Butterflies
Last year, and again this year I'm having nervous butterflies about the first tailgate. Perhaps as last year, it's because I'm still in recovery mode. I plan to be slow and careful moving about to save energy and to prevent injury.
This year because so much equipment is new and different, I plan to spend several days packing and tweaking for quite possibly our largest tailgate event ever.
Paul, Sebastian, and I have been bantering back and forth menu planning. It's all planned.
Equipment is inventoried. Pans need re washing from sitting all winter and summer.
Shopping on Saturday and the pacing and prepping.
This is going fun.
This year because so much equipment is new and different, I plan to spend several days packing and tweaking for quite possibly our largest tailgate event ever.
Paul, Sebastian, and I have been bantering back and forth menu planning. It's all planned.
Equipment is inventoried. Pans need re washing from sitting all winter and summer.
Shopping on Saturday and the pacing and prepping.
This is going fun.
Unspeakable Pain
We are in Plano, TX, to examine Gigi's back, to see just why her surgery has failed to give her pain relief, and why she has such difficulty walking.
Plano houses a nationally respected scoliosis clinic. We personally know two people who have successfully had similar surgeries with great success through this clinic.
Yesterday she had a test where dye is injected in the spinal fluid, and then a series of CT scans produce 3D images.
Two hours later, while she was resting in her room, the surgeon abruptly entered and sat down.
From the very clear images it revealed that all the hardware, 22 screws, two rods, and three artificial discs had never bonded to the bone. They were in fact wobbling in the holes with her every movement causing severe pain. Her inability to walk normally was her body's attempt to take pressure off of the hardware.
My mind wasn't ready to absorb such a disaster, but it was reality.
The fix is a total redo here in Plano, 1,100 miles from home. He said set aside six weeks to two months for the entire procedure.
My big question was, "why do you think your fix will work when the other didn't?"
He gave a long elaborate answer that basically boils down to, they do the fusions very differently here. He did explain the process of harvesting bones from the patient and the making a paste/glue, then injecting proteins, and using growth stimulates.
So, we are planning for a long process, most likely in the early Spring.
Up and Going
I found out yesterday that my usual post surgery morning routine is not up to standards.
Normally for the past 7 weeks, we wake, I make coffee and we slowly treat aches and pains until I get up, shower and go.
Yesterday I had a plane to catch, so it called for action from the get go. This is something expected from normal folks but it came as a shock to my body.
We ended up in Plano Texas none the less, tired and achy but in good spirits.
Today we are headed to the spinal clinic for second opinions for my bride.
I'm ten days away from it is show time at tailgate and I know it will push me. But the good news I have almost a month until regular season game one to rest and recover.
Reporting from Texas, this is wReggie.
Normally for the past 7 weeks, we wake, I make coffee and we slowly treat aches and pains until I get up, shower and go.
Yesterday I had a plane to catch, so it called for action from the get go. This is something expected from normal folks but it came as a shock to my body.
We ended up in Plano Texas none the less, tired and achy but in good spirits.
Today we are headed to the spinal clinic for second opinions for my bride.
I'm ten days away from it is show time at tailgate and I know it will push me. But the good news I have almost a month until regular season game one to rest and recover.
Reporting from Texas, this is wReggie.
I'm Getting There
Having big fun getting my tailgate stuff tweaked. I bought three smaller cookers instead of one additional large one for my backs sake. But small cooler sometimes walk so I'm marking these.
Take it Up a Knotch
My tailgate buddy from San Jose and die hard 49er fan is allowed to tailgate with us even though his mind must be tormented being a 49er fan.
Yesterday he got a kick as griddle for our tailgate.
The menu will never be the same. Thanks Mr. Kwon.
Yesterday he got a kick as griddle for our tailgate.
The menu will never be the same. Thanks Mr. Kwon.
This is Way Cool
In Calliforney they have the pincher bug. Bad ass for sure.
In the Carolina's on south, we have the flying palmetto bugs. These are giant flying roaches. I've been hit in the chest several times by these nasty creatures and they just cling to ones shirt.
What if we bred these? Scary.
In the Carolina's on south, we have the flying palmetto bugs. These are giant flying roaches. I've been hit in the chest several times by these nasty creatures and they just cling to ones shirt.
What if we bred these? Scary.
Fresh Paint
In two weeks I'll be busting my ass getting ready for our first tailgate. We must make a good showing.
Mesh is in this year. Both in the front.....
And in the back.
Hopefully this rear section will work as our kitchen counter. It should nicely hold the propane turkey burner and the sink.
Down to the Wire
Two weeks until the first tailgate event.
I decided to give this mesh platform a try instead of the flag. It will fold down and give us a platform/shelf/countertop to cook from.
It is difficult to tell at this parking angle. I think it will be higher off the ground once it is parked on a level surface.
I decided to give this mesh platform a try instead of the flag. It will fold down and give us a platform/shelf/countertop to cook from.
It is difficult to tell at this parking angle. I think it will be higher off the ground once it is parked on a level surface.
Today
I woke this morning with the worst neck spasms.
Until I had back problems, I had to idea that I would fight pain on two major fronts.
One is nerve pain. This is what get you under the knife. It is like no other pain. It commands attention.
The second is muscle spasms. Out of nowhere muscles seize and are relentless for hours on end.
My surgery pain has mostly subsided. Nerve pain is rare, and in fact I deal more with numbness.
But muscles spasms live on. I know they will eventually subside, but for now,they command my attention.
Until I had back problems, I had to idea that I would fight pain on two major fronts.
One is nerve pain. This is what get you under the knife. It is like no other pain. It commands attention.
The second is muscle spasms. Out of nowhere muscles seize and are relentless for hours on end.
My surgery pain has mostly subsided. Nerve pain is rare, and in fact I deal more with numbness.
But muscles spasms live on. I know they will eventually subside, but for now,they command my attention.
Getting Ready
The first tailgate of the season is three weeks from tomorrow. The trailer, now known as the Tailgate Response Unit, is at the welders getting a few final tweaks be forces it get some clean touch up paint.
I put a place to showcase our accomplishments. We also have won the NFC West once and outright the entire NFC in 2003.
This is a find on my property recently. A 1946 license tag.
I installed a fire extinguisher. We fry, grill and have plenty of open flames. I should have had this all along.
I put a place to showcase our accomplishments. We also have won the NFC West once and outright the entire NFC in 2003.
This is a find on my property recently. A 1946 license tag.
I installed a fire extinguisher. We fry, grill and have plenty of open flames. I should have had this all along.
Lionfish
This is what I shoot in St Croix. They are literally this beautiful. Lion fish are an invasive fish from the Pacific Ocean that eat everything on Atlantic reefs, with no natural enemies.
Those spines have painful venom. I have avoided being hit yet by one of these spines.
Those spines have painful venom. I have avoided being hit yet by one of these spines.
Working
I like what I do and I always have. I am fortunate to have carved a unique niche over the decades, that allows me to do what I truly love, and to be able to do it with minimal frustration thanks to my qualified staff. They do the shitty work, and I do the fun work.
From all this I derive joy, leisure time, satisfaction, job safety, and a decent income. What could be more perfect for a 58 year old unhirable male in this historic shitty economy?
Yet, after two summers of surgery recovery, I'm finding it difficult to push myself back out in the world. I'm working, but I find the confines of home to be an oasis of comfort.
I'm sure this will pass.
From all this I derive joy, leisure time, satisfaction, job safety, and a decent income. What could be more perfect for a 58 year old unhirable male in this historic shitty economy?
Yet, after two summers of surgery recovery, I'm finding it difficult to push myself back out in the world. I'm working, but I find the confines of home to be an oasis of comfort.
I'm sure this will pass.
Working
I like what I do and I always have. I am fortunate to have carved a unique niche over the decades, that allows me to do what I truly love, and to be able to do it with minimal frustration thanks to my qualified staff. They do the shitty work, and I do the fun work.
From all this I derive joy, leisure time, satisfaction, job safety, and a decent income. What could be more perfect for a 58 year old unhirable male in this historic shitty economy?
Yet, after two summers of surgery recovery, I'm finding it difficult to push myself back out in the world. I'm working, but I find the confines of home to be an oasis of comfort.
I'm sure this will pass.
From all this I derive joy, leisure time, satisfaction, job safety, and a decent income. What could be more perfect for a 58 year old unhirable male in this historic shitty economy?
Yet, after two summers of surgery recovery, I'm finding it difficult to push myself back out in the world. I'm working, but I find the confines of home to be an oasis of comfort.
I'm sure this will pass.
Protocol
The tailgate clown noses properly presented for use. A cobalt blue silk lined display box is good for most social situations.
Me and Music
Sometimes dead silence is sweet music to me. Often it is. I don't need a constant play list. I don't do Pandora.
Yet I like music.
When I was in Nashville I enjoyed the many bands but got a headache from the percussion, and not being as drunk as the rest of the crowd, I was ready to leave.
I love a symphony but have only attended three in my life. I love chamber music and most classical but rarely seek it out.
Most music is good but country tends to annoy me....top 40 country.
Yet I like music.
When I was in Nashville I enjoyed the many bands but got a headache from the percussion, and not being as drunk as the rest of the crowd, I was ready to leave.
I love a symphony but have only attended three in my life. I love chamber music and most classical but rarely seek it out.
Most music is good but country tends to annoy me....top 40 country.
I Was There
Salute to Apollo 11 this day in 1969.
45 years ago. I was 13. It was incredible. It stands the test of time. A crowning achievement of a generation.
We are too stupid and disorganized as a government to ever pull it off again. Private corporations will get us there next time.
45 years ago. I was 13. It was incredible. It stands the test of time. A crowning achievement of a generation.
We are too stupid and disorganized as a government to ever pull it off again. Private corporations will get us there next time.
Wings for Lunch
Wing marinade
5 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Diced Ginger crystal
War Coverage
Nothing quite like a live war on TV. Thank you Hamas for providing human fodder to keep the troops on their toes. I hope you all die and get your reward promised by some old crazy dude many years ago.
I'm for any sovereign nation protecting its citizens. There are so few example of this left on earth.
Good Times
In another life I could do this. This place in in town center, which ain't saying much. The food is spot on American junk food.
It's at the towns crossroad so they catch traffic from all directions. They have a good reputation and stay busy.
I got a hotdog all the way, mustard, chili, onions and slaw. Oh, and crinkle cut fries. There is no fry superior to the crinkle cut....no sir.
My bride selected the onion rings and corn dog. All the food was at the top of their game.
If I owned it I would make it more of a social place like some of my hangouts in St Croix. I'd have breakfast sandwiches and great coffee. Keep lunch the same. I would make a large covered open air area for eating, pool, and corn hole games. And there would be a bar from 4 to 7. Enough to get a buzz but not become a hangout.
Then take outs for supper. Good stuff, a different limited menu daily. Close by 8 PM.
And I'd be closed from November 1st to March 31st.
It's at the towns crossroad so they catch traffic from all directions. They have a good reputation and stay busy.
I got a hotdog all the way, mustard, chili, onions and slaw. Oh, and crinkle cut fries. There is no fry superior to the crinkle cut....no sir.
My bride selected the onion rings and corn dog. All the food was at the top of their game.
If I owned it I would make it more of a social place like some of my hangouts in St Croix. I'd have breakfast sandwiches and great coffee. Keep lunch the same. I would make a large covered open air area for eating, pool, and corn hole games. And there would be a bar from 4 to 7. Enough to get a buzz but not become a hangout.
Then take outs for supper. Good stuff, a different limited menu daily. Close by 8 PM.
And I'd be closed from November 1st to March 31st.
Buns of Steel
At least that was Phfrankies observation on Facebook.
I took the day off today. I've been overdoing a bit and I needed rest. I went with Gigi to the hair dresser and got a pedi while I waited. I swear I dropped a shoe size.
Approaching St Croix Apogee
Within a few weeks, I will be equidistant from my last departure of the island, and my planned arrival to the island.
Once a year visits have been frustrating to me, but my health hasn't cooperated to allow more frequent visits. Darn back surgeries get in the way.
My standard mo on the island is wide open, and I haven't compromised yet. But I may one day just have to visit and relax. I hear people actually relax there, sit on the many beaches and read a book. This sounds great in theory.
So far, I haven't found a trace of relax in my DNA so I wait until I'm healed. I truly like more extreme activities like hiking and scuba, and St Croix feeds that need.
What draws me is the constant that tugs in my heart, a magical place, blue water, warmth, breezes, flowers everywhere, big grass covered mountains plunging into deep blue water.
What develops after a few visits are great friends, favorite places, favorite restaurants, activities, shopping spots, or just hanging in a unique shopping village next to the blue sea. There are more things to do than a week can possibly cover if you will just open your eyes and drink it all in.
And yes I said shopping. I wouldn't be caught dead recreationally shopping stateside, but on St Croix you find so many one of a kid retail spots to browse the day away. If I get bored I tell my wife I'll be on the water front. She'll find me on a bench, starring at boats, people, and sipping a cold beer.
Can't find me? She will look in one of the many dive shops.
When I feel cruel, I call a friend from the live web cam, beer in had, and chat away with aqua blue waters in the background.
And so now, I plan my visit. I will be there for Super Bowl Sunday and I like that.
Once a year visits have been frustrating to me, but my health hasn't cooperated to allow more frequent visits. Darn back surgeries get in the way.
My standard mo on the island is wide open, and I haven't compromised yet. But I may one day just have to visit and relax. I hear people actually relax there, sit on the many beaches and read a book. This sounds great in theory.
So far, I haven't found a trace of relax in my DNA so I wait until I'm healed. I truly like more extreme activities like hiking and scuba, and St Croix feeds that need.
What draws me is the constant that tugs in my heart, a magical place, blue water, warmth, breezes, flowers everywhere, big grass covered mountains plunging into deep blue water.
What develops after a few visits are great friends, favorite places, favorite restaurants, activities, shopping spots, or just hanging in a unique shopping village next to the blue sea. There are more things to do than a week can possibly cover if you will just open your eyes and drink it all in.
And yes I said shopping. I wouldn't be caught dead recreationally shopping stateside, but on St Croix you find so many one of a kid retail spots to browse the day away. If I get bored I tell my wife I'll be on the water front. She'll find me on a bench, starring at boats, people, and sipping a cold beer.
Can't find me? She will look in one of the many dive shops.
When I feel cruel, I call a friend from the live web cam, beer in had, and chat away with aqua blue waters in the background.
And so now, I plan my visit. I will be there for Super Bowl Sunday and I like that.
Leftovers
What to do with leftover claws? I swear the lobster were so big, so rich, that we could not eat them all.
A little this, that, some eggs, and lobster.
Outrageous good. Stellar. So much, so rich, I passed it to Gigi, she ate, then the dogs dined on lobster.
A little this, that, some eggs, and lobster.
Outrageous good. Stellar. So much, so rich, I passed it to Gigi, she ate, then the dogs dined on lobster.
Vs Steelers
Advanced tailgate planning is taking place. Paul is buying a three burner griddle. We've never had a griddle and it opens opportunities.
Paul also is having a video professional to cover the tailgate vs Pittsburg. He is very good at public relations for his laundry business. Paul ends up on the local television news a few times a year.
Hopefully, with good editing we'll get a nice promotional video.
Paul also is having a video professional to cover the tailgate vs Pittsburg. He is very good at public relations for his laundry business. Paul ends up on the local television news a few times a year.
Hopefully, with good editing we'll get a nice promotional video.
Sooner Rather Than Later
For scale, that is a split turkey, not a chicken. I'm soon going to fire up this giant weber. I need some practice.
My Thoughts Turn to Football
A friend said to me the other day that he couldn't believe my obsession with tailgating.
I thought about this and the natural conclusion is, I love NFL football, and I love to cook/grill/smoke. Tailgating is the outcome where my two loves culminate on a crisp fall morning.
Yep, I think a lot about those 9 to 10 events in the fall. I choreograph as much as possible preseason so the rest is more fun and predictable. This football for example is a needed prop. It needs a new bladder. So I shipped it off for repairs.
My secret lab is working on blue pickled eggs. The first two menus are planned.
Oh I can't wait for the season.
I thought about this and the natural conclusion is, I love NFL football, and I love to cook/grill/smoke. Tailgating is the outcome where my two loves culminate on a crisp fall morning.
Yep, I think a lot about those 9 to 10 events in the fall. I choreograph as much as possible preseason so the rest is more fun and predictable. This football for example is a needed prop. It needs a new bladder. So I shipped it off for repairs.
My secret lab is working on blue pickled eggs. The first two menus are planned.
Oh I can't wait for the season.
Tools of my Trade
With the purchase of my 40 inch Weber, it becomes necessary to maintain space from the heat. Longer tools were needed.
Several years ago a friend gave me this grilling set but I haven't used it yet. This season I will use it.
Let the fun begin.
Several years ago a friend gave me this grilling set but I haven't used it yet. This season I will use it.
Let the fun begin.
Slow Down WReggie
Everyone is telling me I must slow down. My family, my friends, and my body.
Honest? This is very difficult for me. It's not that I am some over achiever looking to make more and acquire more things, I just like doing stuff I like, and that is outdoor activities. Take those away and I'm not me.
Yet still, I must find a way to slow it down....reach a happy medium.
I'm finding this difficult.
Honest? This is very difficult for me. It's not that I am some over achiever looking to make more and acquire more things, I just like doing stuff I like, and that is outdoor activities. Take those away and I'm not me.
Yet still, I must find a way to slow it down....reach a happy medium.
I'm finding this difficult.
Well, Damn
The infection lingers. This morning the wound was openly infected by any definition.
I called the doc, and after ten days we're switching antibiotics.
I called the doc, and after ten days we're switching antibiotics.
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