05/09/2026
For 11 years , every year, we have done a BBQ cookoff on my birthday. This year is different. No three days of shopping, prepping food, loading & setting up, no 4:15 am alarm clock or cooking breakfast for the crew by spotlight and watching the sun rise . No cooking in the rain or blazing heat, watching the clock, prepping the turn in boxes , oh and the cleanup!
Our grand babies were raised in the bbq scene. Our cook tents were FULL of playpens, strollers, toys, high chairs, and bottles . We always had the biggest and best group of helpers and so so many friends and family who came to eat and hang out and cheer us on.
In the beginning our girls handed out samples and became known as the Bar-B-Cuties. When the grandkids got bigger they took over . We have served a giant buffet lunch for at least 40 people every time, all while cooking the turn in food, rocking babies, doing karaoke, handing out samples, and still managed a first place trophy somehow. It is CHAOS 😆
Don’t know for sure that we’re done for good. Never say never. What I do know is four generations shared our hobby, passion and joy with us. I know so many great memories were made, and I pray a legacy was created that will outlive us. It was hard work, expensive, time consuming, and did I mention hard work?!.
This year , today, on my 59th birthday, no alarm clock. We’ll have coffee on the back deck. And maybe later go to the cookoff as guests. For the first time , be able to walk around, try some samples, see our other bbq warrior friends and just chill!!
Bittersweet yes, but it sounds so wonderful I’m giddy. Seasons change. Traditions evolve. Memories last forever.
