Sweet Taste Of Success...

[DDT (12)]

Sweet Taste Of Success… 
   

Well, ain’t that sumthin’? The third attempt was even better than the previous two! Is it possible that the heretofore ‘impossible’ task has now become a manageable endeavor? It would certainly appear so at this point. Three times in a row now, I’ve dined lavishly on some of my own downright tasty biscuits ‘n gravy! 
   

I’m now confident I’ve come ever closer to figuring out those little repetitive errors always made in the past in the timing of various steps especially, but also the mysterious secret to proper ingredient amounts and blending appears to have been mostly unraveled, as well. Yep, I’m fairly sure I’m onto something here… Not being cocky at all now, mind you, just steadily growing in confidence… and really enjoying 'the taste' of this new-found success. 

  
For a southern boy raised on that stuff, you see, the effects of biscuits ‘n gravy deprivation is akin to that of the prolonged absence of grits in our diet… the withdrawals are definitely not pleasant at all. No more major worries it now appears, though, as the current string of successes has truly bolstered the confidence of this non-cook.   

 
Of course, at this rate that ‘non-cook’ moniker should no longer be appropriate in another decade or so… Perhaps I’m aiming a bit too high here, but… I am enjoying the elation, and digestion, while it lasts! 

 
That brings me to the present dilemma… Should I fix another batch of gravy this morning or do bacon and eggs this time…? I have more of the latter fixins, so I am leaning heavily in that direction… rut avoidance, ya know… Yeah, that seems the winning strategy, I guess, so I’ll do the B & G tomorrow or the next day. 


Dang, even when I’m not riding, I’m constantly being confronted with decision-making needs, or more precisely indecision conundrums, but I am still having to make lots of 'shot-in-the-dark' choices… I also concede it produces near planning requirements, too, so… And that’s another thing… 


I haven’t been totally stationary during this break from the hot riding throughout dear old Dixie this time of year. Nope, there have been a couple of times our girl was pulled out of the carport and taken for an unscripted spin… about 250 miles yesterday, for example. It was superb early, but it did become less fun as the day wore on. 


Not always pure pleasure riding, however. Nope, grocery shopping on a couple of forays, and stops at the Old Stage Grill for breakfast are often on the to-do list… Seems wise to compare my results with the pros now and then… call it research and evaluation… OK, and a smattering of gluttony too! Or should I say a ‘pinch’ or a ‘dash’ of gluttony…? 

   
Mostly all early morning riding, as you would expect… It does get a bit uncomfortable in the afternoons here in the piedmont. Yeah, we didn’t land in the mountains after all, so we’re by no means free from the ravages of more direct and concentrated solar rays. Even early morning riding isn’t without its own challenges either… 

 
Nope, ‘rush quarter-hour' traffic must be factored into the departure and return equations, too. One does not want to find oneself sitting behind two or three other vehicles at a stop sign, for example. Especially in rural communities like this one, delays are frequently encountered! Mostly that’s due to folks waiting for any oncoming vehicles… even if they’re half a mile away! 

 
Drivers routinely patiently wait to pull through or make a turn at an intersection, and they leave space that would see half a dozen or more vehicles pull out or make a turn in more congested areas… Truth be told, I enjoy the slower, more relaxed pace of rural life, and most of what I'm describing here is more about local customs of courtesy and considerate driving. 


Oh well, I still find that way beyond merely tolerable and far more desirable than city congestion and snarls! Just so you’ll know, I do not consider myself an ‘urban man’ at all!!! Most who know me would also quickly add that I’m not very urbane either… but that’s not relevant here… 


When not riding or watching TV, I’m doing a little writing now and then. I haven’t been able to get to our message board for most of my stay here and not at all for the past week or so. I only get the dreaded “Forbidden 403 or 503” message. I do miss reading your stuff and posting some of my own, but… Sometimes life just isn’t a slam-dunk… 


Not being a techy in any way, that pesky minor problem will have to remain unresolved until it mysteriously clears up or I arrive at the next place, where clicking on the icon will magically put me back in touch with you all. This isn’t the first time this has happened, of course, and patient abstinence is the only successful tack I’ve ever found to take… Sometimes I really, really miss my grandkids, all of whom are fluent in ether-speak!!! 


Speaking of kids… “Say, kids, what time is it?” If you’re old enough to remember Buffalo Bob posing that memorable question, then you’ll probably also correctly figure that means this novice breakfast maker is about to wrap this piece up and head to the kitchen for the big show… I surely wouldn’t want to risk bacon withdrawal either!!! 

 
DDT 

[carolinarider09]

Ahhh yes, Buffalo Bob, Howdy Doddy and Clarabell....   Oh and Chief Thunderthud, there are others I am sure but their names escape me.   

Watched it almost every, what was it, Saturday mornings????

[Valkorado]

Just so you’ll know, I do not consider myself an ‘urban man’ at all!!!

Boy, I can sure relate to that.  I just don't see any reason to deal with the urban scramble, and try to avoid big cities altogether nowadays.

Carry on, Se goinfrer.

[hubcapsc]

Most who know me would also quickly add that I’m not very urbane either…

urbane: adjective: (of a person) courteous and refined in manner.

No idea what to type here 

-Mike

[The emperor has no clothes]

Most who know me would also quickly add that I’m not very urbane either…

urbane: adjective: (of a person) courteous and refined in manner.

No idea what to type here 

-Mike

I enjoy Bruce’s posts for many reasons. One being I learn new words and phrases. I think I have seen the term urbane before, but never had any idea what it meant. I doubt I’d call him urbane, but he is exceedingly courteous. 

Bruce, I’m glad success is flowing your way in the culinary arts. Keep it up. 

[thedon]

Great read Bruce. Maybe one day you'll do some cooking for others. Maybe not.
By the way, if it tastes as good as it looks you will sure draw a crowd.
Stay safe.

[Sorcerer]

Ya know Bruce you may have a problem/ dilemma on your hands related to your cooking. They say that the cooking utensil, oven ,sometimes has more to do with the outcome of the final product produced. You may need to strike a deal with your landlord.

[John Schmidt]

My new lady friend recently stopped by late one morning while I was fixing my breakfast and had some grits already in the bowl but no butter yet. She asked what it was, told her it's Georgia Ice-cream, AKA grits, so she tasted them. Her reaction was classic; "good grief, you eat that stuff?" Yes hon, it's right up there with biscuits 'n gravy. She was blown away how anyone could eat that "yucky white stuff" so I had to tease by saying if you don't like those grits, then it's all over between us. Said a man can only stand so much. She got a real serious look and asked if I was kidding, to which I answered "yes"...especially since I had my arms around her. Really...she's worth giving up grits if that's what it takes...unless she's not home at the time. Then all bets are off. 

Nancy

[DDT (12)]

This story was actually written a week or two ago while I was still in NC. I did go ahead and make B&G another time there, then I had to do it again once I got back to FL. Not perfect, of course, and not in the same league with my gravy heroes by any means, but... There are still a couple of tweaks to experiment with along with an adjustment or three... but... I'm absolutely much closer to the peak than to the starting line! Still not ready for 'prime time' but heading in that direction!

As for urbane... I meant that I'm not very refined in the way that word is intended... I'm just a hillbilly/redneck doing what comes naturally. I admit I have worked to improve myself, though... I don't pick my nose much in public anymore, and I almost always avoid scratching my genitals when speaking to groups, particularly mixed groups.

John, congrats on the lady! Nancy is a real looker for sure!!! You must consider her a real catch if you're willing to even fake giving up grits! How does she feel about Spam? All those unfortunates not born to southern cooking or at least properly acclimatized over time have such a steep learning curve ahead for themselves... Well, many of us on here doubt we have the time left to wait!

DDT

[h13man]

Just so you’ll know, I do not consider myself an ‘urban man’ at all!!!

Boy, I can sure relate to that.  I just don't see any reason to deal with the urban scramble, and try to avoid big cities altogether nowadays.

Carry on, Se goinfrer.

Hell the closest big city to you would be Colorado Springs? I know you're a long way from Lakewood/Denver.

[Valkorado]

Yessir.  Just the way I like it!

Predictors are saying DenSprings will be the next big megalopolis.  It is definitely getting crowded.  Heck, some of our commissioners want Gunni to be the next Aspen.  New "affordable" apartments popping up everywhere and a huge new housing develoment under construction  If they get their way I won't be able to afford living here.  Californians are heading East, many are landing here.

Purty lady, John.   

[f6john]

My new lady friend recently stopped by late one morning while I was fixing my breakfast and had some grits already in the bowl but no butter yet. She asked what it was, told her it's Georgia Ice-cream, AKA grits, so she tasted them. Her reaction was classic; "good grief, you eat that stuff?" Yes hon, it's right up there with biscuits 'n gravy. She was blown away how anyone could eat that "yucky white stuff" so I had to tease by saying if you don't like those grits, then it's all over between us. Said a man can only stand so much. She got a real serious look and asked if I was kidding, to which I answered "yes"...especially since I had my arms around her. Really...she's worth giving up grits if that's what it takes...unless she's not home at the time. Then all bets are off. 

Nancy

I was beginning to think you were going to keep Nancy all to yourself! Is she ready to ride the trike? We ought to have a picture of you both together on the bike. She looks like she could make a feller feel like a teenager again. Glad you two found each other!

[John Schmidt]

"She looks like she could make a feller feel like a teenager again."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
John...that she does, with certain limitations for the moment. We were both surprised at how things have moved forward, neither looking or expecting another partner at our age...she's 5 yrs. younger and full of life. That transfers to me just being with her. I'll keep things up to date as life moves on.

[Bigwolf]

Bruce,
Good on ya for getting those culinary skills improved!  It sure is satisfying to be able to rustle up a nice meal yourself from time to time or when needed.

[Pappy!]

Lordy, John.......That gal's way out of your league!! congrats!

[John Schmidt]

Lordy, John.......That gal's way out of your league!! congrats!

Casey, seems like us guys always "marry up" when it comes to the ladies in our life. 

[f6john]

Lordy, John.......That gal's way out of your league!! congrats!

Casey, seems like us guys always "marry up" when it comes to the ladies in our life. 

I think it worked  to your advantage to meet at church, if she had known the rowdy bunch you run around with, you might not have stood a chance.

[old2soon]

       Bruce I have a butcher here I ride with born here in Missouri and he puts together a sausage blend that gives just the correct amount of grease for the gravy.  All I add are onions pepper garlic and a bit of sea salt. Do NOT condem me but I use canned biscuits But I dust them with white corn flour before baking in my air fryer. Ross makes his sausage and the gravy and the biscuits ALL from scratch. You read that Right-sausage from scratch his own recipe. 
        John-Fine Lookin Lady there.  I git up that way again I'll dang sure be watchin my Ps & Qs!  RIDE SAFE.

[DDT (12)]

       Bruce I have a butcher here I ride with born here in Missouri and he puts together a sausage blend that gives just the correct amount of grease for the gravy.  All I add are onions pepper garlic and a bit of sea salt. Do NOT condem me but I use canned biscuits But I dust them with white corn flour before baking in my air fryer. Ross makes his sausage and the gravy and the biscuits ALL from scratch. You read that Right-sausage from scratch his own recipe. 
        John-Fine Lookin Lady there.  I git up that way again I'll dang sure be watchin my Ps & Qs!  RIDE SAFE.

Dennis,

No condemnation for the canned biscuits from this fan of Pillsbury Grands! I'm not surprised that Ross makes 'everything' from scratch! He's a smart, very creative thinker with the energy and imagination to tackle just about anything... I agree with ya, too, about John 'punching above his weight'... just like most of us have!

DDT