"some assembly required"

We had Linda's college friends and our kids and son-in-law over on Saturday and we needed to feed corn on the cob and burgers to about ten people. Our son pointed out that our current grill was pretty much unsafe: as he put it, there were flames where there shouldn't be flames. So we made a quick run to buy a new propane grill. There were floor models, but we figured why buy those dented, rusting models probably assembled by some young teenager who doesn't know a wing nut from a hazel nut.

It was getting on toward five thirty when we set about assembling the grill. Linda decided to pile some charcoal in the old grill to cook the corn. Our crack team of assemblers got to work and, around step five, the corn was done. Then, as we were winding up step ten or so, Linda decided to put the burgers on the charcoal. By the time the corn and burgers were done, we were putting the finishing touches on the new grill. Right before we went in to eat, we hooked up the propane and test-fired the new grill. Perfection. Just a bit too late for this weekend's big meal.

Anyhow, no matter. We'll be ready next time, and we can wheel the old grill to the street on the next big "anything goes" trash day. Anyhow, the best part was, the kids were home, some good friends were gathered about - the hamburgers had just a touch of pink in the middle, just as I like them; the corn was sweet. As close to a perfect day as I need.