Fire? That seems a little extreme. I don't have any photos of me with the smoker but I did post a link to its description. It takes a little longer but the flavor inhancement is unbeatable. Notice how all of the fast food joints are scambling to sell products with a chipotle sauce? A chipotle is a smoked jalapeno!

I spent today catching up after 12 straight days (and many nights) of work. I ran errands, mowed for a few hours and cleaned tody. Hopefully tomorrow I can finish the mowing and laundry before Ellie gets back. Over the past week we've had over four inches of rain, nearly erasing the six-inch deficit we've been running since January. It seems to have helped the tomoatoes, squash, pumpkins and melons but it's probably too late to help the corn.

Speaking of Ellie's return, I'll speak for all under the roof here that we can't wait. It has been written that she has taken one for the team, and rightfully so. But the critters here are also exhibiting signs of stress, and it will be great to have our pack back together again.

And Bon Voyage, Don Vito!