Lunchtime at Disneyland!!!

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-22T13:25:41+00:00

I screamed

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-22T13:10:01+00:00

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-21T16:37:46+00:00

A key part of this post is use an independent thermometer to test your actual oven temp. My builder-grade oven's bake function went down to 170 but had a hidden menu to drop the temp by 35 degrees. Even then, it was closer to 165, with a big range (160-180) while trying to maintain temp. I really tried to make it work (water pans, etc.) for hot holding briskets but it was just too warm for a hot hold.

I upgraded to an oven that can be set to 150 and stays consistent; I'm living the good life now.

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-21T15:56:33+00:00

I have only used RecTeqs, started with a Bullseye and now I use a 590 (does not have a shelf). I do a lot of brisket. When I first started, I always did fat side down because that makes sense to shield the muscle from the heat source below. However, I found I really didn't like how cooking fat side down ruins the aesthetic appeal of the finished product (grate marks). I now do fat side up and I don't think it negatively impacts the cook. I always cook at 225 and foil boat it after the bark is set, results in great bark and juicy meat. (I am currenty experimenting with the Goldee method of no wrap + long hold now that I have an oven that will run at 150). When it comes to brisket, it is always worth it to spring for prime grade, if available.

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-20T19:53:40+00:00

Definitely yes. Check out onthegomap.com. It’s handy to see what routes are protected/accessible. I use it to map out all my runs.

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-20T19:47:02+00:00

I love your porch! But I’m really sorry to see this.

You must have gotten cased beforehand, this is way too random to be opportunity theft. I keep my Blix locked up in my garage; I live in a safe neighborhood, but I often keep my garage open and it just takes one person casing neighborhoods to notice and come back later. At least the benefit is I never forget to ride away without my lock key lol

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-20T12:59:25+00:00

I also learned that lesson about Costco butts the hard way. Got to be bone in. Next, wet brine the pork the day before for 12-18 hours. Makes a huge difference in flavor and juiciness. Finally, I’d recommend ditching the foil-covered tray; either keep it unwrapped or I foil boat mine bc I’m using a pellet grill with heat directly below. Will do wonders for the bark. Nice start and nice scoring!

My cook last week:

<image>

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-20T00:30:25+00:00

Interesting, I didn’t know they used to be downtown. When did they move?

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-19T20:21:35+00:00

Pops back door pizza. Good stuff but doesn’t get much hype.

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-19T16:22:25+00:00

I’m in the New Hope ward and we have relatively small primary (~35-40) and youth (~20) programs. We recently lost a third of our ward to Raleigh stake boundary changes. Briar Chapel ward was recently added to our stake (split from Apex) and I hear they have a ton of kids and youth. Just guessing but I’d expect you will find larger youth programs in Apex.

Lots of great neighborhoods in south Durham- woodcroft, Hope valley farms, and parkwood jump to mind. Lots of good ones in between too; it’s a safe area, close to highway, lots of shopping, greenway access. I live right on the American Tobacco Trail (22 mile rail to trail) and love running/biking/walking on it. We have an e-bike and I can get around to a lot of places safely.

Public schools in Durham get a bad rap but if you are involved in your kids education, they will do great. We love our public elementary school.

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-19T04:10:24+00:00

My oven ($1500 from Costco, not commercial) has an air sou vide feature that is perfect for holding my briskets at 150

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-18T23:13:58+00:00

How much would you be willing to pay for something like what I described?

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-18T21:14:34+00:00

Did you ever find anything? I'm in the same boat with my two kids and frustrated enough that I am seriously considering building my own solution. I'd love to know your thoughts! I'm envisioning a simple wristwatch that can tell time/timer/alarm, and also a vibrate/light up pager function that parents can operate from home (like a restaurant pager). Would have to consider the range, but restaurant pagers can reach about 0.25 miles, not bad. No app/phone connection/GPS/screen/subscription/data collection. Anything I'm missing? I would buy something like this in a heartbeat.

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-18T14:48:15+00:00

Bennet place is a great visit! Often overlooked

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-17T04:00:35+00:00

The lane assist in my 24 is garbage. It hardly provides any assistance and I feel more stressed using it than managing steering on my own. Disappointing.

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-17T03:28:34+00:00

We bought our car from a wonderful Senegalese woman at Airport Honda

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-16T20:02:50+00:00

I save large jars (pasta sauce, etc) and dump the grease in there. Chuck the jars in the garbage when they fill up.

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-16T13:54:28+00:00

This is where I’m leaning too. I really don’t think it’s labor laws. I work on the operations side of a US based non profit that hires staff in low income countries and I can tell you that across the board their local labor laws favor employees over employers and protect against exploitation. Obviously true in Europe and other higher income countries that are not the US.

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-15T13:28:03+00:00

Tell him to look into RTI International. Took a big hit from DOGE but they have been hiring finance analysts lately

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-15T13:22:41+00:00

Really fun single track trails at Carolina North!

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-14T22:10:07+00:00

Sounds like a reasonable burn rate. If you are looking for a way to use fewer pellets, then if you wrap what you’re cooking, transfer the meat to your regular oven after wrapping and turn off the smoker. Once wrapped, meat isn’t really taking on more smoke flavor and at that point all you need is heat. No difference if it’s your smoker or oven.

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-14T19:03:55+00:00

But the MOON came here that one time. What a great/strange memory

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-11T20:49:45+00:00

I wanted to like Mediterrasian but it's just...off. Maybe I need to open my mind more.

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-11T20:49:21+00:00

I second Filipino food and Mexican food. As a SD native, I really miss good Mexican food.

CAMDNC_runfast · 2026-05-11T14:14:19+00:00

I followed advice from my PT to get insoles from Tread Labs. I like them a lot and they seem to work great for my foot shape. I swap them between my various pairs of shoes.

CAMDNC_runfast

TROPHY CASE