Cap

"Mistah Lil' Casper, he gone."

Lil' Casper, of course, being my 1982 Datsun 4X4 King Cab Pickup. I don't really need TWO white 4X4 pickups, and his registration was coming due, and the Va. inspection folks were really being pernicious, and my friend and co-worker Paul needed a truck, so I let Lil' go to a good home.

So, now I won't be tempted to pour money at him and allow Big Casper [my 2001 Ford F-150 4X4] to deteriorate. I really do need to conserve my resources, and this is most logical.

Still, I was fond of the lil' fellow. I bought him while I was still on active duty, and so one last link severed.... Then again, I was married to Diane at the time, so good to sever THAT link!! =:-0

Goodbye, Lil' Casper.
Have a good life down in NC.

Full Squad

The entire team has reported, and today, full-squad workouts begin. Positive vibes abound, coming out of pitchers and catchers. So far, Joe Girardi is on top of his game.

Life is good.

Oh, a word about Shelley Duncan. He was horsing around, wrestling with Mike Mussina the other day. No one got injured. Welcome the New Moose ;-)

Meat Loaf Burgers

Okay, a short one to keep my hand in....
saw a special at Kroger [where they have really good specials on meats that are at or approaching the expiry date]. Meat loaf, a couple of pounds, ready-mixed, with onions and peppers [and, of course, bread crumbs] all included.

I remembered an old hamburger recipe that called for breadcrumbs.

Actually, I that's all I remember: that there is an old hamburger recipe, and it involved mixing the meat with breadcrumbs. That, and it came from a Los Angeles Kings cookbook from when The Great One skated at center ice of the Great Western Forum.....

So, I formed patties of the requisite size and shape, and poured about 3/4 of an inch of canola oil into the bottom of the wok, and fried them up. I ate mine on potato flour buns. They had gone hard, so I nuked 'em. Matt says the chow was pretty tasty! I guess so :-)

Pictures of Springtime

I posted some of these thoughts over at Club Bronx, but no worry: let me expound upon them...

There's a lot of good in the photos I have seen from camp so far... Bruney, Farns. Both with more hair than I remember, Bruney's is flipping in the back, like mine is [when it gets warmer, I will go back to the military look] and Krazy Kyle with any hair at all - looks like an entirely new person! Maybe that is what he is going for.....

Edwar yukking it up with both Mariano and Igawa. Seems that Mo is mentoring the thin man a bit, and I sure hope something rubs off.... Iggy seems loose, and is determined to start, even if it means doing so in Scranton. Good for him!

Joe G. and his girls. Now THAT was cute :-) Made ME smile....

Good to see Cash getting some sun [memo to Brian: lose the Charlie Brown shirt!]. Nice to see Troy Hawk, I hear he's a really good guy.

I like the one, intense, look from Phil Hughes: that dude is going to be scary, someday. Nice to see Joba all smiles. IPK has a lil' double chin!! haha!

Here's the best part: Moose looked good and relaxed, both. That bodes well for us. Maybe a harbinger of a better year for him, even one last hurrah will do. We need you, Mike. Let's get that elusive #27.

Ah, Pavano.... first in the picture album and then no other photos. Handsome lad, really. We WANTED to like him, well and truly we did. He'd have been such a picture as a Yankee success story. What havoc karma has wreaked in cases, now and again.

Pork Chop Breakie

Charmaine, this one's for you:

Soggy conditions outside even when the rain pauses and the lightning checks up. Got in Chinese Long-Life and Yogalation. A little bit later, pushups and situps, and Hindu Pushups + Hindu Squats [the old wrestling regimen that keeps my back from popping every time I take a step]. Won't clear up outside for quite a while, so plenty of time for a hearty breakfast :-)

Pork Chops, lightly breaded and fried.
Hash Browns with onions and red peppers.
Fried Eggs, poached by cooking oil.
Coffee with vanilla extract, sugar and milk.
I am very happy :-)

Pork chops, had a butterflied chop up in the freezer. Took it down last night to the fridge, but it only thawed about halfway. I rubbed it with egg white to make it sticky, and then coated it with "Kentucky Kernel" seasoned flour [flour with pepper and a few other spices mixed in]. Both sides. Then, I fried it in the wok in canola oil, turning after a few minutes. Had to put it back in for a bit as the center was still pink and cool, but when finally complete [about 5 minutes per side], the meat was still juicy and flavourful but cooked to proper whiteness. The coating was not overly thick or doughy but light, yet firm. Tasty!

Ore-Ida Hash Browns with onions and red peppers. Frozen product which I had allowed to thaw in the fridge for several days. Similar content to Potatoes O'Brien, but shredded [whereas the O'Briens are cubed or diced]. I prefer the shredded texture. Nothing fancy - just put canola oil into a broad pan or skillet and heat. I turn frequently to avoid over-browning. I prefer a softer texture [indeed, my toast is best when very slightly browned, almost indistinguishable from "bread" ;-) ]

Eggs, cooked in [you guessed it] canola oil. I did not turn them, but occasionally swished the hot oil over their topside in order to cook down a bit [knowing that with all of the potato starch, I would not be having toast with the meal].

Coffee, 100% Colombian, ground. I have a Mr. Coffee maker [ok, ok, I have two of them! =:-0 ] which I insist upon. Joe DiMaggio used to advertise for Mr. Coffee, and if it is a good enough product for The Jolter, it's good enough for me. I used my USS FLINT [AE-32] ceramic mug [personalized "CIC Officer LTJG Wallace"] and stirred in sugar, white, granulated with vanilla extract and milk. Sweet, but that's how I like it.

It's a fine day, and I am happy. Nothing like a nice meal to begin the day.

Happy President's Day, and Happy Monday!

Stormy Monday

Stormy Monday [no blues].

They called it Stormy Monday,
but Tuesday is just as bad.
Oh, they called it, they called it Stormy Monday,
But Tuesday, Tuesday is just as bad.
Oh, Wednesday is worst and Thursday oh so sad.

The eagle flies on Friday now, Saturday Ill go out to play
Oh, the eagle, the eagle flies on Friday,
Saturday Ill go out and play
Sunday Ill go to church, and I fall on my knees and pray

I say, lord have mercy, lord have mercy on me
But lord, lord have mercy lord have mercy on me
You know Im crazy bout my baby Lord,
Please send her back home to me.

That was B.B. King, of course. I first heard the version by the Spencer
Davis Rhythm and Blues Quarter [really!], and found it somewhat haunting.
Good, good stuff. Thanks to my friend Molly for talking up the Blues and me
remembering....

It is pouring outside with occasional lightning. A veritable Stormy Monday ;-)
I am happy - have gotten in several workouts over the weekend and feel as
good, physically, as I have in a long time. Knees did not ache yesterday, and
I felt like I could go another time to Rudee Inlet and back. My back is not
clicking with every step, and that is huge! Nothing like Hindu Pushups,
Hindu Squats, and back bridging. Shoulda been maintaining, but things get
so hectic, ya know?

Molly's going to see Keb' Mo' with her BF on Wednesday. Should be good, and
I am sure to hear about it [which prolly means they won't be at the Pantry this
Wed... no worries!] JazzFest, New Orleans.... the bug bit her there. Me, too!
Laissez le bon temps rouler, cher....

The Golden Ox Returns

Imad Mughniyah has been killed. Praise Allah. This was perhaps the most sociopathic antagonist America has ever faced, yet few know his name. I weep for I will not have the chance to piss on his grave.

1983 Marine Barracks, Beirut, Lebanon.
Marine LTCOL Rich Higgins.
CIA Station Chief William Buckley.
Navy Diver Robert Stethem.
The US Embassy.

See ya in Hell, Imad.
Sully, ya out there?
Garrett?
It's the End of the World,
As we Know it
[and I Feel Fine].

Plaza Azteca

Ya know? I have sorely missed Mexican food of late. Hit Dam Neck this afternoon as I have sorely neglected those fine fellows, got off at three. With no traffic, went to Plaza Azteca over on Laskin Road. Beautiful murals and $5 for a huge draught Dos Equis, but no atmosphere whatsoever. Chips with both regular [red] salsa and a spicy white queso dip was a nice touch. Got the enchiladas in cream sauce, stuffed with shrimp alongside refried beans [which I dumped the red salsa upon]. Okay, but not spiritually satisfying. Hell, 5 o'clock and still light.... I am almost tempted to go run on the beach. Reckon I am a degenerate ;-)

Gung Hay Fat Choy

Happy [Chinese] New Year!! Gung Hay Fat Choy :-)

Did you make a lot of noise [to ward off evil spirits]?
Did you leave a window open [to let in good luck]?

I went to The German Pantry today, as I did not feel well yesterday evening, even though I ALWAYS go there on WEDNESDAY night. The Lord willed it. Bumped into Molly Vivian, whom I had not seen in ages. Mentioned a possible entry-level position at work, and she was still interested! Sheer coincidence, and yet, good. Man, I hope this works out, she's a good person and has a lot of cross-training already. This will really help the team. If.....

Insh'Allah!
and, Happy New Year :-)
Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Chinese New Year

Today is Chinese New Year. Be sure to make noise [to frighten off evil spirits] and leave windows open [to allow good fortune to enter]. No, we are not going to have other boats pass close astern [in order to cut off the tail of the dragon]. Unsafe!!

Hmmm..... saved as a draft; I thought I had posted it.

Well, no worries! Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Daruma of Japan and Thailand

Back in December, I first visited Daruma of Japan, a little Sushi Bar and Japanese restaurant nearby where I live [it is near the intersection of Laskin Road and Birdneck, close by the 7-11 store]. Since then, I have been fairly haunting the place. Excellent food and very nice people.

Chef Hiro is very skilled at the sushi bar, and sometimes it is cool to watch the process - it is that fascinating. I know Kevin would really enjoy visiting. Hiro's a really pleasant fellow, and has a good sense of humour, too. The balance of the Japanese food on the menu is of good quality and tasty. I frequently have the seafood tempura, which has several shrimp, a crab stick and a fish patty, a scallop, and a soft-shell crab, along with daikon and rice.

On Saturdays [I think this is offered on Friday evenings, as well], choose the buffet - the waitress [Miss Yasi, who also has a good sense of humour and is about as cute as a person can possibly get] brings a tray around, sushi and sashimi, as well as California rolls and such. This is perhaps the highlight of the menu at Daruma of Japan. Ya gotta try it!! I always tease Yasi when she brings the tray around, as though the entire tray is for me. I generally settle for one of each.

Daruma of Thailand? Certainly. Hiro is from Tokyo, in case you wondered. His wife, Kathy, is from Thailand, and is genuinely one of the nicest people! She had made little Christmas cookie selections for customers [I mentioned that in my original posting], which I thought was very special. Now that she is spending more time at the restaurant, there is now a selection of Thai food available. It, too, is excellent! This menu is rather limited, as it would likely confuse people if too large, and perhaps result in excess wastage. I have ordered both Thai and Japanese food at the same time, with happy results. The menu proclaims Daruma an Asian Bistro now, and as far as ordering from each menu, it keeps both chefs happy :-)

Last night, I ordered Tom Kha Gai, which is a Thai chicken soup with galanga for added flavour; packed with chicken in a coconut milk broth, and is most savoury. Good, good stuff! The standard salad followed, and I deleted the standard miso shiru as being superfluous to my repast. Kirin Ichiban 22 and seafood tempura, an excellent combination! Finished up with hot sake and mochi style red bean ice cream, where the ice cream is rolled in sweetened rice flour and frozen approximately to carbide hardness. Wonderful!

I have also had the beef satay, skewers with peanut sauce [Kathy tells me that the chicken skewers sold out, but that I was the only one who ordered the beef!], which are welcome, and Penang Chicken, which is spicy [but only displays one bombshell on the menu as a gauge of spiciness! hahaha], rather a juicy blend of chicken and spices and coconut milk over rice. Some vegetables involved as well. My fave from the Thai menu.

Many languages present, English and Japanese and Thai, of course. Miss Anastasia is from Novosibirsk, so Russian is sometimes at hand as well. What a cordial person! Good waiter, and excellent conversationalist. Her English is excellent, especially so for having studied it in school and only having practised it live for eight months. So, I am teaching her some Spanish as well. Cool!

In summary, this is somewhere ya gotta go. Friendly, homey atmosphere with excellent food. I highly recommend it, and I highly enjoy visiting.

Crabs....

Went to the Beach Pub both yesterday and today for breakie each day. Yes, I am up to something. No, I won't tell you what [unless you write me by sepcor ;-) Then, I'll spill the beans.] Anyway, had a nice sausage, cheddar and onion omelette on Saturday, and it was good. Just right, had rye toast and grits with coffee. Copious amounts of coffee.

Today, I wanted to try something different, so I had everything the same, except my omelette today was backfin crab meat. I love crab meat. Had it with Swiss Cheese inside. Exotic, man, I'm tellin' ya [and a bit quease-inspiring]. Try at your own risk, but tasty.

The gals [most of 'em] had pro football jerseys on. This one ol' gal, stands head and shoulders over the others, wore a Giants jersey [oh, the lovely imagery!!] Better yet, had Plaxico Burress' name and number on it! Hell, I'd throw to her cutting across the middle! Bet she'd haul it in in some serious traffic, too :-)

Beach Pub, good place, good food. Cheap hooch. Try it!!

False Friends and Prophets

Do you know that I clearly do not understand pitching? That I pontificate on and on only because I enjoy reading what I write? Hearing my own voice? That I sweet-talk the ladies?

I read this somewhere [so it must be true!]

I wrote that Johan Santana will not be worth the money that the Mets are now forced to spend in order to keep him. Are four win shares worth $20 million? Each year? Were the Mets wise to strip their farm system in order to get one year of a talented, fragile lefty, whose numbers and velocity both are hurting? Are the Mets wise to be paying $20 million or more [per year] FOR WHAT SANTANA HA ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED? Is this another case of Pavano-ism for a team from NYC?

I wrote this, and I lost a friend for saying it. Guess what?
That's right - anyone who would stop being friends with someone because of their opinion, anyone who would attempt to shame another for an honest belief was not a friend in the first place. No worries - I have plenty of real friends, and pleny of people who DO enjoy reading what I have to say. Oopsie!

I DO enjoy reading what I write. Guess what? If you blog or post, and you do NOT enjoy reading what you have written, then your writings are worthless. Beyond that, even, a waste of my precious time, and it shows. I would not give a hoot in Hell for someone who does not enjoy reading what they have written.

I sweet-talk ladies. Um, I am naturally charming? My friends find me endearing? Guilty again.... gosh! You are reading the writings [yes, I know they are rambling on and on, insufferable to anyone not amed Charles Lee Wallace] of a complete sociopath, of that I am certain. I have an ulterior motive. Well, sure - I like to entertain and I hope to find a soulmate at some point. Man, what a heinous criminal am I!!

There you have it, dear readers. I have written the truth in the event that you missed it.
My bad ;-)