uncommonly feeble and random thoughts

My grill blog ( goo.gl/S14Q2 , or Google "heckergrill") has a lot of this type of stuff posted, but it seems right to bring a more recent grill experience to this blog. This is a pair of bison ribeyes from Whole Foods, but the method, that's what this entry is about. First, salt the beef at least a couple hours ahead of cook time, and chill. The meat. Don't bring to room temp. As to yourself, if you want to chill too, hey, that's up to you. Second, set up a two-stage fire (charcoal or gas - makes no difference): Third, bring beef to 110 or 115 max via indirect, turning several times, then place on Grill Grates for reverse searing, and bring to 125 or 130 max (for my taste, anyway): Voila! Oh, and, Mr. Buffett, there's the damn salt!!!! And, n.b., I have learned to serve the guests first, and take pictures second. Yes, the wine helps too.

One of the oft-cited banes of Facebook is a focus on food. It does get old when 31 of your friends post food pix, all on the same day. But in a way, it doesn't bother me. First, I only have two friends, so it's not exactly overload for me. But food is such an integral part of our lives, right? So, yes, when an especially lovely presentation causes us to go, wow, that looks fabulous, there is that urge to share. And, food is in fact a social occasion, right? Eating, I mean. So from time to time I will feature food here. I give myself permission to do so. And what better place to start than with dog food? Poor Puck. Allergies. Itching. Paw and butt licking. Chewing. A stop at the vet, a stop at MSU's vet clinic, and then a series of "takeaways" from his diet. We tried to eliminate common allergens... to dogs, that is. And we ended up... here. Chicken. Bulk, on sale, frozen breasts, thawed and cooked overnight in the slow cooker. Next day, shredded. Add swe...

Of course, to me, when chips were down, the job was done. Linda - not so much. Just a little accessorizing. Hey, it's why we love 'em...

Seven yards of walnut mulch out front and some around the decks and south side of the house (previously chronicled) led to... finish the job, Hecker. The back berm along the tennis courts hasn't been chipped in a couple years. Oh, five? It's hazy. When was your last root canal? See? Who keeps that in their head?? And we are James-less. Always a struggle to absorb that loss of support. For those who refer to it as "cheap labor", I have the contrary data. Just shoot me an email... But, the story begins at the supply company not in a far, far away galaxy. As a matter of fact, Hammond Farms brought their stuff to our doorstep. When we moved to DeWitt in 1997, Hammond was on South Waverly south of Lansing and East M78 in East Lansing (small satellite operation). Now, full-service lot in DeWitt proper. Yay! Here's how the most popular wood chip color arrives there: You can see the guy in the front of the trailer pushing it out, right? I pull in with Bet...

Linda and I gave her and her family the biggest grad gift... not having to put up with me. Linda kept me at arm's length. First stop, refuel at one of our all-time faves: No we didn't do the Bloody Marys but had I known what was in store (he said, foreshadowing-ly). It's in South Loop. If you are within a mile, go. Then it was off to north of the river. To keep me occupied. Not that she wanted to cruise the Mag Mile. It was her sacrifice for the good of the cause. Keep that in mind. Second stop, Athleta. (Gentlemen, n.b.... ladies apparel). Where I dropped her off to find a spot to park. So when I get to the store, the clerks say, "Oh she's upstairs." And I'm like, well, quizzical. And three of them (3) say, "Yes, she said if a man comes in looking puzzled, that would be my husband." I said, "Did she mention aged? Nerdy? Angry old white guy too?" O the mirth. But remember, she didn't want to be here, just he...

April of 2012. I had a chance to do a little photo work. Love that city. Who doesn't know Michigan Ave.? And of course, another iconic building: Whole Foods. Yep. South on the Mag Mile, just north of the river: And, kudos to the kid with a phone, an eye, and a brain. Thanks for this one, James: