Ah, the hose. The preferred plaything of suburbia.
I got up this morning, puttered around the garden, washed the car, and then spent an idyllic half hour hosing down the driveway, the sidewalks, the gutters, the curbs… I know it is a waste of water, but there is something so relaxing in using a hose to wash off all that dirt and debris, especially early on a Saturday morning when the air is cool and hummingbirds don’t seem to be afraid.
Just a few minutes ago, I was in the backyard when a hummingbird startled me — when they fly by, they sound like wasps or bees, so I’m glad I didn’t swat at it. I stood there perfectly still as it went past and then went to work among the blossoms on my orange tree a mere two feet away.
Speaking of backyards, I’m debating whether or not to get a grill. I’m not really a big griller, and the last time I had a gas grill I burned all the hair off my arm with an impressive fireball when I lit it. On top of that, my backyard is lush and pretty — but small, and I don’t want to detract attention with a big stainless steel thing in the middle of it.
But I am having a big birthday party in August, and I am told that it would be easier to cook outside than in the kitchen; a decent gas grill can be had for $200 at Target, which is less than I’d probably pay for drinks at the party. Still, I’m a fraidy cat when it comes to fire; what can I say? Son of a fireman.
Did you have the lid closed when you lit it? That’s usually the issue with gas grills and fireballs (as neat as they are anyway).
I think gas, stainless steel grills look kinda nice in a back yard. Makes is looked lived in and if you keep them clean you can almost make them a focal point.
I say go for a grill. If anything, at least get a hibachi or something small so it doesn’t overtake your yard. Something grilled, something smoked, BBQ is a good thing.