Outside the dugout: What's cooking?

Lurk—

I’ve got to say we’ve been in the same place for dogs more than once. Australian shepherds and border collies are two of the smartest breeds I’ve ever been around.

We currently have a 10 year old male border collie we adopted from our local shelter that we’ve had for 6 years. I do believe that he’s the happiest dog we’ve ever had.

 

Aussies and BC both fantastic from herding category - my fav.

My preference is Heelers - in particular female Blue Heelers. Winkipop, who came from a local breeder, turned 15 in March and is still doing very well. No meds or issues with mobility, although not as spry as she was when younger. We lost Billabong in March to Lymphoma. She was a rescue out of Louisiana and joined our family in 2006.

They said having 2 females would be challenging. But have to say....from day 1....no make that from minute 1...these two were like 2 peas in a pod! WP took over as the Alpha and pack order was established!

BB came to us with docked tail, a much more spotted coat than WP, and smaller frame. Different personalities too. Otherwise both with Heeler instincts & traits all the way.

I made this movie back in 2011 which includes video clips from our adventures together, including visits to nurseries and job sites even.

 

Mr. Lurk.....if you saw what I saw today your eyes would be as big as saucers! Visited a friend of mine locally who has been involved with Cycads for many years and has a collection at his house that's just insane. Too much to describe right now. I didn't take any pics. I've never seen so many in one place before. Most I never even heard of. Some were gigantic too - and as you know when they get huge - you really understand the passion folks have for this family.

Back to food...banana tonight for din din......

 

I had a fresh boneless chuck roast ground this morning as we decided on grilled hamburger steaks tonight. Baked potatoes and a fresh Caesar salad will be our sides.

An afternoon and evening of playoff baseball featuring some of our own Gator baseball alum will be the entertainment today. Accompanying this will be our favorite ice cold longnecks and chilled wine.

Life is good in Gator Nation!

 

Folks I've gone through the phase of adult onset diabetes and pretty bad too.

Is there any form of pasta -Ive heard whole wheat pasta is better - I might use? I love spaghetti.

 

Definitely not a doctor and I have relatively minor diabetes (under 140 fasting), so I won’t prescribe, but I have thin pasta 2-3 times a month

 

This afternoon and evening we will have a long time family friend over for supper and a visit as her plate has been “full” to a fault. Three months ago she found out her father has an inoperable cancer. As she and her mother busied themselves caring for him their own personal time became very much back burner as it does when families rally together.

Unexpectedly, her mother passed away from an unforeseen heart attack two weeks ago.

She called and said that she could really use the distraction of our friendship and a visit to kind of reset things. We are long time friends and feel like we owe her that.

I’ll be grilling filet mignons with baked potatoes and a fresh Romaine salad topped with vine ripe tomatoes. Homemade yeast rolls and a nice red Cav will also be on the table.

Life is good in Gator Nation!

 

Hey I gave it a "like" - and even before I read this post!

Then again I'm more of a neanderthal than a carnivore.

 

Whew.....that's really sad. Life can really throw some curves, can't it Bill. I know your friendship means a lot to her at this time. Thank you for doing this. Wishing her all the best going forward.

 

Tonight we’ve got the boneless country cut ribs grilled indirect over cherry wood smoke on the charcoal grill. Ah, yes Pat’s Homade on the last two turns.

Inside our sides will be steamed fresh broccoli, steamed fresh green cabbage, and a pot of rice with Rotel tomatoes on top.

A little less humidity and today’s temperature has topped out @ 77*.
Ice cold longnecks and chilled wine will fit well again here.

Life is good in Gator Nation!

 

Was able to stay home today and of course hit my gardening hard this morning and holy cow went through three tee shirts in about 2 hours I was sweating so much from the humidity+heat.

Supposed to taper off a tiny bit over the weekend. I know we have much cooler weather coming but there's so much I want to do I can't just wait for those days - gotta keep it going. It feels good too to get stuff done. My property is half nursery so there's always potting and planting going on. Pruning, weeding, etc. I enjoy it immensely.

To your comments about MLB - thank you. I felt the same way and basically swore off the game. I was livid after post season was cancelled and stayed that way for many years. It still makes my blood boil. I'm still not there to watch with any degree of enthusiasm. Unlike college baseball which I love.

I've been working on using everything up here food- wise - especially refrigerated. Freezer still has a lot in it. I did run over to Big Joe's and get a 16" turkey sub though. I love that place. I want to support them. Family run for generations.

We're pulling for the Rays, aren't we?

 

What a beautiful day both temp and humidity wise. Started here @ 50*, yard work is done and it’s still a very pleasant 75* with a light breeze stirring.

This evening I’ll be grilling BBQ chicken halves and yep, Pat’s Homade on the last two turns.

Inside we’re going to have a pot of fresh cream 40’s & petit’s butter beans and a pot of white rice with Rotel tomatoes and stewed okra to top it off.

Ice cold longnecks and chilled wine are the adult libations of the day.

Life is good in Gator Nation!

 

We have another very pleasant day today as we started at 56* and low humidity. Predicted to reach 80*—with this light breeze we can live with that.

Tonight Ms. Jan is taking her a turn as she has put on a boneless chuck roast with red potatoes, carrots, shaved up vidalia onions, and cut up celery hearts—and of course surrounded by her wonderful homemade gravy.

I will be in charge of frying the cornbread.

We will get to watch another beautiful sunset this evening as we enjoy our back porch with ice cold longnecks and chilled wine hoping for the Braves to show up ready to hold up their end of an All-South WS with the Rays.

Life is good in Gator Nation!

 

Another beautiful day, a lil’warmer (81*) but with a slight breeze still quite pleasant. Getting my neighbor’s yard cut today.

Tonight we’ve got smothered fried beef cubed steak and onions, mashed potatoes and gravy, and leftover cream 40’s & petite butter beans.

Ice cold longnecks and chilled wine are in play on the back porch this afternoon and evening to help kick off the WS.

Life is good in Gator Nation!