Of grills, block parties, and ukuleles

Well, summer has arrived, has it not? I thought I would let you know what's up and what's down. We are continuing with our 'no oven' policy. That's right, it's so warm up here that we have forsaken the oven as well as the stove top (aka, the hob). In lieu of our gas bill we have taken on the charcoal allowance. That's right, every meal is being prepared by outdoor grill. We can grill anything. Besides the normal meats (the brats, the whole chickens, and Angela's favorite rib eye steak -- boneless), we also grill whole onions, heads of garlic, asparagus, potatoes (a personal favorite), and eggplant. Other 'experiments' also include kohlrabi, turnips, and kale. I do not recommend the kale on the grill . . . rubbery.

Another harbinger of the summer season is the 'block party.' Not an original institution, but I believe one that really reaches its fullest expression in Chicago. Only here, in this large metropolis, may neighbors come together, and for the low fee of about $100.00, have their block completely shut down, taken off the grid, for an entire weekend. Throughout this summer, drivers will grumble as they are vexed, their normal drive home (or to market) blocked by barricades stating: NO PARKING/BLOCK PARTY. But it ain't just any block party, this is America after all. There will be bouncy castles, kegs of beer, face painting, a stage with lighting and amplification, and the requisite cover band, whose output allows the passerby to guess, with amazing accuracy, the median age of the block's residents. These 'events' will keep building in intensity until the dreaded Village Block Party. These weekend long bacchanals take up five to six blocks. They are mini Lollapaloozas, two to three bands playing a variety of Top Forty hits. These begin in about a month and last until October . . . there is some type of Halloween costume parade for the kiddies . . . by this time everyone is sick of it and the 'fun' is a bit constructed. But, it is early, and we shall, for now, eat corn on the cob, drink warmish beer, avoid August's Guinness and Oyster Fest (warm beer/warm oysters) . . . who thought this was a good idea? So it goes.

Oh, I bought a ukulele. It's fantastic. I've had it one day and I already know three chords . . . that's all I need. Next, hook it up to the computer.

Today the outdoor markets are open, fresh fruit and veg, organic cheese and meats. We will purchase today and grill for the week. A beautiful thing.

Peace.

jg