paul1927

Re: wood as fuel Many years ago I cooked with wood (like 7 out of 7 days; it was my plan it fact) and it was mouth watering. Destroyed the KK's damper top and Dennis sent me a new one!!! And, without me even asking. That was amazing. I don't dare cook with wood again, but if it was safe to do so, then yes I've got tons of wood that I'd love to put to use. Thanks again, Dennis. I think even with permission, I'd be afraid to cook with wood again since I want my KK in the best possible shape. Now wood as decoration on the KK---yes, I'd like to see that option offered to new and old customers.

That's Beautiful. It is wonderful to read you're doing well. I hope there aren't any new trade or currency policies in the wings that may be too challenging.

I was having a nice chat with a friend last night who a couple years ago bought a Q from Dennis (the friend is very happy with the purchase). The complaint centered around attempting to find a local retailer that sells the grill and that regardless of the store or number of grills offered there weren't any beautiful tiled ones. The friend wanted to know what is his problem? I explained that I didn't think there were any local retailers. Then the friend wanted to get into the selling Dennis' Qs: Not going to happen even if the opportunity was there because the friend has too much work already. The friend's idea, btw, was to sell the Q to upscale homebuilders because the grills that are currently being sold with the homes aren't nearly as nice as Dennis' Q even when they cost more. I had tried to get a tiny builder that I know interested, but even on a very expensive home he was cutting corners big time and often the savings didn't seem comparable to the loss of quality. A home he built was selling for close to a half million dollars and real wood for the kitchen is too expensive? Could be; I've lost track of prices. Dennis, my Q despite all the use appears to be in perfect condition.

From thermochromic tiles ( http://www.movingcolor.net/ ) to Lifetiles ( http://www.eyethinkinc.com/lifetiles/gallery.html ) to ??? I'm very happy with the tiles that came with my Q, but I see some of these interesting tiles on the web and immediately I start thinking about BBQing.

I made an incorrect assumption that because she didn't like being addicted to cigarettes that she wouldn't follow the same path with other drugs. That doesn't make much sense now that I think about it. Her change of personality was dramatic and although she had money problems in the past it wasn't anything serious. She just liked to spend more than she makes. Also, her money problems seemed explainable. You get a huge bill here and huge bill there and then lose some income and before you know it you have serious financial problems. She isn't mistreating her close female friend from what I could so she still has some control. I keep remembering the old her and the old her wasn't that long ago. I blamed her changed personality on stress and she even said that was why she hadn't been her normal sweet self. It is scary that a person can change so much so quickly. And, the people that I know that have just recently met her just see all the negatives as if she was always like that. O well, I will try and think more positive thoughts like how fantastic Dennis' Q is.

Hi Trish, If it is substance abuse, then I would think she should be hitting bottom very soon. I was afraid she was suffering from some type of mental problem and felt guilty that I wasn't doing more to be supportive. Didn't think drugs at all because she always trys to quit smoking and hates being addicted and complains it is too expensive. Even when she was super sweet, she distrusted people giving her help. It is sort of funny she could be helpful and that is just normal, but as a recipient of help it set off all manner of alarms for her. So, I was aware there was a chance she would react negatively to my help, but didn't have a clue as to how harsh it would be. If I thought that I could make a real difference, then I know I could take a lot more from her. And, sometimes people need just a little help or even a lot help to get back on their feet. I remember people who helped me at different points in my life and I've never forgotten. It isn't like I could give her a lot of help anyway, but sometimes just a little does a lot of good. It wasn't very upsetting because I actually expected the craziness. My main thought after the second phone call was I hoped there is someone else looking out for her. She does have a close female friend that provides a lot of emotional support so that may be enough.

She use to be the sweetest person, but some of her behaviour I don't even recognize. The neighbor kid (He's 17 now--hard to believe) felt it was his duty to have a sit down chat with me about her (as he said "man to man"). Yes, she was that difficult. About now the best thing about her is that she thinks I'm the world's greatest chef. If she wasn't dead broke (think food stamps), then I'd try and sell her one of Dennis's Qs and I think it would be a real easy sale.

Glad you found it amusing.

I've known Michelle for years, which is why in an emergency I let her stay with me for a few days. During her brief stay she repeatedly said she was crazy about my cooking (on the Q). I assumed she was just be very polite because she isn't a foodie typically. So, she keeps asking when I'm going to invite her over for some grilled chicken (on the Q) and that she really wants to come over next time I'm cooking. (I cook all the time on the Q, btw.) Basically, I didn't really want to have her over because she isn't very reliable and worse she won't call to give notice that she is on some other mission. Finally, I say OK it would be nice if you really want to come over we can have dinner. I didn't expect her to show even though she kept saying that I was the greatest cook in the world. Dinner (it was delicious, imo) came and went and of course there was NO Michelle or even a call from her until almost 2 hours after dinner. She had pulled into my driveway and wanted take out! I say NO that wouldn't be alright. She demands to know why. I explain that she was 2 hours late and that I ate most of her portion and gave what I couldn't finish to the neighbor kid (he is also crazy about my cooking.) End of story: She goes into a rage saying that I had NO right to give her chicken away. She even called me back about 20 minutes later saying that what I had done was very mean and then she hung up when I offered to buy her take out from her favorite restaurant (Popeye's, they have deep fried chicken). The neighbor kid is sure she will call me back after she gets over her mad; for the chicken. lol I'm hoping she just forgets my number and address.

Re: Easier than thought to move the Q A ramp should do the job. I'd love to try!

I was shocked that Rita just using a standard hand truck and some boards was easily able to move the Q to her backyard. She said it was a 10 minute job with the hard part just moving the boards to create a path thru the lawn. Now, uncrating was a whole 'nother story. She quit before she began and called me for help. Dennis not only improved the Q, but the crating underwent improvement too. That was about a half hour job for me, but then I didn't have my normal complement of tools nearby. In retrospect she thinks it was funny that she planned on hiring some big guys to move it for her. Given that she moved it so easily with just a hand truck, I'm wondering if a lift gate is truly necessary.

Thank you Very Interesting Read For those who would rather copy and paste here is the link: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Foo ... art-2.aspx

Well, I helped Rita cook sparibs and then later some huge slabs of beef. Both turned out excellent. The guests went crazy over both the beauty of the Q and the taste of the vittles cooked thereon. Very fun times and Rita is looking forward to entertaining her family from the Deep South to show them that she can make mouthwatering fixins. I truly didn't think she would ever get the Q out of the garage, but she is smoking now.

I was helping a neighbor try and arrange for shipping for a car he was buying in Texas. The neighbor likes to be very cheap and didn't care for the $1,000 plus shipping quotes he was receiving. Anyway, I opened an account at UShip.com and got a shipping quote of $500. The shipper was already headed to Miami with a partial load that is why he was able to do it so cheaply. I love the concept of UShip. You list a shipment and then shippers bid for your business. It should be a win/win because if they have excess capacity and are already headed in your direction then it is like BBQ sauce for them and big savings for you. I remember Dennis asked about shipping solutions so maybe this is an opportunity. PS Anyone have a Datsun Pickup they'd like to ship me?