Wagyu Steak

Well, I finally had me some Wagyu Steak. And I want some more. It is wonderful.

All thanks to our long-time Egghead friend, Gene Skillin (aka Crimson Gator), from Jacksonville, Florida when he and his friend, Tim, stopped here for the night on their way to a steak cook-off contest in Katy, Texas. He stopped at a place in Pensacola and bought the steaks from someone he knew had good steak.

I thought at the time, if his entry in the cook-off is anything like what he fed us, he'll win. Just a couple of weeks ago he won the state championship in Florida, so he would definitely be the one to defeat.

Alas, he came in 3rd. First place winner was a former World Steak Cooking Champion. Yes, I can only imagine....

They drove all the way back to Covington for the night, arriving here about midnight. We left the door unlocked for them.

I'll never be a competitor on the food-cooking circuit, but I enjoyed learning what it takes to be a good judge at cooking contests. Tim has been doing it for a long time and is well respected by competitors and other judges alike. He was kind enough to say my Magnum Loads had everything the judges look for in a contest for snacks and "would win hands-down." He definitely ate a mess of 'em.

New Coop is sure getting a great workout, and we're loving it. Here are a few photos of their visit.

























































































Here's the video of it:  https://youtu.be/TKqUL-S47fI

Sad Day

We received some sad but not unexpected news that our friend and neighbor, Harold T. (Tom) Morris, passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer.  We were neighbors for over 20 years in Spring, Texas.

Here's one of my all-time favorite photos taken of Tom and Pam in July 2005 with their dog, Sassy.

Pam said he asked to be cremated and his ashes spread on the waters near Bolivar Peninsula near Houston.

Tom quickly became a good neighbor when he bought the house next door.  But he gradually became a great neighbor and close friend as he got settled into the neighborhood.

Then he married Pam, and he really opened up.  She also quickly became fast friends, and the four of us made it a fun relationship, usually built around food.

Tom won a Big Green Egg and bought another one so we could cook and share our culinary successes.  But we also visited restaurants together frequently.  Mexican food was a favorite, and every Wednesday at 4:44 Judy would arrive home from work and immediately get in their waiting car for the short drive a couple of blocks away.  The restaurant crew knew us well.  And we always had a good time there.

And now he's gone, except for a lot of good memories and photos.

RIP Tom...

Cataract Surgery Recovery Over

I'm happy to report that I've completed the three weeks of eye drops after my eye surgery.  I know it was necessary, but I'm glad that part is over. 

Thanks to My Sweetie, all drops were 'dropped' on a timely and expertly basis, including an extra bottle of drops to lower the pressure in my eye.  The pressure seems to be completely under control.

My next follow-up visit is in about a week.  I expect my eye chart test to be at least 20/25.  That's right, 'No Glasses' needed. 

Now I can go back to being myself:

I'm anxious to see (pun intended) how well I can drive at night.  A ride through the neighborhood after dark a week after the surgery was a bit of a challenge, even with the street lights helping light up the street.  If night driving is still a problem I will just continue with my 'daytime driving only' policy.  No use stretching my luck.

A Truly Wonderful Day

I just had to share this joyous moment.

For at least three years, when I wanted to see what the time was on my stereo receiver for the TV, I had to get up real close (about 3 ‘) and bend over to see the blue ¾” tall numbers on the device.  Even then, it wasn’t very clear.  Here’s what it looked like from that angle.

It was usually easier to verbally ask Alexa (my Amazon home info device) what time it was.

This morning, this is where I could stand and read the numbers clearly.

I think I will be happy all day.  Probably tomorrow too.  In fact, lots of tomorrows.

Cataract Surgery Follow-up

Wow!  Things are so bright and clear!  I can see for miles and even see the small letters on my computer screen.  And that's with just one eye.  I'm thrilled, not to mention relieved.

Yes, the surgery to remove my cataract was a success.  But there were some issues that only showed up during surgery.  Namely, astigmatism.  Because of it being a major factor, I had to have a toric lens instead of the regular lens.  Pretty routine, especially in my situation with lots of scar tissue from the RK surgery a quarter century ago.

And the additional $800 made a deep dent in my wallet.  But it was worth it.

My follow-up visit to my ophthalmologist the next morning was great.  I could read the 20/25 line and a couple of letters on the 20/20 line.  He said my vision would be even better after the swelling goes down.  I can't even imagine what 20/20 vision is going to be like.  But I'm sure looking forward to it.  Maybe I won't be so nervous about driving now that I can actually see the road LOL...

The only problem was some pressure in the eyeball itself.  Very common, he said.  But it was giving me one heck of a headache.  He put some drops in to lower the pressure and the headache started to go away almost immediately.  I'm to take the drops for a few more days and return next week for a pressure check.  My headache is gone, so I'm not worried.

I was pretty sure that by choosing 'distant vision' as opposed to 'close vision' I would have to wear glasses to read.  Imagine my surprise when I sat down at the computer late the second day and I could read the small print on the screen of my laptop.  It's even easier on my desktop computer.

Now I can focus on my diet.  I gained two pounds celebrating my successful surgery.  Got that to lose, plus ten more pounds before I brag about my success at dieting.

Right now I'm one happy guy...

Cataract Surgery

I've had problems with my vision all  my life.  I think I got it from my Mom.  She had vision problems too.

Although it has been mostly a costly nuisance, the worst thing was when I lost my vision in my right eye due to staph immediately after surgery to implant a 'Crystal Lens' to supposedly 'give me crystal clear vision the rest of my life.' 

This is what I looked like right after the surgery in 2005.

Now 14 years later I'm about to go to surgery again.  And I'm reminded that although rare, there could be complications.  With only one good eye that has a worsening cataract, I hope I'm not the 1 in 10,000 who has complications.  Especially if it results in the loss of my vision altogether. 

My ophthalmologist assures me that he fully understands and appreciates my nervousness, but that he expects no problems. 

Yesterday I was measured for the proper size lens to replace my bad one.  That was easy.

My surgery will be on January 22nd with a routine follow-up/checkup visit the following morning. 

Then drops in the eye for three weeks.

That's assuming all goes well.

As they say, "We'll see."

2019 Has a Nice Ring to It

We're already near the end of day 2 of the new year.  Time flies....

So far, here's what 2019 looks like.

That's good for now.  We'll dress it up a little better after we get used to it.  But so far, so good.

Not much on the agenda yet.

Well, there's that long-postponed cataract surgery on my good eye.  I get measured for the lens tomorrow.  The actual surgery will be sometime later this month.  I'm a little nervous because of my last experience with eye surgery.  I've only got one to lose.  Should I become the '1' in 10,000 again, finding a 'dark place' to take a nap won't be hard.  And I'll be pretty upset.

We've pretty much got our Christmas decorations put away.  The last thing is the 9' artificial tree.  We plan to bag it up, lights and all, and roll it to the garage elevator and into the attic.  If it goes as planned, putting up the Christmas Tree will be as simple as riding an elevator. 

It's Judy's idea, and it goes back to the 1980's.  She even wants a Christmas Tree Closet to be designed into all houses and apartments.  Yes, totally dedicated to the Christmas Tree.  But if someone doesn't want an artificial tree, they can use the closet to store the ornaments.  She's got it all figured out.  Now lets see if it works.  Here are some photos showing the 9' tree going into the attic.

It worked!

We've lived here in Terra Mariae for 13 months.  And we've taking a real liking to it and the residents here.  They are friendly and comfortable to be around.  That's what we were looking for when we moved here from Texas.  They can't run us off now.  This is 'Home.'

Happy New Year

Christmas 2018

It's hard to believe but this is our second Christmas in our new home here in Covington, Louisiana.

And this year it really looks like Christmas.  Judy did a great job decorating the tree and yard.  I helped a little by getting the boxes out of the attic.  There were lots of boxes.  The elevator performed perfectly.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.  We're joining up with Sister and Brother-in-law, Joyce and Allen, to ride with them over to New Orleans to celebrate with Nephew # 1, David and his wife, Michelle.

It will be a double celebration because David just landed an Assistant Manager job at Rouse's, everybody's favorite chain of food markets in South Louisiana.

We will be home by dark unless traffic is heavy.

Then I will put a 4 pound rump roast in my Sous Vide immersion cooker.  It will cook in a bag, under water, @ 137° until Christmas morning when I will remove it from the bag and put it on the Big Green Egg to smoke for a neighbor.  She brought it over today so I could do some trimming and prep work.

It is sealed in the bag, and all the air has been removed.  The seasoning is inside the bag with the roast and will eventually be distributed throughout the meat.  It will be cooked through and through, all at the same temperature of 137°.  When it is ready, I will remove it from the bag, dry it off, and place it on the Big Green Egg to smoke until just before Noon, about four hours.  I'll take it off, wrap it in foil, and deliver it to the neighbor to serve a hungry crowd.  It should not only be very flavorful from the seasonings, but also from some Hickory smoke she asked me to use.

Soon after I take it off the Big Green Egg, we will be cooking some nice prime steaks for Joyce and Allen, and Judy and myself.  That's pretty much enough to make me want to take a nap.

It all sounds like fun.

Merry Christmas

Terra Mariae Christmas Quarterly Luncheon

It has been a great year for Terra Mariae residents who enjoy the Quarterly Luncheons. 

The last one of the year was held on December 7th at Keith Young's Steakhouse in Madisonville.  They are well known for their steaks, but their other dishes are equally outstanding.  And their service is fantastic.

Everyone brought a gift to be distributed to someone else.  Pretty cool... No one went home without a gift.

But Judy and I wanted to do more.  After all, these are now our friends and neighbors.  Plus, we wanted to show our appreciation for the work done by the luncheon organizer, and for the leadership provided by our Homeowners Association President.

So we made Christmas Birdhouses for them. 

One was to serve as our gift to be distributed to whomever.  The second birdhouse was to be a 'door prize' to whomever had the winning ticket.  The third birdhouse was to go to the event organizer for her efforts, and the fourth birdhouse was to thank the HOA President for her leadership efforts in keeping Terra Mariae the wonderful place it is.

I took photos and have combined them into a YouTube video which I shared on Facebook and by email to all residents who have access to computers.

This was a great way to end a great year.

Here's the video:  Terra Mariae Christmas Luncheon

Forty-Fifth Anniversary

Over the years I must have told a million people that I won my Sweetie in a poker game in New Orleans back in 1973.  I think half those people believe me and the other half hasn't fully decided if the story is true or not.  Most don't doubt it could have happened considering my past life.  I was a rascal, for sure. 

No matter, because we celebrate the day, December 1st, 1973, as the official day we were legally married, in both the Eyes of God and The State of Louisiana.

I have to say, it was a good move as evidenced by 45 years of absolute love and devotion to each other.  We wouldn't change a thing, even if some of it could have been made easier if we planned our life together better.  But instead of being wealthy in money we are wealthy in memories and friends.

It could not have worked out any better.  She is the main player on this team. 

We both wish for 45 more years, but knowing that it may not happen, we are thankful for every moment we have shared together all these years, and for any and all of the years to come.

Thanks also to all who have grown with us and wish us more of the same.  We can handle 45 more years with easy grace but forty-five years from now we may not know who the people are helping us celebrate it.

Leroy   AKA Mr. Judy.

Easy Thanksgiving

We had some delicious turkey on 'Turkey Day" but we didn't have to cook it.  Brother-in-Law, Allen cooked it..  It was tender, juicy and delicious.  He cooked it 'Spatchcocked' style on the Big Green Egg.  It was his first time cooking turkey Spatchcocked style and he likes it much better than the traditional method. 

My Sweetie, Judy, and her sister, Joyce, cooked all the side dishes.  There were many and all tasty.  No photos.

I mostly sat around and watched.  I think I like doing that on Thanksgiving.

We arrived back home before dark, full as ticks, and ready for bed.  But we stayed up to watch the Saints win over the Falcons.  Brees is awesome.!

Now we wait for Christmas.  Except we also celebrate our 45th anniversary in 8 days.  It also calls for food.  At this rate I'll always be a few pounds overweight...

Halloween Party a Success

Well, the long awaited Halloween Party went off without a hitch, and turned out really well.

The only possible 'hitch' was the weather.  Predictions for bad weather held off until well after the party, giving us time to clean up the decorations and put away the leftovers.

And as of today, all the stuff is in boxes in the attic for when it is needed again.

I took some photos and borrowed a few from others, edited and assembled them into some kind of order and made a video.  It's worth watching if you like to see how 40 neighbors can get along, have fun and even act a little crazy.

Here's the video...   Halloween Party

Updated on 11-10-18:  On a sad note, one of our guests fell and hit his head a few days after the party.  He did not survive the fall, and will be buried next week.  He was the Pirate in the red pirate suit.  His wife was dressed as the Pirate's Woman.  He also celebrated his birthday at the party.  He was a Veteran, and lost an arm in Afghanistan.  He and his wife had just moved into their new house in Terra Mariae a few months ago.  He said a number of times that he really enjoyed the party.  RIP Henry.

Halloween Party in the Works

Yes, there's another party brewing at La Maison des  Poulets.  This time Judy and I are getting ready to host a Halloween Party for residents of Terra Mariae.

Crazy huh?  A little, but think about it.  Halloween  has established itself pretty well as the first of many 'holiday season' events.  And this one is especially great for children of all ages to have some fun.  Plus, the weather is usually better for getting out after dark.

No, there won't be any little children at this party.  But I'm sure there will be plenty of 'sweets & treats' for everyone.

If you didn't see it, here's the Video Invitation sent to all Terra Mariae residents.  Those without access to the Internet received their invitations via 'tube mail.'

The video is kinda cute.  Video Invitation

Yes, it's from 7:00 to 9:00 pm on October 31st (Halloween Night)

Meanwhile, preparing for the party has taken on a life of its own.  Judy and I are working fast and furious to get things looking 'Halloweenie.'  And some of those who said they were coming said they were dressing up and bringing snacks and beverages to share.

There could be 50 to 75 party-goers here.  We just hope the rain holds off.

Yes, there will be a lot of pictures taken and possibly made into a video to show those who couldn't be here what they missed.

Happy Halloween

Surprise Birthday Party

A couple of months ago a neighbor approached Judy about having a surprise 70th birthday party for her husband.  She asked if we could host it at our house to keep it a surprise.  She would take care of all the details and all we had to do is just open our house to those attending.

Of course.  We would be happy to do it.

But then she said a neighbor and friend was also celebrating his 70th birthday about the same time.  So could it be a surprise birthday party for two?

Of course.  We would be happy to do it.

But since keeping it a secret might be difficult, the party would be announced as being a Congratulations for Defeating Cancer party for the wife and another neighbor.

Well, secrets kept, days of good planning, and last minute details taken care of paid off wonderfully.  The two honorees were totally surprised.

And while at the party another neighbor was also surprised to be celebrating with them.

There was lots of food and beverages, and some nice gifts. But most of all, it was friends and neighbors enjoying the moment.

I made a video that pretty much tells just how much fun we had.

Surprise Birthday Party

New Coop is Almost Finished

On May 20, 2018 we began bringing in the lumber to start building our new outdoor kitchen, referred to as New Coop until a better name comes along.

On September 11, 2018 we finished up the last major detail of what we wanted it to look like.

114 days... 

Not all of them were productive, and some were slowed considerably by the oppressive heat and occasional rain.  But we wanted it done right so 'how long' was not the issue.  We wanted it to be a really special place, and we definitely got what we waited for.

We've already started cooking in it, but the real test comes when everything is in place and works well for us.  So far we are tickled pink with how comfortable it is. 

The last project was to set the salvaged "Katrina Windows" in place to make it look like a bistro.  We finished those yesterday and they really tie everything in to the Bistro look we want for the space between New Coop and New House.  We've got lots of plans to make it even nicer.

But as of now, we have an outdoor kitchen worthy of showing off and fun to cook in.  What more could we ask for to round out our new life here at Terra Mariae in Covington, Louisiana.

Here's a short video as it was late yesterday when we put away the paint brush.

New Coop on 9-11-18

First Long Cook in New Coop

Now that New Coop is 'operative' I've been trying to catch up on some cooking.  Yesterday I decided to cook a small pork butt that we found on sale at our neighborhood Walmart.  

But I also wanted to try some rub seasoning we bought at the Abita Springs Farmers Market last week.  It was our first time there and we really like what we saw.  We'll be going back.

It was raining and we had to get some stuff from Lowes, so we didn't stick around long.  But we did get to meet one of the vendors and try some of his BBQ.  And we were impressed enough to purchase a bottle of rub and a bottle of his BBQ sauce.

Anyway, it was a good day for cooking so that's what I did.

Here's a video of the cook.

https://youtu.be/6dvF09Rt8Ks

First Cook in New Coop

We moved into New House on November 1st, 2017.  Our first priority was to get settled well enough to function.

Then we built the attic elevator to help store some of the items we just couldn't get to fit anywhere.

Then two months ago we started building New Coop, our outdoor kitchen.

We aren't finished with it yet but we're far enough along that we can cook in it.  And that's what we did yesterday.

I made a video of the that long awaited moment.

First Cook and Tour of New Coop

Maybe now you can better understand why we worked our asses off in the heat to get New Coop up and running.  

Life will definitely be more fun around here.

Kirkpatrick McMillan - The Devil on Two Wheels

As many of you know, I have a lot of Irish and a lot of Scottish in me.  Some of it in the form of DNA and some in the form of beverage for which each country is noted.

Being a little of each gives me both curiosity and enthusiasm in a world where technology is quickly exceeding my ability to absorb its advantage to the world about me.  But I am blessed with a decent mechanical aptitude that sometimes allows me to repair what can be repaired, and even create something that has never been created.

Even so, nothing has ever gotten in the way of my curiosity nor has it stopped me from trying to understand things I can't change.  And there's great joy in changing what I can change.

I would dearly love to leave this planet in better shape than I found it.

There was another McMillan (also spelled MacMillan)  (note the spelling is slightly different than my own name: McMillin) who's ability to apply ideas to the technology of the day set in motion a form of human transportation that quickly changed the world.  And it continues to do so today.

My distant relative, Kirkpatrick McMillan, is now recognized at the person who invented the human powered bicycle in 1839/1840.

And in doing so, he changed the world for the better.

If you have ever owned a bicycle, you owe its existence to Kirkpatrick McMillan.

If you have a few minutes you might read this accounting of him and his invention.

Devil on Two Wheels

Jack Semmes Ranlett Baptism and Party

Nephew Chase Ranlett, and his wife Cheryl, asked if I would take pictures of their new son, Jack, as he was baptized.  Of course. 

But there would also be a family celebration party afterward.  Of course.

The timing was perfect.  It was Easter and the day was beautiful.

Everything went smoothly, and before the day was over I had over 200 photos and a lot of video.  I had to discard some, of course, and edit others, but in the end I think I did a fair job of showing the two events.

The whole day was very nice.

Here's the link to the YouTube video: 

Jack Semmes Ranlett Baptism and Celebration

Another Sod Day at Maison des Poulets

You wake up thinking that it would be a nice day to recover from yesterday's sod wounds.  But no - there's even more sodness to be dealt with today.

Maison des Poulets just doesn't look like it did yesterday.  And in many ways it looks even better after we came to grips with our sodlessness.

The truth is, we really needed some 'Sodness' in our lives.  If for no other reason than to perhaps serve to remind us that not everyone is lucky to even have Sod.  We had it but Mother Nature took it from us. So Sod.

We were fraught with worry over what we should do.  But in the end it became clear that we just had to take matters into our own hands.  We did, and we feel really good about it.  And we decided that Sodness can be a good thing when handled properly

So once again we're off to the Sodest place in Covington, knowing that we would end up being even more banged up and dented, and a lot Soder than yesterday.

Maybe these photos will show you what I mean.  These were taken this morning as a new sun arose.  You can actually see the sodness as it spreads to the right, affecting everything in its path.

Here too...

Yes, we need about 1,500 more pounds of Sodness before we can truly say we've got our sodlessnes under control and our feet firmly on the ground.

Next day, we added another 1,500 pounds of Sodness, plus two full wheelbarrows of beach stuff.  Then we waited for the promised rain.  It came and looks like our efforts to achieve Sodness Nirvana paid off.  We feel the power of success.

More proof that Sodlessness can be overcome with a plan, some $$$ and a lot of effort.