...since I posted anything here. A lot has happened here in God's country. I'll see if I can get some of the happenings down on paper.
Cooking
We only cooked one competition this year and our finish was disappointing. We only got a call in ribs. My normally excellent brisket was a little undercooked and dry. I just don't think my heart was in competing this year. We did have a great time though.
I cooked 175 lbs of pork for our communities annual festival, and as always it was a big hit. It might lead to some catering opportunities when graduation rolls around in the spring.
Last year I completed a 12' x 12' shed to warehouse my extensive cooker collection. This year I added a deck to the back of the garage that gives me a level, clean surface to cook on. I'm sure the kids will appreciate this winter when they don't have to shovel snow off the grass.
The shed welcomed a couple of new residents in the last year. A friend was able to procure a red 22.5" Weber One Touch Silver for free, and he gave it to me to be restored. It's dinged up a little, but at least it's not rotting in a field anymore. My oldest son gave me a vintage 1970 Weber Mediterranean (avocado) 22.5" kettle for Father's Day. I had tried to purchase it myself, but the owner was unwilling to part with it. Somehow my son talked her out of it and was absolutely beaming with pride when he gave it to me. Talking to adults in general, strangers in particular, is not his strong suit. I am very proud of him for stepping outside of his comfort zone and doing something so special for me. The same weekend, I scored a 1980 Weber 22.5" kettle in Ripon. It's in near perfect condition and hadn't been cooked on in over 15 years. I have yet to cook on any of these. I also added another WSM to the stable, and the shed is now literally full. I might have room for a Smokey Joe or WGA, but that's it.
Kids
I can't even begin to write how much I love my boys. They are true blessings to me and the SoDT, never ceasing to amaze us with their integrity and desire to be Godly kids.
The oldest set his mind to being the starting place kicker for our varsity football team this year and worked all summer to make it happen. He achieved his goal through hard work and perseverance, at one point in the season being 8 for 8 in PATs. Of course I'm proud that he's playing varsity, but I'm more proud that he set a goal and worked hard to achieve it.
Twin A and Twin B, in 7th grade, were stars of the JV Curling team. I think they are hooked and will be playing again this year. It was fun to watch the progress.
Twin A had a difficult year playing football this year. I'm not sure if he doesn't have passion for the game, or if he was upset that I didn't coach. I know he was disappointed that I didn't coach this year, but he fully understands why. It is my hope that he hits a growth spurt this year and is on fire for the game next year.
Twin B ran cross country this year, and made steady improvement all year long. I think he is beginning to realize he has a natural talent for distance running and that if he works hard in the off season he will do even better next year.
Church
It has been so wonderful to watch our little independent church grow. We average more than 80 people every Sunday, which is almost 10% of the population of the community it's in. We have had to deal with setbacks and diversity, but we remain faithful to the word of God and are continually blessed because of it. I am teaching two Bible studies this year and it has been a great blessing for me.
Sorry about the year long absence. I'll try to post more in the future. Thanks for peeking in and may God richly bless you through Jesus.
