Grilling

The sky was extremely fickle today, pouring on and off all day, and probably deserves the blame for fewer people coming out to the campground than we expected. But although the skies were dreary and grey for most of the day, the clouds parted just long enough for us to do some grilling!

Some of you haven't met Pop, so let me tell you that one of his passions is cooking meat. It doesn't matter whether it's grilling, broasting, baking, roasting, frying or smoking - Pop loves to do it. Twice in my life (two times) Pop has given me a masters level exposition on the different cuts of beef; contrasting their relative strengths and weaknesses, comparing their values, and even giving me some of his own personal secrets to selecting and special ordering the choicest pieces.

He loves preparing meat so much, in fact, that I'm towing a double axle 14 foot trailer, the sole purpose of which is to aid in the preparation of pork burgers! Most people would be content to throw the pork burgers in the three empty freezers our RVs have between them and then either use the grills provided by the campgrounds or bring along a portable weber. That's not the way Pop rolls. The phrase "packing light" is anathema to him.

Our chuck wagon has a deep freeze, a locking chest/cabinet (stocked with charcoal, lighter fluid, hickory logs, cooking utensils, and spices), two propane tanks, and an enormous grill all mounted on it. This grill has seen better days - it's literally coming apart at the seams. Every day on the road results in a few more spot welds popping free. Today, one of the lid's hinges came undone and I spent a good 10-20 minutes re-attaching it and then securing everything with zip ties so that it didn't fly off and decapitate someone when I hit the next bump.

About 11am we began the grilling process. First, we lit the coals. When those had burned down sufficiently, we placed some hickory logs on top of them to add some rich, smoky flavor. For most of the grilling process, we kept the huge propane burner under the grill on for added heat - the lid, as I mentioned, is coming apart, and doesn't hold heat very well.

The only thing that can improve a meat cooking experience for Pop is an audience! He was spicing and flipping burgers, checking on the logs, explaining the advantages of the chuck wagon, and speculating on the tastiness of the burgers. He was loving it!

I'm happy to report that the burgers were delicious.

I have some video that I've been trying for hours to edit, convert, and/or upload with little success. And unfortunately, I can't just go to Walmart and buy some cheap video editing software (Windows Movie Maker will not edit .mov files, which is unfortunately the format in which most cameras, including mine, shoot video) because my netbook doesn't have a cd/dvd drive (easy, Micah) ... But I haven't given up yet - I hope to post some videos soonish!

We're still in Caddo Mills, but we'll be heading to Leander (outside of Austin) tomorrow!

Gram's 2 Cents

[The following was dictated to me by Gram:]

I didn't realize Brandon had any Norwegian traits, but when we landed at Clanton, Alabama, I found out differently.

We were in our coach and we were going to fix a meal for everyone who came to see the Born Frees. Brandon was standing beside me when I had just opened a great big pan of beans [Gram briefly leaves RV to double check how heavy the bean can was] - 7lbs 5oz! So I started to lift it and it was too heavy and I said "Brandon, can you pour it in?"

And this is what he said, "Do you want me to set the can in the electric fry pan?"

[Gram laughs and then composes herself.]

And I responded and said, "Brandon! We have to pour it in the electric skillet!"

[More laughing at my expense.]

So that's my first story.

Visitors!

We grilled pork burgers for lunch again today! I'm happy to report that I still like pork burgers after my second time. If I'm able to say that I still like them at the end of the trip, that'll be some impressive staying power!

Two ladies (both accountants) from Decatur joined us for lunch. We had a fun visit! They were big fans of the 24ft RV - I like to think my housekeeping skills played some role in this attraction :)

This afternoon, someone finally took me up on the offer to come see us! Tracy and Lynn Hooper came by! Tracy and I are second or third cousins ... We couldn't really come to an agreement on that point. Also, we couldn't remember the last time we had seen each other, but I'm pretty sure it's been between five and ten years.

It was great to catch up. I also finally got to meet Lynn - he's a great guy! In chatting with Tracy and Lynn, I was reminded the of the endearing and peculiar tendency in the South to call people by their middle name. To Tracy and Lynn, my grandparents are Lloyd and Nell - both their middle names. Do people still do this? Or is it just something previous generations did?

Tracy and Lynn live just about 20 minutes from Caddo Mills so they know all the hot spots in the area and they recommended Fish Camp for dinner.

Fish Camp is pretty far off the beaten path, but it's well worth the trip! They've got a huge patio/deck and a pond where you can actually go fishing. Their specialty is fried catfish. 

Every meal comes with a cup of beans (pinto, I think), some pickled green tomatoes, and some of the best hush puppies you've ever had. I'll let you in on a little secret that Tracy shared. Ask for some of the seven pepper jelly (that may not be its actual name, but they serve it with fried green tomatoes) with the hush puppies - it makes a great dipping sauce! The catfish is excellent, and so are the fries! You should definitely check it out if you're in the area ... which, unfortunately, you probably won't be since it's not really near anything.

Upon arriving back at camp, we were surprised to see an extra Born Free behind our 27 footer! Sam Ryan was waiting to see our 2011 model. He's an engaging and energetic guy, and evidently an active member of the owners' forum over at the Born Free Leap'n Lions RV Club. I hate to admit it, but I didn't know this existed! They've got quite an impressive forum going on, and as with most vehicle forums, I've been especially enjoying the mods threads.

We chatted about some of the new features he was excited about, like the MCD shades, the increased ride quality and utility of Ford's supersprings (vs. airbags), and the even plusher flexsteel couch. We also chatted about some ideas for modifications and his Born Free lifestyle. Every owner has story behind why they own a Born Free and their own philosophy of life on the open road. Ask next time you meet one!

Caddo Mills

Greetings from Caddo Mills - a town that's even smaller than it sounds!

After a healthy lunch at Waffle House (or the Wa Ho as it's affectionately known) we made the hour and a half drive from Waxahachie.

We're set up here at the Caddo Mills KOA campground and we'll be around for two more nights.

I'm really settling into my Born Free now and still loving it. It's got more storage than I need and plenty of livable space. There is one thing that's really bothering me though. It's got this nice little microwave made by Contoure. You may be thinking, "what's not to like? That's a handsome little microwave/convection oven. It fits the the space well and you could fit a whole chicken in there ... probably two if you wanted to. You  know, maybe if you were entertaining some neighbors at a campground and you wanted to have plenty of chicken in case they forgot to bring a side. Seriously, though, who doesn't bring a side? That's just common courtesy. But maybe they don't have any coleslaw or potato salad and they just bring a bag of chips. I guess that's technically a side, but it's not very filling is it? Better bake two chickens just in case ..."

You're a bit off topic, but you're right. Look closer, though ... See anything wrong with this picture? That's right! The Stop/Clear button is green and the Start button is red! Does anyone at Contoure notice this? ! I feel like I'm taking crazy pills!

I feel like it's pretty well accepted in the western hemisphere (and most of western Europe) that when you're driving, a red light means "stop" and a green light means "go!" Not only that, whip that cellphone out of your pocket and take a look at the buttons ... the green one begins a call and the red one ends a call! Someone on Contoure's product design team should be nervous about their job ...

Good news! I've got my Wii all hooked up and this campground has wifi so I was able to download netflix! Unfortunately, the wifi isn't super fast so after about 10 minutes of buffering I can only watch about 5 minutes of a movie. I don't know if this is entirely the internet's fault though ... the Wii does always seem a touch sluggish online ... It was a good call to make netflix downloadable, though - having to pop a disc in every time was a bit silly.

Relax

Another relaxing day in Waxahachie!

The weather is still delightful, as is the company.

Really didn't do much today, so there's not really anything to write about. Except ... Chicken a la King! I don't know what I've done to deserve it, but it seems like every time I show up in Waxahachie, Grandmother makes some Chicken a la King. Today we had it over toast. It's good over mashed potatoes as well. Evidently some people (charlatans?) eat it over rice or noodles. Curious as to why it's called "Chicken a la King?" This book will tell you!

Pop took us all out for dinner at Logan's Roadhouse. It was very tasty. I think I should start recording his conversations with waitresses ... could be a gold mine there. Also, if you know Gram (I think you do), you won't be surprised to learn that her favorite part of the meal was the buckets and buckets of peanuts whose shells you can just throw on the floor!

After visiting with Tobey and Karen, we watched True Grit, the 1969 John Wayne classic. Film enthusiast that I am, I needed to watch this to educate and prepare myself for the soon-to-be-released Coen brothers adaptation. Check out the trailer - it looks pretty awesome!

Waxahachie

First, let me apologize for not posting this last night. Had some personal stuff come up that threw off my groove.

But the good news is we're in Waxahachie! We were facing the mundane prospect of spending several days in a Walmart parking lot, killing time until our next reservation in Caddo Mills on the 10th, when we were graciously invited to come and stay at the Nealy RV park!

Don't bother googling it - you won't find it. It's by invitation only and it's extremely exclusive.

Dinner was true Southern fare. We had turnip greens; fried okra; baked chicken; baked potatoes, carrots, and onions; salad; and of course, corn bread. I'm kicking myself now for not taking a picture of the spread!

Pop was really pleased - evidently it's been about 30 years since he's had turnip greens. I've never actually had turnip greens. I tried them plain, with hot sauce, and with jalapeño juice. My favorite was with the jalapeño juice!

After dinner I helped put up the chickens. Tomorrow maybe I'll herd some cattle or break in a horse - you know, just normal ranch stuff. :)

While it's been chilly the past several days, it's been delightful today! The sun is warm and there's a strong, persistent breeze that's reminiscent of the cool ocean breezes I instantly fell in love with in Hawaii.

Tay-hoss

We're in the lone star state! Going to be here for quite awhile actually. We'll be in the Dallas area until the morning of the 13th. Then we'll head for Austin. I've never been to Austin - looking forward to it. Maybe I'll finally understand these "Keep Austin Weird" t-shirts people wear.

It was a fairly uneventful day on the road today. Got started around noon after a lunch of Raising Cane's.

Gram posed quite the riddle to me today. She asked "have you talked to Nealy since the last time you talked to her?" My head is still spinning.

Let me introduce you to your new favorite song - Matt & Kim's "Cameras." This is a single off their newest album, Sidewalks, which was released on Tuesday. You're welcome.

Credit where credit is due - Micah told me about Cameras. But, I'm pretty sure I'm the one who told him about Matt & Kim back in the day, so ... the student has become the teacher?

Unfortunately, due to some technical difficulties, I haven't had a chance to hear the entire album yet. Can't wait to hear it!

Before leaving Monroe this afternoon, Gram and I wandered over to the Books-A-Million nextdoor to Walmart to look for a cd Gram's been wanting.

I've been in a few Books-A-Millions and it seems to me that they do carry cds, right? This one had none! That was a disappointment. But what was even worse was the bathroom.

Gram was perusing the books and I had some business to take care of. I went to the restroom and headed toward the stall. The restroom was long and narrow. The stall had only one modular wall; the other three walls were actually a part of the building. Upon opening the door, I could tell immediately that something was off. The toilet was facing the door. They could've put it on any of the three walls, but they chose to put it on the one that faced the stall door ...

Upon sitting down, I realized to my great chagrin that this could be awkward. There was a post that held up the door on one side and a wall segment on the other. The gap between the post and the wall segment lined up perfectly withe the center of the toilet ... and it was just about an inch wide ...

Now I wasn't too concerned about someone taking a sneaky peak. But, when the first guy walked into the bathroom, I realized that I could make eye contact with anyone who walked into the bathroom! This was pretty, pretty crazy. So crazy, in fact, that the second guy who came into the bathroom promptly turned around and made a hasty exit.

That's a lot of intimacy to have all at once with a complete stranger! Eye contact ... man alive ... Don't think I've made eye contact with someone during my morning constitutional since I was three years old!

We're in Terrel, Texas at another Walmart tonight. The parking lot security guy has cirlced our convoy several times now. I'm about ready to go out and tell him to knock it off.

Sorry about the lack of pictures. My netbook is out of juice and I'm having to use the company laptop, which doesn't have an sd card slot