Hi everyone, welcome to a pleasant day in Louisiana! Today, I’m getting ready to BBQ some pork ribs using a new product from the kingsford brand. This product is a charcoal that features a flavoring agent of sage, basil, and thyme. While it’s not as impactful as the garlic paprika and onion blend, it still adds a nice touch to the ribs.

Preparation Steps for BBQ Pork Ribs

Here is what I did to prepare the ribs for the grill:
1. I injected them with a garlic and herb marinade.
2. Added a touch of cayenne pepper and smoked paprika.
3. Coated the meat side with mustard and the bone side with black pepper.
4. Sprinkled more pepper on top for extra flavor.
5. These seasoned ribs will sit in the fridge for an hour before heading to the pit.

To ensure a perfect roast, I will flip them periodically and wrap them in butcher paper before returning them to the pit for a couple of hours. After all this, they will be served with jambalaya. It’s a delightful way to enjoy outdoor dining on a beautiful afternoon while working on a small garden area in the backyard.

Family Gatherings: Nostalgia and Reality

Family gatherings often hold a special place in our hearts, especially when they are tied to specific days of the week, like Sundays. However, reality can sometimes make these traditions challenging to maintain. Unfortunately, I currently don’t have any Sunday plans with my family, unless it's a trip to the ER, as my mother drives me there.

My two children are scattered, with my daughter living in Pennsylvania and my son in Massachusetts. I reside in Pennsylvania, and we coordinate to spend time together whenever we can and it's convenient for all of us. On Sundays, we often attend church, but rarely at the same location, which means that Sundays aren’t always ideal for get-togethers.

However, I am incredibly grateful for every moment I get to spend with my family. My son and his wife are wonderful at including me in various events, celebrations, and even occasional family visits. It’s a testament to the value we place on quality family time, and something I cherish deeply.

Rediscovering Sunday Traditions

When I recall growing up, family Sunday gatherings were a cherished tradition. Every Sunday, my grandmother prepared a meal for anywhere between 10 to 16 people. The meal always began with homemade soup and included a variety of main dishes, such as roast beef, pork, or chicken. Don't forget the homemade dessert, always a highlight of the gathering. Now, it seems that we have moved away from these regular family get-togethers, which feels a bit sad.

Despite the changes in our lives, I believe there is value in revisiting and reestablishing these traditions. In a world where schedules and distances can be challenging, finding moments to come together, however small, can bring a sense of warmth and belonging. Perhaps setting a new Sunday tradition, even if it’s as simple as cooking together, can help strengthen the bonds that matter most.

So, on this sunny Louisiana afternoon, I'll enjoy my BBQ ribs and the setting of my small garden, reflecting on family gatherings past and the enduring love that ties us together.