I got an email saying Stumpy is being sent over.  Whale and Sainter's days are numbered...

But exciting news!  We have a new addition to the family!  It's a Brinkman charcoal grill & smoker.  We have a Weber propane grill which continues to serve us well.  But now that we're closing in on living in the 'burbs for four years, we thought it was about time to add to the family.  There wasn't much of a selection at Home Depot, but I've seen champion BBQers use homemade rigs made of steel drums, so I don't think a smoker needs to be fancy.  This one was only $200.  Maybe if we ever put in a outdoor kitchen, I'll get something nicer.  To be honest, I'm not sure how I'll feel about checking the heat over the 10+ hours it may take to make certain forms of BBQ.  So this is basically the starter smoker - just to see how I like it.

I had been talking about getting a smoker for the past two years, but never got around to doing it.  Mrs. Fly mentioned that she wanted to try and make ribs this weekend when we have some neighbors over and wanted to get a charcoal grill.  We also have the in-laws coming the week after that, and a large outdoor linner party the week after that, and so on.  Then I said if we're going to get more patio paraphernalia, we might as well go "whole hog" and get a smoker.  Also, I miss the wood taste in my steaks, so having the little grill on the side is nice.  We also got a huge bag of lump charcoal and hickory chunks and chips, so we're pretty excited.  I suggested to Mrs. Fly that we should grill some steaks soon - just so we can give it a "test run."  It would totally be pointless to grill turkey breast or vegetables over charcoal.  C'mon!  That would just be ridiculous.

Anyway, we're pretty excited about the prospect of smoking and charcoal grilling all summer.  As you know, I looooove dead animal.  In addition to being able to make new foods like baby back ribs and brisket (which we had never tried making before), some of the foods we used to make would taste so much better with the smoker - like Mrs. Fly's pulled pork.  My mouth is watering already.

I'm itching to go and assemble it now, except Mrs. Fly invited a few of her friends over and I think I'm supposed to be staying in my quarters.  Sanctuary!

Because why would I want to go outside on a perfect day and have appetizers and wine with three attractive women?  I'd much rather stay inside and grind like a sweatshop worker.  Oh all right!  I actually did prefer to stay in my office.  Hanging out with Mrs. Fly's friends is not really my thing.