Good Friends, Good Food, Good Times

Hey Yo:

So, last Saturday, Donna & I had my Buddy (Boom Boom... or Kenneth Earl) and his Bride of one year, Pat, over for dinner, lots of libations, games, and laughs.  I think it was a success.  I'll share...  mostly in pictures.

Some Background...

Kenneth Earl and I go all the way back to December of 1991.  Test day for the Arson Investigator Promotional Test while we were in the Houston Fire Department.  We would meet for the first time shortly after the test was over in the review room.  He had ranked #3 on the list while I wound up right behind him at #4.  We went on to attend the Police Academy as well as Arson Training together.  And, while in Arson, we would spend pretty much the next 16 years as Partners, chasing the 'Bad Guys.'  I retired in 2007 and he was a year or so behind me. 

Almost 2 years ago, he met the woman who would become his future wife, Pat.  In 9 days, they will celebrate their 1st Wedding Anniversary.  My Buddy is a changed man and he has Pat to thank for it.  She has stepped into his life and broken the "bubble' he had lived in for so long.  Thank You Pat!!!  The two of you are a perfect match and the happiness that each of you display is genuine and loving.  Happy (upcoming) Anniversary.

Some Pics...

Kenneth Earl & Pat:  All Smiles...

My Little Bride & Myself...  All Smiles too

I got My Man to try one of my Hats on...  He may be Hooked!!! 

In The Kitchen...

I had been thinking of what I was going to cook for a few weeks.  From the moment Donna & I invited them to come over, I was sure of one thing:  Whatever I prepared, I absolutely wanted to "knock it out of the park."  There were lots of choices.  But I settled on a dish that I had not made in a long time.  It had been so long in fact, that Donna did not even remember the dish and was, therefore, skeptical.  So, the pressure was on to make sure I "cleared the fences with my one and only swing." 

The Before...

I love being "In The Kitchen" and I prepare dishes from many websites and or recipe's.  The fun is in the preparation and the payoff is hearing Donna say, "Wow Babe, we could serve this to company."  My reply is usually, "That's what I was shooting for."  So, for Kenneth Earl and Pat's visit, I chose a 'Sweet and Fiery Pork Tenderloin' recipe with an awesome 'Mango Salsa.'  Donna suggested my very own 'Slu's Mashed Potatoes.'  I would also serve Broccoli & Carrots.  Donna would visit the Cheesecake Factory for dessert.  I think we had every imaginable wine ever bottled.  Seriously!!!  And I had my Whiskey.

For the Tenderloin, the recipe would come from a website I use often. Skinnytaste.com has amazing recipe's and I have used several of them.  I don't think I have been disappointed yet.  The Link for this Tenderloin Recipe is here...  My finished Tenderloin pic is right here:

The Tenderloin with a 'Sweet & Fiery' Glaze on it...

I totally forgot to take a pic of the Mango Salsa, until after dinner, but here is a small sampling of what was truly amazing:  Mango, Garlic, Cilantro, Jalapeno, Salt, Pepper, & Lime Juice...  YUM!!!

And a pic of 'Slu's Mashed Potatoes.'  Not gonna lie...  They were good:

And, oh yes, there was dessert...  Can you say Chocolate Mousse???

Wine Anyone???



Speaking of wine, it was One Year ago that we introduced Kenneth Earl and Pat to the pleasure of "Choco-Shots."  So yes, the tradition continues...

 Game Time...

After dinner and dessert, it was game time.  A new game called Quelf.  The bottom of the box says it all:  "Where you OBEY the Card."  Holy Smokes!!!

But, We were Ready to Play...

Yes, that would be me, having to wear a toilet paper head wrap until somebody rolled a #4.  Totally drew the wrong card on that particular roll.  A #4 would not be rolled for a while...  Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!

And Kenneth Earl had to "nasal sing/hum" the National Anthem through his...  well, you get it.  And Pat earned points, unbeknownst to her at the time, for standing and putting her hand over her heart.  LOL (a phone pic while laughing)

This was a crazy game that requires participants to do absolutely crazy things...  the above pics are just a couple.  I can tell you this.  There were plenty of laughs and...  no never mind.

A long overdue FUN night with our good friends.  The food was quite good (if I may say so).  The Libations were plentiful and amazing as well.  Game time was a blast.  Life is good...  That's what it's all about.

Just for Grins:  Friday Night Potato Soup...

I would be remiss if I neglected Donna's time "In The Kitchen" on Friday.  She made her famous Potato Soup and I made Cornbread.  Holy Smokes!!!  We had the kids over and there were no leftovers...  It was that good.  I'll have to get Donna to share her recipe.  Truly amazing.  Just a couple of pics (as you can see, I love chives)...  I wish I could articulate the flavor of her soup.  Wow!!!

 Takin' it "To the House"

Houston Texans Football:  Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!  Broken Record...

Market Watch:  The 'Gov Shutdown' is over.  That said, the numbers reflect happy times.  The Dow closed yesterday at 15,371...  Facebook climbed to 52.21 at the close yesterday.

Music:  In honor of such a crazy game, and because I heard it on the radio this week, I give you:  Jump Around by House of Pain.  Enjoy...  (source)

The End:  In the books yet again...  Thanks for the visit.  Hope to see ya back on Mix Tape Tuesday.  Til then...

Be safe, be smart, and always show your Smile...  It's "Happy Friday"

adios...  vaya con dios