Nancy and I have made a couple more batches of homemade beer. The first one is a Strawberry Red Ale. We will bottle that on Sunday. The next one is a Winter Ale. It called for a Whole Pound of bakers chocolate. Lots of spices and it really should be great by Thanksgiving. The next one we'll brew tomorrow is an Octoberfest brew. We will get that one going a bit quicker the the month of October.
We also made 6 gallons of Chianti wine...so far so good. This was Hannibal Lechner's favorite with...you know ...us.
Saturday, September 9, 2006
Thursday, September 7, 2006
Yellowstone
We uploaded the pics from our recent trip to Yellowstone Nat'l Park. If anyone wants to take a gander, add a comment with your email address and I'll send you an invitation.
The trip was really nice.
Matt
The trip was really nice.
Matt
More from Paul Bunyan Amusement Park
I remember going to the amusement park one year with Pete. I was young enough where I've forgotten the details, so Pete will have to correct it if I've messed it up.
Pete and I were at the amusement park by ourselves. We were trying to win goldfish at one of the booths and, as luck would have it, we won one (or two). When we were done at the amusement park, we had been told to give Grandma Saunders a call to come pick us up, but for some reason we couldn't get a hold of her from the payphone. I remember us walking home from the park along Birchmont Dr. with our plastic bag of newly won goldfish in hand. I believe we ended up naming them Jaws I and Jaws II. This began a trend, and over the next few years Jaws III through VII came along. We were very creative with the names, don't you think?
Pete and I were at the amusement park by ourselves. We were trying to win goldfish at one of the booths and, as luck would have it, we won one (or two). When we were done at the amusement park, we had been told to give Grandma Saunders a call to come pick us up, but for some reason we couldn't get a hold of her from the payphone. I remember us walking home from the park along Birchmont Dr. with our plastic bag of newly won goldfish in hand. I believe we ended up naming them Jaws I and Jaws II. This began a trend, and over the next few years Jaws III through VII came along. We were very creative with the names, don't you think?
Interesting Reading
The Good Wife’s Guide
As Appeared in Housekeepig Monthly
May 13, 1955
A good wife:
Has dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favourite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.
Is prepared. Take 15 minutes to rest so you’ll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.
Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.
Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.
Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc., and then run a dustcloth over the tables.
Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give him a lift, too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children’s hands and faces (if they are small) comb their hair, and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing their part. Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.
Be happy to see him.
Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first – remember, his topics of information are more important than yours.
Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.
Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.
Don’t greet him with complaints and problems.
Don’t complain if he’s late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor as compared to what he might have gone through that day.
Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.
Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
Don’t ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.
A good wife always knows her place.
As Appeared in Housekeepig Monthly
May 13, 1955
A good wife:
Has dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favourite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.
Is prepared. Take 15 minutes to rest so you’ll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.
Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.
Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.
Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc., and then run a dustcloth over the tables.
Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give him a lift, too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children’s hands and faces (if they are small) comb their hair, and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing their part. Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.
Be happy to see him.
Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first – remember, his topics of information are more important than yours.
Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.
Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.
Don’t greet him with complaints and problems.
Don’t complain if he’s late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor as compared to what he might have gone through that day.
Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.
Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
Don’t ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.
A good wife always knows her place.
Wednesday, September 6, 2006
Deep in the Heart (disease) of Texas
I went to the fair this year and ate more than my fair share of deep fried junk. To be precise:
deep fried pickles
pronto pup
deep fried cheese curds
Sweet Martha's Cookies
tater tot hotdish on a stick
other stuff I can't (or don't want to) remember
But the Texas State Fair may have gone and outdone the Minnesota State Fair. How can tater tot hotdish on a stick be topped, you ask? Three words: Deep Fried Coke.
I'll let that roll around your brain a bit.
OK, here's what it is:
Abel Gonzales Junior's Fried Coke includes Coca-Cola flavored batter that is deep fried and with Coke fountain syrup drizzled on it.
That's topped with whipped cream, cinnamon sugar and a cherry.
Link for sharing with your friends
deep fried pickles
pronto pup
deep fried cheese curds
Sweet Martha's Cookies
tater tot hotdish on a stick
other stuff I can't (or don't want to) remember
But the Texas State Fair may have gone and outdone the Minnesota State Fair. How can tater tot hotdish on a stick be topped, you ask? Three words: Deep Fried Coke.
I'll let that roll around your brain a bit.
OK, here's what it is:
Abel Gonzales Junior's Fried Coke includes Coca-Cola flavored batter that is deep fried and with Coke fountain syrup drizzled on it.
That's topped with whipped cream, cinnamon sugar and a cherry.
Link for sharing with your friends
Friday Nights
Paul Bunyan Amusement Park & Friday Nights
I remember Dale & I taking our kids to the waterfront on Friday nights because it was not only a fun night for the kids, but the price was right. We bought 10 tickets for $1 & the kids got to ride for about an hour or more. Then the price went up...10 tickets for $1.50! I thought it was cheap when our kids were young. I think we celebrated Alicia & Katie's birthday one year at the Park...we rented a video camera & captured it on tape.
But, another wonderful thing happened on those Friday nights. While the kids were riding, the parents were visiting with each other, so an enjoyable night was had by all.
I loved the ferris wheel, too, because of the view. I also remember when we ate "Herb's Popcorn," and watched the Bemidji Belle dock.
And, this is going way back, but I also remember when they had the "bunyan bikes" & people pedaled around on the lake.
Another era put to rest...a bittersweet time for our community.
Tuesday, September 5, 2006
The Sun Sets on Paul Bunyan Amusement Park
For those who have not heard....The small lakeside amusement park located next to the statues of Paul and Babe near downtown Bemidji will close permanently after this summer season...the family that owns it are calling it quits.
My favorite ride was the Tilt-a-whirl and the Ferris Wheel. They have had lots rides and made lots of memories for me and many others. Please share you memories of this great little park! It's last day was Labor Day 2006. Soon they will be auctioning all the rides except the train. They plan to keep the train, miniature golf and concessions.
My favorite ride was the Tilt-a-whirl and the Ferris Wheel. They have had lots rides and made lots of memories for me and many others. Please share you memories of this great little park! It's last day was Labor Day 2006. Soon they will be auctioning all the rides except the train. They plan to keep the train, miniature golf and concessions.
Monday, September 4, 2006
Some things I'm not going to do on Labor Day
Here are a few things I am NOT going to do today.
- Work in the yard
- Work in the garden
- Work Cleaning (anything)
- Building a fence/painting a fence
- Worry about what I should be doing (today is Monday, a workday)
What I think I will do is:
- Spend the day with Nancy
- Have a great cup of Good Coffee
- BBQ
- Drink (see Carols Margirita Recipe)
- Bottle my new beer (is that work or is that my hobby)
- Relax outside
- Talk with the twin girls next door
- Have a Campfire (great moon tonight)
- Relax
10 things to do before Labor Day
Here is a short list of things we all should do before Labor Day!
- Hit the Beach
- Go to the Fair
- Have a picnic in a park
- Take a summer drive in the country
- Stop and smell the flowers
- Shop at the Farmers Market
- Go Camping
- Wet a fishing line
- Play ball with a kid outside
- Relax
Sunday, September 3, 2006
Carols Margirita Recipe
Subject: Margarita recipe
2 parts Cuervo Gold tequila
1 part Triple Sec
1 part Rose's lime juice
3 parts fresh lime juice
1 part sugar
Throw in blender with ice and pour into salt-rimmed glasses.
Carol's notes:
- Rose's lime juice is NOT regular lime juice--it comes in a bottle
- I've used bottled lime juice instead of fresh and it's ok
If you use 1/4 cup as 1 part, you'll get 2 generous drinks.
2 parts Cuervo Gold tequila
1 part Triple Sec
1 part Rose's lime juice
3 parts fresh lime juice
1 part sugar
Throw in blender with ice and pour into salt-rimmed glasses.
Carol's notes:
- Rose's lime juice is NOT regular lime juice--it comes in a bottle
- I've used bottled lime juice instead of fresh and it's ok
If you use 1/4 cup as 1 part, you'll get 2 generous drinks.
E-mail from Mike Lamon
Gary,
Hey, sorry I havn't been able to get back to you yet. It's nice to know that you guys are thinking about us back home. You may be interested to know that my squad leader was in the Gulf War with first AD. His name is SSG Chilson, probably didn't know him, but ya never know.
We don't really work with the Iraqi's too much over here. I've worked with some of the locals that come into base to work, some of them are ok, but more than half of them would steal your clothes if you weren't wearing them. I just got done with a month of patrolling. We had a pretty large area to patrol, we had to clear around 5 different routes, and partol 5 different towns. Patrolling in July and August was no fun at all, the temperature was around 140 every day, and we'd be out any where from 6-14 hours at a time. Normally it fell towards the latter though. Obviously the roads are dangerous, they don't always seem like it though. The first 2 weeks were completly quiet, then the last two were pretty eventful. In a three day period, we got blown up, found a huge IED making cache and then found a live IED (roadside bomb) So some parts were good and some really bad. We were lucky that the truck that got hit, nobody got seriously injured. Only one of the guys had to go to the hospital in Germany. He just got back tonight and he said he had a blast, minus the whole getting blown up part. I never thought I'd say that my whole squad has CIB's and 1/4 of it has purple hearts. Weird. But now we're working nights at the ECP which is almost like a vacation compared to patrols. So we have 5 weeks left of that, then we patrol again for a month. But somewhere on that next patrol set I get to come home for leave!!
Well I should get going, I don't think I have a public site that I put stuff on. I have a few pics on myspace, but I mostly use facebook.
I'll talk to you all later,
Mike
Hey, sorry I havn't been able to get back to you yet. It's nice to know that you guys are thinking about us back home. You may be interested to know that my squad leader was in the Gulf War with first AD. His name is SSG Chilson, probably didn't know him, but ya never know.
We don't really work with the Iraqi's too much over here. I've worked with some of the locals that come into base to work, some of them are ok, but more than half of them would steal your clothes if you weren't wearing them. I just got done with a month of patrolling. We had a pretty large area to patrol, we had to clear around 5 different routes, and partol 5 different towns. Patrolling in July and August was no fun at all, the temperature was around 140 every day, and we'd be out any where from 6-14 hours at a time. Normally it fell towards the latter though. Obviously the roads are dangerous, they don't always seem like it though. The first 2 weeks were completly quiet, then the last two were pretty eventful. In a three day period, we got blown up, found a huge IED making cache and then found a live IED (roadside bomb) So some parts were good and some really bad. We were lucky that the truck that got hit, nobody got seriously injured. Only one of the guys had to go to the hospital in Germany. He just got back tonight and he said he had a blast, minus the whole getting blown up part. I never thought I'd say that my whole squad has CIB's and 1/4 of it has purple hearts. Weird. But now we're working nights at the ECP which is almost like a vacation compared to patrols. So we have 5 weeks left of that, then we patrol again for a month. But somewhere on that next patrol set I get to come home for leave!!
Well I should get going, I don't think I have a public site that I put stuff on. I have a few pics on myspace, but I mostly use facebook.
I'll talk to you all later,
Mike
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