Friday, July 9th

I haven't blogged in a while (sorry, faithful readers) cause I've been working on several projects here at the house. The new (parlor) 'gallery' is complete with pictures hanging and lights lighting and it's AWESOME!! Also been working on the upstairs bath.... removing the sink, removing the bull-nose tile and generally preparing for an entire re-facing of the tub and the wall tile (the 19th). (Still have to remove the toilet but I'm waiting until the last moment for that). But the biggest project is the new deck in the outside corner of the master bedroom and the side of the den. The posts, joists and some of the decking is IN and the new 8 ft sliding glass door to the master bedroom is IN. Still have to finish the decking and all of the outside and inside trim for the door - that'll be done next week in time for the wall-to-wall carpeting on the 19th (also) - that'll be a busy day. There are a couple of other smaller projects also but nothing I need help with right now.

ALL of this to let you know that I haven't been cooking/eating anything worth mentioning lately - merely sustenance for an already failing body that refuses to cooperate with my youthful mind!

So I worked this morning for a few hours until I ended up spending MORE time wiping th sweat from my glasses that I spent screwing in decking screws! Then I quit!

So tonight I'm trying something I've never cooked before!! BEEF ribs! They look kind of like baby back pork ribs on steroids (imagine Fred Flintstone). I've reviewed recipes for rubs, but one stood out - just salt and pepper. I had to make a special trip to get some apple wood chips (recommended over other chips) and I'll probably 'play it easy' with just a big baked potato tonight.

You'll hear about the results later - wish me luck!