Friday, December 19, 2008

Safe Travels


Tis the season for travel. Momma always said "you boys be careful" but to a 16 yr old on his way to a long night of muddy back roads, terrace jumpin' and Tom Ross cop slides, the chances of that were slim to none. Guess it eventually sunk in, nowadays my goodbyes are always followed up with a dose of "be careful".

Rutman and Fast Eddie Phillips logging some windsheild time Irish Style, northbound from Kinsale to Killarney.



9th annual GSB Holiday rug-cuttin took place last night. Freezing rain held some boys close to home but pleased to see many regulars and... "staple your head to the carpet" shocked to see one of the GSB Founding Fathers glide thru the door. Sure nuff, GSB Gilrodd made an appearance. Love that guy.

Pleased to announce pledge conversions last night; GSB Tebbe who will be heading up the new Lees Summit chapter. Along with GSB Mikey the Travel Agent. Congrats!! Real pleasure having you on the best rickshaw ride west of the Muddy Miss.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Was Your Day Productive?



It's a routine of mine upon awaking each morning to analyze the past nights sleep. How many hours? were they quality? how many times did I wake up? how quick did I go back down? Last night in particular I woke up only 1 time due to the fact Coco had managed to wedge herself beside me so far, I was in danger of doing an endo right off the bed. But all in all a good 8 hours worth of sleep, but got me thinking. We spend a solid 1/3 of our life sleeping which is by all means neccesary for body repair, cell replenishment, heart rest and general downtime for the cabbage.


Now that you've got the rack-time logged, what do you do with the hours you have remaining? Strive to squeeze every single mintue for something worthwhile and most of all satisfying. When the day's winding down ask yourself "Do I have any regrets?"




I ran across this site yesterday and recommend checking out the blog post from Craig Weller of Barefoot Fitness in Spearfish, SD

Friday, December 5, 2008

Fuel Up

Today will conclude my first month of M-W-F evening weight training. On those double-up days with Bootcamp in the morning, it's hard to get enough fuel in the tank. I've ramped up intake and thrown in some additional carbs which has helped along with a post-workout dose of Surge. To quote Coach Rut "tastes like cake frosting" Stuff is gooood and gooood for you, get some at T-Nation. Great articles and pics as well.



Weekends are rest time and nothing goes better with kicking back than a pint of your favorite suds. Got turned onto Odell's IPA and the GSB icebox has been stocked since. For those chilly days, nothing beats the thick stuff. No doubt any Guinness is good Guinness but when you're knocking back pints in Lahinch, Ireland they taste like no other.






Props to our NWMSU Bearcats. Hosting North Alabama in the D-II semi-finals tomorrow. Good luck.

Heading out to Arrowhead for Big 12 Championship with GSB Red from the South Leawood chapter

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Rico Spotting


It goes without saying... Bootcamp hasn't been quite the same since Rico went MIA. Word thru the grapevine, he's pursuing his culinary passion with a quaint little bistro and lounge. I expect the backroom is filled with barbells and jump ropes.


Monday, December 1, 2008

ToadHoller IronWorks



ToadHoller IronWorks

Trip back home for Turkey Day. Surprise of the day courtesy uncle Kunk who grilled up some fat-back wrapped venison loins to accompany the bird and ham. Throw some of momma Jill's corn-oyster dressing on the side and you gotta recipie for naptime.
Spent Friday morning bumping (drinking coffee and telling stories) around the shop. Ironworks is fabricating a new pullup structure for our Box in the city. Needless to say we got numerous opinions and hairy eyeballs from the locals. Never thought I'd see the day but Rowdy Yates sold Land O' Lakes and retired this year. Not to worry, he kept fishing rites but needing a place to call home, he purchased a piece of ground behind the shop and erected a new shed.

Sign based off Grandpa Neils old truck



Rowdy's new home away from home

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

In the Zone


Protien, Fat, Carbs. Zoned out on wild Coho salmon topped with a spicy tomato sauce, sauteed veggies and 1/2 avacado in the sidecar. Glass of red vino to wash it down and you're golden.


Props to our NWMSU Bearcats. Advanced to D-II quarterfinals with a last second victory over the much dis-liked Gorillas from Pitt State. Abilene Christian up this Saturday who handed us our jockey straps and only loss this year. Redemption is near !!


Monday, November 17, 2008

GSB Deer Camp 2008

Hezzy, RP, DP


Possum Walk provided us with the best weekend since 2002. We had 5 bucks plugged by noon on Sunday along with a couple of the opposite gender for the freezer.



I cold missed a huge 10-pointer on Saturday evening, Buck Fever got the best of me so we'll keep that story short...still a little steamed. Went back out Sunday morning and setup on Hickory Ridge in a ground stand overlooking an open pasture on the east, leading down to a pond, oak timber to the south and a blackberry and locust thicket to the west. I've taken 4 bucks from the same area in the past. The activity was busy before sunrise with some smaller bucks and does working the thickets and oak timber. At 8:15 I had my attention focused on some does passing 30 yards to the west when I looked back to the south and saw 2 nice identical 8-pointers each herding a doe about 100 yards out. Coming north from the oak timber they were straight downwind of me but considering where their noses were stuck, they weren't gonna wind me. So similar in size, I scoped them both to determine the shooter and picked out a spot 20-30 yards ahead of him and waited until he filled the scope. He stopped to check a scrape and the ol' Savage 99 in 308 cal. blasted out a 168 grain ballistic tip Winchester that found his boiler room.



Got redemption from that episode the night before with this dude, he was corn fed and rutted up with a neck almost the size of his chest. Field dressed at 220 lbs. which qualifies as a new PR for me.



Props to 11 yr old GSB in training, Grant Gibson from the Tulsa Branch. He took his first buck on Saturday morning and followed it up by bagging a doe with a sharp shooting 160 yard strike Sunday afternoon.






220 lbs vs. 180 lbs





Grant, Allen, Adkin, DP, Alec, Hezzy, Kunky, Tanner, RP, Andrew

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Turkey Trot

My 9 yr old camera finally shot craps so I didn't get a pic so you'll have to make your own and see what it looks like.

1 lb. Ground Turkey Breast
2 Garlic Cloves
2 Cups Sliced Baby Portobello Mushrooms
1/2 Cup Sliced Onions
1/2 Avocado
White Wine
Salt and Pepper
Olive Oil

Mix turkey with salt/pepper to make (4) 1/4 lb. patties. Brown in large skillet with olive oil until completely cook thru, should have lightly brown crust with plenty of brown bits in the pan. Remove and set aside. Add a bit more olive oil and quickly sweat out garlic, onions and mushrooms for the sauce.

Crank up the heat, Add 1 cup White wine to de-glaze (get all the brown bits up by scraping with a wooden spoon!!) the pan. Let reduce until sauce thickens, approx. 2-3 mins. (pat of butter will add a nice sheen to the sauce) and pour over turkey burgers. Top with slice avocado and dig in. Serve with a side of fresh steamed veggies. EAT TIME !!

Friday, October 31, 2008

Donny Travolta


Happy Halloween to all my fellow GSB's freaks. Can't wait for the stories on Monday morning. Staying in with the dogs to hand out candy tonight and then busting out my spectators on Sat evening for a house party in BFE. Thought about WOD'ing in this today but the temp gauge would've pegged in no time. Good weekend to everyone. RP

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Stunk


The Pride of Palmer, KS USA just got back from a trip to Old Mexico. Sure they've never seen anything like that boy. He's back at BCF this week and looking strong as ever.




Cold weather is finally here so get out the slow-cooker and cook some meat !! Recipes coming soon...

Friday, October 24, 2008

Mean Green

Future Bearcat middle linebacker. Don't mess with this dude. He rules the playgrounds in Liberty.

Have a good weekend !!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Waterville

Day 3: Waterville Golf Links Ring of Kerry
Early wake up call today (especially for Nick since he was locked out of the B&B but luckily Hank heard him yelling outside at 2:00am and let him in) so we could make the hour long drive to the far western reaches of the Ring of Kerry. The drive around Ring of Kerry is absolutely breath taking with lowland swamps transitioning to the huge hills sheep call home. As if there was any doubt another special day was in store, we caught a full rainbow over Ballingskelligs Bay.
The earliest records of golf in Waterville can be traced back to the late 1800's when workers built and manned the first transAtlantic cable stations connecting Europe and North America. The bulk of the course you see today was completed in 1973 after purchase by John Mulcahy and has undergone numerous changes since the latest of which under Tom Fazio's watchful eye. Waterville has special place in the hearts of some well known sticks; Woods, Els, O'Meara, Furyk, Appelby, Duval, Jansen all of which have used it as not only a tune up course for the British Open but also to satisfy their salmon fishing desires. Joining them every step of the way, the late Payne Stewart fell in love with the place and in return the locals adopted Payne as their own. He was awarded the Captaincy of Waterville the year of his death and since they've dedicated a Bronze statue in remembrance.
Having studied the history and golf at Waterville, I was really looking forward to teeing it up and she didn't disappoint. The weather was classic Ireland, mid 50's and rainy mist all day. Starting at the opening hole where you stare down a 430 yard par 4 complete with pot bunkers left and right and a green that appears 2 miles away, you know it's time to pull on the big-boy pants. Holes 2 and 3 are the best par 4 back-to-back combo we played. #2 "Christy's Choice" is a long par 4 with a tight tee shot that has to be hit solid in order to reach the green with your second shot. A long iron or hybrid is not the ideal club to attack a slanting, angling, juking green that look as if it was placed there with the sole purpose of deflecting approach shots. Somehow I managed to sneak it on in regulation and was enjoying my walk to the green along with the calming view of the inner bay sanctuary when I was suddenly interupted by Cooker sprinting (fast walk) back to the tee-box to rescue his abandon Bloody Mary. #3 is an incredible hole hugging the inner bay on the right side with a dog leg approach to a severly slanted back to front green. After starting with 3 consecutive pars, I knew something had to give and it surely did at the short par3 4th hole. For a hole that looks short enough that you could throw your egg from the tee box, it bit our whole group hard, complete with "four jacks" and "on again-off agains" we all doubled the hole. In an effort to erase the horrible memory, I forgot which hole but at one point on the front, Hank found himself greenside bunkered went totally spaz, I stopped counting the swipes at 9 and I'm sure he'd still be there if Fisher hadn't jumped in to stop the bleeding. After Kissick's All-County par on the intimidating 9th hole, we went 4 up in the match.

The backside sends you back out from the clubhouse for more abuse and beauty. #10 is a tight long par 4 that progressivly tightens to about 5 yards wide before the green, don't plan on running it up here. #11 "Tranquility" is a splendid par 5 that's reachable if you carry your drive over the plataeu where the first half of the fairway runs out. That's the easy part...carding bogey from the fairway 200 yds out takes some real work...errr some real hacking. #12 "Mass Hole" named for the hollow in front of the green where Catholics gathered way back when to hide from the haters. An intimidating tee shot of 185 yards that's all carry if not, you visit the "hole" at which point praying is the only option. The tee shot on #15 is blind so pick a house in the distance, swing it and hope you find it somewhere in the short grass. Made par here to close out our match. The final 3 holes at Waterville turn from the inner bay and run up along the ocean. #16 plays entirely up hill and upon reaching the fairway you have the first wonderful view of the ocean and get a little caught up in the moment until you realize the approach shot still awaits. O.B. right and major trouble everywhere else, this is an intimidating 2nd shot and most severly sloped green on the course. You're rewarded for hauling your sticks up the big climb to the 17th tee. The highest point on the course offers tremendous views and yet another 190 carry to a large sloped green. #18 ranks as my favorite closing hole on the trip, from the tee it looks something short of 800 yards down there and bunkers guard the drive, second and third shots. Walking down the fairway you hear the waves crashing the beach, look towards the clubhouse in a mist and realize this place is special and you're damn lucky to have expereinced it.




Approach to #2 with inner bay in background



9th hole from the tee box

12th hole "Mass"




View from 17th tee



18th O' Grady's Beach



RP, Kissick, Fisher, Hank (17th tee)

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Tralee Golf Club

Day 2: Tralee Golf Club County Kerry Ireland

After the second round at Old Head we traveled north to Killarney for a 3 night stay at the Woodlawn House. Very pleasant B&B with large rooms and close proximity to downtown. Rutman and I made a mad dash to Laurels Pub to have our drink with Carole Brown. Great story about Carole but better off you discover it for yourself. If you're ever in Killarney, visit Laurels and ask to have a drink with her.

We shoved off early Friday morning for 36 at Tralee which was approx. 1 hour drive north. Tralee Golf Club was founded in 1896 and moved to it's current location and Arnold Palmer design in 1984. Situated on the Barrow Pennisula it's an ideal setting for classic links golf. Surronded on 3 sides by water and beautiful beaches, you find yourself hypnotized and in need of a quick head shake to get your mind back on the game. In Mr. Palmer's words... "I designed the first nine but surely God designed the back nine"













Nicky Six on the par 3 3rd hole

The front nine starts with a gentle introduction on holes 1 and 2 to our first links golf. But, upon reaching the third hole, you're quickly reminded that wind and coastlines are going to be a prominent part of this trip. After a quick turn back inland for #'s 4 and 5, you reach Palmer's favorite 3 hole stretch of 6,7,8. The par 4 6th has such dramitic undulations in the fairway I was unable to see over them and told Nick, it looked like an elephant burial ground. My favorite hole on the opening nine, #8 begs you to cut a big chunk off Barrow Harbor but into the wind your landing area is about 15 paces wide. On your walk up the 9th fairway, a relativley straight forward par 5 birdie chance, you've no idea what awaits you on the back side.



View from #11 fairway to what awaits on the back. #12 flag in foreground with #13 flag in distance








While playing the front nine, you're insulated from any clear views of the back but after passing the clubhouse and arriving on the 10th tee, you understand why this is considered one of the best closing nines anywhere and we had not even played it. My jaw litterally dropped when I got the first glances the dunes and elevation changes. Palmer gently eases you down the 10th until reaching the green and you feel like you're on a different planet. Moving to the 11th "Palmers Peak" you climb up to hopefully what's your 3rd shot and reach the highest spot on the course. On to the 12th to which our friend Matty G. said "you haven't lived until you've this approach shot" Standing at the bottom of the fairway looking over the "Chasm" to a green that somehow clings to the side of a 90 foot sand dune, you realize there is no bail out. The short par 3 13th is all carry over the backside of the same dune...again... no safe options, pick a stick and swing it. After a brief calm, if you call it that, on the split fairway 14th you reach the most visually pleasing stretch of holes 15, 16, 17. The 15th is the shortest par 4 and according to index the 2nd easiest hole but it ate my lunch on both rounds. #16 is one of my favorite par 3's on the trip. If you're lucky enough to hit the green and choose to avoid the path taking the more direct route to the green, I suggest straping on the crampons or pray you have some billy goat genes. The 17th ranks as my favorite hole on the backside. A short par 4 that requires an accurate drive to setup a short iron approach that's played to a severly elevated green with trouble everywhere. I pumped 3 wood over the right hand fairway bunker and found the small sliver of fairway 120 yards out which sounds good on paper but you're left shaking in your spikes when contemplating the next shot. 18 is a good hole finishing towards the clubhouse but after spending the last 2 hours in utter amazement, your thoughts are not so much about finishing strong but left remembering how special the back nine at Tralee really is.


#12 "Chasm" Matty G wasn't joking about this little gem


Rutman on #13 tee, nice pegs.



#17 tee. Fisher, RP, Kissick, Chris


Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Old Head Golf Links

Day 1: Old Head Golf Links Kinsale, County Cork.
Old Head is a relatively new course (1997) but what it lacks in age is quickly forgotten from the momment you top the hill before the entrance. The course is situated on a diamond shape piece of property that's connected to the mainland by a 30 yard wide strip of land that's 300 foot down on each side. During construction they "lost" a bulldozer over the cliffs while finishing one of fairways.

From a visual and geographic standpoint, this place is truly one of kind and will have a special place in my memories mostly due to it's uniqueness and the horrid conditions on day 1. Unfortunetly the golf plays second fiddle to scenery at Old Head. While there are some memorable holes, #4 "Razors Edge" , #17 down hill par5 (pic above) , as a whole the course ranks towards the bottom of my list on this trip. It's not traditional links (they moved in 250,000 tons of top soil to grow grass) and doesn't leave you feeling like you've experienced a true round of Irish golf.



Our first round was something out of a twisted golf thriller movie. 60 mph gusts and rain coming sideways. There were only 2 other groups on the course in addition to us. The only beneift in playing such crappy conditions was the fact that no other weather seemed to bother us after that introduciton. We spent the night in Kinsale and gassed it around Old Head again Thursday morning and the conditions were much improved.














Saturday, September 20, 2008

Home Again


Home again, home again. What an incredible place, Ireland. I said numerous times on the trip, words can't describe the courses, views, people, weather, etc.. it's truly something special. I feel fortunate to have experienced the last 10 days with good friends, old and new.


Just finished downloading 255 pictures and everyone one of them brings a smile to my face. I've a feeling the Tool Shed will be featuring plenty of Ireland shots over the next few weeks.


Still compiling my best of list and can't wait to share thoughts with Matty G.


(pic from #8 tee box Ballybunnion Old Course) Nick "Otis", Hank, RP and Coach Rut who just about jarred it for an ace after this photo

Monday, September 8, 2008

Shotgun Shack


Never know who you'll see at the halfway house.


It's finally here...this time tomorrow we'll be north bound to the airport. Ready to catch that bird for the old country. Bags are packed and the camera has plenty of film. Fore !!

Friday, August 29, 2008

Food Coma

GSB Liberty Chapter President (aka Gilligan) circa 2003 Las Vegas


Of all the changes I've made strength and health wise over the last year nothing either compares or would have been possible without a change in nutrition. The ability to know how and what food affects your being is invaluable and the first step to becoming and living healthy.


Until I discovered the Paleo way to fuel myself, I constantly battled blood glucose fluctuations. Effects ranged from decreased post-meal productivity to full on shut-down mode depending on the amount of type of carbs I was eating. Mood swings and slowed mental processing are also common. Speaking from first hand experience, this not only affects your personal and professional life but also dramatically increases your risk of CV diseases and long term health. Pick up a copy of The Paleo Diet (link above or any bookstore) by Dr. Loren Cordain. You'll never view food the same again.


Check out this short summary from Oregon State on the Glycemic Load and Index. Great introduction to how blood glucose levels are measured and what effect they have. Link courtesy of the Big Apple Box.






Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Across The Pond


T-minus 20 days and counting until we go wheels up for the old country. Trip will consist of 8 good friends playing 11 rounds of golf over 9 days, drinking our share of Guinness and creating memories to last a life time.

In order to obtain tee times at high demand courses, we started the planning in July 2007 and had the deal locked down by mid-September. Golf International based in NYC was our agent of choice based on recommendations from fellow GSB's that've been on similar trips. Below is a quick view of our intinerary. Promise to bring back many pics and vid's to share.


Depart US

Arrive Shannon / Play Old Head
http://oldhead.com/index.cfm
Play Old Head / Drive to Killarney
http://oldhead.com/index.cfm
Play Tralee (36 holes)
http://www.traleegolfclub.com/newgolf/indexmwhite.htm
Play Waterville
http://www.watervillegolfclub.ie/html/frameset.html
Play Ring of Kerry / Drive to Ballybunnion
http://www.ringofkerrygolf.com/
Play Ballybunnion Old Course
http://www.ballybuniongolfclub.ie/old_course.htm
Play Ballybunnion Cashen Course / Drive to Lahinch
http://www.ballybuniongolfclub.ie/cashen_course.htm
Play Doonbeg
http://www.doonbeggolfclub.com/course/
Play Lahinch Old Course (36 holes)
http://www.lahinchgolf.com/
Depart Shannon

Monday, August 18, 2008

Ahab The Arab


We just put GSB Tim's new Crackberry with camera option to work...Ol' boy Ray Stevens couldn't have envisioned this in 1962. You know it's good when the captions are too numerous to list. Insert your own.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Sweet Tater Scuffle


How many miles did your meal travel before it reached your plate? There are endless causes to champion and I make it a point not to grandstand any 1 view point or personal opinion. Something I do feel strongly about is the ablility and knowledge to understand where your food originates and the path it takes before reaching your kitchen.


I'm not a fanatic when it comes to eating locally but I do make an effort to reduce the total mileage on my plate. Needless to say, coconut oil, coffee, etc... are difficlut to source locally for some of us but a few exceptions are tolerable.


Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is an effort to reduce that overall foot print. Check into your local CSA's for more information on weekly produce bags, quarterly meat purchases, etc...
This picture was from todays breakfast. With the exception of coconut oil, the entire meal came from either my garden or a farm within a 100 miles.


Friday, July 25, 2008

Good Grub From the Backyard


Something very comforting about walking out the back door and grabing your veggies for dinner. I picked the first sweet corn last night and it was delicious. Peaches and Cream tends to be the perennial favorite around the Tool Shed.


Browned up some chicken, sauteed the veggies and herbs with garlic, olive oil, white wine and little butter for a sauce. Eat Time.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Eddie.....Is That You?

This gives a whole new meaning to "Mobile" Home. Funny thing is....I know there's some ol' boy in Toadholler or down in the Ozarks working on something very similiar right now.


Tuesday, July 15, 2008

County Mounty


Believe this should be titled.... "Why Grown Men Love Action Heros"

This picture couldn't have hit the GSB inbox at a better time. The varmit relocation program is in full effect across the 83rd St corridor. In the last two weeks, the little dog lays claim to 2 rabbits, 1 mouse and almost her first bushytail

I know things are fixin to gear up with the hot weather as well but I've no doubt my fellow brethern across Mission Road are taking care of things. Rumor has it....someone spotted a dude with short hair running down the street wearing Ecco golf spikes carrying a loaded pellet gun in one hand and a Ping G10 driver in the other. Said he was screaming something about "3 Jacks and Tree Rats"

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Disengage


Check out the link from FNC.
Everyone needs time to disengage and hit the reset button. For some....that's a race weekend in Bristol, TN.


Wednesday, July 2, 2008

USA Football meets Nodaway County


Maryville GSB Chapter member Adam Dorrel "AD" is helping introduce the game of football to kids in far away places. AD was asked by John Mackovic to join the coaching staff the US National Football team last year which had their World Championship in Kawasaki, Japan. The US team blew thru 3-0 to win the Worlds.


His experience with Mackovic and the US team along with participation in International Federation of American Football (IFAF) has allowed him the opportunity to head back overseas for a 3-week trip this summer. AD will join 300 other coaches to lead clinics for approx. 6500 kids in Denmark, Sweeden, France and Great Britain.


AD's always had a passion for teaching the game. Glad to see he's able to reach even more kids through the IFAF and USA Footaball.


Adam will begin his 5th full-time season at Northwest Missouri State. This will be his 2nd year as Offensive Coordinator.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Guac On !!


Avocados are a great source of vitamins and one of a very few fruits to contain monounsaturated fat which helps lower LDL cholesterol. Use them as simple garnishes, sandwhich toppings or the crowd favorite guacamole. 1 tbsp = 1 block
"Rock the Guac"
2 Medium Ripe Haas Avocados
2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
2 Roma Tomatos (diced)
1 Lime
1 Fresh Jalepeno (minced)
1/8 Cup Red Onion (diced)
Salt and Pepper
I've witnessed some futile attempts at preparing avocados which is amazing because it's a fairly simple process. With avocado laying on it's side, use a sharp knife working parallel to your cutting board and cut into the fruit until you reach the pit. Rotate the knife around the pit until you've cut all the way around and have 2 perfect halves (see pic). Slap the pit with the blade of your knife so it "sticks" in the pit and simply twist. The pit will come out on the knife blade. Spoon the goodies into your bowl and you're well on your way.
Using the back of a fork or potato masher, work over the avocado until it reaches a consistancy you desire. Add garlic, onion, jalepeno, tomatos and squeeze lime juice over the top. Season to taste with salt and pepper and that's it. Settting covered in fridge for 10-15 mins will help mix the flavors.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Green Golf


During our last grounds and greens committee meeting at Bushwood, we reviewed current efforts to reduce maintenance thru more natural practices and what future goals would keep us moving down the same path to "greener" pastures. We're a long way from goats maintaining the rough like the Old Tom Morris days but little steps can make a big difference in the long run.


Check out the link to some courses that have made big strides towards greener golf.


Monday, June 9, 2008

Puppy Love


1/2 beagle 1/2 lab....100% attitude. Coco during one of her calm moments

Friday, May 30, 2008

Stuff It

Firing up the grill behind the Tool Shed is almost a nightly affair this time of year. Early this week I was in the mood for pork chops but wanted to kick 'em up a notch. Give this a shot and let me know what you think.

Tool Shed Stuffed Chops

4 - Thick (1 1/2" - 1 3/4") bone-in or boneless Center Cut Pork Chops
1 - Log Goat Cheese (use herbed variety if you please)
4 - Slices Thin shaved Ham
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
Toothpicks

With a sharp paring knife, cut a slit in the leading edge of the chop. Keep working the knife in to make a pocket large enough for your stuffing. Cut 1/4" slices of the goat cheese and lay across each piece of ham. Roll up the ham with cheese stuffed inside and neatly tuck into your chop pocket. Secure the open sides with toothpicks, season and grill away. Throw your favorite veggies on while the chops rest after cooking and you're ready for Eat Time.

Our friend Matty G over at Golf Digest has posted an update on the Chambers Bay tree status. Check it out.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

GSB Summer BBQ Crawl Ver 1.0 Grease House


Watched a BBQ special on the Food Network last night and got me thinking about all the good joints here in town we don't frequent enough and some spots I've never tried. GSB Tim(P-Burg Chapter) and I decided to venture off our all to patterned lunch trail and start hitting the BBQ shacks. Fries are the defacto side dish for KC area BBQ and although they don't really fit into my current eat time regimen, you can't truly enjoy without so I employ the "everything in moderation" motto. As for the meat...more the better.


It's been a year since I've made the trek down Brooklyn way to visit Arthur Bryants. I end up asking myself after every trip why it takes so long to get back. The biggest surprise was showing up at 11:40 and seeing only 5 people in line. All joints have their quirks when it comes to ordering and at Bryants you better know what you want and if you're eating in or walkin. For those eating in, pick up a plate and hand it to the gentleman behind the window and they'll set you up. For those walkin, your entire order and I mean entire... meat, fries, pickles, sauce is wrapped in red wax paper.


I went for the beef and fries, a huge 1/2 lb serving of perfectly smoked beef brisket piled on a small slice of white bread that's really just an afterthought when you see the meat portion. The brisket is a perfect combination of juciy meat intertwined with fat and smoke, exactly how it should be. Don't be a "fat snob" rollin up asking for "lean cuts, please"... if you want something lean, get deli meat from your grocery. This is true BBQ the way it should be. Get a strawberry soda to wash it down and head for a table. Note of caution for first timers, tread lightly on the tile floor and don't be alarmed, they didn't spill something, it's grease that seeps from the floors, walls and of course, fries. That's why they taste sooo good and Mr. Bryant didn't nickname the place "Grease House" for nuttin. Enjoy !!


Friday, May 23, 2008

It's All On You

New 3 Doors Down album came out this week. Got me a copy thanks to GSB Rutman. Track 2 Citizen Soldier has a great line...."The strongest among you doesn't always wear the crown"....

Be aware of the fact that every day someone is looking up to you and expects you to be the leader . It may be a child, a peer, a complete stranger. You're a role model and protector for more people than you think. When things go south and the crowds look for direction, you want them looking your way.

Check out the video from MJ.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Something's Up


Had a wonderful Guest Day at MBCC on Friday afternoon. T Jones and I hooked up with Crable and his guest in a 4-Man Net-2 ball format. We placed 2nd posting 125 total. Congrats to Crable for a smooooth gross 75. Then he hopped a bird to Hawaii the next morning for a week of beaches, surf lessons and boat drinks.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Where's Matty G ?


For you Golf Digest readers, you've probably seen Matty G's columns in the rag. Here's a link to his blog and a very interesting story (second post on the current page) about vandalism at Chambers Bay. Beautiful place that will be home to the 2010 US Amateur and 2015 US Open.


There is one lone tree on the course and some knucklehead vandal went Jacko doing his Paul Bunyon impression. To quote Hank Jr...."I'd like to spit some Beechnut in that dudes eyes and ....."


You can see from the pics, they're in the process of slowing the shock and providing support. The experience I've had with tree injuries and rehab leads me to believe this 'ol girl will pull thru.


Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Wanna Get Geeked

Cruising the One World blog this morning and found this arse bustin video. Freddy always has great posts and thoughts. Sub 7min Helen's do not suck. If your motor isn't running after this, somethings wrong. Make sure you turn up the sound.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Spring Is Bloomin'


After getting blasted with that late frost last spring, it's nice to see everything back in full force this year. Peony buds are huge and azaleas are in full bloom along with tulips, dogwoods and viburnums. Got the garden tilled up on Sunday and should have most things in the ground this week. Just heard from 2 fellow GSB's that are putting in gardens for the first time this year, couldn't be happier to hear that. I can already taste the BLT's.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Speachless


From the WTF department of GSB Central...


Thursday, April 24, 2008

Big News in the Ville

Nothing like an interactive wildlife class up at the 'ol Alma Mater. If you look closely, you'll see Big Clarence Green gets a cameo sporting his sweet yellow shirt.

That sedated deer looks like RC at the 0600 Bootcamp Fitness..."huh...what....where am I"

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Grow Your Own


Along with spring comes garden time. I've always had some kind of garden regardless of where I lived or what area was available. Living in a loft apartment it was simple as container herbs or patio potted plants when I moved to a condo with a balcony. I'm fortunute now to have plenty of green space in my backyard and take advantage of it by planting some table favorites. Tomatos, green beans, peppers, spinich, lettuce, herbs are just a few of the headliners. Nothing beats an heirloom tomato with a little kosher salt and pepper.


Walking out the back door to collect your veggies is a great feeling. Now if I can just convince my homeowners assoc. to approve livestock, I'll have it made.


Check out this link from the Times on backyard grub.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

What Are You Eating?




I've been hitting the Paleo diet since last fall in conjunction with my first Bootcamp section. I readily admit it's not full time but I've been able to adhere to a solid 5 days a week and shooting for 6 now. My weak link being pasta which used to be 4-5 days a week before I started Bootcamping, now I'm down to 1 day a week and found a low Glycemic load pasta that's packed with dietary fiber. Surprisingly the taste is actually preferred now.

Other than my off day, which can be a total yard sale, all my meals consist of high quality protien, veggies and good fat. Snacks which are a must to keep the metabolism up and provide fuel consist of nuts, seeds, apples, oranges and occasionally yogurt with fresh berries.

I don't get into weighing and measuring because in my opinion your body will tell you and show you what's needed in regards to quantity. Don't make it too complicated. Follow a few basics rules and you'll start leaning out in no time. A daily 0600 fanny waxin doesn't hurt either.

Courtesy of the gang over at Petranek Fitness here's a great site to plug in food and see load of nutritional info....Nutrition Data. The glycemic load estimator is very helpful.