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Eight years ago on the Pasty Cam: 01/02/00 ^{Printed on Recycled Internet}

The ice shelf along Superior's shore was more advanced 8 years ago at this time.

Global warming?

good morning

Mornin'

Good Morning, rise 'n shine everyone! Back to work today for me after a 10 day vacation, all rested and re-charged.

Good morning! Congrats Mikie! You beat me!!!!

Good Morning everyone and Happy New year.

Janie, That is the problem with being retired, not being able to enjoy a day off. Deb, there is always tomorrow.The sky is blue and the trees are white and black just one pretty day today. Berkley looks pretty today, no water though with the beautiful ice like todays picture. Precious had to go to work today and took my van since it was cleaned off. Hers is probably empty, for some reason I seem to be the one that has to fill the cars, clean the cars, and make sure they run. oh it is so hard being the retired one.

Mikie, I am looking forward to being retired someday, to be able to do my "home-work" here with our horses and other farm related tasks. It's a job where I spend more money than bring in, but the benefits are more rewarding and the horses never complain a bit! :)

Janie maybe I should trade Precious in for a horse. Naw I am too use to her after forty one years and she is house broken. I imagine there is a lot of stuff to remove with a horse. I remember a lady who lived behind Hubbell who would come thru Hubbell with a horse and wagon and talk to everyone. I think her name was Daisy and she was fun to talk to. This was back in the late forties. My dad borrowed my new truck one time and picked up some horse manure in it. Took some time to get rid of the smell out of the wood. He used to raise tomato plants that were around six feet high. The manure was the ingredient that he said grew the plants to tall. To me that sounds like a lot of horse you know what. His garden was the nicest one in town. I wouldn't eat the veggies out of it since it wasn't up to my standards, even though I know that others used manure also, I just couldn't eat his.

No doubt to a smell to horse manure, but I work in a hospital and there are days when the manure smells better than what's being cooked up in the hospital cafeteria! My flower/rose beds are very pretty during the growing time of the year however.

(Mikie)

...."Naw I am too use to her after forty one years and she is house broken.".....

I have been with my Precious for nearly 44 yrs now and she has ME housebroken. Methinks that may be the case wih you, too, eh? LOL!

Snow day in Genesee! Woo-hoo for me! Think I'll undecorate the tree with my extra day of vacation. I lost valuable time being sick Saturday to Sunday, and then feeling under-the-weather for a day or so.

Good Morning, Everyone! Yes, it was back to school this morning for our younger two guys. The kids had too many things going on to really call it Christmas vacation; it was a break from school, but there was tons of homework to be done over break, too, sigh. That, and we're still tracking getting my oldest son's car fixed after he hit the deer on the way home from Da Tech for break. The good news is that we know it will be fixed now, and not totaled out. The bad news is that it won't get started until tomorrow morning, and he has to leave Monday morning to go back to Da Tech, to go on to Wisconsin for a workshop. Sigh -- how we will handle cars, if his is not finished before he has to go back, is looming over us.

Congratulations, Mikie on your Early Bird. BTW, both you and Heikki have us beaten--our 35th anniversary was Sunday. Mikie, maybe Precious took your van because she knew it was full and hers wasn't, LOL? She's not dumb. :-)

Yeah Heikki, she sure has made me what I am. She would complain about the dust on her washer and dryer from my lathe in the next room. So I put in this huge vacuum system and now she complains about the noise from the system. I don't know why she calls the washer and dryer hers since I am the one who has to use them. Also the new kitchen I had to put in then she stopped cooking and there I am in the kitchen doing all the work. I am about to put in three new bathrooms, I wonder if she will stop using them.

Marianne, I always tell her she is smarter then me. After all look who I married and look who she married. I only do this when I hear about how I screwed up and should know better. Like the other day when I washed the dark clothes packed the washer to the top with clothes then forgot to change the dial that said medium load. Today I am going to try making the perfect meat loaf, so far with many tries I have not succeeded in making a perfect meat loaf. Got the bread drying out on the counter top, the perfect amount of pork versus beef and just a little onion. Wish me luck.

Best of luck Mikie on the meatloaf. What time are we eating??

Marsha--Aren't you the one who recommended Steve Hamilton's
books? Thanks so much. I have read three so far. If I can't be in
the UP, I'm happy to read books set in that location. Just the thing
to do as the holidays draw to a close. I should have cleaned more
and worked on more projects, but oh well, I didn't. Maybe
tomorrow.

Good luck Mikie with the meatloaf--you can do it! One thing you can always do with meatloaf is make a gravy for it. I've never been a meatloaf fan, mainly because my mom's was always pretty dry. Had I thought to make a gravy, that would have saved many a night's supper. :-)

As for a packed washing machine, well, they say that the clothes get cleaner if you have fewer of them and more water. That may not be as big a deal in your household, but in mine, with kids and a husband who can still get them pretty dirty...cleaner can be a good thing, LOL.

I also read Steve Hamiltons books and liked them based on a recommendation on this site (don't remember whos)

The first time I made meat loaf the kids took one bite and gave me the evil eye. The oldest boy got up and opened up the cupboard. I asked him what he was looking for and he replied, "Just making sure the dog food is still up there".

Good luck Mikie you can make a really good meatloaf! One thing you can do with meatloaf is make a good gravy for it, especially if it gets dry. I'm wondering if you could add some goodies to it that might hold in the moisture, like maybe finely chopped celery or something? I've never been a meatloaf fan, mainly because my mom's meatloaf was usually pretty dry. Had I thought to make a gravy, that would have helped many a night's suppers. :-)

As for a packed washing machine, they say that the clothes get cleaner if you have fewer clothes and more water in it. That may not be as big a deal in your household, but in mine, with kids and a husband who can still get them pretty dirty...cleaner can be a good thing, LOL.

Oops - sorry that last message got posted twice. I didn't realize it was posted the first time. ;-)

I have made some of the worst meatloaf yet Precious wont complain to me. She knows that once she does I will quit cooking. Like I said before she sure is smarter then me. They fall apart or are too moist, never too dry. I am about to start the experiment soon so wish me luck.

Chef DuLong, shall I bring the wine?

That's what I figured Mikie. We're in the same boat, eh? My 'specialty' is boiled dinner, but she won't eat it five times a week as I can. lol.

On the Steve Hamilton books:

I never was one to read fiction (prefer bio's,etc.), but a friend loaned me "North of Nowhere" thinking I would enjoy it because of its setting in the U.P. Big (but enjoyable) mistake! I couldn't put it down. Read the whole book with just two breaks. Got dirty looks from Precious at end of day when certain tasks weren't accomplished around the house. Became addicted. Have read the whole Alex McKnight series one after the other. There are a few technical errors regarding life in the U.P., but otherwise fun to read. Many twists and turns.

Mikie, I put an egg or two depending on the size of the meatloaf, a little milk, crackers, a little catsup & onion in mine. It usually turns out good, at least no complaints from the other half. If so, he & Precious can eat together. Right cousin?? HaHa

Good luck on the meatloaf Mikie, us guys have confidence in your abilities!!!

I must be a quick learner; the Dr. and I have been married 6 yrs, 7 mos, and 19 days (she likes it when I remember to the day ;-) and she has me housebroken very well. I even remember to put the lid down when I'm finished; mostly to keep the cats from going swimming.......

I put egg, bread crumbs, milk, worchester sauce, and some tomato sauce. Onion and a little garlic and my secret ingredient, love. Yeah that sounds good. Cotton maybe we should send them together, I can cook almost anything and it comes out good. But meatloaf has me stymied, by the way what kind of wine do you drink with it? I have done laundry all day and changed the bed, vacuumed and picked up. Still have to clean the kitchen and wash the floor then I will be good for the rest of the week. Can't go anywhere without my van, you know how it is. Better fill her car up so I can have mine tomorrow.

Isn't meatloaf just like fruitcake, only more tender and without the bad taste?
Mr. Deb

At least with a fruitcake, it's acceptible to add-in booze.

Even school make a better meatloaf than mom, and that wasn't saying a lot ...

Sorry Mr. Deb, fruitcake makes a better door-stop

Mikie, when I make meatloaf, I like to add a touch of Salsa to it then I serve MEATloaf! A little kick is good for the soul!

Amen, Mr Bill! My mom used to flavor hers with bourbon, but I prefer dark rum, myself. :-) And, I like her fruitcake, unlike the taste of her meatloaf. I agree that even school made meatloaf better than mom, but my school had gravy on it. Maybe meatloaf is an acquired taste?

Mikie, I'm sure your meatloaf will be just fine.

I love reading the Steve Hamilton books. A couple of years ago we rented a cottage in Paradise, I had the lastest book at the time and I saved it to read while in Paradise. Hope Steve has more books coming soon.

Supposed to warm up and rain here in Mishawaka, IN over the weekend. With 14 inches of snow on the ground it will be quite the mess.

Hey I ve got all you guys beat, me and my precious are quietly celebrating our 54th today. And don't knock fruitcake,she makes the best.

Congrats RCW!! I'm not sure best and fruitcake can be used in the same sentence...
Mr. Deb

We used to re-gift unwanted fruit cakes as a joke from season to season. Toss it back in the freezer, and next year give it back to whom-ever sent it to you this year. Always good for a laugh, plus it breaks the chain!

Congratulations on 54 years RCW hope Precious and you have a nice day. My meatloaf is good for a change. Now I have to figure out what to have with the meatloaf. I have been thinking of garlic mashed potato, with some veggies.

Thanks guys. She makes a dandy meatloaf to Mikie.

Ms. Marianne- Ketchup, Open pit, Tovio and Enio's, Franks hot sauce, but not gravy!!lol

RCW- CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!

Mikie- way to go!! & yes on the garlic mashed potatos and veggies.

UC

Yep, ketchup, mashed potatoes and corn! Another fine meal prepared by Chef DuLong.

So it's ketchup on the meatloaf, in addition to the Pasty? I knew about the ketchup on the pasties. I guess meatloaf never came up here before, at least that I was paying attention to, anyway. :-)

OK I guess I need to add my two cents on the Meatloaf recipes. First use a cup cake tin to make individual mini loaf's. Use what ever recipe you like ( Mine, I use saltine crackers and Hunts tomato sauce with oregano and garlic)one egg and salt and pepper to taste. My son didn't like onions so I made half of the 12 tin with out. Mix in half of the 16 oz can of tomato sauce, and then with a wooden spoon make a hole in the middle of each 'cupcake' loaf with the handle end. (Or use your finger to make the hole in the middle of each) Pour in the rest of the tomato sauce to make each mini loaf look like a volcano. Garnish with a little pepper on top. 20 minutes at 350º and you have dinner. It is quick and always done in the middle :) then all ya gotta say is 'will that be one lump or two?' I call it Cupcake Meatloaf

No matter how you make meat loaf, the secret ingredient is ketchup and ya gotta have mashed potatoes to dunk your meatloaf in with an easy veggie like corn or peas to also stick in the mashed potatoes.

Wonder how many Yoopers are having meat loaf tonight, compliments of Chef DuLong.

my idea to keep meatloaf juicy is to add your desired amount of chopped bread.

Dinner was so good that Precious is taking a sandwich of meatloaf with her tomorrow to work. Didn't make corn, instead carrots and broccali with the potato. I cut back on the liquids this time and only used half the can of Hunts tomato sauce the rest I put on top of the loaf. Tomorrow I will make rosemary potato and maybe corn with the leftovers. Thanks for all the encourgement today.

Alright youse guys, I like my meatloaf made with a package of lipton onion soup mix and some kind of cream soup rather than ketchup or tomato products. My hubby never liked meatloaf because he's not a fan of tomato products so I decided to try that. It is soooooooo darn good. I like it with baked potatoes and some green beans or corn. I hate peas. Geez, I'm really hungry for meatloaf now.

Deb, sounds good too! Hubby doesn't like meatloaf- he's a yooper too right? lol just kidding.

Snowman- I like corn w/meatloaf as well, did not want to frustrate Mikie though, the real question, cream style or regular?

Ms. Marianne, I'll bet your meatloaf is terrific! It has to be your living in Midland.

I like meatloaf, just not buried in tomatoes! But it does need ketchup when it's fresh, and mustard on a cold meatloaf sandwich. As far as being a Yooper (sigh) it's something I can never have. SOME people (she'll be nameless here, and there are two of them) say you can't be a Yooper unless you were born there.
Mr. Deb

Gotta weigh in on the meatloaf debate. I use Italian bread crumbs, the egg, milk, chopped onion and my special ingredient is nutmeg, just like in Swedish meatballs. Have to take baked potatoes and green beans to make the meatloaf supper complete - with jellow for dessert. Mmmm, Mmmm good. Oh, and of course ketchup for dunkin'.

I wasn't aware that anyone actually eats fruit-cake? I always thought that it was just for display purposes because I tasted it once about 30 years ago. YUK! I agree with Snowman, it makes a better doorstop.

Mr.Deb, did not mean to hang you out to dry buddy, I agree on both your recommendations on the kethup and the mustard, as far as being a yooper, both my parents, aunts, unc's,etc... are but I was born in Detroit "City where they make the Cars" you know," The home of Rock n Roll" so Im not a yooper either, though I will be one day, give em •••• Mr. Deb, and oh by the way, how's the shoulder?

I guess I should of put a C in ketchup in the last post, sorry.

Congrats on the early bird and the meatloaf Mikie!

It all depends upon the ingredients and how it is baked, Daveofmohawk, as to whether a fruitcake is good and edible, or it is a doorstop. :-) And then there are some people who will eat anything as long as it has a good amount of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed milk in it, and it is flavored with good, dark rum. :-) But, then there are some people who could eat/drink a whole can of sweetened condensed milk, all by its lonesome, too, given the chance, LOL!

Someday I'll get there!! The shoulder's coming along, I can raise my arm straight up finally. 4 to 6 months yet before I can go back to work. How's yours doing Uncle Chuck?

Congratulations, RCW and Grace on your 54th wedding anniversary today! That is awesome! I hope you enjoy many more together! Have a great year!

Unfortunately Steve Hamilton's latest book isn't about the UP or Alex McKnight. Night Work is about a probation officer in Kingston, New York. Its a good book but I definitely prefer the seven Alex McKnight novels he wrote.

Mr. Deb, glad you're doing better, don't think mine was anywhere as severe as yours, little pain still, but back to work & movin medical equipment! Hang in there, no punn intended!

Marianne Y- sorry to correct you but RCW is my father-in-law.

I am married to RCW's son.

I am really sorry, Grace. I did not realize that. Then, please pass my congratulations on to your husband's parents.

OK people. I use catsup in my meatloaf & put some on top of it. Then use catsup while eating the meatloaf. For eating pastie, I use a dab of butter on the pasty then pour some Miracle Whip on it. OK, I see you wrinkling up your noses & saying "She's nuts" but try it. You might like it. My Dad used to eat his that way & I tried it & have been using it since. I do like catsup on cold pasty & meatloaf sandwiches though.
No wine for me while eating my meatloaf. Once in awhile I'll have my raspberry sparkling juice mixed with Fresca. Then "go down the hatch". Does anyone remember that term? I remember it from when I was a little girl & "went down the hatch" with my Uncle Joe. He with his beer & me with my soda(pretend beer) HaHa

Rjewell--Yes, I understand that Steve Hamilton, who now resides
in Upper New York State rather than Michigan, changed the locale
of his most recent mystery.

Most recently I finished "Blood is the Sky," a tightly written and
action packed mystery set in and around Paradise in the UP and
extending well into Ontario -- areas where I spend a fair amount of
time.

Mimi uses Stove Top stuffing mix in her meatloaf. Good stuff, Maynard! Only thing I use ketchup on is pasty and butter. (oleo and just a little bit of the ketchup) I like meatloaf better than steak. Don't really like steak. Never have. Oh well. Glad yours turned out good, Mikie.

Ken I am with you about the steak, would rather have a Wendy's hamburger then a steak. Precious is going away for the weekend so I will be making my chili and spend the weekend eating chili. Precious is glad she wont be sharing the bedroom with me. When I BBQ steak for Precious I make myself a hamburger. The only place I have had a steak at was at the Ponderosa restaurant in recent years, and the only reason I go there is I like salad bars.

I picked up a Steve Hamilton book last night...Blood Is The Sky...and I read 125 pages before I had to put it down and go to sleep. My eyes were scratchy-eye tired this morning. But I enjoyed it so far and can't wait to see what happens next.

That's the one I read earlier this week, Cindy. It kept me up
reading too.