2011 SELA gathering Oct 28,29 and 30

I noticed many of us are reluctant to use new spices, cures and rubs because of their costs and shipping expense.

Let me know what you would like to try and if we get a couple of people to share I can order and then just split at the gathering.  I have a couple of pounds of Cure 2 and Cure 1 already if anyone wants to take home a sample.

Spices are pretty expensive when you buy in small quantities but if you buy in bulk the cost per ounce goes down dramatically.  I have a decent scale and some zip locks so it wouldn't be a problem sharing.  If you have any suggestions on what to order please let me know. I'll look around and try and get a good idea of how much money could be saved by having one large order and shipment.

OK  4 1/2 months out.  Time to ask for vacation time and you know, it may be time to change the oil in your truck, just saying. 

We look forward to having you come up for a visit and sharing a good time with us.  Looks like the game of the week will be Florida and Georgia on Saturday afternoon. 

A local company is currently installing Internet service in the area.  They have taken over a microwave tower and will deliver Internet by radio waves.  It is slower then DSL, about 1/2  meg down and 1/4 meg upload but at least its available.  I am trying to wait for WildBlue, it will be a lot faster but their satellite has been delayed and no turn on date has been set.  Main thing is that we should have some sort of Internet access so we will be able to post some action pics this year!

Get in touch with either Eman, ShooterRick or me for directions and more information.  If anyone is interested in spending an extra day or two either visiting New Orleans or the Gulf Coast let us know we can send you in the right direction for things to see and places to eat.

Al

Eman and ShooterRick

We are installing HughesNet at the farm Friday.  They have a special rate because of the rural investment act and the speeds are better then the new radio based services just made available.  I'll let you know this weekend if we have Internet at the site.  Now the board will never get away from me,  you know interneting at the house, interneting at the farm, interneting on the road with Liz's  Iphone.  Now if I could just get really reliable cell service.

Rick,  do you need firewood for the gathering.  All the rain we have had the last couple of days I decided to move the pecan undercover and go ahead and split it.  We'll have 4 months for the splits to finish drying.  Let me know if you need me to split some for you.

I am planning on going to Eunice a couple of weeks before the gathering to try and find some Hogzilla style green bacon at the Eunice Superette.  They are the local slaughter house and butcher their own pigs. They always have an interesting meat counter.   Do you already have the meat lined up or are you interested in making a visit to Eunice?  How about smoked stuffed ponce?  How about a half or quarter?   I'll also be passing by Targil butcher supply in Opelousas.  They have all the cures, mixes and tools used by the butcher shops and Cajun restaurants.  I plan on having extra spices and cures at the event so I want to check their bulk prices.  Maybe they'll accept the tax number for my business and we can order wholesale? 

Bob,  did McKenzie say anything about renting a couple of trailers for the weekend.  I would think he wouldn't be interested but we never know.  You are a better talker then I am but if you are not able to get with him or if he is hesitant let me know and I drive by and visit with him and his wife for a little while.  They are less then 10 miles from the farm and usually have a bunch of small, used trailers in the yard.

If I can get the tractor shed and new bedroom finished in all this heat Liz and I will probably take a little backpacking vacation to the Rockies at the end of September.  Go see the Aspens change color.  Still in the planning stages but I would like to finalize anything still up in the air so that the vacation doesn't interfere.

I hope to pick up my honeybees this weekend.  I'll place the new hives by the old farm house so they won't be in the way but if someone has never seen an open bee hive it may be interesting.  I have a spare suit and veil.

Al

Well, dad gummit Rick.  Better get the Elmer's glue all cause I cut them logs about 10 -12 inches long.  I am sure the smaller splits will work just fine for you.  I'll split enough for both your 48 and my 36 plus what I need for the smokehouse.    You know if I get to go to Colorado for vacation do you thing I can get that buffalo brisket at a better price?  Maybe I'll do a search for butchers up there and see what they sell it for. 

We need to start getting some of those young guys to come to the gathering,     and teach them how to swing a maul and axe!

Rick,

I found a butcher in Denver.  Don't know how these prices relate to what Eman found but if I'm up there with the truck I can bring an extra ice chest and pass through Denver on the way home. 

BUFFALO
STEAK

T-bone…………..14.99
Sirloin…………….10.69
Tip Sirloin………..7.99
New York ……….14.99
Rib Eye…………..14.99
Tenderloin fillet….18.99

ROAST

Chuck pot…………5.69
Rump……………...5.89
Tip sirloin…………5.89
Stew meat…………5.89
Short ribs………….4.69
BBQ ribs………….4.69
Ground……………5.99
Patties…2 lb pkg…11.99ea.
                 5 lb box...29.95ea.
Meatloaf…………..5.99
Liver………………1.99

Rick,

Glad Ruby has decided to come, I'm also excited about meeting some of the members that live in the area.  Really shouldn't be a problem for anyone within a couple of hours to come up and enjoy some great food.  

Looks like the Colorado trip is off for now.  Liz has a convention the week before we where planning on leaving and I don't think we can swing that much time away from the house.  We should still keep our eyes out for some Buffalo meat or maybe place a special order with one of the local packers.

Just wanted to touch base, I'm still planning a trip to Eunice to see about doing something special with some misc pig parts.  

Would you be interested in or able to putt a half of pig on your 48?  How big a half can the 48 handle?  If I special order I may be able to get a young pig that will fit your smoker.  We can do the brisket and other stuff on my 36   I'm hopping to have a pretty good turnout and a small half probably wouldn't be wasted.  We could always make the final decision as we get closer but when I talk to the butcher I'll need some idea of size.

Al

If you prefer to do the buffalo I'm real good with that.  Just thought I would throw another option out but you the man when it comes to Saturday's menu.  I don't have any real schedule to drive to Eunice but I would like to get over there before the gathering.

Between your new friend and Bob I can only imagine the lying, I mean story telling, going on