We’ve finally dragged ourselves into the 20th century (21st century would be a bit ambitious) and purchased a gas BBQ. Chas spotted it in Aldi; a bargain at fifty-something pounds, and being Aldi it is likely to be reliable and good value.
A couple of Sundays ago, after a day of gardening, I decided that it was time to take the BBQ out of its box. It was 6pm, and we wanted to be ready to barbeque by 7. I emptied the box, carefully laying the parts on the garden table. And a garden seat. And another garden seat. As more and more parts emerged from the box, it became apparent that maybe cooking at 7pm could be a little optimistic, and so Chantal ceased her weeding activities to give me a hand, and in particular to assisted with the interpretation of the instructions.
We were provided with a helpful diagram, and initially all went according to plan, as we constructed what was essentially the skeleton of a barbeque, complete with wheels. It was when we got to building the top half that the trouble started. We had to bolt the tray where the cooking is done to the top of the legs – to be more precise the bolt had to be inserted into two small holes at the top of each leg. The only holes that seemed to be available were two large holes further down each leg. We soon located the smaller holes – facing the wrong way. The only solution was to dismantle what we had done, turn the legs through 90 degrees and rebuild.
Two hours later we had a fully functioning barbeque, just as well since we were both starving – all we had to do was connect the gas bottle. Since our hob in the kitchen runs off a gas bottle, we have two bottles – one in use, and a full one as spare, and I brought the spare one to the barbeque and went to connect the gas pipe, only to find that our bottles were larger than normally used, and designed for a different regulator to that supplied with the barbeque. Chantal would not entertain my proposal to cut off the BBQ regulator, and attach our spare large one, despite me assuring her that it would be fine.
We gave up, and I took the dogs for a walk while Chantal warmed a previously cooked chilli in the microwave. By the time I got back, the sun was sinking in the west, and it was distinctly cool, and so we dined indoors instead of al fresco.
On Monday Chantal popped along to our local hardware store to buy a smaller gas bottle with the appropriate regulator-fitting. “Why don’t you cut off the BBQ regulator, and attach your spare large one?” says the chap in the hardware shop, “It will be fine!”. “That’s what my husband said.” mutters Chantal, and that is precisely what we do, and we enjoyed a first class BBQ in the evening sunshine.
Incidentally, to whoever supplied the Strongbow at the June family do – thanks. It goes well with a BBQ.
We have also bought a new shower, complete with easy-fit fittings, perfect for the DIY enthusiast. We employed a plumber to fit it.
Technically we live in Oaktree House, but sadly the tree had to go.
We now have a thriving Oakstump at the front of the house.
