MORNING FIRE - FISH FRY - HAMBURGER STEAK - JIBBER JABBER

 May 1st morning fire

May comes in damp and cold. A morning fire is needed to take the chill out of the house. A week already of soaking rain, low scuddy clouds and big thunderstorms. Twice we went into the storm shelter for security. Sun and warmth returns this weekend for a few days. Lawns mowed and yard cleaned keeps us even with outdoor responsibility. 

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GUYS FISH FRY GET-TOGETHER

 

Two weeks ago, neighborhood fellows got together for a late afternoon fish fry. Locally caught lake fish, cleaned and frozen for times like this. We gathered at 4 PM, sipped a few cold beers and told lies for awhile and then the hush puppies, french fries and seasoned fish hit the hot grease. A cast iron pan works wonderfully for the frying. 

Three separate paper bags with layers of paper towels held the fried foods, drained the grease and kept it all warm for the sit-down feast. Not much talking when we sat down to eat. 

Three hours of relaxing, laughing and eating. Old men still having fun!!

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Simple hamburger steak, fried onions and macaroni salad for dinner the other night. A craving satisfied. 

So often now, late afternoon finds both of us not wanting to cook. Cold cuts, fruit, salads and leftovers are scavenged and suffice. But on this night, she made the patties, I fried in a cast iron skillet and a scoop of lunch macaroni salad was worth the extra work.

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JIBBER JABBER - LAZY MAYBE

And maybe not. Stormy weather has been the norm here for several weeks now. Mainly big thunderstorms and steady rains. Cold for this time of the season. 

Some of the grass I have planted has hooked up but I have a long long ways to go before a full lawn is realized.  I am willing to work at it somewhat. Rains and sun always do wonders here. But when the heat sets in starting in June and long hot dry days become the norm, keeping green lawns is more work than I am willing to stay with. I have come to terms with all of this.  Neighbor advised us to "embrace the country".

Gas prices now $4 a gallon and this keeps us closer to home and driving her "rat car". Taking the Ford truck to town and back is a treat. If the cost of mowing and running our side-by-side has doubled, the farmers and cattlemen here are feeling this cost increase much more in the everyday running of tractors with diesel engines. Right now, cattle are feeding on fields of sweet green grass. But moving herds to rotating fields from week to week, fertilizing large acreage and the first cutting of hay costs will continue to raise beef prices. Everyone feels the increase at the gas pumps and inside the grocery stores.  I see no end in sight. 

Thanks for the visit this week.