I reset the alarm for 7:00 AM. I have a nine o'clock dentist appointment that I made BEFORE I learned I could work a full week's worth of hours. But, since I have two cavities, I figured I should get these fixed.
So, I got scrubbed and shaved and headed out at 8:50 (the dentist is only about two miles from here).
To his credit, he did ask me if I wanted any anesthesia. I said "No," realizing half the damn company is thinking I am too old, much less me sitting there at my desk, drooling. At 10:10 AM, I was at work, with two cavities filled and my mouth feeling strange.
Now, I can realize why "water-boarding" worked. I was upside down in the chair (when did dentists think that was okay?), he was using the water-soaked drill and the assistant was ineffectually trying to suck out the water. I couldn't breathe, couldn't talk, couldn't swallow and couldn't catch my breath!
All in all, it was not a positive experience.
It was nice at lunch and beautiful after work (sunny and 67 degrees F.). I had an errand to run after work so I didn't get home until 5:45 PM, but the first thing I did (after treating the cats and changing my shoes) was to drag out the grille. Man, what a mess. Surface rust had collected on all the cast iron grates. But, I fired up the charcoal lighter can and went inside.
I checked the phone and found a great message from my grandson, Carl V. He thanked me for the card and the book I'd sent him for his birthday. It's not until Sunday, but I fear the Post Office and sent it early. He had mentioned that both he and his father liked Iron Chef America, but liked the original Iron Chef (from Japan) better. I said, "Hey, me too!" So, I sent him a book about that show (bios, background, etc.) I think he will like it!
I got out the bratwurst I'd thawed and 1 1/2 pounds of ground chuck. I formed the ground chuck into four big patties, put the little depression in the middle (so they don't "puff" up) and hit both sides with the house seasoning. I let that come to room temp while I checked on the charcoal.
I put the charcoal on the lower rack, sprayed the grates with cooking oil and shut the lid. After a good 15 minutes, I went back out and wire-brushed the grates. When I had them cleaned to my satisfaction, I applied more cooking oil, shut the lid and went and got the food.
BTW, it seemed like most of my neighbors were out, too. They were raking their lawns, biking, etc. My two favorite street urchins across the road were trying to fly a kite (there was a good breeze coming from the West that kinda canceled the warmth, but I was on the East side, in front of the garage). Ah, Spring!!!
I first seared the brats on all four sides and then moved them to the cool side of the grill. Then I did the burgers. When they looked good, I put everything on a clean platter and went inside, closing the garage door for the night.
By now it was late, so I just ate two brats with Dijon mustard. The rest of the meat I let cool and then popped into the fridge. And so, the first BBQ of 2010 ended successfully!
I watched a little TV, but went to sleep early.
We are excited by Spring too the entire neighborhood was outside walking the dogs, cleaning up the yard. Seeing everybody again. Since over the winter no one really goes out. BTW the book rocks and you were the first to send a present. He got cards but like everyone he loves getting packages!!! That was such a cool idea. I think the neighbors have me talked into a vegtable garden we have the space and it would mean something to do outside other than tan I have been saving coffee grounds, eggs shells for the soil so I have lots of research to do. But I did cheat and by a Topsy Turvy for Tomatoes and strawberries, I figure I can grow those out by the pool, any suggestions as to keeping the rabbits out? Do I need to raise the ground etc? I am open to all suggestions as I really don't know if this is a good idea. Have a great day. Wow no numbing or anything? I would not do that as I am HUGE baby when it comes to pain!!! Is it just me or does it seem wrong that my son is turning 15? I remember it like Yesterday you came and held him too does it seem strange that everyone is getting older and yet I don't feel any older?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Carl liked the book. I figured he might.
ReplyDeleteA raised bed won't do much to keep rabbits out (unless you raise it "really" high). But I've seen fencing for rabbits at both Home Depot and Lowe's. It's maybe 2-3 feet high (you can step over it). Not too sure of all the details as my problem here is squirrels and they can climb anything.
Regarding getting older, but not feeling it, I'm the same way. Unless I look in the mirror or somebody asked my age, I still feel about 25 in my mind. Weird, but true.