. Potato Chips or Pretzels or Cheetos? Cheetos, even if they do make my fingers orange.

11. Favorite kind of ice-cream – flavor and brand? Chocolate or some variation of chocolate. No particular brand usually whatever is on sale.

12. Most unusual food you eat as a snack? Nothing that I think is unusual. I am known to dig into the Pickles and Olives or anything brined for a little snack now and then.

Fear not

I am still here. I haven’t disappeared into the unknown.

The last month or so has been filled with lots of stuff, some happy good times, some not so happy good times.

The urge to blog hits me, and just as quickly it goes away. So I guess a quick recap of the goings on around these parts is long overdue.

After the Orchid show the hubby had a week long trip to Nashville for work. It was a little break from the routine of life for both of us after a week of family togetherness.

I caught up with a couple friends for dinners, went over to my brothers, and just overall kept busy.

The week after his trip we had plans with some friends for a day in NYC to see a couple shows and have some meals. The first stop was lunch at House of Brews with 2 of our friends. The burger I had was good and the ambiance was nice. After lunch we headed over to the Theater to meet up with 2 more friends to see A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. This show was Amazing! If you get the change to see it, DO IT! I will say that this show is on the list of those I would see a 2nd time, if it doesn’t win a Tony or 10 there is something seriously wrong. Jefferson Mays who is one of the leads plays 8 characters throughout the entire show and has some of the fastest costume changes I have ever seen.

After the show we had plans to see a friends Improv group called ComedySportz, they were having a special March Madness night and it was People vs. Puppets. We always enjoy seeing the group perform especially when Glennn is there. After that it was time for dinner so we walked over to Matt’s Grill. We arrived and told them we had a reservation and they had this deer in the headlights look, guess someone forgot to tell someone else about the OpenTable reservation I made. They said it would be a few minutes so they bought us a round of drinks. Well done on their part.

Next up was another trip into the city back on April 5th to meet some more friends, this time it was just a late  afternoon pop in for Dinner at The Glass House Tavern (which at one point I referred to as The Crystal Gayle Palace) and a visit to The Top of The Roc (Rockefeller Center). The views up there were amazing and I would have enjoyed them more had it not been so damn cold and windy up there. After that we stopped for cupcakes at the Magnolia Bakery and then walked over to the Hell’s Kitchen area for Drinks at Boxers NYC. We were originally going to go to the Gay Bar Posh but we walked in and it was loud and crowded so we moved over a block to Boxers which calls itself a Gay Sports Bar. The crowd was cute, as were the shritless bartenders in their Boxing Shorts (not to be confused with Boxers), and the hubby and I decided it would be someplace we went back to when in the city.

Last weekend was the annual Drum Corps awards dinner. Although I knew there would be no awards for me this year, I was there along with Dad, and my 2 Sisters-In-Law to support my older Brother who was receiving his 25 year Trophy and my Youngest Brother who was Receiving his 15  Year Trophy. Next year will be my year as I will be receiving my 20 Year trophy (I am in my 20th year this year but get awarded the following year). I would have gotten it this year but I took a year off due to some drama caused by another member.

That brings us to the shenanigans of my younger brothers (the one right after me) Birthday. He seems to be either growing up or Mom’s passing made him not want to be so elaborate years Pub Crawl of 30 beers at 30 Bars for his 30th. As a side note he only made it to 21 bars before calling it quits. We had a nice dinner with a couple of  my uncles and their girlfriends, dad, my youngest brothers wife and a family friend. Although not a restaurant I would pick to go to the food wasn’t as bad as I recalled. I mean how can you really go wrong with Steak and a Salad Bar.

This weekend is more family fun, No Bowling because it is Easter. This will be the first holiday without Mom, so it remains to be seen how it will be. We are gathering at my youngest brother and his wife’s house, though The Hubby and I are bringing a good portion of the menu with us. All told I understand there will be about 20-25 of us, a much larger crowd than normal. We are in charge of the Mac and Cheese, Bread, Cheesecake, Nutella Cake (saw this recipe and HAVE to make it), and the Smoked Turkey. We gave the Ham to my brother to cook with whatever else they are making. Guess I will be a busy boy Saturday baking up a storm.

Well that pretty much wraps up the past month, I still get sad in between all the good times, and I know that good days and bad days are still ahead of me. I promise to get back on the horse and post some more. We do have a lot of good stuff coming up in the next few months, and Parade Season is right around the corner.

Til next time………..

Bowling Week #14 2014

Taking a break for Easter this week but here are last week’s stats.

Game #1 – 180

Game #2 – 125

Game #3 – 179

My average is  160 down from last week’s starting average of 161

This week we played Team Alley of the Dolls one of the Fabulous Lesbian Teams on the league.

We took  3 points for the week, pushing into 3rd place from 7th!

Next week we play Team Scared Straights, this week marks the last week of regular bowling.

Bowling Week #13 2014

Nearing the end, I’m always sad to see bowling season come to a close.

Game #1 – 160

Game #2 – 169

Game #3 – 169

My average is  161 up from 160

This week we played Team Bowling Bad 2 of which are the founders of bowling league.

We took  2 points for the week, keeping us in  7th place but there is a small margin between that and 3nd.

Next week we play Team Alley of the Dolls

Bowling Week #12 2014

Seems the Sundays just keep flying by.

Game #1 – 144

Game #2 – 1156

Game #3 – 205

My average is  160 up from 159

This week we played Team Lickety Splits, or the team we lovingly refer to as our bowling wives.

We took  1 point for the week, putting us in  7th place down from 6th.

Next week we play Team Bowling Bad.