woodlandcreature: 2012 The Windy Rib Off

Come the end of gardening season is the Rib Off. The weekend after Labor Day, cooking competitors gather to test their sauciness and grilling prowess for the enjoyment of family and friends...

Soaked wood chips (alder, hickory, fruit...) and the right tools are all in place.

Grills are scraped off and everything is set.

The day had turned really windy and originally, we were going to all be eating and judging in the backyard, but stuff started flying away and tipping over. So it was decided that we move all the chairs and tables into the garage. Cars had to be backed out to make room...

And look what happened -

Oh My God!!!

Don't feel bad, but SHIT -

YOU RAN OVER THE RIBS!!!

Being a true champion (last year), this fine contestant got right back in the game and wiped off (his tears) the tire tread to go on to........

Well, I'd be telling, wouldn't I?

And what would a Rib Off be without a little drama?

So we all got back to the business of Ribbing Off... (um, after a LOT of banter about forfeiting the competition for a certain someone's husband, or how we should enter in a handicap to even things out based on said accident. There were many creative ways to overcome the adversity of a contestant's box run over in the driveway.)

The brain power and political negotiation were mind-boggling...especially when you're so damn hungry!

Grilling is a friendly sport, after all... and look at the kind of gals it attracts! Come ON!!!

Previous [and very graceful] champions welcome the next generation of Rib Off contestants.

And keep smiling in the face of potential RIB CONSPIRACY!!

These guys really stepped up against the Old Timers...

We collect all the judges and the eating and judging begins...

There's a bit of talk about the trophy being left at home... and maybe someone would be driving back there to get it... Tensions and rib passions rise a bit, as we make our selections for the ribs with the winning color tag.