Dry Aging

For the past month Randy has had a big hunk of Prime Rib sitting in a container on the top shelf of a big cooler. Today he decided that was long enough and took it out. Funny things happen to beef when you let it set that long....

It's called dry aging and apparently will result in amazing meat. The first thing to do is clean it and trim off anything that looks funky.

Then start slicing it into really thick steaks.

It was so well dry aged that cutting it took quite a bit of muscle - fortunately Randy was able to handle that.

He cut several wonderful steaks ...

and left the rest as a big ol' Prime Rib roast. 

Now, what to fix for dinner?

And goodbye to Hollywood Studios

One last trip to Hollywood Studios. Our favorite thing here is the Tower of Terror. This is a great ride, and today we got one of the extra long, extra bouncy rides!

We went on Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, a fairly new ride. While we were waiting in line we noticed the concrete blocks with the handprints of 3 of the Golden Girls, including Betty White. 

The lines for the Star Wars rides were too long for us so we just enjoyed the scenery. They have done a really nice job in this area. They just need more rides

As we headed to the front of the park to leave, we got a nice surprise: Indiana Jones' Adventure is open again! There are a few changes - they have fewer cast members on stage and they don't use any of the audience, but it was still good to see it open.

And as we left, Mickey and Minnie were out on the balcony, saying goodbye to us!

On our way out we pre-ordered pizza at Giodano's, so when we arrived we didn't have to wait very long. Such good pizza!

Goodbye to Magic Kingdom

This will be our last day at Magic Kingdom for a while. Our annual passes are almost ended and we decided not to renew them (yet). And on this, our last day at Magic Kingdom, THE TRAMS ARE RUNNING! After 2 years, finally! We love walking around Disney but by golly, the trams should run!

We took the boat from the parking lot to the park, giving a nice view of the Monorail running in front of the Main Street Hall and Cinderella's Castle. 

Disney is not having big parades yet but they have worked their way up to small parades, with one float and a few characters. Not sure why this is more Covid-safe than a big parade, but at least it's a step in the right direction! Today Gaston was leading the way, showing off as usual!

We walked through the passage way in Cinderella's Castle, admiring the beautiful mosaics.

We didn't get on a ride today because the crowds were overwhelming. So we went to the Hall of Presidents show, which is always inspiring. 

Next, to celebrate the year, we got Dole whips. These are one of the premier treats at Disney...but it didn't seem as flavorful as it used to be. 

Then we went to Gaston's Tavern for the wonderful LeFou's Brew. I've had this a couple of times and kept telling Randy how good it was, so we got some. But not only was it not as good, this was something quite different! None of the creamy, marshmallowy flavor. Another good thing gone.

We are worrying that the next good thing to go will be the Monorail. We have always loved this system but now that the Skyliner is running, the Monorail may not be here much longer. 

It's getting cold this week...

It's going to get cold this week; at least, cold by Florida standards. That means at least below 40, and probably freezing. Our friends who run "Friends of the Homeless" asked if we could get some warm jackets and sweaters for them to distribute to the homeless. OK! Randy and I got a bunch and spread the word at church. We were able to take a lot of warm clothing over to them - hope it helps!

Food as a ministry

Randy loves food and has found another way to use it to help others. Every month he makes 30 meals for the homeless in our town. Sometimes it's pulled pork sandwiches with baked beans, coleslaw, and cookies.

Another time it might be sausage, green beans, mashed potatoes, and brownies.

Linda and Mike Galat of "Friends of the Homeless" pick up the lunches and deliver them along their route, where people in need know where and when to find them. 

January's church dinner

Time for Randy to fix another meal for our church family. This time it was pulled pork, which is one of his specialties.  

He didn't have any help cooking, but he did get some help tasted testing!

Fortunately everything passed the test, so the volunteers from the youth group were able to serve folks. 

And it was all great - pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, and cole slaw, followed by pies made by Kathy Gaal. 

January Food Pantry

Today was Food Pantry day at church, and Randy's group of volunteers showed up, ready for business.

Ready for a little fun, too!

Randy and I had boxes prepped ready to go. We made boxes for 1 person or 2 people. Then we could give out boxes according to the need: a 5 person family received two #2 boxes and one #1 box. 

Kathy G has worked with another food panty for several years so she is comfortable talking, listening, and praying with our guests. 

The others brought out boxes and loaded up the car!

Out and About with the Dieckows

Lance and Janice are back in Florida. We spent some time with them in 2018 and 2019 but haven't visited since then (thanks, covid). So we took the opportunity to catch up at one of our favorite restaurants, Columbia. We have been to the one in St. Augustine but this was the first time we ate at the original. It's a lot fancier. And bigger, too - it takes up the whole block.

Lots of beautiful tile work, inside and out.

After we chatted a bit, we got down to the serious business of ordering lunch. That turned out to be very easy because we all wanted the same thing: the famous 1905 salad, paired with a Cuban sandwich on the famous Columbian bread. 

Per Janice's recommendation we added garlic shrimp to the salad. Garlic shrimp is always welcome, although this salad doesn't really need add-ons - it's perfect!

After lunch they had to take their dog to the vet so we parted ways. So glad to catch up with them!