BBQ's UP AND DOWNS

It was fun to be back at the BBQ grill again this week. But it was hot. The heat from above and below (not that far below) both baked me. The next day it was cold and I have wore a sweatshirt everyday since. It’s suppose to reach 90 this weekend. I don’t like that either. Some people are never happy. I guess I’m one of them.

I am not sure where Chas is coming from, but it feels like he may be trying to buy my friendship. He has been trying to supply my food for these events the past few weeks. He always asks what I want. If I don’t tell him, he buys something and tells me what he got for me. I have my own food and if I don’t cook it soon I will have to throw it away. He will not take no for an answer. He has been bring all this food to cook for people who come with no food despite very clear announcements that each is to bring their own. Then he complains that people don't bring their own food and are depending on others. He can’t have it both ways. He's training them not to bring food, and that there will be plenty for all (so far they have been right).

We also have a woman who, admittedly; has a few screws lose. She brings two hotdogs and then wanders around finding other food. Last week someone set their own plate down to get up and do something and by the time they were back, several items were removed from they plate. Chas had a very large steak waiting for him and he left it briefly and half was cut off. She has been caught taking things off plates in use. I have to watch her around the BBQ or she will take what she wants. She does not ask permission. Some people’s kids.

I was given a terrific book entitled "Destined to Witness - growing up black in Nazi Germany" I started it Friday and could not put it down. I read all Saturday and Sunday into the wee hours of Monday morning. It is an absolutely fascinating book. It is hard to believe what Hans-Jurgen and his single mother went through just to survive. When I got to the end I wanted more. I guess that makes for a good book. He covered very little after his arrival in America. There are photos of many black celebrities he met, but no explanation. He is managing editor of Ebony magazine and based on the date given, it looks like he graduated from journalism school and began that job immediately. Unlikely, unless the magazine was just getting under way. I must look that up.