I went out today and purchased my second smoker. This is a good time of the year to shop for one. The season is over, folks are thinking about turkey and pumpkin pie, not BBQ ribs and the sales of the smokers has dropped off.

I almost made a purchase at Lowes, but decided to drive down the road about a quarter mile and search out the Tractor store.

Walked through the front doors and the smokers were gone. Fall diaplays were being setup and I about turned around and left.

At that point a young lady asked if she could help me. I told her that not likely unless she had hidden the smokers in the back.

She informed me there was one left in the back and she could give me a discounted price...

Anyway. They loaded it on a pallet and then used a fork lift to place it in the bed of my pickup.

It is home and tomorrow I must consider the teachings of Archimedes in figuring out a way to lever it out of the truck and safely down in my driveway. It is huge, ungainly and sure to weigh more than a hundred pounds.

Then before the weekend arrives, we will head over to Sam's Club in Asheville and load up on some good pork ribs, a shoulder or two and a couple of chickens. Some will go into the freezer on the back porch for later smoking. Then the ingredients for the rubs/marinate at the local grocer, then hopefully this weekend we will drive all our neighbors down the mountain in search of their favorite BBQ joint. Done that before. (I must work out a commission fee with the BBQ joints)

What fun.....and yes. I do like my BBQ...

I went out today and purchased my second smoker. This is a good time of the year to shop for one. The season is over, folks are thinking about turkey and pumpkin pie, not BBQ ribs and the sales of the smokers has dropped off.

I almost made a purchase at Lowes, but decided to drive down the road about a quarter mile and search out the Tractor store.

Walked through the front doors and the smokers were gone. Fall diaplays were being setup and I about turned around and left.

At that point a young lady asked if she could help me. I told her that not likely unless she had hidden the smokers in the back.

She informed me there was one left in the back and she could give me a discounted price...

Anyway. They loaded it on a pallet and then used a fork lift to place it in the bed of my pickup.

It is home and tomorrow I must consider the teachings of Archimedes in figuring out a way to lever it out of the truck and safely down in my driveway. It is huge, ungainly and sure to weigh more than a hundred pounds.

Then before the weekend arrives, we will head over to Sam's Club in Asheville and load up on some good pork ribs, a shoulder or two and a couple of chickens. Some will go into the freezer on the back porch for later smoking. Then the ingredients for the rubs/marinate at the local grocer, then hopefully this weekend we will drive all our neighbors down the mountain in search of their favorite BBQ joint. Done that before. (I must work out a commission fee with the BBQ joints)

What fun.....and yes. I do like my BBQ...

Thanks for all the support....

Got it outta the truck, on the ground and both of us in one piece. Will miracles never end.

Following the manufacturers advice I am slow seasoning it with a vegetable oil rub along with a four hour burn in.

Once accomplished, to the meat market we go. This weekend should be a hoot. A cold front is coming through and something tells me my wife will want to witness my work, up close.

Oh, one other thing.

Our new smoker should have a nick name. Something appropriate, smart and related to its function.,

Any suggestions would be appreciated.....