Back at the Goodnight “Online Distribution Center (ODC)” … sort of

August 13, 2024 

Flew back in, leaving Anchorage at 11:20 p.m. and getting to Denver at 6:10 A.M.  I made it out to the plant – Brush Meat Processing – by 10:30 waiting on our taxidermist – Darrell – to make it in from Wisconsin with the 5 new bison shoulder mounts.  While I waited, I had time to chat with most of the "front line' 

 folks there; those people who make our bison fiber harvest all winter, along with our boiled bison skulls possible.   Ace, Bob, Emma and Owen.

So, managed to get 10 new huge bull skulls; still have 7 of them available (but unless you can pick them up “sometime” we are not shipping).  Some very nice ones, too.  As to the shoulder mounts, 4 of them are available – 3 that a very nice and one bordering on awesome.  Pictures will be up on the website when I can.  Prefer not to ship those but could for about $90 each.  Also brought back 5 butts – mounted bison butts.  Nice novelty for those who think interestingly.  One of them is stub tail... no "flag" on the end; Darrell thinks it looks more like a brown bear butt; it’s available.  

Next morning, I made it back to Goodnight and the ongoing build out of the residence and ODC; a lot accomplished.  As has been said, “all we lack is finishing”.  Still, it’s comfortable and functional.  Spent my first two nights there (with lights on in several places so I didn’t get lost in a new place in the dark).

"We" ... Mark H, Bob W and myself ... have collectively decided that what was to be a workout and spa room is to become the dedicated library … as we have no other space for all the books.  The entire library ... and some new additions and editions are all in boxes and tubs; lots of them.  Maybe one day there will be space in the Distribution Center itself … but for now it will be a grand plan and open up more walking, viewing and selling area in the Distribution Center.  The library will still be open to all of you that want to come browse.

While in Alaska, I finally read another of Steven Rinella writing – “Scavengers Guide to Haute Cuisine” (2006).  I’ve had and sold a number of copies over the years since I was introduced to Rinella through his exceptionally good 2009 book “American Buffalo; In Search of a Lost Icon”.      When we were packing up the store, son Ron, our Chef de Cuisine, saw it and snatched it up; he had wanted to read it for quite some time.  And so, that copy ended up in our U-Haul in Alaska. 

 Not at all what I thought it would be… but definitely a thoroughly interesting and informative writing.  “Haute Cuisine” … High Cuisine or Finest Food.  Much as I “found” this book by some quirk, Rinella “finds” a copy of Escoffier’s “Le guide Culinaire” … the mothership of Haute Cuisine.  From there, a mad plan is both born and carried out.  Won’t tell you any more, but if you are (1) farm raised; (2) outdoor inclined; (3) hunter; (4) gatherer; (5) cook... including chef, griller, smoker etc; (6) modestly strong of stomach …. and like a great true story, give it a read!  Taught me a bunch about Escoffier, food and "thinking through".

At the same time, if you are a bison person and have not read American Buffalo by Steven Rinella, do so!.  Probably the best complete, well documented and entertaining book on bison ever written (my honest opinion), and a true story from start to finish. 

Well, time to call it for the moment.  More ... lots more ... in the next couple days.

Best wishes to all

Cecil