It's BBQ Season

Three years ago, in 2003, Ron Lancaster was going through some changes in his life. As he became the General Manager of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, he celebrated - possibly by getting a new BBQ.

The 1998 CFL Coach of the Year threw his old Fiesta to the curb, where it was snatched up by my close friends who live directly across the street from him. It made a temporary home in their garage, until, a few weeks later, they acquired a bigger, better used BBQ.

With the installation of a new burner for a meager $30, Ron's BBQ was passed to me and Suz. I treasured that Fiesta and the tasty food it provided. What stories did this BBQ hold? How many juicy steaks or beefy burgers were charbroiled, with the Ti-cats stomachs as their destination?

Just like the Ti-Cats, it had seen better days and I needed to bring it back to its former glory.

Sandpaper smoothed out the weathered wooden side shelves. New stain brightened them. A fresh coat of black paint made the tired frame shine, and a simple screw fixed the broken handle.

For 3 seasons Ron's BBQ served us well. But in 2005 both us and Mr. Lancaster went through some more changes. As he became the Senior Director of Football Operations, we prepared to move.

The $30 burner gave up the ghost, allowing the propane to burn unrestricted. That tank wheezed the last of its contents in July, two weeks before our move date.

We followed in Ron's footsteps and sent the BBQ packing. It called the curb home for approximately 6 hours. Then it was gone.

With the purchase of our new Centro BBQ this weekend, my stainless steel collection has expanded. This newest addition is in great company. And if the warm weather keeps up, the DeLorean might be making its 2006 debut earlier than anticipated.

The Ti-Cats won't be. Their first scheduled preseason game is Friday, June 2, no matter what the weather is like.