There have been a great number of people who have supported me the past two months, but no one like Sharon. When she first heard that I had cancer she just turned to me and said: "We can beat this." Whatever has been asked of her she has done. The big thing that I love is, all the things she has done, that no one asked her to do.
Sharon is up each day around 6am and does her best not to wake me up. She then goes into the bathroom and again makes as little noise as possible to shower and get ready for the day. She then comes sneaking back into the bedroom to get anything she may need for the day. When she leaves she pulls the swinging doors closed and very gently closes the outer door so nothing will wake me. I know she thinks I'm always asleep when she does this, but sometimes I'm just barely awake and can hear her being so thoughtful.
On the days that I have chemo she is up making sure I'm ready to go and that I have had something to eat. When we get there she is the one that gets me the water and anything else I need. The nurses will get you what you need, but Sharon always does it on her own. The only thing she used to ask for was a heated blanket. She now knows how to get those on her own. They keep the chemo room at about 65 for some reason and Sharon, and many of the other people find it a bit chilly. She will then sit there for up to three hours and read her books until I'm finished, just so I don't have to drive myself home. It's possible to do it all on your own, it's just not what they recommend.
When we are finished, she will make sure I'm comfortable and then head for the Essen and Manor House's. She then calls during the day to make sure I'm doing OK. When she is heading home she will call to see if there is anything she can do for me before she comes home. She will sometimes bring me a suprise from the EH.
When we have to go to Indy she will always ask if I want her to drive. We usually share the driving because she knows the Indy area a lot better than I do. I still don't think I could find the Hospital on my own. I could put the address in the GPS, but without that, forget it!!!
The other big thing she does for me is after the chemo. For the 48 hours after you stop the chemo, it is not fun. I'm an SOB and I know it. No one wants to be in the same house, much less room with me. Not Sharon, when she is finished with work she will come in and tell me about her day and check on how I feel. I've given her way too much grief, and I hope she reads this and can understand how much I need and love her.
By the way, I feel much better and finally have some energy. I got a blood test today and my blood count is good and I should be able to have round #4 if the heart muga was good. Have a great weekend.
Tom
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
July 23 Thursday
I got up this morning and damn near jumped out of bed. I was laying on my back and had been dreaming I was in the MRI and couldn't move. I'm sure we have all had those dreams where you try to move but can't. You dream it actual and you try your darnedest to move a muscle. I know there is a technical term for this kind of dream, but all I know is, it scars the sh** out of you. At leas it didn't have them sticking needles in me.
After waking out of a sound sleep I really didn't feel that bad. It was the first night for a long time that I didn't have to go a couple time during the night. I also remember I didn't drink much water because I slept a lot after the MRI. I had some energy for the first time in about 10 days. That seems to be the pattern. It just takes time to get the medicine out of your system.
Once I got up I decided to make breakfast and then go to the store. I usually take quite a long time in the store, but not today. Grabbed some salad making, some of Margo's jello, some milk,eggs, and a cucumber. I had to get back by 10:30 to see Lance in the time trial. He did well enough to be third in the overall. He did get beat pretty badly by his own team mate, I think he will be the new King Of the Hill and in the Yellow Jersey come Sunday in Paris. If Lance can keep it together he should be on the podium, but probably in third if he makes it at all. He's still my hero, and one hell of an survivor.
After the race I grabbed some lunch and went swimming. I got in about 2pm and didn't get out until after 4:30. I got some good laps in and cleaned the bottom of the pool with the vacuum.
Brian and Sharon were able to get the old heater out of the side yard. That thing had to be 250lbs. Brian hooked up an electric wench and pulled it into the back of Sharon's truck. They took it over to the re-cycle place and got $21.80 for it. I'm sure Jack our neighbor, was happy to see it go. The way our property is situated Jack was the only one who could see the heater. I noticed he had his house surveyed today, so maybe they are getting ready to move. They have been working on a farm for about the last three years, he must have finally convinced his wife to move out there with him.
Well, that's all the excitement for today, oh yea, I was supposed to get my blood drawn today but since I got poked 5 times in two days, I decided to forget that I had an appointment today. I bet they can get it tomorrow just as easy.
I'll let you know
After waking out of a sound sleep I really didn't feel that bad. It was the first night for a long time that I didn't have to go a couple time during the night. I also remember I didn't drink much water because I slept a lot after the MRI. I had some energy for the first time in about 10 days. That seems to be the pattern. It just takes time to get the medicine out of your system.
Once I got up I decided to make breakfast and then go to the store. I usually take quite a long time in the store, but not today. Grabbed some salad making, some of Margo's jello, some milk,eggs, and a cucumber. I had to get back by 10:30 to see Lance in the time trial. He did well enough to be third in the overall. He did get beat pretty badly by his own team mate, I think he will be the new King Of the Hill and in the Yellow Jersey come Sunday in Paris. If Lance can keep it together he should be on the podium, but probably in third if he makes it at all. He's still my hero, and one hell of an survivor.
After the race I grabbed some lunch and went swimming. I got in about 2pm and didn't get out until after 4:30. I got some good laps in and cleaned the bottom of the pool with the vacuum.
Brian and Sharon were able to get the old heater out of the side yard. That thing had to be 250lbs. Brian hooked up an electric wench and pulled it into the back of Sharon's truck. They took it over to the re-cycle place and got $21.80 for it. I'm sure Jack our neighbor, was happy to see it go. The way our property is situated Jack was the only one who could see the heater. I noticed he had his house surveyed today, so maybe they are getting ready to move. They have been working on a farm for about the last three years, he must have finally convinced his wife to move out there with him.
Well, that's all the excitement for today, oh yea, I was supposed to get my blood drawn today but since I got poked 5 times in two days, I decided to forget that I had an appointment today. I bet they can get it tomorrow just as easy.
I'll let you know
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
July 22 Wed. MRI day
I finished the blog early yesterday and didn't mention that I was able to swim for a little over an hour. I first went twenty hard minutes freestyle and then about twenty of water aerobics, just using the water as resistance as I walked and jogged etc. After that I attempted to put the thermal pool cover on the pool while I was in the water and it was outside. Unfortunately, it had been pulled out in three layers and I was attempting to bring it back in evenly so it spread out and not just fell in a big ball into the water. This was as much a work out as anything else I had done for exercise. It took a good twenty minutes and since I was doing it from the deep end, it took a hell of a lot of tredding water. I don't recommend this as a way to accomplish putting a thermal pool cover on.
Today was MRI day and I don't like to get MRI's. We got there at about 1:15 for my 1:30 appointment. After checking in made sure that they knew I was to be put in feet first. The ladies at the reception desk knew that the request had been made at the time of the appointment. When the nurse came out to talk to me she said they were not able to put anyone in feet first. She was very adamant about it and said it was a big safety issue. I then explained that I had already been placed in the MRI backwards. She of course tried to say it wasn't there. I then explained that it was in fact at their facility and if she checked with the front office she would be able to substantiate that fact. She just turned away and walked back into the MRI restricted area.
About ten minutes later I was told that I didn't have the proper blood work completed to be able to have the MRI that was requested. I then told them to contact the Dr's office because I get blood work done all the time. We then heard them with the Dr's office and it sounded like they were being told they would have to call them back. At about that time the nurse that had said I could not be put in feet first came into the waiting room and said that maybe we could get started without the blood work.
When I entered the MRI room I tried to be as nice as I could to the nurse and explained how I had already tried to go in head first and that I was not able to do so. I then noticed that she had already arranged a chair in back of the MRI for my feet to rest on. I finally got on the table and she put me in feet first.
For the first MRI the male nurse was very helpful and explained everything to me and what he would be doing and how long each part would be. She didn't tell me anything except, sit her, lay down there, pick your feet up, put your arm here and don't move. She then slid me into the MRI and started taking pictures. Oh yea, she did give me a head set with Country Western music. It seems the oldies station just would not come in this time.
After about an hour she came on the head set and told me to give her my right arm. She then tried to poke me and failed. She was going to try again when I told her to please use my hand because I knew she should be able to hit a vein there. Fortunately for both of us she hit one the first poke. They then inject a dye of some kind so they can take a contrasting MRI.
Just about another hour passed and I hear her say were done. Let me tell you, those words couldn't have come at a better time. First, I never sleep or lay on my back at any time. Since my back surgery I have always slept and layed on my side. While they are taking the MRI you can't move or you will screw up the image. Yes, I did take the two viciden, and I was praying. but it was still a bitch to lay there and not move.
I'm now home and Sharon took off again to the Essen House. I think she didn't want to put up with any of my bitching about the procedure. That's why this blog is so useful, I can bitch and no one has to listen to me. If you don't like it you can just stop reading. Poor Sharon had to listen and try to consul me.
I'm finished now and I don't think the spell check is working any more so if you find more mistakes than usual, just know that I'm sorry
Today was MRI day and I don't like to get MRI's. We got there at about 1:15 for my 1:30 appointment. After checking in made sure that they knew I was to be put in feet first. The ladies at the reception desk knew that the request had been made at the time of the appointment. When the nurse came out to talk to me she said they were not able to put anyone in feet first. She was very adamant about it and said it was a big safety issue. I then explained that I had already been placed in the MRI backwards. She of course tried to say it wasn't there. I then explained that it was in fact at their facility and if she checked with the front office she would be able to substantiate that fact. She just turned away and walked back into the MRI restricted area.
About ten minutes later I was told that I didn't have the proper blood work completed to be able to have the MRI that was requested. I then told them to contact the Dr's office because I get blood work done all the time. We then heard them with the Dr's office and it sounded like they were being told they would have to call them back. At about that time the nurse that had said I could not be put in feet first came into the waiting room and said that maybe we could get started without the blood work.
When I entered the MRI room I tried to be as nice as I could to the nurse and explained how I had already tried to go in head first and that I was not able to do so. I then noticed that she had already arranged a chair in back of the MRI for my feet to rest on. I finally got on the table and she put me in feet first.
For the first MRI the male nurse was very helpful and explained everything to me and what he would be doing and how long each part would be. She didn't tell me anything except, sit her, lay down there, pick your feet up, put your arm here and don't move. She then slid me into the MRI and started taking pictures. Oh yea, she did give me a head set with Country Western music. It seems the oldies station just would not come in this time.
After about an hour she came on the head set and told me to give her my right arm. She then tried to poke me and failed. She was going to try again when I told her to please use my hand because I knew she should be able to hit a vein there. Fortunately for both of us she hit one the first poke. They then inject a dye of some kind so they can take a contrasting MRI.
Just about another hour passed and I hear her say were done. Let me tell you, those words couldn't have come at a better time. First, I never sleep or lay on my back at any time. Since my back surgery I have always slept and layed on my side. While they are taking the MRI you can't move or you will screw up the image. Yes, I did take the two viciden, and I was praying. but it was still a bitch to lay there and not move.
I'm now home and Sharon took off again to the Essen House. I think she didn't want to put up with any of my bitching about the procedure. That's why this blog is so useful, I can bitch and no one has to listen to me. If you don't like it you can just stop reading. Poor Sharon had to listen and try to consul me.
I'm finished now and I don't think the spell check is working any more so if you find more mistakes than usual, just know that I'm sorry
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
July 21 Tuesday, Moe's birthday
We were up somewhat early today to be at the hospital by 8:30 for my Muga Scan. What's fun, is to have a totally incompetent nurse try to give you an I.V. I could tell from the second I saw her she was incompetent. From the time she looked at my arm and didn't know where to look to find a good vein, I was in trouble. I showed her exactly where my best vein was and she said she couldn't find anything. I then told her not to stick me unless she knew for certain she could hit a good vein. She then said, you have really small veins. I said I don't know about that, but the nurses that know what they are doing are able to hit them every time. I then said, if you can't find them, then don't stick me. After another 5 minutes of screwing around, she stuck me. She then puts in the I.V., after that she realizes she can't get any blood to flow. She then wants to try to put saline in to see if it will flow. Well guess what, No flow, but a nice bubble in my arm full of saline.
The next thing she wants to do is put the I.V. in my hand. I've had more than one nurse tell me my hand is an easy stick. Guess what, she does stick me and gets some blood out but it took forever. As soon as she is finished she pulls the I.V. out and said she was going to have her superior come in to find a place to put the I.V. in so that later they can put my blood back into my body.
Now enter nurse #2, as it turns out she is not her superior, it's just another nurse who is more competent. She then goes into the same old junk I've heard before about, some days you can stick some people and some days you can't. The only people I hear that from are people who know the person before them was incompetent.
She then looks on the same arm that the other girl had stuck earlier and went exactly where I had told the first girl the best place to stick me was. It took her no time at all to find the vein and stick me. She then showed me where the other girl had stuck me and it was no where near any place I have ever been stuck. The way she showed me where she had stuck me was by showing where the bruise was on my arm.
Next I get to go back into the waiting room and wait for my blood to be analysed. After about 20 minutes this very young nurse come out and calls my name. I then follow her into a new room where I was to get the actual scan. I've gotten a scan there before, but this was a different room for sure. She was a very pleasant person and had me sit on the X-ray machine and she got me four pillows so I would be comfortable. She then lowered the machine and slid me into position. Well I thought she lowered me into the correct position. I then hear "Oh shit", and she went into another room. When she came back in there was another person with her and she started to move the machine all around and put me into another position all together. They talked for a few minutes and then the young nurse was back by herself. She didn't say anything, she just said she would be ready in a second.
Once she started the machine she started talking like a blue streak. I had a fishing shirt on so she started telling me about how she wanted to learn how to fish. I asked her if her boy friend or husband was a fisherman, she said, oh no, I don't have either. I just want to learn how to fish and how to clean them. After a few more minutes she wanted to talk about moving to Arizona and had I ever been there. I then explained I had and she wanted to know which town I liked more, Phoenix or Tucson. We then both decided that for her it would be Tucson. I then asked her where she was going to school and she told me and then said her mom was also a nurse and that she was the administrator in Lady, Ohio. I then explained that we owned the school in Antwerp and had turned it into an Assisted living and restaurant. She then got real excited, because she said her mom had just told her about a new assisted living and restaurant in Antwerp. She said, you know I'm not allowed to tell anyone about any of my patients unless they give me permission to do so. Can I tell my mom I met you? I said of course she could and tell her I said hello, and that she should be proud of her daughter.
We were finally finisher at 11am. Sharon drove me home and we loaded her up with the bread from yesterday and off she went to that restaurant and assisted living in Antwerp. She is now running both places since Elaine is in the hospital in Ann Arbor. I don't know what we would do without Sharon. She is my pillar
The next thing she wants to do is put the I.V. in my hand. I've had more than one nurse tell me my hand is an easy stick. Guess what, she does stick me and gets some blood out but it took forever. As soon as she is finished she pulls the I.V. out and said she was going to have her superior come in to find a place to put the I.V. in so that later they can put my blood back into my body.
Now enter nurse #2, as it turns out she is not her superior, it's just another nurse who is more competent. She then goes into the same old junk I've heard before about, some days you can stick some people and some days you can't. The only people I hear that from are people who know the person before them was incompetent.
She then looks on the same arm that the other girl had stuck earlier and went exactly where I had told the first girl the best place to stick me was. It took her no time at all to find the vein and stick me. She then showed me where the other girl had stuck me and it was no where near any place I have ever been stuck. The way she showed me where she had stuck me was by showing where the bruise was on my arm.
Next I get to go back into the waiting room and wait for my blood to be analysed. After about 20 minutes this very young nurse come out and calls my name. I then follow her into a new room where I was to get the actual scan. I've gotten a scan there before, but this was a different room for sure. She was a very pleasant person and had me sit on the X-ray machine and she got me four pillows so I would be comfortable. She then lowered the machine and slid me into position. Well I thought she lowered me into the correct position. I then hear "Oh shit", and she went into another room. When she came back in there was another person with her and she started to move the machine all around and put me into another position all together. They talked for a few minutes and then the young nurse was back by herself. She didn't say anything, she just said she would be ready in a second.
Once she started the machine she started talking like a blue streak. I had a fishing shirt on so she started telling me about how she wanted to learn how to fish. I asked her if her boy friend or husband was a fisherman, she said, oh no, I don't have either. I just want to learn how to fish and how to clean them. After a few more minutes she wanted to talk about moving to Arizona and had I ever been there. I then explained I had and she wanted to know which town I liked more, Phoenix or Tucson. We then both decided that for her it would be Tucson. I then asked her where she was going to school and she told me and then said her mom was also a nurse and that she was the administrator in Lady, Ohio. I then explained that we owned the school in Antwerp and had turned it into an Assisted living and restaurant. She then got real excited, because she said her mom had just told her about a new assisted living and restaurant in Antwerp. She said, you know I'm not allowed to tell anyone about any of my patients unless they give me permission to do so. Can I tell my mom I met you? I said of course she could and tell her I said hello, and that she should be proud of her daughter.
We were finally finisher at 11am. Sharon drove me home and we loaded her up with the bread from yesterday and off she went to that restaurant and assisted living in Antwerp. She is now running both places since Elaine is in the hospital in Ann Arbor. I don't know what we would do without Sharon. She is my pillar
Monday, July 20, 2009
July 20th 2006 40 years after first steps on the moon
One of two things about this blog. Either no one is really following it, or they are either too young or too ignorant to recognize Neil Armstrong on the left of the picture, Bob Hope in the middle, and the one that many might not know is, James Rhodes, Governor of Ohio for I think three terms.
For some history on the picture: Vie Fast was my fathers office manager at O'connor McLaughlin for many years. She happened to be Neil Armstrong's neighbor when he was growing up in Wapak. She had been talking about him daily when there was a chance that he might get the assignment to be the first man on the moon. It was definitely not a clear assignment for many months. Once they found out that he would be the first man on the moon, Wapak and Vie went crazy.
There were two other Wapak related friends of ours that were also very excited about his accomplishment. Merl Harrod and Mr. Fisher, our neighbor on State St. They were two very wealthy men and wanted to have a great party for Neil when he returned. Merl came to the JC's in Lima and wanted their help to find a person with a motorcycle who could drive the AP photographer around the day of the event. That's where I came in. They also wanted help with crowd control and manning different stations around the town during his return.
Merl had some beautiful coins made up with Neils picture on the front, and a picture of the moon and the orbiter on the back. For helping that day, and then volunteering to help raise money for the Neil Armstrong Museum, he gave me one in silver and one in bronze.
Mr. Fisher owned Fisher Cheese Co. and decided to make a special cheese called, you bet: Moon Cheese. It just happened to be round and had some holes in it. They sold it as a way to raise money for the Museum, and I'm sure it didn't hurt Fisher Cheese to get all the national coverage they got on TV and the press. The JC's were selling it the day of the event and we must have sold it for darn near the next year. We had some, but for some reason it didn't keep very well. I think we had some in the freezer for at least two years.
Now for the day of the event. My assignment was to drive the AP guy around getting pictures and then driving back to a photo booth they had set up to get them developed. This guy was crazy, he was standing on the back of my motorcycle taking pictures of the parade while we were just ahead of the car with Neil in it. In those days if you had a press armband on, you had access to the entire place. No one stopped you or asked you any questions. The picture you see was taken at the viewing stand when we were off the motorcycle. As a matter of fact, I was sitting on the steps of the viewing stand talking to Ed McMahon. We were both waiting for that part of the event to end and I wanted to meet Neil. When it finally ended, they came down the steps and Governor Rhodes was first and then Bob Hope and then Neil. As Neil came down I told him that Vie Fast was my fathers, Pud McLaughlin, office manager at O'Conner McLaughlin. He acknowledged growing up next to Vie and asked how Eddie, her son was doing after his wound in Viet Nam. While we talked briefly, Mr. Rhodes was standing right there and asked me if I was T.D. McLaughlin's son. I explained who I was and he said he knew both my dad and my grandfather. I then got to shake hands with Bob Hope as well. I was 27 at the time and have never forgotten that and have these pictures hanging in my office.
I'm feeling better today and will be leaving soon to get the bread order for the Essen House. They had another killer weekend and need a ton of bread.
Winners of the contest: Tom Whitney was first in with the correct answer, followed closely by someone much older than him and me, my sister Margo. She told me that Neil actually lives in the Cincinnati area and she sees things about him on occasion. Brother Larry came in today with the correct information also. I'm not sure if he talked to Margo or if he knew it on his own. I'm sure he will let me know however.
Thanks for taking part, and I hope you enjoyed the picture and the information.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
July 19th. Sunday
I went to 7:30 mass today, but I had to sit through much of the mass because I was feeling shaky and sweaty and light headed. I've had those flue like symptoms on the second day after chemo before. After sitting down for most of the mass I started to feel better. I decided to light a candle at the Blessed Virgins and after that I felt somewhat better. I then went home and layed down for a while. I didn't wake up until 11:30. I made some lunch and decided to watch the golf and the tour.
The golf was as exciting as any match I have seen in recent years. When it's Tiger you expect him to win and what he does is exceptional, but you expect it out of him. To watch a 60 year old man hit the ball straight and long is not expected. Unfortunately most of the people watching were just waiting for him to loose it. I sort of felt that also, but I was cheering at every shot. It was so sad to see him miss that 8 foot putt to have to go into a playoff. Stewart Cynk is a great guy also and you could tell he wanted Tom to do well and he felt bad about the trouble he got into. One thing about it, it made for a great event, without Tiger.
I also switched back and forth between golf and the tour. The tour is interesting, but it is not something I need to watch all the time. I've watched the tour for many years and can figure out when I need to be watching and when it just a bicycle ride. Lance was in the mountains today and that is where he is the best. From what I could see today, he will be in the top 10, but I don't see him winning this year. I think he will do what he can to help his team, but there are some people on his own team that I think can beat him at this point in his career. God love him for being out there though. My two hero's both came in second today, but they were out there giving it their all.
After the golf I went swimming and decided it was time to clean the entire pool since no one has been in for a week or so. Debbie was on vacation and Brian and Sammy were gone this weekend, so I felt the need to clean. The heater is working well and keeping the pool perfectly swimmable.
I'm looking forward to feeling better now each day. I have the heart muggin on Tuesday and the MRI on Wed.. I usually feel better each day as the week proceds. I'll keep you informed. By the way the caugh is somewhat better today. It's still there but not near as bad as the last two days.
More tomorrow.
The golf was as exciting as any match I have seen in recent years. When it's Tiger you expect him to win and what he does is exceptional, but you expect it out of him. To watch a 60 year old man hit the ball straight and long is not expected. Unfortunately most of the people watching were just waiting for him to loose it. I sort of felt that also, but I was cheering at every shot. It was so sad to see him miss that 8 foot putt to have to go into a playoff. Stewart Cynk is a great guy also and you could tell he wanted Tom to do well and he felt bad about the trouble he got into. One thing about it, it made for a great event, without Tiger.
I also switched back and forth between golf and the tour. The tour is interesting, but it is not something I need to watch all the time. I've watched the tour for many years and can figure out when I need to be watching and when it just a bicycle ride. Lance was in the mountains today and that is where he is the best. From what I could see today, he will be in the top 10, but I don't see him winning this year. I think he will do what he can to help his team, but there are some people on his own team that I think can beat him at this point in his career. God love him for being out there though. My two hero's both came in second today, but they were out there giving it their all.
After the golf I went swimming and decided it was time to clean the entire pool since no one has been in for a week or so. Debbie was on vacation and Brian and Sammy were gone this weekend, so I felt the need to clean. The heater is working well and keeping the pool perfectly swimmable.
I'm looking forward to feeling better now each day. I have the heart muggin on Tuesday and the MRI on Wed.. I usually feel better each day as the week proceds. I'll keep you informed. By the way the caugh is somewhat better today. It's still there but not near as bad as the last two days.
More tomorrow.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
July 18th. Sat.
I didn't post yesterday because I was just not up for it. I got finished with chemo and came home and went to bed for two and a half hours. Got up, had lunch, and wanted to go swimming. The weather was all screw up. It would rain for a while and then blow hard for a while. I started to swim twice but the wind and rain put an end to that idea. I then decided to go back in a watch the golf and the Tour de France.
For those who don't watch the news, Tiger didn't make the cut and Lance is still in third place only 00.08 out of the yellow jersey. Lance will not improve until they get into the Alps. In the past that is where he takes over. It will be interesting to see if he helps his teammate win the race or if he wants a 7th. title.
I've developed a chest cold of some kind. I caught a lot, but it is not all that bad, it's just damn annoying. They have told me to watch out for colds etc. because the chemo lowers your ability to fight them. I'll keep an eye on it for now.
I have something that I have wanted to do for some time. Darrin was home this summer and had a chance to taste my BBQ baby back ribs and wanted a receipt. Well, here it is kids. My brother David wants it too, but he doesn't even have a computer or a way to go on the internet. Moe or Larry will have to give it to him, it for sure I'm not going too. You see Dave and I think we are good cooks. I know I am, David just thinks if he throws enough stuff into a pot and boils it that it should taste good. There are times it does, but then again there are times it doesn't. He doesn't have a receipt for anything.
First of all get good baby back ribs. Don't get the ones that are loaded with fat. You will find that they go on special in the summer around the holidays, or just after the holidays if they didn't sell them all. I will not pay more than $2.95 a pound for mine. They are normally $4.00. I usually get them at Kroger or at Sam's. I first put Lawreys all over them both sides. Then garlic salt. Once well spiced I place them in a large broiler pan without the top rack on it at first. Then I pour in about 3/4 of an inch of water so they just cover some of the ribs. Then I place that in the oven at 225 for about two hours. You have to check on them to make sure the water is not boiling away. If the water has boiled away you need to take the ribs out. Oh yea, Sharon would kill me if I didn't mention to put foil in the bottom of the pan first. When the ribs have been in for two hours take them out and be sure to clean the bottom of the pan before you go any further. Then take more tin foil and cover the top of the broiler pan and put the ribs on top and put them back into the oven for at least two more hours at the 225. I will let them stay in there for up to four hours depending on how they look. If I still see a lot of fat on them I will keep them in longer. Usually the boiling of the ribs will remove a great deal of the fat. By boiling them, they will fall of the bone when you go to eat them. As Darrin said: "Dad, where did you get these ribs?, they are the best ribs I've ever had". That's no lie, he thought I bought them somewhere. I never put any sauce on my ribs while I cook them. You can add sauce if you like at the end, or put some on your plate to add if you think it is needed. KILLER RIBS.
For you history buffs and to see how many people actually read this blog, I have a picture that was taken a few years back and I bet there is no one reading this blog that can name all three people in that picture. I will tell you that when this picture was taken they were all well known people, at least in Ohio.
For those who don't watch the news, Tiger didn't make the cut and Lance is still in third place only 00.08 out of the yellow jersey. Lance will not improve until they get into the Alps. In the past that is where he takes over. It will be interesting to see if he helps his teammate win the race or if he wants a 7th. title.
I've developed a chest cold of some kind. I caught a lot, but it is not all that bad, it's just damn annoying. They have told me to watch out for colds etc. because the chemo lowers your ability to fight them. I'll keep an eye on it for now.
I have something that I have wanted to do for some time. Darrin was home this summer and had a chance to taste my BBQ baby back ribs and wanted a receipt. Well, here it is kids. My brother David wants it too, but he doesn't even have a computer or a way to go on the internet. Moe or Larry will have to give it to him, it for sure I'm not going too. You see Dave and I think we are good cooks. I know I am, David just thinks if he throws enough stuff into a pot and boils it that it should taste good. There are times it does, but then again there are times it doesn't. He doesn't have a receipt for anything.
First of all get good baby back ribs. Don't get the ones that are loaded with fat. You will find that they go on special in the summer around the holidays, or just after the holidays if they didn't sell them all. I will not pay more than $2.95 a pound for mine. They are normally $4.00. I usually get them at Kroger or at Sam's. I first put Lawreys all over them both sides. Then garlic salt. Once well spiced I place them in a large broiler pan without the top rack on it at first. Then I pour in about 3/4 of an inch of water so they just cover some of the ribs. Then I place that in the oven at 225 for about two hours. You have to check on them to make sure the water is not boiling away. If the water has boiled away you need to take the ribs out. Oh yea, Sharon would kill me if I didn't mention to put foil in the bottom of the pan first. When the ribs have been in for two hours take them out and be sure to clean the bottom of the pan before you go any further. Then take more tin foil and cover the top of the broiler pan and put the ribs on top and put them back into the oven for at least two more hours at the 225. I will let them stay in there for up to four hours depending on how they look. If I still see a lot of fat on them I will keep them in longer. Usually the boiling of the ribs will remove a great deal of the fat. By boiling them, they will fall of the bone when you go to eat them. As Darrin said: "Dad, where did you get these ribs?, they are the best ribs I've ever had". That's no lie, he thought I bought them somewhere. I never put any sauce on my ribs while I cook them. You can add sauce if you like at the end, or put some on your plate to add if you think it is needed. KILLER RIBS.
For you history buffs and to see how many people actually read this blog, I have a picture that was taken a few years back and I bet there is no one reading this blog that can name all three people in that picture. I will tell you that when this picture was taken they were all well known people, at least in Ohio.
I had not been feeling all that great today with the caugh and being light headed and my eyes have been all itchy and red. So I decided to watch the Open Championship from Turnberry in Scotland. If you have not been watching, Tom Watson, two months from turning 60, is leading after three rounds. It took me back to when I used to watch my father play golf when he was in is late 70's and early 80's. They both have the most fluid swings. You can tell they have played all their lives and this is what they live for. For those of you who don't know, my father was the city champ in golf in the late 20's and won the Ohio Seniors twice when he was in his 80's. He and Watson did the same thing. Never over swing and never be in trouble and chip and putt like there is no tomorrow. I remember a day in Florida when my dad was 88 years old and we were playing at his course and he had me rattle the flag because he was going blind and could no longer see the whole clearly, at least that's what he said. He was at least 25 ft. away and drained the putt. We only played 9 holes but he was just two over par. Tom's round today, really brought back some great memories. I'm sure the Pudder was up there cheering him on. I hope he can hold it together for one more day.
I've got two hero's out there this weekend, Tom Watson for the golf and his age, Lance Armstrong for coming back from cancer. Now let's getter done
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