Hot Coals

I have a whole new respect for those firewalkers you see on the National Geographic channel. I was smoking some butt this morning. I was going electric, but decided to do it the traditional way since I was going to be home all day. I started some charcoal in the chimney. When it was ready I carried the chimney over to the smoker.

And the bottom of it fell out.

And I was barefoot.

The deck was starting to burn so I put on the fireproof gloves to pick them up. I stepped on one and it lodged in that little recessed are between the foot and toes. I hopped around, cussed a lot and finally dug it out. I was going inside but decided the deck burning down was an issue. I tried to pick up the coals.

And stepped on another one. This one was on the heel. There was a lot more cussing and I decided the deck could just burn down. I hopped to the shower and hollered to Janet to get something that would hold ice water and my foot.

I still needed to get the fire started so I called Barry to ask if he had another chimney. He didn't so I called Charles. I figured two for one, chimney and doctor. He took a look at the foot and thought it should be looked at by someone who knew a bit more about burns, so we went to the burn unit at Children's hospital. The doctor and nurses were great. They cut the skin loose and declared I had mainly second degree but a few areas that were third degree. They cleaned me up, gave me a script for Oxycontin and Charles took me home.

While I was away, Barry went to the store and bought a new chimney and loaded the smoker with coals.

I am truly blessed to have such great (and handy) friends.

I thank you all