Return.

I have reached the conclusion I cannot work my current job anymore. Besides all the reasons people usually assume that viewpoint (such as not liking it anymore, etc...) I have also concluded it takes up way too much of my time. I can't focus on what I should be doing, not what I am doing....so I need to sort out a couple part time gigs, temporary in nature, just to pay my rather meager bills (less than a grand a month for sure, but not an exact number).

I also have to be done by October 30th.

That's per my dad, who say's that is my Saturn Return. The idea that a planet heavily influences one's action's and really, destiny are crazy, but I do seem to have a different energy about me, and I know I cannot continue along the current path. A deviation is needed, and although I experienced a, well I don't want to say mishap, it was a stutter. Summing that up: thought I had found a parter, but it turns out he didn't have the capital needed in my time frame. Hence, the scheming and plotting.....

Aurora.

Damn. What a long week. And I've got lots to do today regarding the icehouse.....

But in my distractions, I found this:

Enjoy yourself today.

Morgue.

It was Morgue's birthday a couple days ago. Happy Birthday my friend.

I was rooting through some old photos and came across these gems from a camping trip we took in the Orongorongo river valley a couple years ago...

This? or this:

And hanging out in the moonlight in a dry riverbed, sitting very, very still for 1 minute....

I am spending my day working on my business plan. I wish I could just hang out today, but there are bigger, better things ahead that need to be thought about!

300SE.

New Car. I have finally got me one: an '88 Mercedes 300SE, black on black. Now, you may think, wow, what an old car to buy! But it had 86K miles on it, really. It's a crazy old lady had it in the garage sort. I am still pondering it's existence, and if I am going to become obsessed car-dork with it. (Probably not much.) I need to go read the owners manual right now, since it's got some complicated things I am not used to on my Dart, such as ABS, fuel injection, power windows, cruise control, etc, etc.... You know, normal stuff by todays standards? (It was the 1st model with airbags, interesting factoid).

And: Wow. (Automatic Friday Linky).

Madness (Non-Macho Man Type).

It's tourney time again! NCAA men's basketball for those of you that reside elsewhere. I've filled out my bracket, and will be placing it into the various betting pools.

Here's mine, for your reference:

and to some (like CP): Yes, I have Duke as my champions....I know it's cliche, but it's how it went down, what can I say? Let's go March Madness!

///.

So I've been rather secretive regarding things concerning my future. I wish it was so more exciting than this, because it's not anything cool as moving to Hawaii and doing this.

I've got an idea. More than an idea, a well thought out one, that is to become a business, run by me. And it's so silly simple. Tried and true. Not overwhelming to pull off with my background. And it can make money. And it will give me the one thing I've craved pretty much for the last 10 years of my life: to be utterly, solely, absolutely the boss.

Cold Beer/Hot Dogs. That's the concept/name as I see it. With good music, of course. Local, natural hot dogs with my handmade, interesting condiments/toppings. Great/working-man brews, ice cold. Rawk music/non-rawk music. A tavern. My style. My work/effort.

Help is appreciate/needed. This is only in it's infancy, so don't quit your day jobs just yet! Now my secret is out....

Coca.

This week's This American Life (btw, it's the most incredible podcast consistently) had a thing on coca-cola. And their coming across the supposedly-secret original recipe. And then they make it, with help from Seattle-based Jones Soda (the makers of turkey and gravy flavored soda fame...). And it's wacky, because extract powers have changed. But they posted the recipe and directions on their blog.

So here's the thing: I thought it was crazy that basically sugar plus lemon, lime, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla are the flavor profile of a cola. So I combined those things at work tonight: juice of one lemon, one lime, 1 T ground cinnamon, 1 T ground nutmeg, and 1 T vanilla bean paste. And lots of sugar. If you knew what it was a mix-up of, you could tell where it was headed. And then, when I took that sweet mix-up, and added soda water, it tasted like an actual soda of sorts.

But it needed rum really. A spiced rum sour, eh?

Listen to the story!

East.

I have returned home from vacation, where I visited the frozen, then thawing New England.

After a 24 hour weather delay (I made the best out of a sunny day in Seattle, believe you me), I headed to CT, where the snow had been piled up by the plows, making a drive seem like a trip through a snow canyon. There was snow at least up to my stomach, and piled much higher than I in some spots. I visited with my grandparents and family, cooked a big Spanish affair, and kept beer outside in the snowdrift.

On Saturday I took the train down to the city of New York, where I stayed at my cousin's place, one block away from Central Park. He decided to go to the Super Bowl, so I had the place left all to myself (which wasn't bad). I explored the city, went insane at Eataly (the Italian foods-only mega store), had a bite at Bar Jamon (I ate there last year) and sat across from some random women that were from the Seattle area. I then just walked. I love walking that city. I walked from 17th and broadway to past Columbus Circle (which is 60th), in a foggy, slightly drizzly winter evening. Moody, melancholic, and yet still buzzing from action. I went out with some friends of my cousin he had put me in touch with, and stayed out on the town till 4am.

Sunday, was a day of riding the train, but mishap style. Things are being renovated/improved, but it was annoying. I got to Chinatown, which was a madhouse due to the New Year's action/parade/overflowing streets/full restaurants. So I left hungry, and went to Brooklyn, where I met a friend from Seattle, ate Polish food, shot some pool, and went to an insane football party where there was an unobstructed view of midtown from Greenpoint- from the couch you could see the Empire State Building and the Chrysler building too...

I had a good time, it was much too short, and not relaxing, but as my mom said, going to big cities is never relaxing. I love cities, so does that mean I am not a relaxed person? Hmmm.....

I'll try to do it next year, but I may actually go later in the year to not have to worry about the snow this time....

Stuff.

Oh man. Still. STILL looking for a new car. I want to get one, nay, I really should get one if I am to live/see anyone outside of Seattle ever again (unless you want to drive to me, or I have to fly to get there. Or I just rent a car.)

But yeah, the Dart is barely hanging on, or rather specifically: doesn't stop without making the sound of a wounded wildebeest tangled up in a hammock. So I am back riding my bike, which is good, since it's something I fell out of, and never should have.

In 2 weeks I'll be on the east coast, to CT and NYC and maybe even a little jaunt up to Boston.... looking forward to a vacation- it seems everyone else at work got time off over the holidays, but I pared my hours down by 15 at best. I need a respite/recharging/re-visioning/excitement charge that an experience on the streets of Manhattan can easily provide.

and...

Why getting older in not a bad thing.

12th Man.

Seahawks fans cause an earthquake?

I cannot believe we beat the saints- what a game. We actually have a much better shot at Chicago than this last game I think...

Begin. Now.

I've been mulling things over in my head. This is the year I look to open my own business again.

This time solo.

I have much to do: need to still put together capital (just send it over if you like), people to talk to, and research to numb my brain. I am still not much past a well thought out dream/not scared to do this stage when I am being honest with myself, so I need to kick myself in the butt and get things going.

My idea seems good- simple (if you're looking at a food service based business model), and possible to pull off, at this point any rate....

So. Here go my evenings....

(Happy New Years everyone. I had a good one, hope you did as well!)

NYE.

Now that's messed up, in a delicious way.

Anyways, it's New Years Eve, and I am working until 10 or so, then hitting the mean streets to go to a masquerade ball. I made my own mask, and it's the first and last time I will ever buy glitter pens and stick on gems to "bedazzle" anything. But I am looking forward to going to a proper party- it's been a few years since I have done something of serious note. My goal: not to be as hung over as last year. Probability in achieving goal: high, since I don't think the bourbon market recovered it's production still...

The last week has been pretty relaxing, spending time with family and friends, celebrating and whatnot. Happy New Year to you all!

Morgue: Legacy

Well it has happened.

My great friends in NZ, Morgan and Cal have had their child. Willamina is here!

A few weeks ago, before the end of the long-running game I had been a part of with the NZ guys, I spoke to Morgue in a down moment via skype. He spoke of becoming a father, and having his world turned upside down. I used the word "awesome" to describe the situation, and meant it's dual meanings, which he pointed out was the most apt term for this momentous event....

Little did he know, at the time I was capturing the images of a man about to lose my perception of freedom. Or my perception of what "enough sleep" really means. Or quiet, or.....

Morgue when I crack a joke:

Morgue when he realizes that the joke is ON HIM!

(I also saw Tron:Legacy today and liked it for the "awesome" visuals, but it was too long for what it was, and it could've been so much darker, but it was made by the mouse, and this pales in comparison to the importance of the rest of this post, but wanted to let you know.)

Bits.

It's been busy. Busy for the December cooking man life. Although, I shouldn't complain- not as intense as it's been in the past. Maybe I am becoming better? Maybe business is down? Maybe a better team? A bit of them all?

Well, it's almost over. Good. I really am not a fan of the holidays, because of this negative association. You have fun, I work more. (And then there's the whole don't care much about the birthday party....).

New Years Day I am considering throwing a party that has perhaps a relation to festivus: you express your regrets of the last year, and then say how you've learned from the mistakes and how you're moving forward through the help of a support group/8-step program. There will be grog involved...

Looking forward to next weekend's supper out at Vashon Island. That will be covered for sure. I am beginning to think of this blog as a "major events only" place now. I am considering if I have as much love for this Alligator Love thing as I have in the past....something I am mulling over for the rest of the year. And on that bombshell, have a great day!

Food.

2 odd local food notes:

1st, Rizzo's French dip has closed apparently, when the owners skipped town. Their ad is not fake. But it should be:

And then second, the BBC reports the story of the Washington Tater Man....

From The Rolo-Dex.

Best recipe ever.

Next time you throw a party for your friendly friends....

Turkey Time, Expounded.

Oh Thanksgiving, how I love ye.

I went down to Olympia, not in the dart, due to the ice still covering my street (it rained last night, so it's gone now) and my dad already had the turkey going. Hanging out with family, drinking whiskey (Basil-Hayden) and cider (Rockridge Orchards), playing games, and relaxation.

Dinner was up at 3pm, with the full array of traditional items, with gravy I was especially proud of, since it was made at work with much craft-skill and love. Chicken demi-glace, simmered with 4 carcasses of roasted chickens, some shiitake mushrooms and bay leaves for a background accent, and time. Then I turned that into a velouté and pored it over the roasted chicken thigh meat I had reserved on the side....that's how you do it....

And as a side talking point, mostly for the cooking types: I have been morally wrestling with the idea that a meat stock should just be a reduction of that animal's essence. Why add mirepoix, and other traditional ingredients? Should you add some? I added shiitakes because they would help with the umami....what about that? Do I need to roast all my bones or can I blanch it? I am getting into moral questions concerning the basis of traditional western cookery.....I love this about food: there are many ways to get to the end, and you find the way that works best (not necessarily for you, because that's called a shortcut) and makes you content.

New.

I drew some alligator pictures a while back, with the intention of using them here. I wanted to do something, but I got burned out- I am not used to staring at a computer for this long straight! So, this is temporary.....

RoundUp, The Freezing.

It has snowed. Snow. Real powder. It's cold out, under freezing, windy, serious. Winter. At the beginning of this month we hit 76°F. WTF.

Anyways, I made Sauerbraten recently, taking pictures to explain to y'all how it's done. I was incomplete, but I will explain:

1. Sear your well seasoned brisket (but you should decide to make this a couple days before, so it can marinate....)

2. Brown your carrots and onions in the same pan you did the meat in, turned down a little.

3. Bring some beef stock up to a boil, on the side. Bubbly!

4. Drink some "glacier fresh" beer.

5. Open 4 Copa di Vino (my friend Meg works for them- I got 4 cases!) and deglaze your pan.

6. Add some bay, coriander, thyme, caraway seed, black pepper and garlic.

This is where I stopped taking pics. Put this veg mix from above into a braising vessel with the seared meat, and the boiling stock. Cover well, and cook in a 325° F oven for 4 hours. Pull the meat out, and take the rest of the liquid and thicken it with gingersnap cookies. Add some salt and pepper to taste. Then, eat with a warm potato/kraut/sour cream and some kohlrabi, sunchoke and mizuna salad. Enjoy more glacier fresh beer....

And now for snowy pictures....

The Dart sucks in snow, fyi....no traction....

Still some fall colors.

Dart Vs. Me.

I am off today, with a bento lunch planned, as well as a cooking assignment for myself. I have yet to determine what that will mean, but I am doing something of note today. I will attempt to remind myself to document for various purposes, including learning on your part (perhaps....).

I recently wrestled with a moral dilemma: To Dart or Not To Dart.

I have my old car, and it needed a lot of work (nearly 1 grand) for stuff. That's how out of neglect it was. After so much time driving my brother's more modern car, with all its safety and comforts, I had once again thought about a new vehicle for myself. But a 2nd car? I can NOT sell the Dart (there would be an uproar- and there's a 45th birthday party for you to attend next summer!) And so how much do I pay for a new car? I have a car paid for outright? But the new one will be less of a hassle! But my current car literally starts up every time, no questions asked, so is a thousand a year worth it? "Of course" was the final verdict- it is. I would pay that much for another car anyways.....but then I left with this: The Dart is really a greater Seattle car. I don't much like driving it to Olympia even....so I back at the start....

(And then there's this: Not bragging, but I do have enough/make enough to make this a moot point if I wanted, but it's being saved for the restaurant you will get to eat at one day. I save lots for that....enough where these things are choices....)