Christmas Countdown - 2018

[Meceka]

Merry Tuesday!

 

[xmastidings]

I will just add that I LOVE our smoker!! I bought it for my hubby but I don't think he's ever used it. It's always me. LOL!!!
I don't think there's really a comparison between the taste of grilled & smoked food. Smoked is a definite flavor of it's own!

You guys are really getting me interested. I've never done it before, but I would love to try it. Is there anything special with wood chips you use or anything like that.

 

[xmastidings]

I was surprised at how delicious a pork roast or a beef brisket from the smoker was. It really is worth the extra time it takes to cook.

The secret is to marinate the meat in water with kosher salt overnight in the fridge. Rinse it the before applying the rub, and allow it to warm to room temp.

Makes it super juicy!

My smoker is like this one.

Thanks for sharing. You know, I've never really paid any attention to them before, but now I'm starting to get very interested. I would love to try the smoked meat.

How long does it usually take to cook a pork loin or a piece of bottom round or something like that.

Do you have to use special wood chips or anything like that?

 

[xmastidings]

I want to buy one just to smoke turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Awwww man, that does sound good!

 

[Edge612]

Morning MMC. We had rain yesterday and it is now supposed to clear for 4 nice days in a row. Let's hope it happens and it will warm up. I'm looking forward to the holiday weekend and the transition it brings to summer time which is that road that takes us back to the Bers. Hope you all enjoy your Pines Day. I may be late as I'm going to the Chinese Buffet so save me a spot at the Pines!

 

[HomemakinGirl]

Merry Pines Day ~
It’s going to be sunny and warm today, highs near 80 degrees! Poor little Rocky is scheduled to be neutered this morning. I’ll just be working on some chores around the house while I wait to hear back from the veterinarian. I just want to get this over with and bring him back home. I hope everyone is well and has a nice day!
xx

 

[Crown 84]

Good Morning, People of Distinction.

And we do have a unique distinction here as the year-round keepers of the flame.
While others cast Christmas aside after New Year's Day (or even as early as December 26) we cherish and value our season of choice year round.

Let's take a quick look at today's numbers, then address our next Milestone who's proximity is getting more and more exciting by the day.
Days to the Season: 174
Days to Christmas Day: 216

The Two Hundred Day Christmas Day Window. It's coming. And it's closer than you might think unless you are a regular in this thread.
In just 16 days, TWO WEEKS from the day after tomorrow, we will arrive at that auspicious marker. Then, a double-100's level count begins.
(Exciting times are on the way, Folks!)

It was quite damp all day again yesterday but no more rain was added.
The flood and the mud are pretty much gone from Crabtree Valley Mall and everything is back up and running!
Today again shows a high chance of precipitation at 80 percent, and we have commenced it at 71 degrees.

Well, mid-week means the Shispering Pines and that in turn means Carl which in turn means TT&E: Tea, Twinkies and Entertainment, the kind you can only get at our inn of choice. How many of you will we see there this evening? Lots, I hope!

Until that time, you have a Wonderful Wednesday, OK?

 

[Edge612]

Good Morning, People of Distinction.

And we do have a unique distinction here as the year-round keepers of the flame.
While others cast Christmas aside after New Year's Day (or even as early as December 26) we cherish and value our season of choice year round.

Let's take a quick look at today's numbers, then address our next Milestone who's proximity is getting more and more exciting by the day.
Days to the Season: 174
Days to Christmas Day: 216

The Two Hundred Day Christmas Day Window. It's coming. And it's closer than you might think unless you are a regular in this thread.
In just 16 days, TWO WEEKS from the day after tomorrow, we will arrive at that auspicious marker. Then, a double-100's level count begins.
(Exciting times are on the way, Folks!)

It was quite damp all day again yesterday but no more rain was added.
The flood and the mud are pretty much gone from Crabtree Valley Mall and everything is back up and running!
Today again shows a high chance of precipitation at 80 percent, and we have commenced it at 71 degrees.

Well, mid-week means the Shispering Pines and that in turn means Carl which in turn means TT&E: Tea, Twinkies and Entertainment, the kind you can only get at our inn of choice. How many of you will we see there this evening? Lots, I hope!

Until that time, you have a Wonderful Wednesday, OK?

Thanks Crown! We definitely cherish the Season all year here!

 

[SnowflakeMom]

Merry Pines Day ~
It’s going to be sunny and warm today, highs near 80 degrees! Poor little Rocky is scheduled to be neutered this morning. I’ll just be working on some chores around the house while I wait to hear back from the veterinarian. I just want to get this over with and bring him back home. I hope everyone is well and has a nice day!
xx

Good luck to Rocky...I always worry too when I have had to leave one of my pups at the vet's office. I will keep him in my prayers.

 

[SnowflakeMom]

Happy Pines Day! Another cloudy day but the rest of the week looks great and warm. My daughter has her spring chorus tonight. We had Holiday's Mexican pizza last night and it was hit with everyone. I will definitely be keeping that on the list. Hope you all have a great day!

 

[MerryCarey]

Happy Wednesday/'Pines Day to everyone!

We're SO busy at the office ... heavy volumes of work on short deadlines. My brain keeps wanting to believe today is Thursday instead of Wednesday---I think it feels that I've already done 3 days of work in 2. I'm REALLY looking forward to the 3-day holiday weekend. It can't get here soon enough for me!

 

[Bradmac]

Thanks for sharing. You know, I've never really paid any attention to them before, but now I'm starting to get very interested. I would love to try the smoked meat.

How long does it usually take to cook a pork loin or a piece of bottom round or something like that.

Do you have to use special wood chips or anything like that?

It takes a few hours to cook a Boston Butt, depending on the size and the temperature you're cooking at. I always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness. It save a LOT of guesswork. Now I want a Bluetooth thermometer, so it'll call me when the meat's ready LOL.

I mostly use hickory chips that I pick up at the grocery store or Walmart in the charcoal department. Some people like to use oak or cherry for meat like turkey, so the wood flavor isn't so strong, but I like it.

 

[Bradmac]

Good Wednesday morning, Christmas friends!

We went out to eat at a local Mexican restaurant last night for my niece's birthday, and I'm still full. I was actually glad to be finished eating last night LOL! I've got to stop eating so much!

My pool is crystal clear, and I'm so happy!

I hope y'all have a great day!

 

[Holiday]

Good morning MMC!! Merry Pines Day!! And a beautiful one it is!! It's been a busy morning...but it seems like it should be closer to lunch time than it is!!

I was just ready to leave work yesterday - I was planning to stop at moms on my way home when I got a call saying mom fell! So I just drove that mile a little faster to help pick her up off the floor! She was fine, but that lady!! Hopefully she will remember now that she can't stand up on her own (until she forgets again!) & the new Amish girl learned she needs to use the chair alarm...even though Mom doesn't like it! I think her sisters death has her a little "off" this week!

Lucille has a groomer appointment today at lunch. Other than that & work I don't have many plans. I've got some laundry to hang on the line at lunch & hoping to plant flowers after work!

Everyone, have a great day!

 

[Holiday]

Food in the smoker is great, but I never thought of pizza!!! Sounds delicious!!

It's really good! We have restaurants around here that will make you an unbaked pizza & we stick them in the smoker. Or you could make a homemade pizza, but I would pre-bake the crust. I'm sure a frozen pizza would work fine too! Here are the notes I have on it - the original "recipe" isn't available online anymore! As you can see it takes longer than the oven, as most smoked things do!

http://www.cookshack.com/store/Forum-Recipes/Karens-Smoked-Pizza
250º for 45 minutes, then 275º for 30 minutes
1/4 C. Apple Wood @ beginning

Our smoker is well seasoned, so it doesn't need much wood for the smoke flavor.

 

[Holiday]

Well, hello there everyone!

Wow have things been busy! Planning a graduation party, having a graduation party, attending graduation parties, getting ready for graduation, etc.....

Nathan (my oldest) had his last day of school last Thursday. His party was on Saturday and his graduation ceremony is this Sunday.

I have this week of school left, now only final exams. I am working on my thesis paper now, which is fun.

In other news, we have a robin's nest right outside our back door and it has been really neat to watch momma and daddy bird fly in and feed them.

I am looking forward to being on here more after this week. I am really looking forward to summer break, it has been a long school year, especially this last quarter.

Today is the last day of school here. You could feel the excitement in the air!
Congrats to Nathan!!
Have a great day!!

 

[made582]

Well mom’s doctors office just called and they are sending her to a cardiologist. The nurse wouldn’t really say anything so I’m guessing that’s probably not a good sign.

 

[Holiday]

You guys are really getting me interested. I've never done it before, but I would love to try it. Is there anything special with wood chips you use or anything like that.

I am a fan of apple & cherry wood chips. But I like to add just a few hickory to the mix for the added flavor. Sometimes I mix all 3 together. I also have Pecan chips, as well as mesquite. I will sometimes add mesquite to the apple &/or cherry to mix it up. It's all good! Straight hickory or mesquite can be too strong for me - depending what your cooking. But like Brad said, he likes it like that so it's a matter of taste. Just have to play with it!

 

[Holiday]

Morning MMC. We had rain yesterday and it is now supposed to clear for 4 nice days in a row. Let's hope it happens and it will warm up. I'm looking forward to the holiday weekend and the transition it brings to summer time which is that road that takes us back to the Bers. Hope you all enjoy your Pines Day. I may be late as I'm going to the Chinese Buffet so save me a spot at the Pines!

Enjoy the buffet!

 

[Holiday]

Merry Pines Day ~
It’s going to be sunny and warm today, highs near 80 degrees! Poor little Rocky is scheduled to be neutered this morning. I’ll just be working on some chores around the house while I wait to hear back from the veterinarian. I just want to get this over with and bring him back home. I hope everyone is well and has a nice day!
xx

Awe!!! Prayers for Rocky! Poor little guy!! Lucy will have to go in to be spayed in a month or 2...I'm already dreading it!! I hope he does well!!
Have a good day HMG! (((HUGS)))