Tag Archives: outdoor life

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Moving Day- And Random Thoughts on Pond Fishing

Today we moved my wife’s grandmother into a retirement community. She’s 89 and still getting around well.

In the world of retirement communities, this one is one of the best I’ve seen. I have a sinking suspicion she’ll enjoy it here. One perk is the pond! So, I’m hoping it’s a place I can take the boy fishing, and she comes down and give a few pointers.

I spent a lot of time out on her land fishing in the large fishing ponds she had on her property. I love pond fishing. Everyone gets excited about fly fishing, but there is something memorable about finding a good pond and casting your line.

Anyway, here’s hoping Baba loves her new place.

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Spring Is Slowly Showing Up

I spent the morning uncovering the raised bed, turning some compost, and then raking up a few remnants of winter leaves scattered across the backyard. Except for allergies, I love this time of the year. Fall is great and all, but Spring seems more up my alley.

In the next two weeks, I’ll work at potting tomatoes and Pepper seedlings, and then I’ll get the green beans and squash seeds started. By mid-June, we should begin to see some great crops produce!!!

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Smoking Cheese- A New Hobby

Recently my wife has been experimenting with charcuterie boards and making snack trays for birthdays or when we have friends over. One thing I’ve always enjoyed is Smoked Cheese and crackers. So, I’ve decided to attempt smoking cheese- a new hobby. Or, a disaster, it’s yet to be determined

Smoking cheese- a new hobby

The first batch seems to of turned out well. I did three types of cheese. Colby jack, Sharp Cheddar, and a White Sharp Cheddar. I wanted to do some Gouda but they didn’t have any blocks.

The method was simple. Find a large disposal aluminum tray and fill it with ice.

Next place the cheese on either toothpicks or a small wire rack, and place it in a smaller tray. A tray that will fit nicely into the larger iced tray.

Smoke on a low heat at around 150 to 200. After one hour, flip the cheese, add some more ice if necessary, and smoke for another hour.

Last, wrap the cheese in parchment paper and place in the fridge for at least 48 hours.

Simple method, and probably the cheapest thing I’ve ever smoked.

So smoking cheese- A new hobby? Most likely.