I just love the courtyard when the red bird flowers open. This is only their second summer and I expect them to be even more mature next summer. The flowering plum tree is covered with leaves and the sage have already had their flowers. The courtyard and landscape shrubs are a colorful accent to our already beautiful little house. Click on the image to enlarge.
We have been experiencing light rain and cool temperatures today (only 80 degrees). Both of the dogs are acting as if it’s a winter storm as they hibernate on their respective perches on the sofa and love seat. Click on the image to enlarge.
This is the setup I now use when I grill something outdoors. It is our four burner grill that we have had since we moved here and an umbrella that we recently bought. I use the driveway in front of the garage since the patio is enclosed and covered.
Today’s dinner was grilled pork loin chops and roasted ears of corn with all the trimmings. Verna fixed the latter consisting of butter beans, apple compoté and bacon cabbage. Good stuff!
Since we live where it sometimes gets a bit breezy, I placed the umbrella in a heavy stand and parked the grill on top of the stand to keep the wind from blowing both over, or worse – into the desert or into our house.
Click on the image to enlarge.
Today’s project was to assemble and burn-in the new smoker we just bought. It is a starter level charcoal smoker with all the features a newbie at smoking meats needs.
Verna and I had been talking about getting a smoker for several months. Yesterday, while we were in the valley on other business, we stopped at the home improvement emporium and picked up this little beauty.
The Master Forge® smoker took about a half hour to assemble. The instructions were clearly illustrated, and it was no problem to assemble using just a number two Philips screwdriver.
Image (above) – parts, assembly, first light and smokin’. Click on the image to enlarge.
After assembly, I took the smoker out to the driveway and started some charcoal to “burn it in.” That went well, and as I type, the charcoal briquettes are nearly finished after a four hour run. The built-in temperature gauge indicated smoking compatible temperatures for about two hours after it got up to 300° or so.
Verna and I are looking forward to the smoked brisket BBQ sandwiches we’re going to enjoy having this weekend. 🙂
Verna took this photo of Mom and me during our visit today. It is my 70th today and I have never felt better! Mom is doing good too. Click on the image to enlarge.
When the mercury hits to 110° and above, it is nigh unto foolish to stand in the sun while grilling our special summer meals. Pursuant to that notion, we acquired a new patio umbrella to block out the sun’s midsummer desert heat rays. It worked great as we enjoyed cooking and then eating today’s tenderloin steaks and the accompanying side dishes.
