When I think of summer, I think of fun times at the lake, grilling, laying out in the sun, and golfing. But with summer also comes one more memory- summer jobs.
The last two summers I have worked for the school district on the “grounds crew.” This means that for five days of my week, I am parked on my lawn mower. Doesn’t sound all that bad, right? Wrong! Let me explain my daily attire- baggy, oversized jeans, a grass stained t-shirt, safety goggles, ear protection, and neon orange safety vest.
One day I had to go into the school to use the bathroom and one elementary school student said to his buddy, “See, I told you it was a her.” That made me feel very feminine.
Despite the nasty, hot hours, silly comments, and ridiculous attire, I still loved my summer job. Working is just a part of my summer, and I have come to accept that.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
B.Y.O.M.
After many nights of grilling different meats, vegetables and fruits, I have found that I do like specific foods grilled on certain grills in specific ways.
When I am craving a juicy steak, or pork chops, I have to go with a propane grill for sure. No extra seasoning, but salt and pepper. With steak, it must be pink, and there must be small traces of blood. A good way to ruin flavor of any meat is to let it grill too long
I prefer my chicken with lots of seasonings. Chicken has a tendency to get dried out easily. It can also taste pretty bland without some extra flavor added. The best way to prepare chicken in my mind is to put it in a smoker to smoke for a few hours.
When it comes to hot dogs, I have to go with charcoal. The otherwise unflavorful "meat" gets an added smokey flavor on the coals. I will not eat hot dogs unless grilled on a charcoal grill.
Shrimp can NEVER be heated with charcoal. There are no exceptions to this rule. Shrimp must also have a hint of lime juice added. They are also added to the grill last, even after fruit and vegetables. To make perfect and not overcooked shrimp, is to make sure they are "C" shaped and not "O" shaped.
Fruits and vegetables. These can be used on either propane or charcoal, and the flavor is just as rich, but for convenience, propane is faster and cooks more evenly. Also, when making kabobs, be sure to soak the skewers before placing on grill, or you will have some "flame broiled" food.
When I am craving a juicy steak, or pork chops, I have to go with a propane grill for sure. No extra seasoning, but salt and pepper. With steak, it must be pink, and there must be small traces of blood. A good way to ruin flavor of any meat is to let it grill too long
I prefer my chicken with lots of seasonings. Chicken has a tendency to get dried out easily. It can also taste pretty bland without some extra flavor added. The best way to prepare chicken in my mind is to put it in a smoker to smoke for a few hours.
When it comes to hot dogs, I have to go with charcoal. The otherwise unflavorful "meat" gets an added smokey flavor on the coals. I will not eat hot dogs unless grilled on a charcoal grill.
Shrimp can NEVER be heated with charcoal. There are no exceptions to this rule. Shrimp must also have a hint of lime juice added. They are also added to the grill last, even after fruit and vegetables. To make perfect and not overcooked shrimp, is to make sure they are "C" shaped and not "O" shaped.
Fruits and vegetables. These can be used on either propane or charcoal, and the flavor is just as rich, but for convenience, propane is faster and cooks more evenly. Also, when making kabobs, be sure to soak the skewers before placing on grill, or you will have some "flame broiled" food.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Uninvited Guests
The land of 10,000 lakes. Sounds nice, right? Well, most of the time I fully enjoy my summers in Minnesota, but there is one VERY large downfall to summer... BUGS!
Almost more important than the sunscreen is the bug spray. These biting, pesky creatures come in various shapes and colors, and are never welcome around me.
Ticks. All it takes is one walk through the grass before you feel the tiny crawlers on your ankles. Nasty by nature, I could do without ticks.
Mosquitos. Perhaps the most frustrating and annoying bug in the summer. I mean who really appreciates the red and itchy bites they create? Or how about trying to sleep, and in the silence, you hear buzzing. Why do they always seem to find your face to land on?
June Bugs. These large "beetles" can be nasty to come upon. Large in size and ugly to look at, these fiesty buggers can pinch. June bugs will latch on to clothing and skin, so watch out!
Flies. Pesky and loud. No picnic is complete without flies landing in the watermelon and the salad. Tricky to kill, flies are perhaps the dirtiest summer bug.
Grasshoppers. These unpredictable jumpers give me the creeps. It never fails that while mowing the lawn, you will be visited by some of these hoppers.
Bees. Painful and bothersome, everyone knows these fliers cause a nasty sting.
Almost more important than the sunscreen is the bug spray. These biting, pesky creatures come in various shapes and colors, and are never welcome around me.
Ticks. All it takes is one walk through the grass before you feel the tiny crawlers on your ankles. Nasty by nature, I could do without ticks.
Mosquitos. Perhaps the most frustrating and annoying bug in the summer. I mean who really appreciates the red and itchy bites they create? Or how about trying to sleep, and in the silence, you hear buzzing. Why do they always seem to find your face to land on?
June Bugs. These large "beetles" can be nasty to come upon. Large in size and ugly to look at, these fiesty buggers can pinch. June bugs will latch on to clothing and skin, so watch out!
Flies. Pesky and loud. No picnic is complete without flies landing in the watermelon and the salad. Tricky to kill, flies are perhaps the dirtiest summer bug.
Grasshoppers. These unpredictable jumpers give me the creeps. It never fails that while mowing the lawn, you will be visited by some of these hoppers.
Bees. Painful and bothersome, everyone knows these fliers cause a nasty sting.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Just Another Tourist
As I was driving this morning, a large Cadillac Escalade hauling a brand new Bayliner boat passes me and then cuts me off. Upon my bit of "road rage," I am reminded of this familar scene at the lake.
Every Friday afternoon between 2:00 and 6:00 every stretch of interstate and highway between Minneapolis and Brainerd is bumper to bumper with boats, campers, trailers with 4-wheelers and fully packed SUV's.
This scene is quite frustrating not only because of the slow moving traffic, but more because of the attitudes of the drivers. You can guarantee that at least one time in this web of traffic that some "tourist" will fly by, passing you on the shoulder. Or when you do reach a reasonable speed, someone will come from behind, cut you off and then they have to slam on the brakes. Or when you are diving at your own pace, and someone gives you the "bird," for no apparent reason. Or my favorite, when you stop by the Garrison McDonald's and someone has conveniently taken up three parking spots in the already packed lot.
I must say that I sympathisize with the locals. Every weekend from May through September, dealing with the unneccessary traffic, rowdy and rude tourists, hauling their fancy toys.
Every Friday afternoon between 2:00 and 6:00 every stretch of interstate and highway between Minneapolis and Brainerd is bumper to bumper with boats, campers, trailers with 4-wheelers and fully packed SUV's.
This scene is quite frustrating not only because of the slow moving traffic, but more because of the attitudes of the drivers. You can guarantee that at least one time in this web of traffic that some "tourist" will fly by, passing you on the shoulder. Or when you do reach a reasonable speed, someone will come from behind, cut you off and then they have to slam on the brakes. Or when you are diving at your own pace, and someone gives you the "bird," for no apparent reason. Or my favorite, when you stop by the Garrison McDonald's and someone has conveniently taken up three parking spots in the already packed lot.
I must say that I sympathisize with the locals. Every weekend from May through September, dealing with the unneccessary traffic, rowdy and rude tourists, hauling their fancy toys.
Friday, May 1, 2009
My home away from home
It's Friday afternoon, and I start my hour and a half drive. I start to see the endless Mille Lacs Lake, and I know I am close. Not too far up the road, I see the giant Walleye with with famous "Garrison" sign- I have arrived. It doesn't take long and I have unpacked my things and I am having a drink down on the dock with mom and the girls.
As dad tries to perfect his grilling skills, the ladies are out on the lawn playing "bags." Not long after dinner, the evening pontoon stroll gives way tye the beautiful sunset behind the trees. As the sun disappears, the smell of smokey fires and marshmallows strike an idea for our own bonfire.
Once the coals settle, and the moon appears on the water, the silence reminds me of my bed awaiting. It's not until the loons make their final call, that I am sound asleep, only to do it again the next morning.
Summer anyone?
As dad tries to perfect his grilling skills, the ladies are out on the lawn playing "bags." Not long after dinner, the evening pontoon stroll gives way tye the beautiful sunset behind the trees. As the sun disappears, the smell of smokey fires and marshmallows strike an idea for our own bonfire.
Once the coals settle, and the moon appears on the water, the silence reminds me of my bed awaiting. It's not until the loons make their final call, that I am sound asleep, only to do it again the next morning.
Summer anyone?
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