August 11, 2009
The Mic Is On: It’s a Virtual Cookout Tonight!
ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 6:59 pm
It’s Like Open Mic Only Different
Here’s how it works.
It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.
The rules are simple — be nice.
There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.
Bring Whatever You Like to Eat!
Let’s get some friends and enjoy the evening in the backyard. Let’s forget about bosses and mentors, outsourcing, or hiring a virtual assistant. We can talk about mosquitoes, and the fire burning, and maybe tell a story or two. Just like when we used to have time to do things like that …
Remember when?
Let’s bring it back for the heck of it!
image: sxc.hu
And, whatever else comes up, including THE EVER POPULAR, Basil the code-writing donkey . . . and flamenco dancing (because we always get off topic, anyway.)
Oh, and bring links of your favorite CookOut things to share!
–ME “Liz” Strauss
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134 Comments to “The Mic Is On: It’s a Virtual Cookout Tonight!”
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Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hey Liz!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Glenda,
How’d it go with those munchies last night?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
I remained munchie-less, unfortunately.
ME Liz Strauss said
That has a lot to do with why I decided to have a cookout tonight. I was going to do something else and I got up out of bed to rewrite the post because I kept thinking about you with the munchies. heh heh
Shirley @ Solo Business Marketing said
A cookout is perfect for this evening.
I jumped past the food and brought the smores.
Things on my mind for the cookout:
1. Looking for a contractor to renovate my kitchen.
2. What would it take for my cable company would bring back those great exercise videos they used to play?
3. See that hot dog on the grill? Don’t touch, it’s mine.
ME Liz Strauss said
Shirley!
Awesome to see you!
How’s business?
I’ve got plenty of hot dogs for you … and for Glenda, and for everybody who wants one!!
Klondike bars too!!
Char said
Hey Liz and Glenda - There is fresh corn on the cob cooking right now and hot dogs too - but it’s a cook-in at our house tonight - too darn hot to cook out.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Thanks Liz for thinking of me. I’ve been hungry for days, don’t know why. Anyway, I made some Heavenly Hash for our cookout.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Char!
Fresh corn on the cob is one of my all-time favorites. Oh man … I’m dying to have some …
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hey Char and Shirley!
ME Liz Strauss said
Glenda!
I didn’t know anyone made Heavenly Hash outside my hometown. What do you put in it?
My husband never heard of it until he met my family.
Char said
It is fabulous - my Mom got it at the Farmer’s Market Saturday. It’s so good this summer we have been eating it a few times a week.
Char said
Hi Shirley!
Israel said
Hi, first time here.
Just stoping by after placing 3 pork chops on my BBQ. Anyone?
Warm and humid, but such is life in the Tropics, Puerto Rico !
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Wow Liz, you even know what Heavenly Hash is! I knew you were wise. The usual - sour cream, mini marshmallows, mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, merichino cherries [how ever its spelled], and coconut. One of the things I can make. What do you put in it?
ME Liz Strauss said
I have to tell you, Glenda.
I never liked the stuff, but that sounds right … not sure that they used the coconut, pretty sure they used grapes — all kinds.
Char said
Glenda - we had Heavenly Hash at the kids swim team potluck - it was so good but I had no clue what it was called. Now I know what to look up to get a recipe.
ME Liz Strauss said
#14
Hey Israel!
Thanks for stopping by! Want to get to Puerto Rico. Bring pictures?
ME Liz Strauss said
Is it time to put out some salsa and chips?
ME Liz Strauss said
What’s everyone got their mouths’ full of sweet corn and hots, I bet.
Char said
Liz - how is the Chicago Social Media scene doing? You all always seem to be having fun and getting more people involved!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Char, the fancy people call it Ambrosia.
Marti_L said
Hi everyone!
Kansas City represented here with KC Strip steaks and BBQ beef brisket, swimming in sweet KC style BBQ sauce!
ME Liz Strauss said
If you’re tired of the cooking and the smoke, we can move across to the harbor and look at the boats.
http://twitpic.com/dk6ye
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hi Marti, good to see you!
ME Liz Strauss said
Char,
Social Media here is growing… and it’s very social. Last Tuesday was three tweetups in a row. We’re finding each other everywhere, but again every tweetup has plenty of people I’ve never met. The group sure is growing!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Wow, what a beautiful view, Liz !
ME Liz Strauss said
#22
Yeah, Glenda,
I’ve heard it called Ambrosia too!
I wonder which ethnic culture it’s attributed to.
Israel said
Hey Liz,
Watch this video: http://slide.com/t/0/2/fI6KNMQi-GAs
A brief collection!
You are wellcome here any time.
Ups, let run outside!
Char said
The marinas and boats were some of my favorite things about my visit to Chicago in May! I’m taking my plate of food over to a boat and relaxing there.
Marti_L said
Hi Liz, Glenda, Shirley, Char and Israel!
Where’s Joe?
Hope this finds all of you well tonight! What a fabulous spread!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Marti,
Awesome to see you!
Those KC Strips look awesome … and here I thought they shipped all of the good ones to Chicago!
Marti_L said
(whispering to Liz) We keep all the BEST meats hidden in a secret locker *grin*
Israel said
Hi Marti,
New here and enjoying.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Liz, according to Wikipedia, “In ancient Greek mythology, ambrosia (Greek: ????????) is sometimes the food, sometimes the drink, of the gods, often depicted as conferring ageless immortality upon whoever consumes it. It was brought to the gods in Olympus by doves (Odyssey xii.62), so may have been thought of in the Homeric tradition as a kind of divine exhalation of the Earth.” Who knew!
Marti_L said
I like all kinds of jello salads for summer meals. There’s a really good one made with cherry jello that substitutes Coca Cola for the liquid, so the jello tastes like cherry coke.
ME Liz Strauss said
#27 Huge view, small condo … heh heh
ME Liz Strauss said
#29 Israel,
You’re funny!
Marti_L said
Great to meet you Israel! Hope you’re having a good time. I’m a southern gal, can I get a glass of sweet tea or a bowl of banana pudding with vanilla wafers?
ME Liz Strauss said
#33
Marti, I always suspected you had something up your sleeve … who knew?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Marti, that sounds interesting! Wonder if it’d work with 7-up too, like sparkling jello???
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Liz, this isn’t helping with my munchies .
Marti_L said
Yes, Glenda, I’ve had it made with lemon-lime jello and 7-Up. You can throw in any kind of fruit you like too. The cherry jello one has chopped up cherries and pecans (which us hillbillies call PEE-cahns) LOL
ME Liz Strauss said
Glenda!
I love the story of Ambrosia, but I was wondering which culture came up with the marshmallow recipe …
Israel said
Sorry Marti,
This is the Caribbean.
Pina Coladas, Rum and Coke and any kind of colds.
No sweets anymore till later.
Marti_L said
Yes Liz, I am a tricky little minx - LOL!
Char said
#37 - once my kids are grown I am going to be finding myself a small condo with a huge view - I am very envious Liz!
Marti_L said
Oh Israel, I ADORE Pina Coladas! (Now my mouth is really watering)
I’ve never visited the Caribbean, but I hope I get to someday - it looks and sounds beautiful.
ME Liz Strauss said
Israel,
What do you mean “any kind of colds”?
ME Liz Strauss said
Char,
Pick a view that doesn’t get frozen four months a year, just sayin’
ME Liz Strauss said
Marti,
You’re a tricky little minx with the steaks and the paranormal stories who makes us laugh …
Char said
Liz - this is the view I am going for:
http://casualkeystrokes.com/kinsale-ireland-in-pictures-part-1/
On the southern coast of Ireland…
ME Liz Strauss said
Char,
Have you read the Diana Gabaldon books?
Israel said
Beers… mostly
But also various fruit mixed drinks (way pass the pina coladas), frappes and spceial local mixes that usually are made with plenty of ice…
Char said
No - what are they about?
Marti_L said
Char, Ireland is also on my list of places I hope I get to visit someday. It looks so beautiful, and my father’s people are from there.
Here’s a view from our pumpkin patch:
http://enterthelaughter.com/pumpkin-patch.jpg
Char said
Marti - Ireland is absolutely my favorite place on earth. My grandparents live there and I have visited many times. You have to go there one day.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Liz, a quick lesson in the history of marshmallows mentions Europe, Asia and Egypt. Perhaps on Homer’s travels, he came across marshmallows and added them to the ambrosia mix. Or, was it Gulliver? Who knows. Would you like some more?
ME Liz Strauss said
#53 Guarantee you read 1 you’ll want to read them all …
http://www.amazon.com/Outlander-Diana-Gabaldon/dp/0440212561
--Deb said
Hi folks! I’ve got an assortment of fresh yummies with me. Homemade bread, a blueberry crisp, a yogurt cake, a batch of fresh granola and some homemade yogurt.
(No, really! See? http://chappysmom.com/2009/08/09/no-whey/ )
Erica OGrady said
I’m bringing Rudy’s - The WORST BBQ in Texas
But my God is their BBQ Sauce incredible!!!
ME Liz Strauss said
Anyone for blueberry crisp with a Klondike bar? heh heh
--Deb said
Mmm … blueberry crisp and a Klondike Bar …
ME Liz Strauss said
#58
I think I’m going to make s’mores.
Gotta find some sticks first and build a fire on the beach.
Marti_L said
Char, the picture you linked is gorgeous! (sweet sigh)
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
S’mores work too!
Israel said
Marti,
you are wellcome. You and everyone, follow this link for an idea.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux5RBHOJIK0&feature=related
Marti_L said
Hi Deb! Your photo homemade bread, blueberry crisp, yogurt cake, batch of fresh granola and some homemade yogurt looks incredible! YUM!
(I am going to be so bloated after this - LOL)
--Deb said
Marti, I was BUSY on Sunday morning!
Char said
Ok Liz - I am going to grab one of her books next time I am at the library.
Marti_L said
We can watch shooting stars tonight too! The annual Perseid shower could send up to 200 meteors per hour streaking across the sky.
Thank you for the shout-out to my paranormal story, Liz. You are such a sweetie!
ME Liz Strauss said
Erica OGrady!!
So sorry you were stuck in moderation!!
Ruby’s BBQ!!
Come in girl!
--Deb said
Liz, I really liked the first Outlander book, thought the next 2 were okay, but then the whole thing fizzled for me. I’m a sucker for a good time travel story, though!
Israel said
BBQ here is done.
Nice meeting and talking to you all.
See YA!!
Hasta Luego,
Cheers!
Marti_L said
Meteor shower info:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20090811/sc_space/strongmeteorshowerexpectedtonight
“The annual Perseid meteor shower is expected to put on a good show this week for those willing to get up in the wee hours of the morning and wait patiently for the shooting stars.
In North America, the best time to watch will be between midnight to 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, but late Tuesday night and also Wednesday night could prove fruitful, weather permitting.
The Perseids are always reliable, and sometimes rather spectacular. The only things that puts a damper on the August show are bad weather or bright moonlight. Unfortunately this week, as the Perseids reach their peak Tuesday and Wednesday nights, the moon will be high in the sky, outshining the fainter meteors.”
Still, skywatchers around the globe will have a good chance of spotting the brighter meteors. Some already are enjoying the show.”
ME Liz Strauss said
Oh –Deb!
I got through 6 of them.
I think Jamie was the best hero in a novel EVAH!!
Marti_L said
Great to meet you, Israel - please come back!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hasta Luego, Israel!
cheers!
Marti_L said
Hi Erica! Have a glass of iced tea!
ME Liz Strauss said
[marti does her impression of Carl Sagan]
--Deb said
Liz, I just checked my list. I read the first three books twice, and the fourth one once, and then stopped (in 2004). (Excel reading lists are wonderful things.)
Marti_L said
LOL Liz!
It’s one of the best things about living out in the sticks, is we can see the stars shining so brightly, and enjoy meteor showers from a lawn chair in our front yard.
ME Liz Strauss said
#81
I think I need you to organize my life.
Marti_L said
Deb, a reading list is a great idea! I hate it when I check out a library book only to discover (too late) that it’s one I’ve already read. What a clever girl you are!
Marti_L said
Liz, where is Joe tonight? I hate to think of an Open Mike Chat without his wonderful round-up “Burma Shave” poem.
--Deb said
Marti, I’ve been keeping a reading list since 1996 (wish I’d started sooner), and I transcribed the whole thing to Excel a couple years ago–it took weeks! It’s very handy, though. I’m just a little behind, but as of June 29th, I’d read 3,680 books since Jan 1, 1996 … which means I’m over 3,700 now.
--Deb said
Of course, I re-read books constantly, so doubling up on library books is never a bad thing anyway!
Marti_L said
Wow Deb! You are a voracious reader! Do you have a favorite genre, or go for all sorts of styles? Do you read paper books only, or do you read e-books too?
ME Liz Strauss said
Deb,
You astound me …
ME Liz Strauss said
Marti,
I’m missing Joe too!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
[sorry, got lost in a post about my favourite singer]
ME Liz Strauss said
Glenda,
Who’s your favorite singer?
--Deb said
I read a LOT. As proof? I offer you my reading lists (posted every month on my blog):
http://chappysmom.com/category/monthly-reading-list/
Marti_L said
Here is the view from my front yard, looking south:
http://digitaldoorway.net/Resized_Fog_Valley.JPG
This is what I love about living out here.
Good to see you again, Glenda!
Deb, that is an amazing number of books!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
ok Deb, what’s your secret to finding so much time to read? I’m enjoying Michael J Fox’s latest right now. I love his writing style.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Liz, this might give you a hint http://www.flickr.com/photos/8684493@N02/sets/72157622006984784/
ME Liz Strauss said
Deb, You read Dorothy Dunnett!
She’s another one, but I have to read a whole series in order. I love carrying on the story.
ME Liz Strauss said
Oh Heck, Glenda.
How did I ever forget that!
--Deb said
Glenda–I think the word you’re looking for is addiction. More than knitting. More than writing. More than the internet. Reading is my default behavior–if I’m not doing something ELSE, I’m reading. Even when I AM doing something else–brushing my teeth, stirring something on the stove, petting the dog, watching television…
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
liz, I REALLY don’t know how you forgot that!
Marti_L said
Just checked your list Deb - you do have a nice variety in there.
Oh dear, I keep opening links from my e-mailed comments - just realized I have seven windows open - LOL!
Glenda, the Rod Stewart pics are great!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Deb, well, reading isn’t a bad addiction to have!
Marti_L said
Oh, and Liz, thank you SO MUCH for getting the “notify me of follow-up comments” back. I love that feature, because I CAN open links etc. from my mail and not lose my place here.
--Deb said
At least reading keeps me out of the kitchen–can’t bake ALL the time.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Thanks Marti! I didn’t know we could now take pics with small cameras at concerts. How exciting.
Marti_L said
Deb do you have a Kindle, or are all your books actually printed on paper?
--Deb said
Printed on paper. Though I need to get rid of at least half of them, which breaks my heart! I’d love a Kindle, but have concerns about longevity and DRM and such…
Marti_L said
That’s really neat, Glenda! I am so happy for you to have gone to the concert!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Marti, this was my fifth or sixth time seeing Rod. He was as good as the first time.
Marti_L said
Yes, I guess a Kindle would be nice, but I didn’t like that thing that happened when they deleted books with no warning from the devices due to a copyright issue. Doubly ironic since they deleted “1984″.
Marti_L said
That is awesome, Glenda! Do you ever run into accessibility issues at a concert venue?
Marti_L said
Deb, I used to sell used books on Amazon Marketplace, so I got to read a lot of books before I sold them. Unless you have something fairly rare, it’s kind of hard to make much selling them, but it might be an option for you. Or there are book sharing clubs that I’ve heard of…can’t think of the name right now (I’m getting old and senile *grin*)
ME Liz Strauss said
Glenda,
How often do you run into a day without accessibility issues?
--Deb said
Marti, I’ve considered that, but considering I need to get rid of 1000-1500 books, the amount of time it would take to list them all would be considerable!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Marti, welllll, the two wheelchair sections were sold out, so we were in the Visions Lounge - accessible but way more pricey. I overheard that wheelchairs are not allowed on the floor at our stadium cuz of fire regulations. ONe time I’d like to be in the front row! But the most annoying thing is when people stand up in front us; that’s one good thing about the wheelchair section, the way its built. But each venue is different.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
#113 Liz, it depends if I stay home or go out and where out. I did the grocery shopping today, without any real issues. But other days, going elsewhere, can be another story.
Marti_L said
Yes Deb, that would take a long time!
Glenda, that is sad that people would stand up in front of you. I hope you still managed to have a good time!
--Deb said
Glenda, sometimes I am amazed at people’s rudeness.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Marti, its tough. I don’t want to get after people for enjoying themselves. But we didn’t pay that much to stare at their ass either! Saturday was good though.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Canada Day was more of a bummer http://www.doitmyselfblog.com/2009/given-the-bum-view-on-canada-day/
Marti_L said
I’m glad for you Glenda, and always amazed at your spirit and positive attitude! God bless you, darlin’.
Well, this has been so much fun! Thank you all for a wonderful evening. Conversations at Liz’s Open Mike Nights are always engaging and interesting.
Hope all of you have a great week - peace and joy to all!
~waves bye bye~
Char said
Too much multi-tasking in my world tonight - time for s’mores and then bed for all my kiddos.
See you next week!
ME Liz Strauss said
Bye Marti!
Bye Char!
--Deb said
Okay, folks, I’ve got to go, too. It’s been fun!
ME Liz Strauss said
Glenda!
I think it’s awesome you’re not angry most of the time. But then I suppose you’d only be bringing yourself down, eh?
ME Liz Strauss said
Bye Deb!!
Thanks for bringing all of that lovely food!!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Liz, what’s the point of angry, tho I do have my moments as you know. life’s too short.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Night Marti and Char!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
And Deb too.
Is it you and I left, Liz?
ME Liz Strauss said
Yep Glenda, we’re here singing together.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Singing with a friend, a good way to end a cookout.
ME Liz Strauss said
I think we’re singing a lullaby.
Good night sweet friend.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
G’night Liz, thanks for being a friend.
Rob said
Deb a great place to get rid of your books online is http://www.abundatrade.com. As an avid reader, we box up the books and send them over. It is easier and quicker than trying to list the books. If you have a large quantity, abundatrade.com sends you a scanner and packing slips for shipping.