Fine Swine Dining...

[DDT (12)]

 
Mitch and I actually found the right place where the Michigan Picnic would be held… we had not only been on target but on time, too… Besides being a skillful navigator in his own right, Mitch also has a rather impressive navigational aid… his smartphone (with Google app and many filters) hooked to a small but very potent power pack. Anyway, following him had ensured I would not get lost… and this time it really mattered! A pig roast was happening, and we’d been invited!!!
 
Skinhead was hosting the annual Michigan Picnic, but this time there was a novel twist… Two weeks before at the Yooper Ride, a couple of friends riding together (strangers to us) just happened to be at the host motel with our gang the evening before the kick-off, and… Tim and Ron had stumbled into our midst and become part of the mix of characters. There was a bit more to that story, though…
 
Both of them were really nice guys, and they seemed to fit naturally and so easily into our group. Tim even remarked several times on how pleasantly surprised he’d been at how well they’d both been received by our group, and that he’d felt ‘just like family’. I don’t think he or Ron had ever had such a reaction or an experience quite like the one they’d come across that weekend. They were so taken with our group, in fact, they got a room at a nearby motel so they could hang with us another night… The host motel had been booked solid for both nights of our event.
 
Tim is a semi-retired businessman. Among his other successful enterprises, he’d also started a company specializing in putting on pig roasts. He’d been so taken with his experience with us that he’d arranged with Skinhead to put on a pig roast gratis for the Michigan Picnic… So, that event instantly grew in size and scope with many of the details needing alteration! With the very short notice, turnout was not expected to be as great as it might otherwise have been, but inclusion of a pig roast would guarantee a larger than previously anticipated event, nonetheless.
 
Mitch and I arrived a bit earlier than the bulk of the crowd, but several folks were already there… including Tim and his crew of mostly immediate and extended family members who were preparing that delightful delicacy we were all eagerly anticipating! Tim’s daughter, who is actually running that company now along with another, plus his son-in-law, his sons, and others associated with them were all on-hand working. Some of our VRCC folks were there, too, and that special familial feeling amongst all was clearly evident! I was very impressed…
 
The main attraction…

One lone bike, our girl, pointed in the opposite direction... Yep, 'the navigator' was riding her that day, too...





 
The man of the hour… Tim Salter


 
This entire event, modified, expanded, and greatly changed very late in the game, turned out to be a really nice gathering. In spite of the obvious logistical challenges major changes unavoidably present, all involved did a masterful job of coping and pulling it all off anyway. We had a fabulous feed, a bunch of laughs, and that special feeling one gets from being in such a rarefied atmosphere of truly good folks having a really good time… It was a smashing success, all things considered, so a ‘tip of the hat’ is in order for Skinhead.
 
The added feature of having Tim & Ron, plus members of both their families, proved once again that it’s not at all about ‘what’ one might ride, but only ‘that’ one rides at all. More than anything, however, it matters above all else that one is a decent and good person… One who can recognize goodness in others plus enjoy the good-natured and well-intentioned give and take that comes with quality associations… Folks just like those who attended the Michigan Picnic… You can bet the farm that I was mighty proud to be there!
 
DDT
 

[Rams]

Sounds and looks like a wonderful time.   Wish I could have been there.
I do have one question though.   Did anyone there know you were going to handle sharp instruments?  
That's also an interesting apron he's got.

Rams

[DDT (12)]

Sounds and looks like a wonderful time.   Wish I could have been there.
I do have one question though.   Did anyone there know you were going to handle sharp instruments?  
That's also an interesting apron he's got.

Rams

Ron,

It was Tim who 'staged' that shot... No, of course he didn't know me that well at the time... He'd never have let me handle any cutlery if he had!!! Yeah, it truly was a grand event for this normally non-event sort of guy. Funny, I seem to never get excited about any event... right up until the time I actually arrive. Then, I seem to instantly flip and become a very happy-to-be-there kind of guy!!!

DDT

[GiG]

That ol' Sinkhead sure knows how to throw a dead pig picnic, don't he! Its a real nice lakeside location. Wonder how he'll top it next year?

Special thanks to our newest VRCC friends the Salter family!  

It was a fine day, started out with thunderstorms in the area, so I got a later start, but as you can see, it was nothing but blue skies by the time everyone arrived. It was so nice, I really didn't want to leave, but good thing I did because I passed approximately 2 sh|t-tons of forest rats  on the way home.

What a surprise to see you there, Bruce, along with Mitch. Seems we had just finished a few days of fine riding and fine food and friendship in da UP.

See ya down the road, my friend!

CHEERS,

~GiG~

[The emperor has no clothes]

I’m a little concerned about that Tim guys apron though   Looks like a great time (wish I could have been there)  

[DDT (12)]

That ol' Sinkhead sure knows how to throw a dead pig picnic, don't he! Its a real nice lakeside location. Wonder how he'll top it next year?

Special thanks to our newest VRCC friends the Salter family!  

It was a fine day, started out with thunderstorms in the area, so I got a later start, but as you can see, it was nothing but blue skies by the time everyone arrived. It was so nice, I really didn't want to leave, but good thing I did because I passed approximately 2 sh|t-tons of forest rats  on the way home.

What a surprise to see you there, Bruce, along with Mitch. Seems we had just finished a few days of fine riding and fine food and friendship in da UP.

See ya down the road, my friend!

CHEERS,

~GiG~

Gig,

Yeppers, that bare-noggin' guy is something else for sure. He's not only extremely mellow and 'cool
under pressure', he's actually a rather cerebrally endowed individual, as well. I agree on the setting, the entire enterprise really, and I too share your curiosity about what he'll do to top that next year!

I saw a few critters of various types in my recent travels; however, I happily have no close encounters to report! Glad that double load you spied didn't give you any palpitations either.  Oh, and I too am really happy with the newest members of our family... the Salters, plus Ron, too. Both great folks, and they'll be mighty glad Providence brought us all together...

Heck, I was more than a little surprised to see me there, too! Mitch, not so much. Actually, it was his idea... I just tagged along. Sure glad I did, though... Three weekends in a row for a Valk event... More typical for this solitary rider to do maybe three all year! Just goes to show, I reckon, the magnetism good people hold for this guy who likes hanging with good folks more than even he knew!

It all started with the Yooper Extravaganza you and LuLu put on... Sort of set the tone and got me going... Mitch did the rest by gently encouraging me... Dang, what an adventure!

DDT

[DDT (12)]

I’m a little concerned about that Tim guys apron though   Looks like a great time (wish I could have been there)  

Rob,

Yeah, I know what ya mean! Heck, I was a bit fearful when I included that in my post... afraid a penalty flag might be thrown because of it... They were some great times! Not just this last one, but the two previous ones were also well worth the ride time to attend!

Getting around to various states and riding with locals on their home turf is... well, it is truly special... Now that your work situation had changed, perhaps you should give it a little thought too. Take Brenda with you, BTW, otherwise you might run into some resistance sooner or later...

Maybe I'll see ya at one! There is a long overdue gathering down in Mississippi that may come up again... probably in the Spring... Give it some thought! In the meantime, there are the DRU and FCR coming up soon... Veterans Day Ride in November... Lots of opportunities to 'get mobile'!

DDT

[Patrick]

OH man !  Whole roast pig !  Can't think of anything more better. [ as long as the beer lasts]. 

[Skinhead]

Hey Bruce, thanks for taking the time to apply your literary talent to our little party.  And thanks as well for bringing Mitch with you.  I'm not sure I can top this event, at least not without the Salter family's help again.  Hopefully Tim and Ron will be able to attend some of our other VRCC functions and get to know the rest of our fine folks.  Ride safe my friend.

[DDT (12)]

OH man !  Whole roast pig !  Can't think of anything more better. [ as long as the beer lasts]. 

Patrick,

Yeah! It was indeed good eatin', and... As for anything more better... well, that's all a matter of taste. I'm rather partial to crawfish boils, myself, but roasted pig and BBQ are definitely right up there! I don't recall ever attending a bacon cookin' event, but I'd imagine that would also register somewhere off the scale, too! Anyway, the main course is always the hanging with the folks... especially my people! Join us sometime!!!

DDT

[DDT (12)]

Hey Bruce, thanks for taking the time to apply your literary talent to our little party.  And thanks as well for bringing Mitch with you.  I'm not sure I can top this event, at least not without the Salter family's help again.  Hopefully Tim and Ron will be able to attend some of our other VRCC functions and get to know the rest of our fine folks.  Ride safe my friend.

Joe,

What can I say... You done real good, ol' buddy, and I'm mighty proud of ya!!! I expect we'll see more of Tim & Ron, so you just never know what might evolve from that. Next time we'll really need to pass the hat, though, as Tim's generosity shouldn't be over-tested or taken advantage of... I know you wouldn't do such a thing, but he just might try to do it again... he's definitely that sort.

Your whole bunch up there is downright enjoyable to visit, so don't be too surprised if you were to look up sometime and spot me wandering in again... As for Mitch, I didn't bring him... it was the other way around! He sure did me a big ol' favor, though... Dang! I have so many good friendships with so many fine folks all because of my association with our girl... I'm a mighty lucky feller!!! Thanks for letting me hang around with all y'all...

DDT

[GiG]

OH man !  Whole roast pig !  Can't think of anything more better. [ as long as the beer lasts].  

... well, that's all a matter of taste. I'm rather partial to crawfish boils...

Uh, oh, SInkhead, its on now!
Want me to find ya a crawfish guy, too?            

[Patrick]

OH man !  Whole roast pig !  Can't think of anything more better. [ as long as the beer lasts]. 

Patrick,

Yeah! It was indeed good eatin', and... As for anything more better... well, that's all a matter of taste. I'm rather partial to crawfish boils, myself, but roasted pig and BBQ are definitely right up there! I don't recall ever attending a bacon cookin' event, but I'd imagine that would also register somewhere off the scale, too! Anyway, the main course is always the hanging with the folks... especially my people! Join us sometime!!!

DDT

You're right !

Its been awhile since I've had me some crawfish. Geeez, now ya got me thinkin' and a wishin'.

And ya gotta have good people around, thats for 'sure and certain'.

[JimC]

That Pig would be right at home at an early bird dinner for next years Inzane.
Book him now?

Jim

[Valkorado]

Your killing us, Bruce.  Softly.  With pork.



I think there was a song that went kinda like that.   ???

You're pushing the limits with the apron pic, and Willow could ban you for violating the Rules of the Road.   

[Skinhead]

OH man !  Whole roast pig !  Can't think of anything more better. [ as long as the beer lasts]. 

... well, that's all a matter of taste. I'm rather partial to crawfish boils...

Uh, oh, SInkhead, its on now!
Want me to find ya a crawfish guy, too?           

We could do crawdads, but I think it would have to be at Eric's in Lousyana.  Crawdads is kinda scarce in the mitten.

[DDT (12)]

OH man !  Whole roast pig !  Can't think of anything more better. [ as long as the beer lasts].  

... well, that's all a matter of taste. I'm rather partial to crawfish boils...

Uh, oh, SInkhead, its on now!
Want me to find ya a crawfish guy, too?            

Gig,

Oh crap... did I start something here? Sure glad I didn't also mention the oil 'n filter change I did on the way there! Nah, I suggest just staying with whatever local specialties there may be. The real thing is to simply provide a venue and excuse for a gathering... the rest is just so much detail. Build it, they will come! Sure glad Mitch got me out and about!!!

DDT

OH man !  Whole roast pig !  Can't think of anything more better. [ as long as the beer lasts]. 

Patrick,

Yeah! It was indeed good eatin', and... As for anything more better... well, that's all a matter of taste. I'm rather partial to crawfish boils, myself, but roasted pig and BBQ are definitely right up there! I don't recall ever attending a bacon cookin' event, but I'd imagine that would also register somewhere off the scale, too! Anyway, the main course is always the hanging with the folks... especially my people! Join us sometime!!!

DDT

You're right !

Its been awhile since I've had me some crawfish. Geeez, now ya got me thinkin' and a wishin'.

And ya gotta have good people around, thats for 'sure and certain'.

Patrick,

Yep, good folks are the key... heck, they're the whole enchilada! Speaking of which, those are pretty good too. For this not so frequent attendee at group events, the featured dish isn't the big draw... Hot dogs or bologna would do nicely, too, as far as I'm concerned. The real reason I like mudbugs, actually, is that they provide the focus for one of life's grandest and most joyous celebrations by some of America's most interesting people... It's as much a state of mind as it is a dietary intake thingy... I'll be looking for you at future events...

DDT

Your killing us, Bruce.  Softly.  With pork.



I think there was a song that went kinda like that.   ???

You're pushing the limits with the apron pic, and Willow could ban you for violating the Rules of the Road.   

Seth,

Sorry for any pain I may have inflicted! I do enjoy pork, though, and that seems to be a not so well kept secret... I reckon I need some more sensitivity training, huh...? I normally tread softly, but that apron shot... well, it just seemed to fit with the narrative and storyline... its exclusion would have taken away an aspect of things that really should have been included... Personalities are definitely part of the mix comprising the message... Maybe I need to point out with emphasis that I also really like fish and poultry; shoot, I even like salads, too! Maybe a corn boil should be considered... Now corn is something in humongous abundance in the upper mid-west... yeah, including the 'mitten', too!!!

DDT

That Pig would be right at home at an early bird dinner for next years Inzane.
Book him now?

Jim

Jim,

I agree! Fact is, that porker would make a fine feature for just about any event... well, except of course those for folks with a religious prohibition... Don't mean to offend anybody in one of those categories, but... it's just one of those things we can good-naturedly poke a little fun at. Man, this PC hyper-awareness stuff makes it hard to joke around sometimes... Oh well... Back to you, Jim... I appreciate your comment and suggestion! Man, it sure was good running into you again in Clinton! Hope to see ya some more!

DDT

[Patrick]

Ah man, now I'm hungry again. And all I'm having now is perch.

[DDT (12)]

Ah man, now I'm hungry again. And all I'm having now is perch.

Patrick,

Perch is good... in sufficient quantity. Pork is more filling; however,... Hey, I had an inspiration... so, what do you think? A 'Broccoli Boil'... Nah, that would never fly... Shoot, if I did attend one of those, you can be pretty sure there'd be a 'Whopper' or two discretely hidden in our girl's saddle bag... I seriously doubt 'Vegans' will ever be asked to plan any get-togethers for us... However, back to that perch mention you made... A fish-fry ain't a bad notion at all! Heck, I could really get up for one of those!!! Keep those splendid ideas coming!!!

DDT

[Oss]

I'll just arrive with a corned beef sandwich and sit in the corner

No worries  Besides for sure Carl will have a few burgers for me as well

It is not like you said ch)()*e cooties for heavens sakes

Seems people are losing their Sh i t  more and more these days

[DDT (12)]

I'll just arrive with a corned beef sandwich and sit in the corner

No worries  Besides for sure Carl will have a few burgers for me as well

It is not like you said ch)()*e cooties for heavens sakes

Seems people are losing their Sh i t  more and more these days

Evan,

Really!!! It seems like I took another innocent nap... then I woke up to 'woke' hysteria! Could it be my white privilege asserting itself, or would this be more that masculine toxic thingy coming out? I'm so confused... Heck, I don't even have severe emotional swings no matter which restroom I use... I reckon I'm just deplorable, huh...?

DDT

[Patrick]

Ah man, now I'm hungry again. And all I'm having now is perch.

Patrick,

Perch is good... in sufficient quantity. Pork is more filling; however,... Hey, I had an inspiration... so, what do you think? A 'Broccoli Boil'... Nah, that would never fly... Shoot, if I did attend one of those, you can be pretty sure there'd be a 'Whopper' or two discretely hidden in our girl's saddle bag... I seriously doubt 'Vegans' will ever be asked to plan any get-togethers for us... However, back to that perch mention you made... A fish-fry ain't a bad notion at all! Heck, I could really get up for one of those!!! Keep those splendid ideas coming!!!

DDT

Well, during the winter we have quite a few fish-fries. I like salt water and its fishing. There's nothing like a couple buckets full of Yellow-tails, Hogs or even some Grouper.
A friend and I like to wander thru the mangroves looking for Snapper.
I enjoy cooking.