Labor Day Weekend – Day Three

I forgot to turn my phone alarm off. I’ve got it set to go off Monday through Friday at 5:45 a.m. So, I woke up early on Labor Day and couldn’t fall back asleep.

I made some scrambled eggs for breakfast and ate them with toast. When it was light outside, I rigged up the square head sprinkler and watered the vegetable garden.

Meanwhile, I began carrying out two gallons of water for each plant I either moved or divided. It was supposed to be another scorcher today.

When I was done with the watering, I rolled up the hose and put the bucket back.

I turned the oven on low (vent on, kitchen window cracked). I took the cling wrap off the ribs, cut the rack in half and wrapped them with tinfoil. I also wrapped up those big pork chops and everything went into the oven (low and slow). I set the timer for three hours.

I did the last of the weekend wash. I had to run to Home Depot because I couldn’t find my hickory chips, and I wanted to hit the ribs and pork chops with some smoke. I got apple wood this time, just to be different. I stopped at the gas station and chatted with my little friend.

About 1:00 p.m., I fired up the charcoal. I cleaned and greased the grill grate and then grilled the sweet corn. Then I did the brats and then the T-bone steak. Everything went into the oven to keep warm while I worked.

I had soaked the wood chips in water so I put them on the hot coals. I put the ribs and chops on the grill and covered them with the warmer tray lid.

Sidebar: I should have set the timer, because when I went back out, the ribs were dried out and a little charred on the bone side. Dammit!  The grill is just a little too small to create a “cool” spot.

I took everything inside and then fixed my Labor Day dinner: Some of the steak, an ear of corn and a good helping of potato salad. It was delicious!

I cleaned up the mess in the kitchen and went in to watch the news.

I made a late night snack of a brat, some chips and chip dip. That, too was good.

I went to bed around 10:30 p.m. and again had trouble falling asleep.