Great day...

[LeatherneckPA]

My LSW thinks I'm nuts when I do stuff like this, but it turned into a great experience. Even if it was only a half hour.

I'm driving down the road on my way to work yesterday and I see about a dozen pickups parked all over this guy's front yard and about 6 or 7 carcasses hanging from stands. Well, bear season ended Wednesday. And besides, that's way too many bear for only 12 guys. Deer season hasn't even started yet. Got me wondering.

So today, when all those trucks were there again, I turned around and pulled in the driveway. I asked forgiveness for intruding, which was readily given. Then I explained my stopping and they all started talking at once. Turns out this is a "tradition" for these guys and their wives. (LOL "Just friends, most of these guys you wouldn't want to admit being related to.") Every Black Friday they butcher at least 6 pigs, 7 this year. ("Well, 6 and a half. Can't give Wally credit for a full growed one.") Then on Saturday they boil up all the scraps to make scrapple and render the fat to make lard.

They had four huge cast iron ketles boiling away when I got there. Guys were picking chunks of liver, kidney and tongue out of the pot to nibble on. And there was liberal amount of liquid refreshment available as well.

I asked a bunch of questions, learned a whole lot, and took pictures with the cell phone. Must have made a good impression. I was invited back next year to participate. ("Just wear clothes you don't care about.")

That's an offer that is too good to decline.

[Naughty_Pines]

That just proves there are a lot of good old boys around this country of ours, and they don't have to be that old.
I've been down on my luck for several months now. Many people in my little village have helped me out as much as they can, every bit of it is greatly appreciated and I will do all I can to repay their help.

The best way to have friends is be one.

Jerry the Naughty Pines

Leatherneck,
Congratulations on your annual invitation.

[seedsandsongs]

Hey Leather,

I was just curious as to the difficulty level of butchering pigs. I have done chickens, turkeys, goats, deer etc. But pigs have always been a bit intimidating. Is it harder than say a goat or deer or is it just a matter of right equipment, self education and/or both?

thanks,
SS

[Txanne]

What a neat experience!!!!


And it speaks to how things should be---


annie

[LeatherneckPA]

Seeds, I don't have a clue. Guess I'll find out next year.

Personally, I'd bet that with a little knowledge and the right equipment it can be done by anyone. At least, that is what I hope to learn.

[seedsandsongs]

Sounds good man. I raised a couple pigs a few years back but I never did any of the butchering. I sent them off to have that done. I do have to say that the meat was incredible and so much better than store bought. You are in for a treat, especially the sausage.