Happiness is a breezy summer day in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Happiness is getting your tires at Sam's Club

Ye olde TPMS indicator light came on yesterday (that's the Tire Pressure Monitoring System indicator light for you folks way out there in Whack Jack, Pakistan), and a rear tire was found to be down to 15 lbs. of air pressure. Refilled, it was down again overnight, 2 lbs.

So it was Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off To Sam's I Go this morning.  They found a little bitty nail in the tire and repaired the hole it made. For FREE. Because I bought the tires there.

Just one more reason to make Sam's Club your tire center of choice. 

Happiness is red beans and rice, even if you don't have any red beans, just use whatever beans you have

Red Beans and Rice (h/t Rosso & Lukins)

1 pound navy beans, soaked overnight in the frig
2 cups chicken broth or made from bouillon cube
2.5 cups San Marzano tomato puree
2 bay leaves
1 T Worcestershire sauce
1/4 t Tabasco sauce
4 andouille sausages
1/2 t salt
1 t granulated onion
1/4 t garlic powder
1 cup white rice, boiled, drained and buttered


1) Drain beans and parboil covered in fresh water in a covered 3 quart dutch oven: Bring to a boil and shut off the heat for an hour, boil it again and shut off the heat for an hour, then bring to a boil for a third time and let simmer for an hour or two on low until the beans are tender.

2) Drain the beans and return to the dutch oven; add the broth, tomatoes, bay leaves, Worcestershire and Tabasco, sausages, salt, onion and garlic; bring to a boil, cover, and bake in a 350 degree F oven for an hour.

3) Boil the rice in 6 cups or so of salted water 15-20 minutes, just like pasta, stirring frequently but gently; drain and reserve rice in a buttered bowl covered in the warm oven (h/t James Peterson).

4) Add more Worcestershire and/or Tabasco to taste, if desired. Serves 3-4 over rice with plenty of beans left over for the morning toast.

Happiness is the new British prime minister recognizing International Cat Day yesterday

Number 10 Downing Street's "Larry" bears a striking resemblance to yours truly's Buddy, who by the way is also the picture of health today. We found a worm on her behind after all and wormed her. And now she's like a new cat! Sometimes veterinarians know NOTHING, except how to take our money.

Happiness is a sammich

The MLT, mutton lettuce and tomato, is notably missing.

Happiness is the humbler joys of homefelt quiet

Happy next him who to these shades retires,

Whom nature charms, and whom the muse inspires,

Whom humbler joys of homefelt quiet please,

Successive study, exercise, and ease.

-- Alexander Pope