BLT's, a Chinese Buffet and Mt. Rushmore

"Great faces, great places..."

 After another long drive through dry and rolling South Dakota from Minnesota, I arrived in Rapid City to spend the night in a hotel (not motel this time). I had a swim, a BLT and much needed night's sleep. The next day I'd been looking forward to greatly: I went to see the "Faces" otherwise known as Mt. Rushmore! The weather was absolutely gorgeous and I got there mid-morning which apparently is the best time for light otherwise shadows can spoil it a bit so if you're thinking of visiting, get a clear day and arrive as early as you can.

 The entire area around Mt. Rushmore is just simply incredible. If you're a hiker or just enjoy the outdoors then this place is just awesome. I wish I had more time to spend there but, alas, I didn't. I had another over seven hour drive ahead so it was back on the road again. 
 After seven hours turned into nearly ten...I finally drove into Cody, Wyoming. I was staying a few miles out of town but it was completely dark so I couldn't really see where I was properly. When I woke up the next morning and looked out the window, however, did I then see one of the most amazing (if not the most amazing) view from a living room ever. Wyoming is an absolutely amazing place! All of the Western movies you've ever seen just can't compare to actually being where they're set.

Jamie in Arizona, I believe. A lot of Wyoming
looks a lot like the background

 I went to a Chinese buffet for lunch and tucked into some teriyaki chicken, spring rolls, popcorn shrimp, egg-fried rice and all that jazz. That was good! There was this really nice banana dessert there too though I didn't find out what it was. So, if you're in Cody sometime and fancy a Chinese then get yourselves to the China Town Buffet. However, my all time favourite Chinese buffet that I've been to was one in Niagra, Ontario but I just can't remember what it was called... Blast.

A bacon, lettuce and tomatoe sandwich with
fries. (Chips over here a what we call crisps.)

Hey, that's my word!

Hmmm... I like buffets

My 'Dr. Seuss' ice-cream

Ah, that's better!

"To glorify my Savior, Jesus Christ, the Creator 

of the universe and spread further abroad His glorious gospel." - Yours Truly

A Week in Minnesota - Part 3

Whoopee day! Now, I could do with one
of these at home!

Victim of the "bunny ears"

 Besides the mini-barns, I got to help one of the other guys on the farm so I had the chance drive a bright green (not pink, see a hilarious Tim Hawkins brilliant music video here) John Deere tractor and a semi-truck. Great fun! Also, outside of cooking, I played American football which I really enjoy playing but just don't know enough about it so being able to play properly was brilliant. 

Making a mocha roulade

 Back to food. OK, so the next stuff I had a hand in making were three huge mocha roulades. I've never made a roulade before in my life but always wanted to try. We had to separate a whole bunch of eggs first so I demonstrated a little cheat I'd learned. It's not especially fast but it pretty much stops any chance of dropping yolk in your whites. (See photos below.) Anyhow, the end result was very popular the next day so we must have done a good job!
 Now, I know being a chef might not be considered by many the most "manly" of vocations and so I do get a bit of teasing from other guys. I seriously don't mind as it is really funny...and I also know how to exact my revenge! I make them put on an apron, I teach them how to cook and they end up liking it. Ta, da! For instance, I gave a small lesson on few knife skills which I always love doing.

Look at all these green peppers

 On the last evening I was there, a "Pizza Party" had been planned. I was going to help out with that too but was convinced to come play American football by the guys instead. The pizza was absolutely fantastic, seriously good! Along with brownies and the mocha roulade, scones had been made also and they received a few "thumbs up". As all the girls had made the food and usually do the clean up operation, the guys did the washing up which was real laugh!

Teaching knife skills

 Good food and music seem to go hand in hand and that evening was no exception. I played a few acoustic songs but the real treat of the evening was hearing some of the younger people sing a few songs acepella which I really do like, it takes a talented voice to do it. The singing was followed by volleyball which I'm seriously no good but it is such good fun to play!

Playing music that evening

 I had to leave the next day which was very sad but I know I can look back on the time spent here with the fondest of memories. I discovered new recipes, made new friends and now have new stories to tell. I can't say thank you all enough for how hospitable and accommodating you made me feel during my stay. You've certainly all found a very special place in my heart and I look forward to the next time we are able to meet.

Seasoned with Memories,

Jacob

Playing 'flag' American Football. I'm close on the left with the green baseball cap

The scones...

...were well received!

Teaching knife skills. Always rewarding!

Playing late-night, indoor volleyball

Well, after all that, this sign in town pretty much said it all

"To glorify my Savior, Jesus Christ, the Creator 

of the universe and spread further abroad His glorious gospel." - Yours Truly