Illinois Dean and The Quest for Poutine

Catchy Title. Rolls off the tongue. Squeaks like cheese curds on teeth. What!!! Melissa and I had dinner at a local restaurant tonight. On menu Poutine.

I had to give it a try. We had heard about this dish that supposedly originated in Quebec, Canada in the 1950s from some friends. We even had even seen it on an episode of No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain.

When the waitress set the dish in front of us, we were a little apprehensive. It kinda grows on you as you eat it though Melissa and I think we should go up north and give it a try. This dish is a regional take on the Canadian original which, is supposed to include real cheese curds. The dish we had contained shredded white cheddar cheese, fries, and beef gravy. After doing a little research this is obviously a low brow dish and some Canadians do not like to admit to eating Poutine.

Alley Cat Alert !!!

On many occasions we have found some article of food that has been molested by our beloved cats. Melissa and I for the most part have had to live the lifestyle of campers by securing all food products away in a safe place. This morning we had a breech of food security. The latest victim was a food sweetener called Purevia. The little packets are just too fun for Mallory to resist. She has a fetish with wrappers any wrapper. Any opening of a wrapper will bring her from anywhere in the house. Melissa and I may cannot start securing our food way up high like we were in bear country. Mallory is too smart for that. If it has a wrapper she will find a way to get to it and if she can't eat it. She will play with it.

The Crime scene.

Caught in the act!!!

For now Mallory has won. Until we find a better security system in place, Melissa and I will have to dance the soft shoe with Purevia at our feet.

Resolved

Melissa and I have resolved over the last couple of years that we have to drive on snow.

Snow Yet Again

Last night we got another couple inches of snow. I took a few shots from our porch at about 6 a.m. this morning. Today we are supposed to get some more snow along with some strong winds.

Before

After

(Above)The snow is piled up on the truck. Notice the snow shovel on the hood. It is touching the top of the hood.

More Snow

I hate to beat a dead horse but the other day we got dumped on again. The official report was said to be 11 inches. Sure seems to be a lot more than that. The interesting part is that the snow continues to pile up along the roads. Melissa and I had seen a stop sign today that had snow piled up at least 4-5 feet above the sign.

This is I-95 North. The road is well taken care of.

Rural Route Winter

Ice

Got out this morning and shot some ice that has formed on a bluff just off Valley Ave. It is a winter wonder land

New Day

A cold New Year morning. -1 degrees, factor the wind chill -20 below. More to come...