Memorial Day weekend is known as the start of the summer and most Americans have a three-day weekend to celebrate. This year, I find myself in Indiana spending time with my family. It is important to take a moment and reflect upon the meaning of Memorial Day and remember those, especially those in the military who have served our country. General John A. Logan founded this holiday to honor those that had fallen during the Civil War. On May 5, 1868 he issued the Memorial Day Order.

This holiday has expanded to honor all of our fallen Americans and honor those who still protect us today. We live in a country of unparalleled freedom and quality of life. It’s easy to forget the sacrifices so many have made to keep us safe on a daily basis.

In the morning, I sent messages to all my military buddies thanking them for their service. Then, I told Hannah, my little sister, to get ready because we were going to buy some doughnuts from a local shop in the next town. My inspiration came from a doughnut themed show we watched last night on “The Cooking Channel.” I think my dad saw my eyes light up like the 4th of July because he told me about a little doughnut joint that he never mentioned before. This place makes a finite quantity for that day and closes the shop once all those little rings of joy are gone.

Naturally, I thought that would be a great place to try out for the blog. But fate was not on my side because when Hannah and I got there the shop was closed. I still needed to satisfy my doughnut craving so we went to Dunkin. The doughnuts were average at best and not worthy of a picture for the blog.

Now that my doughnut craving was put to rest, I went outside to help my Dad with the yard-work. It’s been years since I have mowed and weed-whacked so it was actually kind of fun. Plus, I got to work on my tan.

Now that the backyard was in pristine shape it was time to work on the main course for our Memorial Day feast in preparation for our guests. My father had invited his best friend Adam and his family over to join us. Adam is practically an uncle to me because I have known him since I was six. His son Daniel will be a freshman next year and he likes to use me as benchmark to see how far he has come in his eating capacity. He is coming along but I can still take him.

That’s my dad in the yellow Avon shirt before we started smoking our cajun-spiced dry rubbed ribs today with hickory chips. These bad-boys only started off in the smoker to get the nice smoky flavor but ended up in the oven for some slow cooking to make the meat uber tender. After this entire process the output was just pure awesomeness.

To compliment the main course, we had corn on the cob, sweet potato fries, and a beat slaw contraption. Not only was the meal great but spending time with my family is even better. I love my verbose talks with my Dad about work, military, and just life in general. But the real treat is harassing my little sister because I can. I poke her, mess-up her hair, and even flop on her bed. It’s my way to show that I care.

I have one more day here in Indiana, which will be filled with a healthy serving of good old-fashioned family time. However, something is just off. The only thing that I am missing to make this trip truly perfect is my lovely lady. All this time apart has been hard and I can’t wait to see her on Wednesday.

Next Monday I will be in Chicago. Send me some good chow recommendations.

Strength and Honor,

M