Rome Cast Iron Pie Irons - Reviewed

We enjoy our backyard fire pit every year and make lasting memories with all of the fun. Our Rome cast iron pie irons have been part of that fun for as long as I can remember.

What is a pie iron? A pie iron is a handy cooking tool that turns an ordinary campfire into an opportunity to make delicious hot sandwiches, called mountain pies, or, as some people know them, hobo pies or pudgie pies.

The classic Rome Square pie iron is designed to accommodate a generous portion of bread and fillings, allowing you to make any kind of delicious hot sandwich. One of our favorites is the pizza mountain pie. Find out how we make the pizza mountain pie here in one of my posts, Mountain Pies.

Rome also offers round and double models, giving you several options depending on what you want to cook. Our pie irons are the classic square designs.

You can make hot sandwiches, savory meals, and sweet desserts with your pie irons. Another favorite of mine is apple pie filling with cheddar cheese.

If you enjoy camping or spending time around a backyard campfire pit, Rome pie irons are worth considering. Once you start experimenting with different fillings and recipes, you will be looking forward to your next campfire.

After every campfire, I wash my pie irons with soap and water and thoroughly dry them. Then, I coat and rub them with vegetable oil on the inside and out to make them ready for the next campfire.

ROME Industries 1760 Double Xl Square Pie Iron, 5ROME Industries Pudgie Revolution Pie Iron Cookbook, Recipes For Pudgy Pie Cooking

 

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The Ultimate Guide to Time Studies

I'm reviewing my new book, The Ultimate Guide to Time Studies. My book is a step-by-step guide to learning how to time study.

In any operational environment, time is the ultimate currency. Whether you are managing a manufacturing plant, a fulfillment center, or a service team, understanding how long a task takes is the foundation of efficiency.

My Book Contains Seven Chapters:

1. Pre-Study Preparation
2. Breaking down the Work Into Elements
3. Conducting the Study (Stopwatch Methods)
4. Performance Rating (The Human Factor)
5. Applying Allowances to Find Standard Time
6. Analyzing and Acting on the Data
7. Time Study Worksheets and Templates

Knowing your labor costs is important, and developing labor costs starts with an accurate time study.

Who Can Benefit from this Book:

• Industrial Engineering students and professionals
• Manufacturing supervisors and managers
• Small Business owners
• Operations managers
• Production planners
• Process improvement professionals
• Business owners looking to improve efficiency
• Anyone interested in learning the basics of time study

Large companies may have dedicated industrial engineering and continuous improvement teams. Small businesses don't have that luxury.

That doesn't mean small businesses can't benefit from the same basic principles. My book will help a small business owner to understand where labor hours are being spent and where improvements might be possible.

The key is having an understanding of how to conduct the study and interpret the results, and my book will teach you that.

I have over 40 years of Industrial Engineering experience as an Industrial Engineer with Rockwell International Front Axle Division. Industrial Engineering manager for Bush Industries Inc., a ready-to-assemble furniture manufacturer, and an Industrial Engineer for TitanX Engine Cooling.

You can find my book on Amazon in both ebook and paperback. The paperback has an additional chapter with useful forms and templates.

The Ultimate Guide to Time Studies: A Practical Handbook for Efficiency

 

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Restore Your Outdoor Furniture With Rust-Oleum Spray Paint

 In April this year, I reviewed our outdoor patio set. We've had this set for over 5 years now, and it has served us well. You can read that review here: Outdoor Patio Set-Reviewed.

This year, when I uncovered the table, I noticed that the tabletop had become dull and faded. I made several attempts to clean it to restore its original luster, but they all failed. There was no rust on the table; only the top had faded.

Outdoor furniture is expensive, and there was no way I was going to buy a new set just because the top was faded. So, I went to the hardware store and found a Rust-Oleum textured metallic spray paint to match our patio set.

We moved the table into the garage, and our grandson Bobby sprayed the top with two light coats of paint. We let the first coat dry overnight before we did the 2nd coat.

Here is the finished tabletop, looking brand new. If your patio chairs, tables, or benches are structurally sound and in good shape but simply look weathered, don't replace them just yet. A couple of cans of Rust-Oleum are all you need to bring them back to looking new.

Rust-Oleum offers a variety of colors and finishes to choose from.

Rust-Oleum 7578838-6PK Professional High Performance Enamel Spray Paint, 15 oz, Flat Black, 6 Pack

 

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Easy No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert

 Our granddaughters are visiting for the week, and we made this easy strawberry cheesecake dessert for the 4th of July. We used strawberry pie filling, but you can use any pie filling you like. Following is our review of how to make this easy and delicious dessert.

Ingredients:

1 SaraLee Pound Cake (cut into small pieces)

2 cans of strawberry pie filling

1 24.3oz Philadelphia No-Bake cheesecake filling (You can find this at Wal-Mart)

1 container of Cool Whip

We thought pictures would be best for our step-by-step instructions.

Here, Giada is cutting the cake into about 1-inch pieces.

Giada and Guiles spread the cut-up cake into a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish and mixed in the pie filling.

Now they are spreading the no-bake cream cheese filling evenly over the top.

Spread the cool whip over the cream cheese filling. Now it was time to decorate our patriotic dessert with fresh blueberries and strawberries. Set it in the refrigerator for about two hours before serving.

This was easy and fun to do. The girls finished and decorated this in about 20 minutes. So there is plenty of time to make this for your 4th of July celebration.

Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July

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Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 - Reviewed

 The Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 is the world's largest operating steam engine. The Big Boy is currently on a coast-to-coast tour as part of America's 250th anniversary.

The Big Boy made one of its stops in Ripley, New York, only 30 minutes from where we live. So, we made the short trip to see this historic steam engine.

The town of Ripley and Chautauqua County did an amazing job of organizing this event. We drove to a small church just outside Ripley and boarded a shuttle into town for the event. There had to be more than 3,000 people there. We arrived early enough to be right up front for an amazing view of the Big Boy.

Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 History:

The Big Boy was built in 1941 by The American Locomotive Company in Schenectady, New York. It was designed for one purpose: moving enormous freight trains through the mountains of Utah and Wyoming. The Big Boy was created for the Union Pacific Railroad to handle heavy loads over steep grades.

The Boy was retired and on display in California as part of railroad history. In 2013, Union Pacicific reacquired the Big Boy and began to restore it, and in 2019, the Big Boy moved under its own power again.

Its massive size is something to see at 130 ft. long and weighing 1.2 million pounds. This was a true adventure to see a part of railroad history in action, and a true engineering marvel.

A video of the Ripley, New York, visit, along with an interview with the Big Boy engineer. The train stopped here for 30 minutes, and we had the opportunity of watching the crew perform maintenance.

Even if you're not a train enthusiast, this is well worth a trip to see part of history in action. Below is the Union Pacific Big Boy tour schedule. If it is coming anywhere near you, it is well worth the trip. Big Boy 4014 Tour Schedule.

Big Boy 4014 Train 4th of July 250 Years Retro Tee 250th Anniversary USA Big Boy 4014 Train Vintage US Flag T-ShirtNifeliz Big Boy Locomotive, Articulated Steam Locomotive Building Block Set, Legendary Steam Train Display Kit for Gift Giving (1,818 Pieces)Kato USA Inc. N Union Pacific Big Boy Steam Locomotive #4014 KAT1264014 N Locomotives

 

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Benefits of a Cordless Leaf Blower

Our backyard deck is surrounded by trees, and we like it that way because it makes it private during the summer. 

During the spring and early summer, we get a lot of debris falling from the trees. So, I'm cleaning the deck almost every day.

I bought this cordless leaf blower so I wouldn't have to drag out my extension cord for my electric one. I chose a battery-operated blower with a 20V rechargeable battery. The gas-powered seems too heavy and noisy, and they require regular maintenance.

This is lightweight and easy to handle. It allows me to move easily around the deck. It is simple to use, just attach the battery and turn it on. This is also perfect for blowing off the sidewalk after mowing the lawn.

Some other jobs I use it for:

• Clear dirt from the steps going into the house.
• Drying the outdoor furniture after a rain.
• Clearing a light snow from the steps or the car.

Battery technology has improved over the years. Current models will provide enough runtime to complete cleanup tasks in the yard or around the house. You'll find some models that come with two batteries, so you will always have one charged.

I'm very happy with the performance and convenience of my cordless leaf blower.

You will find many models and styles on Amazon.

Leaf Blower, Electric Cordless Leaf Blower with 2 Batteries and Charger, 2 Speed Mode, Lightweight Leaf Blowers for Blowing Leaves, Lawn Care, Patio Cleaning and DustMZK Cordless Leaf Blower,20V Battery Powered Electric Blower for Lawn Care, Electric Lightweight Leaf Blower for Blowing Leaves, Patio Cleaning and Dust(2 * 2Ah Battery & Charger Included),LF40D13EGO POWER+ Leaf Blower, Cordless Electric 615 CFM, Includes 56V 2.5Ah Battery and Charger - LB6151

 

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Gray Mountain by John Grisham - Book Review

 John Grisham is the master of legal thrillers. Instead of high-powered law firms and dramatic trials. Gray Mountain takes you to the heart of Appalachia and the injustices tied to the coal mining industry.

When the 2008 financial crisis hit, Samantha Kofer, a young and upcoming associate at a large New York law firm, found herself out of work.

Samantha is offered the opportunity to retain her job under certain conditions. She must volunteer at a non-profit law firm for one year.

With limited options, Samantha accepts a position at a small legal aid clinic in the small Appalachian town of Brady, Virginia.

What begins as a temporary inconvenience for Samantha quickly becomes a life-altering experience. Brady Virginia is nothing like her Manhattan lifestyle; this is a place where poverty, environmental destruction, and corporate power collide. 

Samantha's transformation is the center of the story. With supporting characters such as dedicated lawyers and local residents living in the reality of corporate negligence. She becomes invested in her clients and their struggles.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed reading Gray Mountain. To me, this story is about taking on the powerful and representing the locals who have nowhere to turn. 

Gray Mountain: A Novel

 

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Air Fryer Baskets for the Oven - Reviewed

 

We had many good years of cooking with our old stove. We knew we needed a new one, so it was time to go shopping.

We found one that we liked and opted to spend the extra money for the built-in air fryer.

We realized that we didn't have air fryer baskets and trays for oven use.

So it was shopping again for an oven air fryer basket. We found this set on Amazon, and it has worked out well.

The set consists of two baskets and trays. The large one is 15.3" x 11", and the smaller one is 13.4" x 9.6".

The baskets are raised, this allow for 360-degree air circulation without the need to flip your food. The set is made of stainless steel, dishwasher safe, and easy to clean.

The set also comes with 60 sheets of parchment paper, 30 for each tray size.

Oven Air Fryer Vs. Countertop Air Fryer:

There are some differences between oven air fryers and countertop air fryers. They both use the same technology by rapidly circulating hot air to crisp the food. 

With the oven air fryer, there is a larger cooking space, so you will need more time to cook. I've noticed the food is not as crispy because the air circulation isn't as concentrated. What I do like is that the oven air fryer's larger capacity lets you cook more food in the oven than on the countertop. I also found that the oven air fryers use more energy than the countertop air fryers.

We currently have a Ninja Foodi Grill Air Fryer and still use it because it cooks faster, and the food comes out crisper. The oven air fryer saves us some counter space; we only take it out for quick cooking.

If you need oven air fryer baskets and trays, I can recommend this set.

Air Fryer Basket for Oven, 2 Set Air Fryer Basket and Tray Set with 60 Sheets Parchment Papers,THORSES Stainless Steel NonStick Air Fryer Pan and Crisper Tray-Black Large15.3“×11” & Medium13.4Buy Now

 

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Make Crispy and Juicy Smash Burgers

We love making burgers on our charcoal grill. I have never cared for a thick burger; I try to press my burger to make it thinner. My daughter and grandsons got me this Sasquash Burger Press, and now it is so much easier to make burgers the way I like them.

Smash burgers have taken over diners, food trucks, and backyard grills. Who knew that smash burgers would become so popular? I just like my burgers thin.

Fran picked up some burgers at our local grocery store, and we had the family over for some smash burgers.

I started by firing up the charcoal in my Weber charcoal chimney. Read my post on how easy it is to use a Charcoal Chimney Starter.

I placed my Lodge Cast Iron Griddle on the grill and pressed the burgers with the burger press. After flipping them once, I placed the burgers on the grill grates and finished them over the hot charcoal. The results were amazing, crispy edges, juicy inside, and great taste.

You can also make smash burgers on any griddle, cast-iron skillet, or any skillet on your stovetop.

I love my Sasquash Burger Press; it is made in the USA in Nashville, TN, and you can find it on Amazon.

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Sasquash Smash Burger Press, Heavy Duty Welded Meat Press Round, 6 Inch Stainless Steel, Flat Handle Hamburger Smasher Tool for Grill, Skillet, Cast Iron Cooking, Kitchen AccessoriesBuy Now

 

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The Rooster Bar Book Review

The Rooster Bar by John Grisham is a legal thriller with a twist of rebellion and some dark humor. The Rooster Bar was on the #1 New York Times bestseller list in 2017. Our house is like a library, I swear, Fran has kept every book she has ever read. So, it's not hard for me to find a good book to read.

The story follows three law students, Mark, Todd, and Zola. They are in their last semester of a shady, for-profit law school that leaves them deep in debt with very little hope of passing the bar exam or even landing a job.

When they discover the school is a scam, exploiting students for profit, they decide to take matters into their own hands. Grisham now takes on a fast-paced journey into the gray areas of the law. Survival means bending the rules or breaking them entirely.

The characters are relatable, and you can't help rooting for them, even as they cross ethical lines. Mark is the cautious planner, always trying to stay one step ahead. Todd adds a bit of humor, and Zola brings a personal and emotional story.

My Thoughts:

The Rooster Bar is not about winning cases; it's all about surviving a broken system. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.

Find the book on Amazon: The Rooster Bar

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Patio Dining Set - Reviewed

Well, it is finally springtime, but here in Western New York, the weather is still not cooperating. Soon, though, we will be getting out the deck furniture for some much-anticipated outdoor fun.

Fran bought this Sophia and William 7-Piece dining Set 5 years ago, and it has served us well. Every year before winter, I store the chairs in the basement and cover the table along with the rest of the deck furniture, and leave it outside on the deck.

Our set includes one large table and six matching chairs, providing ample seating for family and friends. I remember it arrived in two separate boxes. The table was easy to assemble; the chairs were a little more difficult but manageable.

We have enjoyed this set for the last 5 years. It has held up well, so I expect we will get many more years of outdoor enjoyment with our dining set.

Durability and Materials:

• Weather-resistant frames designed to resist rust and corrosion.
• Durable finishes that prevent fading from sun exposure.
• Low-maintenance materials that are easy to clean and care for.

The set is a stylish modern design, and the chairs are comfortable. We believe this was a great value for a 7-piece set.

For more Outdoor living, check out my Amazon storefront:

Sam's Favorites - Outdoor Living

Sophia & William Patio Dining Set 9 Pieces, Patio Table and Chairs Set for 8, 83Buy Now

 

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The President Is Missing - Book Review

 The President is Missing is the first collaboration between former President Bill Clinton and the master of thrillers, James Patterson. This book is a fast-paced political thriller packed with suspense and realistic details about how the government operates.

The Plot for The President Is Missing:

President Jonathan Lincoln Duncan is under fierce political pressure in Washington. He is under investigation by Congress, his approval rating is slipping, and the media is circling like hawks. But President Duncan is dealing with something far more dangerous. A cyberattack that will destroy the United States.

A cyberterrorist has created and planted a computer virus to destroy the nation's critical systems. If the virus is activated, it will shut down financial networks and power grids, causing chaos throughout the country.

President Duncan suspects that someone inside the government, and possibly his closest circle, may be involved.

He disappears from the public eye. While the nation wonders where he has gone, he is secretly working with a small, trusted team to stop the cyberattack before it's too late.

This becomes a high-stakes race against time filled with political intrigue, betrayals, and dangerous encounters.

My Thoughts:

This book is the perfect blend of political drama and thriller. The story is fast-paced and keeps you guessing about whom you can trust. To me, the technical details are scary, and it makes me think that this could really happen.

I enjoyed reading all three of the collaborations between Bill Clinton and James Patterson. Once I started reading each one, I just couldn't stop.

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The First Gentleman: A ThrillerBuy NowThe President's Daughter: A ThrillerBuy NowThe President Is Missing: A NovelBuy Now

 

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The President's Daughter - Book Review

 The President's Daughter is the second collaboration by former President Bill Clinton and the master of thrillers, James Patterson. Their first book is The President is Missing, and the third is The First Gentleman. I reviewed The First Gentleman last month, and I'm just starting The President Is Missing.

The Plot: The President's Daughter

Matthew Keating was a one-term president and a former Navy Seal. As you can imagine, being the president of the United States, Matthew surely made some enemies along the way.

Matthew and his daughter, Melanie, are living a quiet life in New Hampshire, while his wife, Samantha, is off teaching in Boston.

His world is shattered when his daughter Melanie is kidnapped by a terrorist with a long-standing grudge against him.

Matthew was a one-term president and did not get along with his successor. Now he finds himself unsupported by the very government he served. Now, he is forced to return to his elite Navy Seal skills, taking matters into his own hands to bring Melanie home.

Patterson did an excellent job of navigating between political friction and the personal aspect of a father's worst nightmare.

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The President's Daughter: A ThrillerBuy Now

 

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The First Gentleman Book Review

 The First Gentleman, a thriller by former President Bill Clinton and the master of thrillers, James Patterson.

The First Gentleman is Clinton, and Patterson's third collaboration with the first two being The President Is Missing and The President's Daughter. The books are not a series, so it doesn't matter what order you read them in. 

The First Gentleman: Plot

President Madeline Wright is in the middle of a reelection campaign and preparing a plan to save the US economy. But that is not her biggest problem; it's her husband, Cole Wright.

Cole is a former NFL star who played for the New England Patriots and is now the first gentleman. Cole is being charged with a 17 year old murder of a cheerleader, turning his world upsidedown.

Two investigative reporters, Garret Wilson and Brea Cooke, set out to write a book and uncover the truth about this cold case. Is Cole Wright guilty of murder? You will have to read this book to find out.

The story alternates between personal moments and political drama. You will be drawn into a web of secrets, investigations, and power struggles that feel real. Patterson keeps the chapters short and suspenseful, making this hard to put down. I do have the other two books and can't wait to read them.

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The First Gentleman: A ThrillerBuy Now

 

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