I don't know if the mojitos I made looked good or bad, but they tasted okay. Admittedly, the first I made was quite strong as I used a random shot glass from the cupboard, only to find out later it was a double shot glass.
But with the last of the sun for a while and the breeze quickly picking up to signal the coming drop in temperature, a strong drink while grilling some vegetables and chicken was acceptable. And the second round I made myself (as my wife was fine with the first) was much easier on the palate and pretty decent. I think I prefer the normal white rum version, but since I had an unopened bottle of dark rum sitting in the cupboard for five-plus years, that is what got used instead of buying more.
Some alcoholic drinks go bad before we even open them here.
Mostly beer. Because I sometimes buy some when we are having friends over, and then since I don't drink beer, they go off before the next occasion. I should just make people take them home with them instead, as at least they will be enjoyed.
Our grill is inherited from my in-laws, and I think it is on its last legs. I will do a thorough clean while it is raining to see if I can get it up and running again, but it just doesn't heat hot enough anymore. Though, to be fair, it never really did much better. Not all grills are created equal and this one is not great. I always find my father-in-law a bit funny, because he is so cheap when buying things like a grill or tools, but has spent massive amounts on cars in the 15 years I have known him.
I think he has it backwards.
Cars are pretty meaningless, but the things you use often should be practical and quality of possible. I have a friend similar to my father-in-law, who will skimp on spending small amounts for things he will use often and enjoy, but has changed his car four times in the last six years. It comes down to preferences of course, but it just seems silly.
My friend knows he is silly.
But, since I am not ready to drop any money on a decent barbecue myself, I will try to get the old one running as best as I can, and make do with whatever it can do as is. What I will have to spend some money on is more paint for the basement, as what I have done so far ended up soaking in so much extra, there is no longer enough to do the garage side. I think when I do the garage side I will lay two primer coats instead of one, to see if it makes a difference with how much it soaks in.
But before getting back down into the basement work, the morning might be rain-free tomorrow, so we are planning our annual pilgrimage to pick raspberries on a farm to freeze and see us through the winter. It saves us about 40% on the current store prices, but far, far more if we were to buy them throughout the winter. This way, we can eat delicious raspberries (and strawberries which we bought this year) throughout the cold months and get some much needed vitamins.
Okay, we get vitamins from other things too - but berries are awesome.
It is going to be an early start though, because the rains are scheduled for around lunch time and it is a bit if a drive and then a bit of picking time. So, for now, I am going to head off to bed and see what the morning brings - because if it is raining already, we probably won't go.
Then it will be to the basement instead.
Taraz
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I will never understand the cost of ferrari / other luxury cars. Sure it is fast but that just means that you are more likely to get injured or at least fined. In my opinion a yacht is more interesting toy for rich people. But maybe this is because in the seas there is not many humans. As far as I concerned cars are items of mass production and more expensive ones are no better than cheaper cars. So if any car costs let's say 20+ k it already seems like a rip off to me. Even if I could drive I and had money to spare I would probably buy a cheap car. I believe I heard that using a car for a year or two it already loses considerable part of its value? Not to mention all the necessary insurance, repairs and technical checks...seems like a total waste to me.
I don't get the cost of cars either - though perhaps if I had so much money I didn't know what to do with it, I might buy fancy cars also.
Oh, it must be a gas grill huh? I only use charcoal, but I don't deny being a snob like that. I've never had a mojito though, they always seem interesting to me, but I never think to order one.
Charcoal is better. We have a little ball grill for charcoal, but haven't used it in years. My friend at the cottage had one of those egg ones, and that was fun!!
I'd love to have a kamodo style grill. My dad has one, but he paid a pretty penny for it and I don't really feel like he uses it to the full potential.
I think some people spend a lot on cars to show off... I just want my car to be luxurious and reliable. That is why we are driving old Mercedes S Class 2007 and old BMW X5 2019.
Yeah - I don't need much luxury, just some comfort. I have never really understood the "show off" part of cars, since who really sees you driving around? :D
I would come over often. :)
Sounds like you have a godo day ahead. Supposed to go to the farmers market this morning sometime.
For some exercise!
They don't have these here. Just supermarkets.
Probably need it more than the beer.
Some walls just like to eat paint.
Did you manage to get to picking or was it straight back to the dungeon for you? :)
Yes! We managed to go and finished just before the rains came :)
Yay! Nice timing XD
In my country as well people are now prepping for winter as vegetables prices have fallen down and now they can put pickled cucumbers and tomatoes. In the same as the fruit season is passing by, they are making a lot of jam from sour and bitter cherries. My parents are doing that as well.
I love pickled cucumbers!!!
Our bitter cherry trees will be ready in a few weeks and we have *heaps of fruit this year. Finns don't eat a lot of cherry though. I don't know why.
What is your favourite?
White bitter cherry jam is my favourite. And if you put that with some pancakes, it is an amazing desert.
I think spending alot on car and spending quite small on the things that really matters is a common practice among many people. Here i have a friend that drives exotic cars but he lives in as tenant, some times i will just tease him about it. I mean why can't he build a house, instead of buying cars
Does the car attract women? :D
A lot of them 😁, maybe that's why
I also believe it's better to spend money on things we use often because they make daily life easier. I don't drink alcohol, but I like the idea of preparing food outside with family or friends. Picking raspberries for winter is also a smart idea. We don't really do that here, but I like anything that helps save money and reduces waste.
It is probably a bit warm for raspberries there, no?
Do you think that by choosing to repair the old grill rather than replacing it, you’re finding more satisfaction in the process of 'making do' than you would have with a store-bought upgrade?
I think that preparing ahead rather than rushing when winter arrives is a good idea.
We have a proverb;
Prepare in summer, and you'll enjoy the winter.
Some see cars as identity markers, while others (like me/you/others) emphasize practicality and durability in everyday tools. It also raises the question of quality vs quantity: is it better to own fewer, well-made items that last, or to cycle through flashy purchases that don’t add much to daily life?
Thanks!