Loss of Truck Brakes and Blackberry Cobbler Drink of the Week

We were all watching the football game, our oldest son, my brother, my brother in law and we had ordered pizza for dinner.  I volunteered to run to pick it up at half time since I was the only one not drinking beer.  Little did I know I would be taking my life in my hands.  I am really thankful to be home in one piece.  Just a minute, I need to refill my

glass....

So, halftime came and I jumped in the truck to go pick up the pizzas.  It was a normal trip, I ground a few gears as I shifted, but I am getting much better at shifting this old truck.  I ran into the restaurant got the pizzas and was back in the truck in no time.  I pulled out of the parking lot and noticed I kind of rolled through the stop sign.  I really didn't think much about it, there was no traffic and I stopped, eventually.  I drove around the block to get back to the main road and hit a red light.  I hate hitting red lights in the truck because you have to come to a complete stop before you can shift down and lots of times the light has already changed and everyone behind you is waiting. 

Well, I hit the brakes and didn't stop.

At least not until I was dead center in the intersection.  Thank goodness I was the first at the intersection and no one was speeding through.  I shifted and pulled through, wondering what I had done wrong.  I had 4 more stop lights before I made it home and I needed to get this figured out.  The next stop light was coming up and it was red. I was driving really slow and I hit the brakes, nothing.  I pumped the brakes, nothing.  The light turned green and the line in front of me moved before I ever made it to the intersection, and I drove slowly through.  The same thing happened at the remaining 3 intersections (someone was sure watching out for me that day) and I made it to my neighborhood shaking but in one piece.

I was going really slowly, but when I got to our driveway I felt like I was going too fast and we had several extra cars in the driveway, I didn't want to wreck my truck.  So, I drove down the street, turned around at the end of the road and headed back.  I still felt uncomfortable pulling into the driveway so I pulled in front of my bother in law's truck...and didn't stop until I was sitting in front of the neighbor's driveway, blocking their cars. No problem, I backup up a little.  But it was a problem because the truck kept backing up and was getting closer and closer to my brother in law's truck, I just knew I was going to back into it.  Again, someone was watching out for me because I stopped just inches from making impact.  I grabbed the pizzas and wobbled into the house.

"Why didn't you park in the driveway?" Dave asked when I came through the door.

I burst into tears and told him the whole story. He went outside to check.  One of my brake lines has split and leaked all the brake fluid.  By the time I got to the restaurant, all the fluid had leaked out and I had no brakes left.

So, the truck is parked for the winter.  We will worry about brakes in the spring. And after I stopped crying I had a drink.  I needed it after that.

Blackberry Cobbler

6 blackberries

1 tsp. confectioner's Swerve, or several drops of stevia

dash of vanilla

2 oz. spiced rum

sparkling water, I used blackberry but lime would be good too

Place blackberries in a glass, add sweetener and vanilla.  Muddle the blackberries until completely crushed.  Add rum and top off with sparkling water, stir carefully.  Top with ice and enjoy.

Makes 1 drink

1 year ago:    The Great British Bake-Off and Madera Cake

3 years ago:   Grain Free Pizza Crust

7 years ago:    The Change in Luck and Chocolate Hazelnut Cake with Nutella Frosting

September 25, 2020  Sunrise 7:44 am  Sunset 7:38 pm  Temp. H 48/ L 37°F

Truck Show

Dave has been spending every free minute on Grandpa's Truck.  Our oldest son has come over to help, my brother-in-law comes over, even the neighbor boys will see Dave working and call out and see if he needs help.  Since all the easy jobs are done, I'm pretty worthless, but I do what ever task Dave sets out for me.  Dave has really done the lion's share of the work on this.

A couple weekends ago, there was an antique car show at Chatanika Lodge about 30 miles outside of Fairbanks.  The truck was almost done, still some work to do, but street legal (I drove it to the grocery store once) and Dave wanted to take it to the show.  We trailered the truck (Some pretty steep hills to get there), bought a couple cases of canned food (the entry price, it was an event to support the Fairbanks Food Bank), loaded up the camper and off we went.  

We dropped the truck off at Chatanika Lodge and then went up to the Chatanika camp ground and parked the motorhome for the weekend.  On Saturday morning we went back to the Lodge and attended the car show.  It was a very fun day looking at all the antique cars, talking about what we did, what we still have to do, struggles with the engine, the story of my Great Grandpa buying the truck new in 1950 and then giving it to my Grandpa Tony and now I have it, how Dave surprised me with the truck, and what color we are going to paint it...someday (right now it is a beautiful primer grey).

At the end of the afternoon there are awards for things like, best interior, best antique, best hot rod, and WE won BEST TRUCK! It was very exciting, and Dave got a giant trophy to display in the garage!  

My truck, pictures of my grandpa, and Dave's trophy.

My grandpa Tony, I don't know if this is his truck
he is sitting on.

My Grandpa and Grandma McFadden, this
is how I remember them.

Dave taking a break after working on the truck.

So, we still have some work to do, but I'm driving it when ever I need to go someplace, Dave has driven it to work a few times too. We've driven it to get ice cream twice this week, I really need to practice shifting that old truck. We will have to park it for the winters, so we are driving it now while we can.  I sure do love my old truck.

1 year ago:    Raspberry Lemon Drop and Dad Watering the Garden

3 years ago:   Dutch Baby and Being an Active Sleeper

5 years ago:   Talkeetna Zipline

7 years ago:   Braces and Oatmeal Cream Sandwich Cookies

August 14, 2020  Sunrise 5:36 am  Sunset 10:11 pm  Temp. H 71/ L 46°F

Truck Update, Making Groceries Last and French 75

Dave has found some extra time to work on the truck.  It has been sitting for a while because he has decided he doesn't like working on it with me.  I am not strong enough, I don't know what I am doing, and I try his patience, so he works on the truck and I ooohhhh and aaaahhh over the results.  This is really a win-win because working on the truck isn't my favorite thing to do.

He has made a lot of progress.

So, he has made some progress.  The new fuel pump is on, the new carburetor is on, some rust stopping paint has been applied, new water pumps installed and the new fenders made it to town!  I am very excited.

While he is busy in the garage with the truck, I'm busy at work or in the house.  Dave did the grocery shopping about two weeks ago, and while we have plenty to last the next month, some of the fresh produce is at the end of its fresh life.  I roasted the last of the fresh tomatoes and will be making tomato soup. I froze the last two heads of cauliflower for later use, and I froze some bell peppers before they all had to be thrown away.

I have reinstated the one adult drink a week rule. I should make a rule about wearing real pants at least one day a week so be sure I can still fit in them, but I don't really need that kind of negativity right now.  This drink of the week, the French 75, is a classic.  You can make it with gin or vodka and you can make a simple syrup or just mix a little confectioner's Swerve into the drink to make it a bit easier.

French 75

1/2 oz. lemon juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup or 1 tsp. granulated Swerve, or sweetener of choice
1 oz. gin, I love Bombay Gin
3 oz. champagne
lemon twist

Cut a ribbon of lemon zest from a lemon, set aside.  Cut lemon and juice it, set aside.

In a shaker, filled with ice, add lemon juice, simple syrup or sweetener and gin.  Shake well, strain into glass.  Top with champagne.  Twist the lemon peel over the top of the drink and then add it.  Enjoy.

We woke up to this snow this weekend.  I don't know
why he is clearing the cars, it's not like we can
go anywhere!

1 year ago:    Rhubarb Coffee Cake and the Mean Trick
7 years ago:   Oven Baked Onion Rings

April 9, 2020  Sunrise 6:35 am  Sunset 9:11 pm  Temp H26/ L 8°F

Update on the Truck and Cheese Wrapped Hotdogs

Dave has been working hard on the truck.  I've been helping the day or two I'm home between trips.  The last weekend I was home we got the last couple bolts out, both front fenders off, and the radiator drained and out.  Thanks to the hippy boy for helping! 

So, with all this work we needed lunch that was fast, filling and delicious.  I have been craving hot-dogs, something about spring and summer just scream hot-dogs to me, so I planned cheese covered hot dogs and these don't disappoint.

Notice the gate across the garage door, so the dogs don't come "help"

Draining the radiator

Pieces and parts, and a bird's nest from the neighbor

An old bird's next the neighbor cleaned off his window top. 
I collect them and put them in my greenhouse.

Heat your hotdogs thoroughly.

Use two pieces of cheese for each hotdog.
Fry your cheese; colby jack for me, pepper jack for Dave.
Add your desired toppings, I like mustard.

Once the cheese is crispy on one side, roll the hotdog to cover.

I used an offset spatula to help with the rolling.

Continue to fry until cheese is crispy and golden brown.

Dave chose to have kielbasa along with his hotdog.

Cheese Wrapped Hotdogs
hot dogs, kielbasa, and/or smoked sausage
two slices of cheese per hotdog, I like Sargento
mustard, ketchup or relish, optional

Heat skillet or griddle to med-high heat, I heated my griddle to 350°F.  Heat hotdogs until warmed through. Move to one side of the griddle.  Place two slices of cheese on griddle - overlapping edges a bit.  Heat until bottom of cheese is browned.  Place hotdog on cheese and lift edge of cheese with a knife of offset spatula.  Using spatula to help, roll hotdog with cheese to fully circle it.  Continue to cook cheese wrapped hotdog until all sides are golden brown.  Serve with condiments.


1 year ago:   Treats for My Neighbor - Raspberry Cream Cheese Brownies
3 years ago:  Smoked Paprika Rubbed Pork Tenderloin and the Fall 
5 years ago:  Tips from the Road and Getting Tired, Grumpy and Forgetful
7 years ago:  Anita's Green Drink and Throwing Sausages and My Mother in Law

April 16, 2019  Sunrise 6:12 am  Sunset 9:31 pm  Temp. H 49/ L 27°F

Grandpa's Truck Update #1

We started working on the truck last weekend.  The first order of business was to clean out the fuel system.  The gas tank had to be removed and cleaned since it has unused gas sitting in it for the last 12 years or so.  In order to get to the gas tank, which sits in the cab behind the seat, we had to take out the seat.  This gives us the opportunity to clean the cab well and replace the interior cab lining.

We got the bench seat out, and the tank.  I found about 30 paper receipts from when my grandpa would run down to the hardware store and get something for one of his projects.  Each receipt was for $4.47 or $3.99. It was sweet and sad to see them.  Then I did a good vacuum of the cab.

We unhooked the battery and started unhooking the fuel system.  We worked our way to the carburetor, we are having someone rebuild it for us, but so far we haven't been able to get it off.  It is stuck on with about 60 years of gunk.  We decided to stop there and tackle the carburetor removal during the week.

So, a little step on the road to restoration.  I'm pretty excited and Dave will need to drink more beer!  I really want to be driving this come spring.

Gman checked out the truck when he was visiting in November.

1 year ago:   Pork Dust
3 years ago:  Adult Blondies and Heading Back to School for the Baby Boy
5 years ago:  Tattoos and Crock Pot Chocolate Nut Clusters

January 23, 2019  Sunrise 10:04  Sunset 4:01  Temp H 13/ L 6°F

The Big Surprise aka How Dave is a big Fat Liar

Sometimes there are just no words for how surprised you are and how wonderful that surprise is.  And, what a big fat liar someone or someones can be.

My husband has been talking about his elk hunting trip with my brother for months. He got his ticket to Denver packed his gun and off he went.  I received a text saying my brother picked him up and then a text saying he wouldn't have cell signal on the ranch he was going to for the hunt. That is pretty common in Alaska, so I didn't think a thing about it. Four days later I got a text saying he was back from the hunt and getting ready to fly home. No elk, it was unusually hot and they just didn't see any elk moving on the property they had permission to hunt on. Nothing unusual about any of that.

During that time I talked to my mom on the phone. I talk to her a couple times a week. And I checked in with my dad and mom in Arizona, again nothing unusual. My brother in law came and took me to dinner one night while Dave was gone, just a regular week. Dave got home and we continued on with our regular routine.  I left for a work trip, I got home, same stuff another day.

On Friday I texted Dave that we should go camping.  It was cold at night, but it hasn't snowed and stayed yet and we could enjoy the cool evening with a campfire.  Then I started thinking about how I just got home, and I'm headed out again next weekend so I texted and said no, we should stay home.  Dave replied that we should stay home because he was going to Tazlina to help our friends, Danny and Donna and family, pull in the fish wheel.  Made sense, and Danny was picking up his 4-wheeler this weekend so Dave didn't have to pull the trailer down.

So, Saturday morning came, I met a friend for coffee (now that Donna has abandoned me to live closer to her grandchildren, other friends have stepped up for coffee dates, I must have been really pathetic), I went to the grocery store and I came home.  My brother in law stopped for coffee and I was just sitting down for lunch when Dave texted me from the front yard.  Danny and Donna had just arrived and he wanted me to come outside to help load the 4-wheeler.  I looked out the window and there were like 8 people in the yard, but I needed to help...o.k.  I put my lunch away and went outside.

This is what happened when I went to "help" Dave load the wheeler.

You can see how happy I am to be the one person out of the 8 people out there that had to step on the corner of the trailer ramp.  Everyone had their phones out and I couldn't figure out why, also I hate getting my picture taken. And then when Dave asked me if I had it, like I can't step on the corner of the board, and I'm the one who has to do that?  Then Danny tells me that it may not fit, so I turn to look at the empty trailer to see why the wheeler won't fit.  Oh my, I was so shocked I can't even put it into words, there was Grandpa's truck.

Unloading the truck.

So, the elk hunt was a ruse.  Dave flew down to Denver and my brother did pick him up, but they drove to Montana (the cell silence for 4 days so they wouldn't slip and give it away) and met our friends Danny and Donna and loaded the truck into D&D's trailer.  Dave and my brother drove back to Denver and Dave flew home.  Danny and Donna drove the truck, along with some special family treasures, back to Alaska.  To add to the deceit, Dave had posted pictures of his elk hunt on his Facebook page, turns out he was just crouching next to some bush in my mom's front yard.

Dave "hunting" 

Now, when I talked to my mom on the phone, Dave was sitting next to her and she never breathed a word.  My dad and mom knew about this plan and I had spent a couple days with them when I went to Arizona for work, and they never let on about any of it.  Apparently, everyone knew, the girl that cuts my hair, all our neighbors, everyone Dave works with...and I never had a clue.  And of course everyone had to stop by to see the truck and laugh about how they knew about this for months and I was in the dark.

I was a little emotional the whole weekend, we did get it to run for about 15 seconds, but we have a lot of work to do, that truck sat for about 8 years or so.  I was gone last week for work and Dave got the garage rearranged and the truck in the garage for the winter.  We have a new winter project.  I can't wait for next summer when I'll be driving my grandpa's truck.

Dave and I agreed that we are done with surprises.  We are too old and my heart can't take it anymore!

2 years ago:  Pumpkin cheesecake with Praline Topping and the Cake Drop

3 years ago:  Fruit Cake Martini and Early Christmas Shopping

5 years ago:  Autumn Fruit Tart and an Attitude of Gratitude

October 15, 2018  Sunrise 8:44 am  Sunset 6:27 pm  Temp. H 46/ L 26˚F

Grandpa's Truck

We were in Montana the last 10 days.  My grandma passed away last October and we had her celebration of life last week in Deer Lodge.  I was pretty sick last winter about that time and I don't think I really processed everything.  Going to her empty house, the simple service at her gravesite, and visiting with family, hearing stories about her, and seeing some very old pictures gave me some closure.  She was something else, that is for sure.

My Grandma and Grandpa McFadden. 
I am named after this grandpa.

One afternoon, my step mom, aunt and I sat and looked through photo albums my grandmother had kept.  We looked at pictures of my family, my cousins, relatives I didn't know and pictures of my dad and uncle.  I realized I had never seen any pictures of my dad when he was little.  I sent this picture to the curly haired boy.  We now know where the curls came from.

My dad about 3 years old.

I also found some old pictures of us growing up.  Old pictures are so fun.

L to R:  Me, my sister, my older brother

My mom

We came across the wedding pictures of my step mom and dad, I hope my dad remembers to send me copies of those (hint, hint...dad if you see this...).

One of the big jobs we had was to move my grandpa's 1950 F-1 Ford truck from the garage into storage.  The truck is mine now and we needed to get it out of grandma's house.  We expected a difficult time, but we rented a car hauler and pulled it back to Helena and into storage.  The goal is to bring it home next summer.  I've got some time to figure out a plan.  We also spent about 6 hours over two days at DMV getting the title changed from my grandpa to me.  All was accomplished and I feel very grateful to my husband, my two brothers that helped, my dad and my uncle.  I can say mission accomplished.

Pushed out of the garage and ready to load.

Ready for the trip to the storage unit.

So, we are home now.  Settled into the new work week and getting back in our regular routine.  Family visits are so fun and I'm looking forward to the next one, next year.

2 years ago:  Surprise!
3 years ago:  Chili Garlic Snack for my Brother
4 years ago:  Donut Strawberry Shortcake and Going to Work at 5:00am

June 12, 2018  Sunrise 3:05 am  Sunset 12:35 am  Temp. H 58/ L 43°F