I Hope You Dance This Summer

I picked up this story from a friend's online newsletter. It's just a reality check for all of us that are working too hard for tomorrow, not always thinking about what we want to do today... I'm going to eat some barbequed ribs this weekend!

From an 83 year old woman to her friend - I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting in the yard and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time working. Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them. I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the first Amaryllis blossom. I wear my good blazer to the market. I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties, but wearing it for clerks in the hardware store and tellers at the bank. "Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now.

I'm not sure what others would've done had they known they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner or for whatever their favorite food was. I'm guessing; I'll never know.

It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited.Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special.

Letter to Bill Simmons

Here's a recent email I sent to Bill Simmons (ESPN.com) after reading that he's on 20 year quest to find the perfect BBQ rib.

It's also my recipe/methodology for the perfect BBQ ribs - enjoy!

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Hey Bill - In your last mailbag you mentioned that you're on a 20 year odyssey to find the perfect bbq ribs - look no further. If you're even barely capable around a grill (gas or charcoal), I can coach you through the process of cooking ribs that might end your quest. Here you go:

Buy a couple racks of baby back ribs. The night before you want to cook them, mix together the following in a bowl:

2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons cumin
2 tablespoons black pepper
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
4 tablespoons paprika

Cover the ribs (front and back) with the rub. Don't be a wimp - lay it on there. Cover them in the refrigerator overnight.

The next day, about six hours before you want to eat, start up the grill. Once it's hot, turn down the burners (or move the coals to one side) and put the ribs on the grill... this in the important part... but not over coals or direct flame. Ideally, you want the grill to be between 200-225 F for the total cook time. If you want to get fancy, put a foil pan with water and leftover spices over the fire.

Over the next 6 hours just make sure the temperature doesn't get too hot and ribs aren't getting over-cooked.

Once they're pulling off the bone, take them off the grill and let them "rest" for 5 minutes, cut them up and enjoy with your favorite cold beer (PBR tall boys are my recommendation).
If this is a little much for you, give me advance notice when you're planning to come back to Boston and I'll make you a couple racks... If they're good enough to slow (or end) your quest, I'll take a pair of monster seats - that's got to be a fair trade.

Happy cooking!

JSR 168, WSRP, Portlets & Enterprise Portal

JSR 168, WSRP, Portlets & Enterprise Portal