At least it's not a pack a day

Over the 4th of July weekend, Neil decided that he wanted to grill. Our grill is very old, rusty (and he never cleans it). So he went looking for a used charcoal grill on Craigslist. What he found was a charcoal grill/smoker in good shape for $20.

So Neil's newest obsession/hobby is smoking meals. So far, he has made beer brats, smoked cheeseburgers and todays project is smoked pulled pork. He's been at it since 5am.

It's fun watching him learn the ropes of the kitchen. He's very into figuring out his own recipes and getting the spices just right. I think he want's to try smoked meatloaf next.

Several good things have come out of this - first and foremost - I don't have to cook. Second, I've got him looking at local butcher shops with me (yay for hormone free, grass fed beef!). Third, he's been home for entire days spending time with the kids and hanging outside (wow! sunlight!). And fourth, I don't have to cook.

The biggest downfall I have found is that once he starts up that thing the alcohol comes out. He was having a glass of whiskey at 8am this morning. He drank beer the entire day on Monday. I guess that's the trade off.

Yay for food that I don't have to make!