Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving I'm writing this from a hotel room in the Upper Midwest. The hotel staff here is awesome and I've become friends with a few of them. My family down in Texas is celebrating with a big extravagant meal down there and I'm super stoked to talk to them here in a few hours. This afternoon I'm cooking for the hotel staff and myself. We're doing homemade Turkey Burgers and Cranberry Corn Salsa on Sourdough Buns. Life could definitely be better, but on the same note it could be much worse too. I'm posting up a video that is very much applicable to the situation and circumstances today, "Love the One You're With" by Stephen Stills. The other one is "Agua Dulce" by Rusty Weir, and it was chosen because well, it's Rusty Weir and he is just simply cool. Happy Thanksgiving and adios y'all.

I will be back - Howdy

My life has been evolving drastically since my last post and while things are still not completely settled, they should be in the near future. I just wanted to stop and give everybody a heartfelt "howdy" for just a moment. Hopefully I'll return to actively posting and providing lively banter very soon. Below is a music video that I've been enjoying lately and it's my sincere hope that y'all do as well. It's a song called "Without You" by Rusty Wier, and it's just a really good and entertaining song by somebody that I feel is one of the high elders of the church that is "good ol' Texas Music." I still run my Twitter feed and Facebook regularly, so check there for the updates for now. Be good to yourselves out there and adios y'all.

The New Job

Things have been pretty wild since last getting on here. To start, we made a trip to Minneapolis and back, then of course a trip to the West Slope in Colorado. Minneapolis will get its' day, trust me.

Since last we spoke, I got the opportunity to stand in the graveyard where Doc Holliday, the legendary Old West Gunslinger is buried in Glenwood Springs. While out on the West Slope I went to a place called the Brick Pony Pub in the town of Basalt, Colorado. The ambience and food are well worth the stop, but wait, it's gets better. The draught beers are served in ice cold chalices! Yeah.

Anyway, here in about 11 hours I will start another phase of my life, the one that involves me back in the workforce. It's one of the finer restaurants here in Rapid City, and I'm super-stoked for the opportunity. My role will be as the restaurant's Wine Steward. Very cool.

I'm going to try to be on here somewhat more frequently than I am, but I've been busy, and that is more than okay. For now, I'll say adios. Adios y'all!

Live Forever

I'll be getting away from the "Friday Music Video" thing, instead posting them when they come up. Here's a song that I've been digging a lot. "Live Forever" by Joe Ely, composed by Billy Joe Shaver. Adios.

Back in SD

After leaving Dallas, I spent the night in Vernon, Texas. There were a couple of wineries along the way. The Brushy Creek Vineyards in Alvord was enjoyable, tasting wine and enjoying good conversation. Shown is the Texas Rose with Babybel Cheese and crackers. Everything is uniquely Texas there, with lots of limestone everywhere, hot and dry, and the people being friendly as can be. The other was the Wichita Falls Vineyard. They have a wine called the Desperado Red, which is very big and bold, by no means something you'd expect to see on the way out to Childress, Texas. There's some sediment in it, and despite the owners saying that it's good that way, I would definitely remove it. In my opinion, removing the sediment keeps your teeth cleaner and doesn't gunk up the glass, which is a good thing.

The next day I went from Vernon to Pueblo, Colorado via Raton, New Mexico. It was a good drive and the Ranger was running great. This trip I was getting about 25.5 mpg, even through mountain passes, constant elevation shifts, and incredibly odd weather. Surprisingly enough, I've been getting better and more consistent fuel economy by having a hitch carrier with my "kitchen in a box" on it. It probably has something to do with weight balancing or something. The picture shown is from the "Jesus Christ Is Lord Travel Center" in Amarillo, Texas and no, it's not a joke. It is a must-stop for anyone who enjoys the occasional blasphemy and oddness. It rained like hell (consider the prior two sentences and tell me that it's not funny) in West Texas and through a majority of New Mexico, then an Arizona-style Dust Storm in Colorado, which isn't too big of a deal, but odd.

 

 

That night I crashed on my buddy John's couch. He's my favorite car salesman in the world. I made supper, which consisted of steak, French Bread, and Twisted Ranch-Style Beans. For the Twisted Ranch-Style Beans, I added tomatillo, jalapenos, green onion, garlic and a splash of Coors Light, I was in Colorado and thought it would be a fun addition. Everything came out beautifully and any of those who want the recipe can contact me and simply ask. Fun was had by all.

 

 

The next day, I meandered up through to Denver and visited with my cousin. Her husband and I are on complete opposite ends of the thought-spectrum, he's very straight-laced and conservative. I cooked for them as well, and once again rocked the house. It was simple, Basmati Rice, chicken, and vegetables. There was some brandy, curry, salt and pepper, carrots, jalapenos, and other ingredients involved. Him and I had a lively debate up until about 1:15 AM. It was awesome. Although my opinion wasn't swayed, my understanding of the opposite side was definitely improved. They had one of the most comfortable beds ever in the guest room, and the hospitality was absolutely wonderful.

 

 

I had a medical appointment in Denver in the morning. Truth be told, I almost missed it entirely because of the night before. Managed to make it only 7 minutes late. Not horrible. Anyway, I went back to get Thibodeaux and hang out for a little bit longer. It really was a great time, but then it was time to get back on the road and head home.

 

 

The drive north from Fort Collins and Cheyenne isn't the most enjoyable thing in the world (note prior comments about Wyoming), but it gave me the opportunity to enjoy some quiet time with my thoughts. Although Thibodeaux is great company, he doesn't say much, and it was nice. I'm becoming no stranger to that drive, I've made it 4 times in the past month and after spending Father's Day Weekend in Minnesota, we'll be doing it again in heading back to Denver the next week.

Thibodeaux has been growing by leaps and bounds and even has his own Facebook page. He doesn't really need a leash anymore at just 5 months old and even does his business on Command. The little dog is spoiled rotten, but that's what little dogs are supposed to be. He has, however, developed some serious Separation Anxiety from the spoiling. As we speak, he is curled up in a blanket taking a nap.

 

 

Well it's 8:30 and I suppose it's time to get rolling. Have a great day. Adios, y'all.

Dallas

It's Sunday Morning and Thibodeaux and I are in Dallas. The kids are heading to Houston for a little chunk of the Summer as they always do. Normally I'd be on the road, but I'm thinking about not pushing too hard at all. I'll be getting out to the truck here in half an hour or so, but not sure if it'll be back to Rapid City via who knows? I'm sure there's something interesting to see in any town I go through. Maybe I'll stop and see The World's Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker, Kansas. Not real sure.

More than likely I'll find a place to stop and cook today. The numerous Highway-Side Picnic Areas between Fort Worth and Amarillo make a strong case to head back to South Dakota through the Texas Panhandle. It's pretty country out there. Hard but pretty. There's Palo Duro Canyon and views that literally go on for miles. Strangely enough, there's a really good Winery in Amarillo called D'Vine Wines.

I'll be on here tomorrow to make at least another feeble attempt to entertain, enlighten, and confuse everybody. It should be interesting. Adios, y'all.