heading straight into hearts, chocolate and things that go bling with Valentine’s Day just around the corner. So what am I to do? But, let’s back up a mo-


ment, because this is a tale every guy has to love. This year for Christmas,


my wife, Cathy, and I decided to keep it simple. One big thing to be shared by us, and then on the season for giving, we were going to focus on others with a much greater need than ourselves. Our “together” gift actu-


ally was very cool — an over- night trip to Little Rock for opening night of the Garth Brooks World Tour at Verizon Arena. (Psst: The dude’s still got it.) But the part of the holiday


season I’m most proud of was our participation in the Christ-


In need of a smokin’ idea for my valentine N


ow I’m on the spot. So we’re past Santa and ho-ho season, and


mas Wish program. Afocal point of The Bulle-


tin’s community involvement with the Twin Lakes Area, Christmas Wish has for 26 years provided gifts for needy kids whose families otherwise would have very little, or nothing, to offer their chil- dren on this special holiday. We adopted a family and


did our best to match the wishes requested by a mother with a story that broke our hearts. We actually may have gone a touch overboard, but who cares. We felt good. Actually, very


good. But, back to the predica-


ment I’m in. So Christmas morning


dawns, I’m up early and head- ing down to the newspaper, because, of course, there was going to be a paper in your mailbox the next day. Then came the words: “Wow, where did that box


come from?” In front of a ceremonial


pine we would plant out back, sat a rather large box. “You didn’t,” I said. She just smiled. Inside was the smoker we


had talked about buying for months. So, Cat 1, Bob 0. And has it been used.


Chicken, ribs, brisket — it’s one of the best gifts ever! But now I’m on the spot.


That Christmas Day, not even a token from the hubby. I blew it.


Thank goodness for Valen-


tine’s Day. It’s makeup time. What will I do? Not sure


yet. We’re not a bling-type


couple, so I’m off the hook there. We’re not big on choco- late and sweets. Hmmm. Roses, wine and brisket


Bob Heist


with Bob’s to-die-for rub I learned in Louisiana? I like it. That’s smokin’!


Living Well i February/March 2015 5


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