Outside the dugout: What's cooking?

I think you'll be fine.

My Publix had Green Giant brand green beans at 5 for $5 but I got Publix brand for 91 cents.

Plenty of mushroom soup - Campbells too.

Two ladies were looking at gravy and I steered them into the mushroom gravy. I wouldn't have even said anything but they sounded really undecided and I thought a third party's intervention might help. Then over in the cheese section I got steered into a wedge of Manchego cheese. People love to talk about food, don't they?

I did get a half gallon of apple cider too!

Getting into the spirit of things a little bit.....

 

Whew......just had some hot and spicy wings from Publix......that cold apple cider was very welcome on the lips!

 

We have made the trip to Jasper, Ga. to Alan’s and Tim, Kayla, and Magnolia Grace’s for Christmas. We have been able to maintain our social distancing as our trip was without issue or concerns.

Both of their houses are plenty big enough for us to spread ourselves out.

Two nights ago (arrived) we had chili topped with Sargento shredded sharp cheddar and choice of over white rice or Fritos.

Last night I grilled the bone-in country cut ribs indirect over applewood smoke with grilled fresh asparagus and baked potatoes for everyone.

Ice cold longnecks and chilled wine were available the late afternoon and early evening for everyone.

We are going to have Mags Christmas Santa Claus today and our traditional Christmas meal as Kayla is off today but has to work her COVID19 shift (7:00a—7:00p) Christmas Day.

How well I remember that part of the job on FHP. 31 years/ 31 Christmas—2 off.....All part of the job.

It’s great to be able to be with family....Life is good in Gator Nation!

 

Wife and I are Roasting a terducken with sausage stuffing, potatoes au grautin, tossed salad. Wife’s making a pecan pie—I never could bake. Accompanied by a 2015 Burgundy I first drank in Belgium and later bought at Ward’s

 

Only got down to 38 here last night - so no freeze....yah!

Enjoying a nice hot cup of Earl Gray & honey and watching The Greatest American Hero on TV. 1981...hard to believe almost 40 years ago! Great show though....

Hope everyone is doing well!

 

We are headed back home today—Ms. Jan’s Mama has taken a turn for the worse—That is where we need to be, family always comes first.

Today is Ms. Jan’s birthday—we will just celebrate that when the appropriate time comes. God willing, her Mama can make it until tomorrow—it’s tough any time to lose a parent, I just pray it doesn’t happen on Ms. Jan’s birthday but we will accept what the good Lord gives us.

I have no idea what we may do for supper tonight—but—

Life is good in Gator Nation!

 

Sorry to hear, Bill......thoughts and prayers sent your way.......

 

I’ll go ahead and give myself an “off topic” emoji but I don’t know where else to say this—

Ms. Jan’s Mama passed away peacefully this morning at 5:35am with both of her daughters at her bedside. She was 92 years young and had lived a wonderful life where her family was always at the center of everything she was involved in.

I’m sure that she is fishing with her “Mr. Bud” and looking down on us and smiling now that she is at peace again.

 

Thank you for sharing this with us, Bill. Lovely tribute to your Mama-in-law.

92 is a good run and to leave this world peacefully with your daughters by your side is more than most have, I'm sure.

A lot to be thankful of at this time of grieving.

Peace be with your and yours, sir......

 

Prayers sent to you and Ms. Jan. Sounds like a beautiful family.

 

Russ, their wine manager, does things like read the trade magazines and if he sees a winery is going to introduce new packaging he buys up cases of the old bottles at a big discount

 

Lurk,

First time I ever had macadamia nut and panko encrusted grouper filets was in the Keys with a girl I was dating, at the time.

Since then - it has also been my favourite.

The girl's dad was a retired football coach from one of the Miami area high schools. That's where my girlfriend grew up. Her Dad was pretty well connected with the sports scene down there, naturally. One night in fact when we were having dinner at her parents - their dinner guests were Mr. and Mrs. Angelo Dundee (Ali's trainer). I still have his business card and autograph. Her Dad also played football at FSU back when players were playing on both offense and defense. That was in the 50's I guess, not long after it went away from just a girl's college.

They had a beach house up here and that's how we met.

Congratulations on your upcoming 38th wedding anniversary! Pretty cool that it's on New Year's Eve! Please feel free to pass along my regards to the bride.

Back on topic.....why is it that wings taste so good? Aside from the chicken flavor....it always seems tastier than just eating other ways. Hooters...the The Winghouse....etc etc....huge business - but why do they always seem to taste better?

 

@GatorLurker—

Congratulations to you and your wife on y’all’s upcoming 38th Wedding Anniversary!

Ms. Jan and I celebrated our 47th this past September.

It’s amazing what you can get these girls used to....