Last night, I cranked up Fred on XM, grabbed a Stone Pale Ale, fired up my barbeque and grilled burgers for dinner.
The sun had already fallen beneath the horizon, so the sky was that wonderful watercolor blur of indigo, blue, orange and red.
I threw patties on the grill, splashed them with Worcestershire sauce, and dusted them with garlic salt, fresh ground pepper and this blend of herbs called “The 21 Seasoning Salute” that we get from Trader Joe’s. Fragrant smoke left my grill, and raced up to meet the few planets and stars that had poked their heads through the fading dusk.
While I cooked, Nolan came out of the house, and talked to me about school. Ryan came out and talked to me about school, and poker, and why I should really watch The Ring with him (he’s been asking me for over a year . . . I really should just do it.) Anne talked to me through the kitchen window while she made baked beans and potato salad, and through it all, Riley ran around the patio chasing her tail, a cricket, and her tail again before she finally sat at my side and looked at me hopefully while I cooked.
Down the block, I heard the voices and excited shrieks of children playing hide and seek in the balmy Summer evening, and I took a moment to appreciate how lucky I am to have moments like this in my life.
The Writer may miss the inspiration of Las Vegas, but The Husband and Father is really happy to be home.
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Whoa, first post?
I thought days like that didn’t exist anymore. Glad to know that they still do 🙂
The Ring will scare your pants off; it did mine. You have been warned.
The Ring scared the pants off me too. It wasn’t so much the movie itself, but rather the grand cosmic joke played on me when MY phone rang just after the scene where you first see the video.
These are the entries that make your blog worth while, Wil. 🙂
You are a wonderful writer, and you really appreciate life and all it’s details details. I am sure that this helps you along in your craft. Also, you are a TRUE MAN, A WONDERFUL FATHER, AND GREAT HUSBAND who values your family. *salutes your folks for the great job they did*
PS: See the Ring wth the kid, it will be a good scare. *winks*
Wil,
Sounds like a great time. Summer nights are definitely something to be cherished. The burgers sound great — I’m also a seasoning freak, though usually I settle for black pepper and garlic salt.
Seems like you enjoy a lot of lesser common beers, e.g., Anchor Steam and Stone Pale Ale. Ever tried any Sapporo beer?
As for the Ring… awesome movie! Why haven’t you seen it yet? Its too bad you didn’t get to see it with him when it was in theaters… that movie really gets a crowd going. Holodeck technology, where are you?
Another great post that puts a smile on my face to carry me through the rest of my work day.
Once more I relate your life to mine, and you remind me to continue to appreciate what a great life I’ve got.
Thanks again Wil
🙂
Just Home and Love! the words are small
Four little letters unto each;
And yet you will not find in all
The wide and gracious range of speech
Two more so tenderly complete:
When angels talk in Heaven above,
I’m sure they have no words more sweet
Than Home and Love.
Just Home and Love! it’s hard to guess
Which of the two were best to gain;
Home without Love is bitterness;
Love without Home is often pain.
No! each alone will seldom do;
Somehow they travel hand and glove:
If you win one you must have two,
Both Home and Love.
And if you’ve both, well then I’m sure
You ought to sing the whole day long;
It doesn’t matter if you’re poor
With these to make divine your song.
And so I praisefully repeat,
When angels talk in Heaven above,
There are no words more simply sweet
Than Home and Love.
-Robert William Service
Thanks for your reminders to cherish what we have.
Nice – I did some burgers for myself last night, with Montreal seasoning and some Lea & Perrin’s Hot Pepper Steak Sauce, and some turkey burgers for my wife and mother-in-law with a generous shaking of Badia Adobo. Later this week while they are both out of town, I’ve got some Italian sausages and a couple more burgers I’m going to marinate in this stuff called Pirate’s Gold that is out of this world.
Definitely watch the Ring, but if you can, check out the original Japanese version, Ringu, instead – both were very good but Ringu gave me more of the creepies thanks in no small part to a weird series of coincidences that took place right after I watched the film. Koji Suzuki’s book is definitely worth some attention as well
Sounds like you get the “Big Picture,” Wil. I mean, there are many people in this world that go to their graves and never ‘get it.’ All of the money, fame, fortune, cars, homes, clothes, shoes, gold in the world cannot compare to the riches you have in your life. You are a lucky, lucky guy! Hope you have many more days just like ’em.
PS – I live on the East COast and we are just getting TJ’s. I can’t imagine how I survived without it!
I finally gave in and watched the ring a couple weeks ago. Aside from the phone ringing right in the middle of it (wrong number, great) it wasn’t too bad. . . until later. That’s when the terror really kicks in. God, I hate horror movies. (ironic that my boyfriend is covered in tats of an oujia board, Linda Blair from the exorcist [slightly less weird since he knows her], black cat, etc. etc. It’s Halloween every day.)
Wil,
I love reading about all the exciting things in your life, but I love reading about the everyday things more. Sometimes I sit back and wonder if anyone else really appreciates those mundane, but oh so precious everyday moments like watching your child splash in a puddle, or enjoying when the cat curls up in your lap for hours. Then I read your posts and realize that YES! Someone else DOES get it and can relay those feelings into words that just completely express how I feel. Thank you for getting it, and expressing it, and letting me know I am not the only one who thinks life’s day-to-day moments are precious!
Oh, and
1. The Ring scared my pants off too.
2. I received my Just a Geek book and LOVE it!
Thanks Wil!
Sandra
The Ring is easily one of the freakiest movies I’ve ever seen, but I think it’s largely because I watched it by myself on a very gray afternoon. Skip The Ring 2 though. Complete crapfest.
Oh, and your post made me want to go home and eat some BBQ with my Dad.
Now that sounds like the perfect way to close out a Sunday. I particularly like the part about Riley being so hopeful.
dude, you’re making me hungry! If not for the near 100% humidity today, I’d be lobbying for grilled burgers for dinner.
As for The Ring- it has a few creepy moments, but I was far more annoyed with the ending than scared by it.
Hee! Burgers and worcestershire sauce. Best food in the world. And you do pronounce it wooster-sheer, and not war-sester-shire, don’t you?
Wil, the writer finds inspiration everywhere.
You did just now.
I know you love to talk about poker, but
I love it when you talk about the fam.
I also love hearing about your family life, Wil.
FYI, the ultimate burgers are to be had by the following recipe:
1. Mix ground chuck by hand with a few splashes of soy sauce, garlic powder and a dash of chili powder.
2. As with other areas of life, be gentle with the beef. Do not mash it.
3. Grill until pink just disappears from center and outsides are crusty.
Sounds like a great night.
And The Ring is great. But I am biased due to Naomi Watts.
🙂 There is an arc between them – therein lies life. Your passage back and forth is wonderfully written. I can almost smell the grill and hear the dog’s claws on the patio. Your visual talents aren’t being put to their best use – write a screenplay! But don’t stop blogging (of course). ALWAYS happy to fill up your schedule.
Ah Wil, in the crazy world of entertainers, you are only slightly weird (that’s a compliment,btw).
It’s refreshing to read words from an actor that actually make sense. On the other hand, my current post shows the other side of that coin. If you are a Scientologist, then I apologize, you are more than slightly weird. Keep up the good work, Wil.
All I can say is Beautiful and Thank You.
Great mental image there, it bought back many memories of BBQ outside in the warm sun to a time where things felt just a little smaller and the world was just your neighborhood.
Don’t watch it! Don’t do it! That movie ruined my life!
OK, that was a little dramatic, but it freaked me out. It didn’t help that the lighthouse they show in the movie is from the town where I grow up.
You know, I haven’t been to a good BBQ yet this summer. I need to work on that.
Wil,
First of all, there’s nothing quite so wonderful as the smell of burgers grilling in the backyard.
Second, I agree with the prior poster who said how nice it is that you appreciate the simple things, the everyday things. I enjoy hearing your other stories, but it’s where you reveal your humanity that I find myself relating to you most.
Third, my Dancing Barefoot FINALLY got here. I devoured it within an hour. Very good writing, Wil!
I wouldn’t mind one of those burgers right now…
Your seasoning sounds great to me, but I’d definitely use it with quality meat, like the steakburgers sold by the Kansas City Steak Company. Their bacon steakburgers and Vidalia onion steakburgers are especially good.
Oh and, for readers who don’t have an outdoor grill, a George Foreman grill works just as well.
Hmm. I don’t know what everyone is so scared about with The Ring. I am the biggest scaredy cat ever and didn’t find the movie scary at all. However.. Ringu did give me the heebie jeebies a bit more.
And now I must go thaw some hamburger and dig out my George Foreman that I have packed up ready for moving next week. But I think it’ll be worth it, as hungry as I now am 😀
Oh God, Wil, thats beautiful!
“The Writer may miss the inspiration of Las Vegas, but The Husband and Father is really happy to be home.”
Actually, I thought this was the best actual writing you’ve done in weeks. =P
Wil,
Great entry! Looks like a great burger, too.
FG
Great story Wil. Painted a great picture and made most of us very hungry. When I want to make a kick ass burger I usually use ground sirloin, garlic powder, soy sauce, black pepper, and onion powder (finely minced fresh if I got it). Mold ’em into nice juicy half pound burgers and grill until just a bit pink in the center. Mouthwatering.
I loved The Ring, spooky as hell. I figure peoples reaction to it are pretty much the same as The Blair Witch Project. You either loved it and were spooked or you hated it and thought it was dumb. I’ve never run across any middle ground on either movie. I suggest you watch, you should enjoy it.
beautifully written. and you really should watch the ring–it’s actually really good. i was pleasantly surprised. and scared.
My wife and I enjoy your website(s) a lot. This post has a wonderful feel-good touch. I just wanted to tell The Writer that this post has the kind of writing I enjoy reading.
Well, that and to say that a bbq is cooking with low temperature smoke. Please forgive the semantic quibbling, but if I were religious, I would be Barbecupalian. I, and my brothers of the order of peppers in vinegar sauce, would purify this land by making holy war against the sect of mustard sauce.
I’m smiling Wil Wheaton…. Thank you! 🙂
~~v
Ah yes – the joy of outdoor grilling!
I recently returned from my yearly pilgrimage to the SubGenius holy land of Brushwood in the most lovely town of Sherman, New York for 8X-DAY (that is the 8th celebration of our holiest of all days of the calender, July 5th)
There was much slack to be enjoyed by all who were in attendance there. And one delicacy I had been dying to try out was Ale-8 Chicken. Ale-8 is a local soda available in Kentucky, a sort of light ginger ale with no aftertaste. What I used to make Ale-8 chicken was a beer can chicken cooker available from Cabelas sporting goods.
I prepared two chickens, one with regular Ale-8 and one with Diet Ale-8 for my good friend HAL ROBINS! If that name sounds familiar to you all, it’s because Hal Robins is one of the voices of the video game HALF-LIFE!
Hal absolutely LOVED the Ale-8 cooked chicken as did everyone else who got to sample it! And I felt a great sense of slack as I saw everyone enjoy that delicious chicken.
SO if any of you want to make Ale-8 chicken like I did, take a good sized whole roaster, clean it PROPERLY of course, then mount it on the beer can chicken cooker on top of a can of Ale-8 soda (or any good ginger ale) – Coat the chicken with extra light olive oil and then season with garlic powder and Mrs. Dash.
Cook for about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours depending on your grill. When it’s finished, the chicken will have a very blackened and crispy skin but the meat will be very soft and tender and you can cut it very easily.
Mmmm MMMM!!!!!! Damn, I can’t wait until next July 5th when I’ll cook more delicious Ale-8 chicken!
Take care Wil and PRAISE BOB! – http://www.subgenius.com
Governor Rocknar
SubGenius Nation of Sports Land
Sounds like pure heaven. And you appreciate it which makes you both wise and deserving. Sometimes little gems like that just fall into our laps, perfect moments.
Oh I bet that was a great evening!
I had a similar moment a couple of weekends ago at my parents – my 19 month old daughter was playing in the hose sprinkler for the first time ever, and loving it, and it brought back so many memories of when I used to play in the garden on hot summer days!
We had a lovely barbecue, and it was a perfect day with the people I love.
Who needs Poker for the best kicks?!
You’re a rich man, Wil Wheaton. (And you know it!) Thanks for sharing.
Wow, sounds like a fantastic evening! Thank you for sharing it with us.
Oh and the Ring? *shudders* All I have to say is that things shouldn’t move like that, really. If I’d watched it as a kid I’d have had nightmares for weeks.
What a great entry. I’m a new-ish reader and I really enjoy reading your blog – you’re a wonderfully engaging writer. :o)
Definently sounds like a triumphant return.
But dude – I know Fred is good, but Lucy’s lineup last night was freakin’ awesome. You missed out. 😀
**sigh**
It is great to see that you are just an ordinary man with an ordinary life…..like mine.
I always thought movie and tv stars lived in a world of their own.
The Writer has definitely made The Reader hungry.
🙂
🙂 the title reminds me of slot wheels spinning. Vegas certainly does something to the senses. But it obviously doesn’t compare to what having a family does for us.
Hello, Wil! I’m new at blogging, so when I came across your Blog, I thought I’d check it out. I like your dry humor — it’s like mine. And geekiness is always cool in this Techno Age.
But then I came to this entry about last week’s barbeque. My initial reaction was, what does this have to do with anything? Who are the people that you’re mentioning? What is Wil trying to say — that he’s a regular guy, and not just a personality from the Star Trek universe?
I thought about it for several days. Now I’ve returned to reread the entry. I also read the Posts by your readers. Apparently, they understood your entry just as I thought — Wil’s a regular guy, husband & father.
Now that we’ve established that, what else do you have to say? I’ll check in from time to time & see.
Peace,
Robertus Minumus
Hello, Wil! I’m new at blogging, so when I came across your Blog, I thought I’d check it out. I like your dry humor — it’s like mine. And geekiness is always cool in this Techno Age.
But then I came to this entry about last week’s barbeque. My initial reaction was, what does this have to do with anything? Who are the people that you’re mentioning? What is Wil trying to say — that he’s a regular guy, and not just a personality from the Star Trek universe?
I thought about it for several days. Now I’ve returned to reread the entry. I also read the Posts by your readers. Apparently, they understood your entry just as I thought — Wil’s a regular guy, husband & father.
Now that we’ve established that, what else do you have to say? I’ll check in from time to time & see.
Peace,
Robertus Minumus
Beautiful slice of life. Thanks for posting this.