Friday, March 29, 2019

Mango Mangos

Our trip up Florida's east coast included St. Augustine Beach and our best late lunches were found at Mango Mangos Caribbean Grille and Bar, including the Ahi Tuna Burger and Fish Tacos shown below.  They have one of those menus where you want to try everything, and if things go according to plan, these first-time snowbirds will have that opportunity next year.

https://www.mangomangos.com


Thursday, March 28, 2019

Valparaiso Defensive Coordinator

Nothing makes a mother more proud than seeing her children succeed.  Congrats to Brian for being named the Defensive Coordinator (and Safety's coach) for Valparaiso!

http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/coaches/10603/brian-dougherty/


Wednesday, March 27, 2019

America's Cup Sailing Regatta

The highlight excursion during our recent Eastern Caribbean cruise was the America's Cup Sailing Regatta in Philipsburg, St. Maarten.  We were shuttled out to the boat below, used years ago for the real America's Cup race, given our assignments and training, and then competed against another yacht, tacking into the wind and jibing with the wind.  It was tough workout, but the sunny day and crystal blue water made it so worth it.

https://www.celebritycruises.com/pcp-excursions/philipsburg-st-maarten-tours/americas-cup-sailing-regatta?port=SXM&excursionItemID=200000000002703646


Tuesday, March 26, 2019

USA Tire

Located on Dorothy Lane just east of Wilmington Puke, USA Tire has been my go-to place for new tires for decades.  The friendly staff always work with me to get the right tires at a fair price and they've earned my trust.  Although the picture below doesn't show it, the hardest part is usually finding a parking spot, as they are always busy.

http://www.usatirekettering.com


Monday, March 25, 2019

Top Knot Kitchen Website

Nice to see that Top Knot now has a website to order their salads.  Just setup a profile, order by the end of the day on Sunday and have a delicious salad delivered to your door on Tuesday, all for $12.  The salad always varies and usually has about a dozen different ingredients, with customization options for dietary restrictions.

https://www.topknotkitchens.com




Friday, March 8, 2019

Bacon-Wrapped Honey Dijon Turkey Breast

Had you at bacon, didn't I?

First you brine the turkey breasts for several hours and then rest at room temperature for a couple more, so obviously this is a "start in the morning" recipe.  Using parchment paper per the directions will make wrapping it up a breeze and getting the bacon seems positioned underneath will keep it together.  Add the coating of Dijon mustard, mayo, honey and thyme and you have a feast worthy of giving thanks!

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sunny-anderson/sunnys-bacon-wrapped-honey-dijon-turkey-breast-5607366


Thursday, March 7, 2019

Entangled Soul

This is the second book I've read that was written by my former colleague Tom Ireland.  It tells a story of how the massive human expansion across the galaxy, powered by the instantaneous transport of people, goods and energy, is at risk.  Tom is an excellent writer and I'm hoping he's working on a third sci-fi book.

https://www.amazon.com/Entangled-Soul-Thomas-Stafford-Ireland/dp/1548070912


Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Small Bar Table

This simple yet ingenious table at Walnut Grove Country Club makes eating at the bar more comfortable and less messy.  It's just two equal-height boards running beneath, about four inches tall, screwed into the wood surface from below.  Moves your dinner about a foot closer to you. 


Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Vizio Class Action Lawsuit

I was quite surprised when I turned on my living room TV and a message that a class action settlement was available to owners of certain Internet-connected Vizio TVs, which you can learn more about at the link below.  Turns out that Vizio TVs, by default and not clearly explained, collects information on what you're watching and feeds that back to Vizio.  So on top of filling out the settlement form, I went into the "Reset & Admin" section of the TV's settings and turned off the "Viewing Data" option to prevent further tracking.  Now they won't know that I'm binge-watching the first two seasons of The Good Place.

https://www.viziotvsettlement.com/


Monday, March 4, 2019

Around The World In 80 Days

We attended this play at The Loft Theater in Downtown Dayton last week and it was amazing how five actors pulled off playing thirty-two parts while both convincing the audience they were taking train rides, sailing on ocean steamers and facing capture, typhoons and other near-death experiences while making you laugh the whole way.  The play runs through March 17th, so there's still time to grab your tickets.

https://www.humanracetheatre.org/shows/active-shows/around-the-world-in-80-days



Friday, March 1, 2019

Peeling

Do you peel potatoes, carrots and other vegetables just away from you or do you peel in both directions?  As you can see below, I'm a both directions guy and it took only 24 seconds to peel this spud.  You do need to take a little more care not to cut yourself as the blade is coming towards you, but using short, rapid strokes is my solution.  I suggest trying it first on a long vegetable like a carrot, where it's easier to maintain distance between your two hands.