So we are going on vacation this summer. Two weeks in Alaska. Something I have always wanted to do. I really can't wait for this trip.
Why is it that something always comes along and lessens that excitement. Its small and trivial, but it always happens. One of my favorite bands, who I have never seen live, is playing here the day after we leave. Gahhh!
Don't get me wrong, I really want to go on this trip, but why did they have to choose those two weeks to show up here?
(Image courtesy of Lynn Betts, USDA)
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
BBQ
For Suburban Dads birthday last year, he was lucky enough to receive a smoker from Suburban Grandpa.
This is nothing super fancy, but you don't need it to be. After all, when it comes down to it, it is just pieces of metal and some burning wood.
So I have been trying out various cuts of meat for smoking. Pork Ribs are by far my favorite. I have been using the St. Louis cut ribs and the whole Suburban Family has been really enjoying them.
So far, I have smoked the ribs, a brisket, a couple of pork shoulders (pulled port sandwiches), and some turkey legs. The turkey legs were surprisingly good. Brine them for about 6 hours, then smoke for three to four.
When it comes to the pork cuts, I have been on a kick to try various local rubs and sauces. The local BBQ store has an excellent selection of both. Also, supporting local businesses is always my choice if possible.
Wood choice when smoking is also important. Mesquite is good for grilling, but will overpower with hours of smoking. Hickory is really good, but can also overpower on a long smoke. I have been using a mixture of Hickory and Cherry or Hickory and Pear. Hickory and Apple may be next. Last weeks ribs were outstanding.
The only problem with smoking at home is that once you get the hang of it, restaurant BBQ just doesn't seem the same, but it just makes yours that much better.
This is nothing super fancy, but you don't need it to be. After all, when it comes down to it, it is just pieces of metal and some burning wood.
So I have been trying out various cuts of meat for smoking. Pork Ribs are by far my favorite. I have been using the St. Louis cut ribs and the whole Suburban Family has been really enjoying them.
So far, I have smoked the ribs, a brisket, a couple of pork shoulders (pulled port sandwiches), and some turkey legs. The turkey legs were surprisingly good. Brine them for about 6 hours, then smoke for three to four.
When it comes to the pork cuts, I have been on a kick to try various local rubs and sauces. The local BBQ store has an excellent selection of both. Also, supporting local businesses is always my choice if possible.
Wood choice when smoking is also important. Mesquite is good for grilling, but will overpower with hours of smoking. Hickory is really good, but can also overpower on a long smoke. I have been using a mixture of Hickory and Cherry or Hickory and Pear. Hickory and Apple may be next. Last weeks ribs were outstanding.
The only problem with smoking at home is that once you get the hang of it, restaurant BBQ just doesn't seem the same, but it just makes yours that much better.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Thoughts for the day
The new Firefox 4 is both awesome and aggravating at the same time. It is so much faster, and after getting used to the new layout changes, much more efficient. However, continued issues with remembering open tabs, app tabs, and saved login/password info, make me wonder why they changed a system that works.
While we are on the topic of IT issues, the Microsoft Active Directory error message writers need a good beating. Generic error messages with generic lists of possible solutions do not lead to a good and productive day. Suburban job can be frustrating like that more often than I would like.
This moring, while getting ready for work/school:
Suburban Kid: Dad, have you seen my pockey huck?
Suburban Dad: Whats a pockey huck?
Suburban Kid: You know what a pockey huck is.
Suburban Dad: I'm not sure I do.
Suburban Kid: You know... the little black round thing they play pockey with.
Suburban Dad: I think you mean hockey... and its a hockey puck.
Suburban Kid: Gahh... thats what I meant... so have you seen my pockey huck?
This went on at least five more times before he got it right.
This kid of thing happens with ridiculous frequency.
While we are on the topic of IT issues, the Microsoft Active Directory error message writers need a good beating. Generic error messages with generic lists of possible solutions do not lead to a good and productive day. Suburban job can be frustrating like that more often than I would like.
This moring, while getting ready for work/school:
Suburban Kid: Dad, have you seen my pockey huck?
Suburban Dad: Whats a pockey huck?
Suburban Kid: You know what a pockey huck is.
Suburban Dad: I'm not sure I do.
Suburban Kid: You know... the little black round thing they play pockey with.
Suburban Dad: I think you mean hockey... and its a hockey puck.
Suburban Kid: Gahh... thats what I meant... so have you seen my pockey huck?
This went on at least five more times before he got it right.
This kid of thing happens with ridiculous frequency.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Randomness
So I put Suburban Kid to bed after practice. He needed to go to bed as early as possible, district assessment tests are tomorrow. I'm not worried about him... he does well in school. But still... Suburban Kid has inherited Suburban Dad's love of staying up late and not getting up early. I really don't understand morning people. You all are not wrong, but I just don't get it. Sorry.
I did my nightly workout after that... cardio and some strength training. Then it was time to undo all of that with some beers and the Phoenix/Detroit game. Have I mentioned I love playoff hockey?
The beer of choice tonight has been Boulevard Boss Tom's (the best beer that Boulevard has ever put out) and a new beer I am trying, Stevens Point Nude Beach Summer Wheat. I almost didn't try this just based on the name, but after reading the description, I figured why not. This stuff is freaking good. This was my first Stevens Point beer. I hope the others have this same quality.
If you read anything I write about beers, you will quickly figure out that I love wheat beers. When trying a new Brewery, this is usually the first thing I am going to look for. Wheat, followed by a good bock or anything in the Belgian style.
For years I was not a beer drinker, but I have come to realize that its wasn't beer that I didn't like (my drink of choice was bourbon), it was that I don't care for the standard American Lager. After starting to study the process of brewing beer, and seeing the difference in brewing process between ales and lagers, I can understand this distaste. The Micro Brew explosion has really shown that Bud, Coors, and Miller are not the only options.
My favorite brewery is Boulevard. They really do put out some amazing beers. If you have the chance to try any of their Smokestack series, I highly recommend it.
I did my nightly workout after that... cardio and some strength training. Then it was time to undo all of that with some beers and the Phoenix/Detroit game. Have I mentioned I love playoff hockey?
The beer of choice tonight has been Boulevard Boss Tom's (the best beer that Boulevard has ever put out) and a new beer I am trying, Stevens Point Nude Beach Summer Wheat. I almost didn't try this just based on the name, but after reading the description, I figured why not. This stuff is freaking good. This was my first Stevens Point beer. I hope the others have this same quality.
If you read anything I write about beers, you will quickly figure out that I love wheat beers. When trying a new Brewery, this is usually the first thing I am going to look for. Wheat, followed by a good bock or anything in the Belgian style.
For years I was not a beer drinker, but I have come to realize that its wasn't beer that I didn't like (my drink of choice was bourbon), it was that I don't care for the standard American Lager. After starting to study the process of brewing beer, and seeing the difference in brewing process between ales and lagers, I can understand this distaste. The Micro Brew explosion has really shown that Bud, Coors, and Miller are not the only options.
My favorite brewery is Boulevard. They really do put out some amazing beers. If you have the chance to try any of their Smokestack series, I highly recommend it.
This evenings festivities
As I leave work for the day, I think of the words of Thurgood Jenkins who said "Free!!!"
Its not always like this. Suburban Job has undergone some massive changes over the last year. What used to be a small growing company that cared about its employees has since become a small company trying to make the leap to mid sized company. This means that all of the small company perks are gone and the bottom line is all that matters. I understand that companies need to make a profit, but such a sudden change has left a decent number of borderline disgruntled people. But I digress. I get a paycheck.
Tonight will consist of yard work I should have done yesterday. Why didn't I do this yesterday? I was too busy taking care of the ribs on the smoker. Beer was also consumed. This really affects my motivation for yard work.I think there is also a warning label about heavy machinery and alcohol not mixing.
While I am pushing the mower who decided that the busiest mowing time of the year was the time for the self-propel to stop working, Suburban Wife will be taking Suburban Kid to football practice. I like Suburban Kid's coach, but an hour and a half practices on a school night are a bit excessive. Listen to me... I have become my parents.
So that means another late dinner, a tired Suburban Kid when we do homework, and another late bedtime. This leads to grumpy Suburban Kid tomorrow morning when I wake him up for school.
Once Suburban Kid is in bed, I can sit down and watch some playoff hockey. However, a 9:30 PM start time, makes for a late night. Here is hoping for no overtime. As much as I love overtime in the playoffs, not when the game starts at 9:30.
Of course, Suburban Wife will have commandeered the big TV in the living room for one (or two or three) of her chick shows. I call them chick shows because no guy I know will watch them without a woman requiring it. Suburban Wife watches such quality programming as Desperate Housewives, Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, etc.. The list goes on.
This leaves me with the smaller TV in the basement. Its OK, but too close to the litter box and the twenty five pound Suburban Cat can really make it stink. Yes, I said twenty five pounds. This cat is huge. He is getting his workout getting chased by Suburban Dog.
I try to stick to things that either make me laugh or some kind of sport when it comes to my TV viewing. Suburban Wife kind of dislikes this time of year. March Madness just ended (even though my team choked again) and NHL playoffs are just starting.
Speaking of things that make you laugh... Do you watch Archer? Its on FX and is the funniest show on TV. It is very politically incorrect, and definitely pushes the line as far as cable show go, but I have not laughed this hard at a TV show in years. I recommend it. Don't blame me if you are offended.
Enough rambling... I don't want to get booed off the stage like Charlie Sheen. Besides, the yard is begging to be mowed.
Its not always like this. Suburban Job has undergone some massive changes over the last year. What used to be a small growing company that cared about its employees has since become a small company trying to make the leap to mid sized company. This means that all of the small company perks are gone and the bottom line is all that matters. I understand that companies need to make a profit, but such a sudden change has left a decent number of borderline disgruntled people. But I digress. I get a paycheck.
Tonight will consist of yard work I should have done yesterday. Why didn't I do this yesterday? I was too busy taking care of the ribs on the smoker. Beer was also consumed. This really affects my motivation for yard work.I think there is also a warning label about heavy machinery and alcohol not mixing.
While I am pushing the mower who decided that the busiest mowing time of the year was the time for the self-propel to stop working, Suburban Wife will be taking Suburban Kid to football practice. I like Suburban Kid's coach, but an hour and a half practices on a school night are a bit excessive. Listen to me... I have become my parents.
So that means another late dinner, a tired Suburban Kid when we do homework, and another late bedtime. This leads to grumpy Suburban Kid tomorrow morning when I wake him up for school.
Once Suburban Kid is in bed, I can sit down and watch some playoff hockey. However, a 9:30 PM start time, makes for a late night. Here is hoping for no overtime. As much as I love overtime in the playoffs, not when the game starts at 9:30.
Of course, Suburban Wife will have commandeered the big TV in the living room for one (or two or three) of her chick shows. I call them chick shows because no guy I know will watch them without a woman requiring it. Suburban Wife watches such quality programming as Desperate Housewives, Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, etc.. The list goes on.
This leaves me with the smaller TV in the basement. Its OK, but too close to the litter box and the twenty five pound Suburban Cat can really make it stink. Yes, I said twenty five pounds. This cat is huge. He is getting his workout getting chased by Suburban Dog.
I try to stick to things that either make me laugh or some kind of sport when it comes to my TV viewing. Suburban Wife kind of dislikes this time of year. March Madness just ended (even though my team choked again) and NHL playoffs are just starting.
Speaking of things that make you laugh... Do you watch Archer? Its on FX and is the funniest show on TV. It is very politically incorrect, and definitely pushes the line as far as cable show go, but I have not laughed this hard at a TV show in years. I recommend it. Don't blame me if you are offended.
Enough rambling... I don't want to get booed off the stage like Charlie Sheen. Besides, the yard is begging to be mowed.
About me
So, I am your typical suburban Dad. I lead a fairly average life. One wife, one kid, one dog, two cars, one house, and a huge mortgage.
My job keeps me fairly busy. I am on call all the time and never know when something will break, requiring late nights, lost sleep, missed sport practice of some kind, or missed yard work (not that I miss it, but my judgmental suburban neighbors sure don't care for it).
When not working, I try to spend time with the Suburban Wife and the Suburban Kid. The Suburban Dog is usually running (or jumping) in the middle. We currently have a Suburban Cat on loan from Suburban Wife's Nephew. "Can you watch him for a couple of months" has now become fifteen. Suburban Dog and Suburban Cat don't get along too well. I have also discovered an amazing dislike for litter boxes.
After all this is done, I get to sit down for a tasty beverage of some kind. Any MicroBrew ale is my current drink of choice. More on this later.
I'm still in fairly good shape for my age, but of course my doctor thinks I can do better, so I try to work out a couple of times each week. I look at some of my friends and co-workers and think - I can't be doing that bad can I? I don't want to talk badly about others, but I look around and I understand why my friends from overseas make fun of the typically fat American.
Some of this may come from the fact this I do enjoy video games. Yes, they are time wasters, and don't do much for you except waste time, but damn are they fun. I have discovered that I can play driving games while riding the recumbent bike. Cardio while playing games has helped me reduce some of the midsection expanding effects of gaming. Unfortunately, Suburban Kid has inherited Suburban Dad's love for gaming.
Suburban Kid is not a couch potato by any means. He plays sports all the time and is in good shape for his age. He has luckily inherited my fairly decent athletic ability. He is QB of his football team, point guard in basketball, and plays any position in soccer. He eats healthy and will take a fruit or vegetable over cookies or sweets almost every time. That trait certainly came from Suburban Wife.
So, looking at this Suburban life that I lead, I decided that I needed to write some of this down. I occasionally have something funny to say, but usually not. I'm sure my banter will bore most people to tears. Other stuck in this Suburban life may find it interesting.
As much as I may complain, I would not miss any of it.
My job keeps me fairly busy. I am on call all the time and never know when something will break, requiring late nights, lost sleep, missed sport practice of some kind, or missed yard work (not that I miss it, but my judgmental suburban neighbors sure don't care for it).
When not working, I try to spend time with the Suburban Wife and the Suburban Kid. The Suburban Dog is usually running (or jumping) in the middle. We currently have a Suburban Cat on loan from Suburban Wife's Nephew. "Can you watch him for a couple of months" has now become fifteen. Suburban Dog and Suburban Cat don't get along too well. I have also discovered an amazing dislike for litter boxes.
After all this is done, I get to sit down for a tasty beverage of some kind. Any MicroBrew ale is my current drink of choice. More on this later.
I'm still in fairly good shape for my age, but of course my doctor thinks I can do better, so I try to work out a couple of times each week. I look at some of my friends and co-workers and think - I can't be doing that bad can I? I don't want to talk badly about others, but I look around and I understand why my friends from overseas make fun of the typically fat American.
Some of this may come from the fact this I do enjoy video games. Yes, they are time wasters, and don't do much for you except waste time, but damn are they fun. I have discovered that I can play driving games while riding the recumbent bike. Cardio while playing games has helped me reduce some of the midsection expanding effects of gaming. Unfortunately, Suburban Kid has inherited Suburban Dad's love for gaming.
Suburban Kid is not a couch potato by any means. He plays sports all the time and is in good shape for his age. He has luckily inherited my fairly decent athletic ability. He is QB of his football team, point guard in basketball, and plays any position in soccer. He eats healthy and will take a fruit or vegetable over cookies or sweets almost every time. That trait certainly came from Suburban Wife.
So, looking at this Suburban life that I lead, I decided that I needed to write some of this down. I occasionally have something funny to say, but usually not. I'm sure my banter will bore most people to tears. Other stuck in this Suburban life may find it interesting.
As much as I may complain, I would not miss any of it.
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