povertyflatsusa

New Years Blessings

2010-01-04T14:24:00.000-08:00

We are now 4 days into the new year.There is so much to look forward to I don't know where to start. Guess we will just have to take it as it comes.
If the past year has done nothing else, it has taught some of us not to plan too far into the future. Who but God knows for sure what tomorrow will bring. We can plan, we can hope, we can dream, but we cannot dictate what tomorrow's dawning will unfurl.
As of tomorrow night it will be 1 year since Frances went into coronary arrest from which she did not survive. All of us who knew her, and loved her learned a hard lesson in just how fragile life is. But as hard as life is, God's Grace is greater !!
I know there are some who feel that my time of grieving was far too short. But may I please say to them, I knew her far better and more intimately than any other person on earth. And at the hour of her passing from this life to the next, she went to a far better place than she ever knew here. In the last week of her life, I prayed non-stop for God to spare her. I prayed that God would allow me to take her place that she might be allowed to stay here. And I know God was listening, because He always is. But apparently, He was ready for her to graduate. And please, make NO mistake about it. She and I had discussed the subject many times before. She did not fear death. Her eternal destination was certain, her salvation sure.
And yes, my grief was for a while overwhelming. But, as I said earlier, God's Grace is greater !!! As I continued to pray, both day and night, God in all His mercy began to show me that life must go on. I never would have thought it possible to love someone again.
But God had other plans and to prove it to me, He brought someone into my life to fill the emptiness. Someone I would fall in love with so very deeply that all emotional wounds would be healed. Sue and I have been married almost 5 months now, and we are very happy. Our marriage is being built on our faith in Jesus Christ, a foundation that cannot, and will not fail..
May all of you have a very Blessed and Happy New Year.

Via Con Dios
DM

Shopping's All Done

2009-12-23T11:08:00.000-08:00

Folks, my Christmas shopping's all done. I think I have discovered one of the greatest tools for shopping this time of year. It's a little thing called gift cards. WOW !! It sure makes shopping for everyone a lot easier. Just buy that special loved one a gift card, and let them go get what they want. It saves on gas mileage, worry about the right size, color, and personal preference. And when you get home, you still have enough energy left to do most of those honey-do jobs that have been put off because you have Christmas shopping to do. Does this make perfect sense, or what ?? Just think about this for a moment, one quick trip to Walmart or the Mall, or any other of your favorite stores and it's all done !! And of course, one more added benefit to this is that you can make that special card for that special person as large as you like which in itself is sure to prove how much you care for them. Aren't we glad we live in America where we all have the right to think for ourselves ?

Alright, you surely have figured it out by now that I am not serious about this. But it's Christmas time, and we can't be serious all the time. Lighten up a little and have some fun this time of year. It's OK. Just remember to be kind to a total stranger, and tell someone that God really does love them. That is what this holiday season is really about.

May God bless everyone beyond measure.

Via Con Dios,
DM

Christmastime is coming

2009-12-14T08:40:00.000-08:00

Well folks, it's almost that time of year again. Time for the Christmas season with all it's holiday cheer, gaiety and fun. Many folks are in the malls and various "discount" stores scrambling to spend their hard earned money on gifts for family and friends. It seems like folks have come to believe that the more you spend on someone determines how much you care about them. The stores all play piped-in christmas music to tug on our heart strings, so we will be more willing to open our purse strings, and SPEND, SPEND, SPEND !!!

I think it would benefit the whole world, if we would just stop in the middle of all this holiday madness and remember what Christmas is all about. It is NOT about lighted trees with gifts piled high underneath, and it's certainly not about all the commercialism of today. It is about the birth of a Savior, Jesus Christ, in a stable in Bethleham a little more than 2,000 years ago. God had promised a Messiah all the way back in the Old Testament book of Genesis. And that promise was continually made throughout scripture right up to the beginning of the New Testament Gospels. The Isrealites (and all of humanity) had been promised a Messiah, a redeemer, one who would save mankind from the penalty of death brought on by the first man Adam in the Garden of Eden. And now, that promise had been fulfilled in the Christ Child.

This became the greatest gift the world has ever known. God, who is without beginning or end, who was and is in complete control of the entire universe, gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever should believe in Him, would not die, but have the promise of life eternal (Jn 3:16) What greater gift could we possibly hope for than this ? That while we were yet sinners, Christ died for our sins ( Rom. 5:8 ).

The next time you are trying to think of the perfect gift for that special loved one, why not offer them the greatest gift of all,the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ ?

What ??? You have no idea where to find this gift ? OK, please allow me to help point you in the right direction. First, you need to find and open a Bible to the New Testament book of John. Then turn to the 3rd chapter and read the entire chapter.
Then turn to the book of Romans. Look in verse 3:10 ,3:23 , 10:9-11. This is a pretty good map to find your way. It simply explains that anyone who is willing to accept God's free gift of salvation, through His Son Jesus Christ, and BELIEVE in Him will be forgiven of their sins and will be saved. You've done this ?? Great !! Now you are ready to share this gift with others. The greatest thing you can do for your loved ones this season is to share with them what God through His Son, has shared with you.

If after reading the above scriptures, you are still unclear about how to be saved, feel free to e-mail me at ( don8134@att.net ) and I will be more then willing to help you.

May God in all His Glory bless you and your's this Christmas season.

In His Service, Don & Sue Miller

Answered Prayer

2009-11-30T07:59:00.000-08:00

I am so glad that God is still in the prayer answering business. Sue became very ill week before last with what we thought was the flu. After a couple of days in bed it became much worse so I took her to the emergency room at the local hospital. She had bronchial pneumonia, and a gastro-intestinal infection as well. She was admitted to the hospital and put on three antibiotics by IV. She was there for eight days and lost 15 pounds. That's a lot concidering the fact that she's not very big to start with. After a fast contact to several folks that I know to be strong prayer warriors, a prayer chain was started on her behalf. She was released from the hospital and is doing much better, but is still trying to regain some of the strength she lost during this time.

And folks, God really is in the business to answer prayers. He always answers, but not always with what we want. He knows best, and He has a master plan. I have learned not to question Him but rather to try to accept what He sends my way. There have been times when I have prayed so hard for healing for someone, and yet it seems God in all His infinite glory had something else for them.

Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people ??? I wish I had an answer, but I don't. I am reminded of an old gospel song that Jimmy Swaggart used to sing titled " I don't need to understand, I just need to hold His hand ".

Things are going well with Texas BBQ & Beans in our local spot here in Carterville MO. We are three weeks into it and selling lots of BBQ. If you are ever in the area, stop by and mention our blog. We'll treat you to some of the best South Texas style BBQ you will find this side of the Red River.

Until then, as always, Via Con Dios
Don & Sue

Time for an update

2009-11-10T18:24:00.000-08:00

I really didn't realize so much time had passed since the last post I looked back at the most recent one. And that was at least a couple of months ago. Time is just going so fast these days. Someone once said not so long ago that we are never so busy as we will be when we retire. And that, folks, is as close to truth as we can get. There is an old saying back down in the hills of East Tennessee where I came from years ago about being "busier that a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs". But lest anyone think I am complaining, let me clarify by saying this. I am enjoying life to the absolute fullest, and God is in complete control of it all !!

Sue and I made a trip down to South Texas a couple of weeks ago. She finally got to meet all of my older children, as well as 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
And yes, Sue handled the shock very well. We have a lot of photos of the whole bunch, as well as some taken down on the beach where they all live. I will try to get some posted soon.

Texas BBQ & Beans is really picking up steam. I mentioned in a previous post about the place in Carterville MO where we intended to set up our BBQ business locally year round. The waiting is over, and we will be opening for business this week. We are still going to use the mobile kitchen, but it will stay parked in one spot. For the beginning, we will only be open Thursday thru Saturday.(I need to hold onto some semblance of my retirement status) We will be offering the usual fare of South Texas style Pulled Pork, BBQ Beef shoulder and smoked sausage, along with whole and 1/2 slabs of loin back ribs. Our ranch-style beans are world class. We use four different varietys of dry beans, lots of onion and garlic, crisp bacon and lots of bbq meat, and smoke them to perfection !!!! And for those hardy souls who are out and about early in the day, we offer hot biscuits and sausage gravy with coffee and/or hot chocolate.

May the God of all creation bless you beyond your greatest expectations. The apostle Paul wrote "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, neither has it entered into the hearts of man the things that God has prepared for those that love Him". God said it, I believe it, and that settles it !!

Via Con Dios
DM

LABOR DAY IS IN THE CAN

2009-09-09T10:08:00.001-07:00

Another Labor Day weekend has come and gone. It's hard to believe this summer season has come and gone so fast. So much has happened in so short a time. The writer of Ecclesiastes wrote about a time and a season for all things, a time to live, a time to die, a time to laugh and a time to cry. I know that is not an exact quote, but close enough to make my point. Sometimes our lives change with the seasons. Some are blessed with lives that are so predictable and stedfast,and others are just the opposite. Whatever your's may be, it is a gift from God and should be cherished as such each day your name is not found in the obituary column.

Sue and I have been married for a whole month now. And what a great life God has blessed us with. We have placed control of our relationship in God's care and trust Him to grow it as He sees fit. And, I must add, she is a really great cook on top of everything else. It will be a challenge to see if I can maintain the 50 lbs I have lost this summer.

As for Texas BBQ & Beans, we are going strong. We just finished a Labor Day weekend at MOKAN Dragway. We were there for Saturday and Sunday, selling out early Sunday evening and going home early. I think we went through about 15 gal of beans and some 600 BBQ Plates and sandwiches. I have been cooking BBQ since about 3:30am this morning getting ready for a two day festival at Diamond MO. this weekend, in addition to catering a company picnic Saturday of around 150 people. I know it sounds lika a lot of work, and it is. But it is a lot of fun too. AND, we get to meet so many new people, and have so many opportunities to serve God in the process.
And lest I forget to mention, as some of you know, we have been trying for some time now to find a suitable spot to set up our BBQ locally on a year round basis. Well, it is finally happening. We have located a spot in the town of Carterville MO where Sue and I reside. We met with the city council last evening and received not only an approval, but a big welcome as well. I will post more on this a little later. For now, we are booked solid for festivals through most of October. I think we are looking at being ready to start in Carterville around the first or second week of November.

Until then, may the God of all creation bless each of you beyond measure.......

Via Con Dios DM

Better late than never

2009-08-24T16:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry folks, didn't realize it had been so long since I had posted. Guess it's better late than never. Life has been so busy it's just hard to get time to set down for a few minutes and post.
Sue and I just finished a day at the races Saturday with great success. We were at MOKAN Dragway for the biggest race of the year which is always held on that date. We started selling BBQ at 10:00am and by 5:30pm we were sold out of everthing we had on the truck. What a great day, and all the credit goes to our Heavenly Father.
On Friday, the day before the race, Sue and I delivered 50 lbs of BBQ pulled pork to my brother Dan in Oak Grove MO for a fund raiser that his church was having on Saturday. They were raising money to send their youth on a missions trip to Haiti. We were praying for God to bless their effort, and they were praying likewise for us.
Those who know, know that you just can't outgive God. He said in Malichi "Bring your tithes and offerings into the storehouse, and try Me and see. And I will open the windows of Heaven and pour out blessings beyond measure" (paraphrase)
Please don't anyone misunderstand me here. God blesses us, amd will continue to bless us in our faith. But God will not do by a miricle that which He expects us to do by obedience. Simply put, that means God expects us to put hands to the plow handles and go to work.
Some folks seem to be less than happy that God has seen fit to bring me through a time of tragedy and great loss, and even more more so that He has blessed my life so abundantly in the process. He has also blessed me with big shoulders so that I can bear the burden of other's hurt.
Sometimes, it becomes very easy to cast stones at others without knowing all the facts involved. But I believe Jesus Himself set the perfect example for us when He refused to respond to His accusers.
I will only say this, God knows my heart AND my motives in ALL things. When I stand before Him in judgement, I will stand with a clear conscience and know that my intentions were always pure. I hold no animosity towards any other human in this life. If anyone feels otherwise, I forgive you, and will continue to pray for you. May the God of all creation bless you beyond your limits.
And to all.......
Via Con Dios DM

New Wife.... New Life

2009-08-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

Sue and I just returned from our honeymoon in Arkansas. We had a great time in Eukeka Springs. If time just didn't go by so fast.... We were both just about exhausted by the time the wedding and reception was over, then the drive to Arkansas. But we had time to get some badly needed relaxation. At our age, sometimes that is more important than anything else. We did a lot of shopping in the old part of town. I had forgotten just how steep some of the streets are down there. Our diets went out the window first thing. We dined on prime rib for an evening meal, biscuits and gravy for breakfast, and lots of ice cream and assorted junk food. I think we hit every candy shop in town. And now, today we diet !!!!

We had the wedding and reception photographed and video taped. I will try to post some photos when we get them back. My daughter Linda at Tangled Mane Ranch blog has some photos she took with her camera just in case you can't wait.

Yes, it's a new life, and a new wife, but I still have to go to work tonight so must be gone. May God bless you greatly today.

Via Con Dios DM

Two Days and Counting

2009-08-05T10:10:00.000-07:00

Two more long days and counting until the big day. Sue and I will be married Friday at 5:oopm in Jasper MO. She has a friend there who is pastor of his first church. Sue used to work with him at Walmart when he was still in bible college. She promised him that if she ever got married, he would officiate. So, that's how that all come about. It was going to be a really small, simple thing, this wedding. But it is growing , as often happens. As long as she is happy with it, so will I be.

Just wanted to make a quick update before I rush off to work. I will post some photos of our wedding next week after we return from our honeymoon. Until then, I pray God's blessing on all.

Via Con Dios DM

Sunday morning at Poverty Flats

2009-08-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a five mile walk which started just about dawn. As I walked, the day began to come alive as the light grew brighter in the eastern sky. Not a cloud in sight. The temp. was around 58, and it was one of the most perfect mornings I have witnessed in my life. I looked to the sky and prayed as I walked. This is my prayer time each day, and what a wonderful way to communicate with He who is the Creator of all things.
I thought also, as I walked, about just how much I have to be thankful for. Just the privilege of being alive in His world is so great an honor. And the gift of life, on this earth alone, is beyond measure. But combine that with the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, and the joy becomes almost unspeakable. My heart goes out to those who do not realize, or will not acknowledge the magnificence of God's presence in our lives.
As I prepare to take my two granddaughters to church this morning, my heart is filled with such joy. Such a privilege we have, such freedom, to be able to attend worship as we see fit,without fear of persecution. This too is an honor that God has bestowed upon us. May we never take it so much for granted that we begin to ignore it completely.
I will not see my lovely , wonderful Sue today because she has to work a 14 hour double shift. By the time she gets off work, I will be at work on my shift. But all is ok because this is the last day that I will not see her. Starting tomorrow, we will spend at least a little time together each day this week, and then Friday is the big day for us. Friday evening at 5:oopm Central time, Sue Ellen will become my wife. I can hardly wait, but must. The hours are ticking by slower than ever. But Friday will come, God willing, and all will come to pass.
Time for Church, may God bless you well today.

Via Con Dios, DM

Beautiful Day

2009-07-29T06:43:00.000-07:00

It is such a beautiful day that God has created for us today. And what a privilege He has given, that we can be alive in His world today. We all need to just stop what we are doing for a moment, run outside, look up and shout "Thank you Lord ". We human creatures take things so much for granted. I just finished a 6 mile walk before breakfast, and that is my prayer time. When I am walking, I can be totally alone with God. In Psalms 55 we are told, " Morning , Noon and at night will I pray and cry aloud, and He will hear my voice". And in the NT we are instructed to "Pray without ceasing". This is one of the keys to a successful and victorious Christian life. God will direct our every step if we will but follow His leadership.

Life is good, because God has made it so. I am counting down the days until Sue and I will be married. It is going to be so wonderful because God has blessed it and made it so. August 7, 9 more days and counting. The clock is ticking oh so slllllllllllooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwww !!!!

Via Con Dios, DM

2009-07-27T16:13:00.000-07:00

Many years ago, there was a western film starring Charles Starrett as "The Durango Kid". I believe the title was "Blazing the Western Trail." In this movie, Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys sang a song titled "Time Changes Everything". It was a beautiful song, and for those of you who may be old time country/ western music fans, you just might remember it. I mention it now because as I sit here at the keyboard, I'm thinking just how true it is. Time really does change everything.

I remember back to some of the injuries I have received over the years. I've had 34 broken bones, and over 400 stitches, some of which hurt really bad at the time. But time always brought healing and the pain never lasted long. And with time, there's nothing left but scars. And those too will fade.

There has been a lot of emotional pain along the way, the loss of a baby daughter at birth many years ago, my Mom and Dad, a bad marriage, and then the loss of my wife of 32 years. But all these things too have healed. The scarring left behind is the memories that remain. And those too become less noticeable with the passing of time.

I'm still amazed that some folks fail to grasp this gift that God has so richly bestowed on us, this ability to heal from our wounds and go on with life. I think sometimes they would like to see us live the rest of our lives with open wounds that will not heal. And to them,please, let me say, my God is greater than that!!!!!!
My God sees us wounded and hurting, and He sends healing. He sends angels to bind up our wounds and give comfort to our bodies and souls. Those angels take many different forms. Sometimes they are human, simply directed by God. Sometimes without knowledge that they are being used by the Master Physician Himself. I am so very thankful that God saw fit to send such a beautiful angel into my life to bring healing and to make even the scars fade away. Thank you Sue, for being available when God was ready to send you to me.......

Always in His care,
DM

News from Poverty Flats

2009-07-23T16:16:00.000-07:00

Things are moving along very well here at Poverty Flats. The horses have been sold and are at a really good home . Most everything has been moved to storage, and I am nearly ready to move. It's going to be a big change, but all for the good.
Sue and I have set a date for our wedding. It will be Friday, August 7. We will have a very simple service with just the two of us, the preacher, the girls and two witnesses. Afterward, we will have a nice reception with all our family and friends, then Sue and I will be off to Eureka Springs Arkansas for a short mini-honeymoon. A little later on, we are going to plan a trip to Hawaii.
I realize none of the folks who read this blog know what my Sue looks like. I keep telling you how pretty she is. At the right hand side of this page, you will find a couple of photos of her. I feel so very blessed to have her by my side.
May all of you have a very blessed day and remember, "you are someone special, cause God don't make no junk."
Via Con Dios DM

2009-07-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

It's a really quiet day around Poverty Flats today. We have been having a garage sale yesturday and today. Not trying to make money, just trying to move a lot of stuff before I have to start packing. Some of the things are treasures I guess. Then again, treasures, like beauty, are in the eyes and mind of the beholder.

I am about to embark on a whole new era of life and things are going to be a lot different than in the past. Some things. Other things will never change for me. My faith in God, my devotion to my Savior Jesus Christ, will change only for the better.
My love for my family will never change.

But as I prepare to start a new life with Sue,I will leave some things behind.Many things I have already given away or sold. Many more are things that belonged to, or were important to my late wife Frances. These things, I am trying to sort out and leave with our sons and daughters for whom they are treasured rememberances. I don't want any of our combined offspring to feel leftout or ignored. Some of them already feel they are somehow being leftout. This in itself is something hard for me to understand for in this life she gave them much more than they gave in return. But then, that is what mothers do best isn't it??

My horses,saddles and tack I am selling. My home here at Poverty Flats USA is, in all likelyhood, going to be placed on the market for sale later this week. Until it sells, my son Josh and his family including Hurricane Hailey and Kelsey will live here. I still have my gardens that I will come and attend to until the end of the season. Sue and I will plant our Fall garden at her home this year.

The BBQ business will continue !!!! I am NOT closing it down. In fact, it will be bigger and better than ever thanks to Sue's management experience and willingness to help make it grow.We are discussing the possability of taking it from a part-time seasonal operation to maybe a full time business. Not sure if I want to go that far or not. I really enjoy my retired status.If I want to work, I can. If I choose to go fishing, I can do that too. I've had to work hard all my life and being layed back is so nice.

As for this blog site, yes, it will continue to post from time to time. Sue and I have plans to build a log home on her property and we will probably post photos of that as we get into it. I hope those of you who stop by to visit from time to time will continue to do so.

Life is so good right now, and God is blessing us so greatly.As we continue to praise Him, and give Him the Glory for everything, He continues to bless. Bill, at Countryview Woodcrafts, used to be the song leader at a little country church I pastored years ago. He used to lead the folks in a little song titled "It's Amazing What Praising Will Do." I hope he still remembers that song and the joy that singing it always brought. I remember that God had gifted Bill with a really great singing voice to use for His glory. So often, sadly, when we experience the loss of a very close loved one we focus on the loss and take our eyes off Him who is in control of all things. AND, who has and will continue to bless us beyond measure.

To all who stop by to visit, may I say to you once again as always,
Via Con Dios
DM

Texas BBQ & Beans is on the Road

2009-07-03T05:56:00.000-07:00

Well folks, the 4th of July weekend has started. And of course, as would be expected, it is rainning. Don't think the rain is supposed to last past noon today.

The Granby MO. "Old Mining Days" festival begins at 6pm today. We will be set up and ready to go by around mid afternoon so should be in good shape. It will run through Sunday night ending with a gospel music concert followed by a fireworks display.

We will be serving our usual menu of Pulled Pork, Beef Shoulder, Polish Sausage, and of course, our now famous Ranch Style BBQ Beans. Along with this we serve homemade Cole Slaw, potato chips and ice cold soft drinks. Occasionally, someone will ask for a cold beer. I fully realize that for a lot of folks BBQ is not BBQ without a cold beer, but at Texas BBQ & Beans it's just not going to happen.

We will have no shortage of good help this weekend. My granddaughter Ashley, who lives in Granby, MO., will be helping. And of course, my beautiful Bride-To-Be, Sue. Sue will be here shortly and we will be leaving for Granby so guess I had better rap this up for now.

May God bless and keep each of you safe this holiday weekend.

Via Con Dios
DM Pitmaster
Texas BBQ & Beans

4th of July Coming !!!!!!

2009-06-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

Well folks, 4th of July weekend is almost upon us again!! It sure doesn't seem like a whole year has gone by, but my calendar says it has. Time has picked up speed as the years have gone by. When I was a child, it took a long time for a year to go by, but now I just have to blink my eyes and the year is gone.
Much has happened this past year, as most of you know. We have had sorrow in our lives with Granny's passing, and God, in all His Glory, has given the strength to endure. As with Job, He will not only make a way to endure, but will bring new joy and hope into our lives that we might continue in this life. God is so good ! AND faithful!!
God has brought new sunshine into this life of mine. He has brought new blessings beyond measure Scripture says "Eye hath not seen, ear that not heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that loves Him." I have spoken in earlier posts of the very wonderful person that God has brought into my life. Her name is Sue Ellen Wilson , and I am very proud to share with you, that her last name will soon change to Miller. Yes, I proposed to Sue this past Saturday morning, and she accepted. WOW !!!!!! Can you imagine that ? A grizzled old fossil like me with a beautiful woman like her !! I can't begin to express how happy I am. I'm usually not at a loss for words, but words just fail me at this time.
We are not announcing a wedding date yet because both of us have things that need attending to, so it will be just a little while. (But not tooo long). I will post the date when we decide.
The girls, Hurricane Hailey and Kelsey, both just love Sue so much. They are so happy when she is around. And again, I have to say, God is so good ...

I need to post info on the 4th of July festival we will be working this weekend but need to go check on BBQ sauce that is cooking so will be back later.

Via Con Dios
DM

Father's Day

2009-06-22T15:19:00.000-07:00

Father's Day has come and gone here at Poverty Flats, and all in all it was a very good day.I received several nice cards, one from Linda in Arkansas and one from Josh. Angie treated me to Sunday dinner at a really great Mexican restaurant and I received a call from my daughter Heather down in Texas. I have not seen Heather for several years and it was a real pleasant surprise. Lest I forget, son Rob also called from here in Missouri to say Happy Father's Day as did son Don W. from Texas. I think I covered them all.

My own dad has been gone for about 22 years now. Time sure does get away from us, doesn't it. It doesn't seem like it has been that long. My dad and I were guitar picking buddies. Any time I would get home to visit, first thing he would say was "Did you bring your guitar?" We would often stay up all night picking and singing. I miss that. My uncle Alvin, my dad's younger brother, has tried to fill the gap but he is just not the lead guitar player that my dad was.

I called my uncle Alvin yesterday to say Happy Father's Day and at 84 he is still pretty sprite. AND, at 84 he is looking for another wife. The next one will make # 9. I told him I was going to send him a set of handcuffs so maybe he could hang on to the next one. He is quite a character. He was in the Navy in WW II and has six Medals of Valor for Naval battles he was in.Uncle Alvin has always been more like an older brother to me and he and I have stayed very close over the years.

Well, the BBQ truck has had the new engine installed, and the mechanics are just finishing up a few last minute details. It should be back it the driveway here at Poverty Flats tomorrow or next day. It was a costly repair, but very necessary. It will be back in action in time for Forth of July and the Granby Missouri Old Mining Days festival. We will be there for three days. After that, we will be busy for the rest of the Summer and Fall season. More details on the schedule later.

Until next time, may I say to you, God bless.

Via Con Dios
DM

Hog Roast at Poverty Flats USA

2009-06-15T15:08:00.000-07:00

What a great time everyone had Saturday at Poverty Flats USA. We started the hog about 2pm Friday and it was just perfect by noon on Saturday. Family and friends started arriving around 2pm and by 3pm we were elbow deep in BBQ pork, Beans, and about a gazillion different side dishes. My son Rob, his wife Kim and their family came brought lots of great food as usual. My Sue and her mom(two very special people) brought some of the absolutely best desserts I have ever eaten. One was called a Trifle (sugar free) and the other had a name that I won't mention because Sue will be embarrassed. Can't imagine why, she got it from a Baptist church lady. But it sure was delicious.
The kids all had a great time. I think there must have been a hundred of them from all the noise they created. But they were enjoying themselves, and that's what it was all about. Well, at least partly so.
The primary reason, as I stated in an earlier post, was to give family and friends an opportunity to meet Sue, with whom I am deeply in love. And it was a very successful event. Everyone who has met her is captivated by her personality. She is just so enjoyable and fun to be around. She has a very unique way of putting people at ease while maintaining interesting conversation. And the best part, which is more than I can understand, is that she is in love with an ornery, cantankerous old fossil like me. Am I blessed or what?
May the God of all creation bless you well today.

Via Con Dios
DM

Hog Roast at Poverty Flats USA

2009-06-11T06:26:00.001-07:00

I promised to post info about the hog roast at Poverty Flats this weekend then got busy and forgot. Sorry, my human fraility is showing through. Life is just so tough when we get old and absent-minded. Now, what were we talking about? Oh yes, the hog roast.
I have wanted to do this for some time now, just could never seem to get time to do it. So, we decided to shoot for this Saturday. It will be here at Poverty Flats USA and the guest list is pretty exclusive. To attend, you must like BBQ, and you must come hungry. Joking aside, we are just trying to bring a lot of family and friends together to enjoy some good food and recreation. And, of course, my primary reason for having it is to give family and friends an opportunity to meet and become acquainted with Sue. I am certain they will all find her to be as sweet and interesting as I do.
We have been busy all morning butchering and preparing a 150 lb hog for the event Saturday. It is now on ice, properly rubbed down with our own special rub from Texas BBQ & Beans and waiting for the smoker. It will go into the smoker early tomorrow afternoon and cook until around noon on Saturday.I know the fire isn't even lit yet, but I can almost smell it cooking already.
I will start a tub of our own Ranch Style BBQ Beans tomorrow also. BBQ just wouldn't be complete without them. We cook them from scratch, using five different kinds of dry beans. We add onions, garlic,a couple pounds of cooked bacon, a few pounds of BBQ meat and lots of "Taste of Texas" BBQ sauce which is our own recipe. It is , by the way, now packaged to sell in pints and quarts. Finally, when the beans are about half way done, they go into the smoker for at least four hours of hickory smoke. WOW !!! These are a meal in themselves.
It will be a really fun time with vollyball for the adults and a waterslide for the kids. Later, we will have a bonfire and roast marshmallows and make ourselves sick from eating too many.
Sure wish all of you could be here to join us. You would certainly be more than welcome.
May God, who controls all things, bless you well today.

Via Con Dios
DM

2009-06-11T06:26:00.000-07:00

Life is good again

2009-06-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

God is so good. Life is good too, again. And please, make no mistake about it. Half of a lifetime cannot be wiped away nor forgotten overnight. But, I don't believe God wants us to dwell in the past, ignoring the life that is now and in the future. I am reminded today of the story of King David in the Old Testament found in II Samuel 12:15-23. King David's son had become very ill, to the point of death. The king was in mourning, broken hearted in his sorrow. Then the servants brought word that the child had died. King David arose (v 20) washed and annointed himself and came into the house of the Lord to worship. The servants were amazed at this. They asked, " How can this be ?The child was so ill and you were in such grief. Now the child has died and you rise up, eat bread, and worship God." Verses 22 and 23 are King David's answer to their questions. "While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept for I said, Maybe God will be gracious to me, and the child will live. But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast ? Can I bring him back??????? Can I change anything, or turn back the clock? He can never return to this life, but someday I shall see him again." Even in the Old Testament, long before Jesus Christ was born in Bethleham, King David believed in the promise of eternal life given by God.
And this is why the grieving process was so short for me. I know, as certain as the sun rises in the eastern sky every morning, that Frances is in heaven with God. Nothing I can do would ever change that. Nor would I want to. I would not want to take her from that blessed place of eternal rest. I know she is happy there and at peace for the first time in her life.
And now for the present. Life goes on today just as it did for King David about 3,000 years ago. God has blessed me so greatly in the past few months. I have shared just a little about this special person God has brought into my life. I did not enter into this with any expectations other than some friendly conversation, maybe some companionship. But God knew the gameplan before the game started. And things just started rolling along at a steady pace. And now we have both reached the place where we have fallen very much in love with each other. Sue is so very good for me, and to me. I know some of the family will not be overjoyed at this , as to be expected. But, as my daughter Angie said to my son Josh, "When you get to know Sue, you can't NOT like her. She just has that kind of personality"
I could ramble on forever like this but have work to do. I wanted to post news of the big cookout-hog roast comimg up here at Poverty Flats this weekend but will post that later today.
For now, as always.....
Via Con Dios
DM

Great Weekend

2009-06-07T12:18:00.000-07:00

This has been a really great weekend. We have gotten a lot of clean-up from the storn done and planted the rest of the gardens. Then, after the work was done, the special lady I told you about earlier and I went to a super concert. It was at an outdoor arena at Miami Ok. The show was opened by Sammy Kershaw and the headline performer was none other than old George Jones himself. We had seats on the 4th row from the front right in the center and had a great time. Sammy sang for about 45 min. but when George Jones came out, he sang and told jokes for 1 1/2 hrs. He still does a super job for someone his age.

Time is short today so post will be short. More next time.

Via on Dios
DM

Looking Up !!

2009-06-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

I'm sure most everyone knows the story of "Footprints In The Sand". And yes, God really does carry us through our darkest, most difficult hours. I can personally attest to this after months of being carried by Him. He will always be with us through good times as well as bad. Sometimes I have to wonder how people without faith in God survive life's trials.
But there is another story I hope everyone reading this is familiar with. It is the Old Testament story of a man named Job. If you have never read this book in the O.T., allow me to suggest it next time you need something good to read. Job was a man of great faith who God allowed the devil to tempt and test to prove that faith. Job lost everything except his life. And yet, he continued to trust God and hold to his faith. And in the end, God rewarded him by restoring everything many times over.

I have said all this, not because I am chasing literary rabbits, but rather because I am going somewhere specific with it. I have some news to share with those who have supported me through the difficult times I have been through.
God has brought a very special person into my life. I believe God is directly responsible because this person shares my faith in Him. I have prayed hours on end,asking God to give me a reason to continue, a reason to live. This was not something I sought, nor went looking for. But, I know what it is to smile, laugh, and yes, to be happy again. Things have progressed slowly, and has picked up steam as time has gone by. It is NOT a spur-of-the-moment thing born out of grief, for by God's grace I have dealt with that and it is behind me. I'm sure there will be those who feel it is too soon, but only I, and God can answer that. Please believe me when I say, I know where I am on this !! And to that special person, knowing you will read this post later, may I say to you, "Thank you for for being there and for following God's direction as He gently nudged you in my direction."

Well, that's all the news from Poverty Flats. May the God of all creation bless you greatly today.
Via Con Dios
DM

Don't pay the Ransom, I've Escaped !!!

2009-05-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

If any one has received a ransom note, just ignore it. I have NOT been kidnapped by terrorists or agents of the IRS. I have just been extremely busy for the last couple of weeks with Texas BBQ & Beans. I've been getting about four hrs of sleep a night for so long I'm running on auxillary power. But it is a good tired, solidly surrounded by dollar signs.
We just finished a first for our BBQ business this past weekend. We were set up at two different locations about 75 miles apart, with my son Josh running one at the Buffalo Days festival in Greenfield MO. and myself and crew at the 42nd Annual Memorial Day Races at MOKAN Dragway in Asbury MO.
I don't know for sure about Josh, but we had a blast at the race track. We always set up with a view of the starting line and get to see everything up close. We always have a really great time and get to meet most of the racers when they come over to eat.
There were some really neat things this year like the school bus that does a wheel stand for a full 1/4 mile, and of course,the jet cars. There were two jets that were made to look like Thomas the Train. They really stole the show. Lots of noise, smoke and power in addition to running the 1/4 mi at over 300 mph.
Well, anyway, we're back with a couple of weeks to catch up on things around Poverty Flats so stop by anytime. Until then, as always.......

Via Con Dios,
DM
Pitmaster
Texas BBQ & Beans

Inland Hurricane

2009-05-12T20:27:00.000-07:00

It's been a hectic week around Poverty Flats. Last Friday morning about 7:00am we had a storm come through that caused serious damage to the area. Weather forecasters described it as an "Inland Hurricane" with flat-line winds of 85 mph. I'm not sure I agree with that opinion, because of the extent of the damage. I, along with many other people, believe it was a tornado.
We had a huge hedge tree in our yard beside the driveway which was nearly as large around as my Ford F-150. I say HAD, because it was totally uprooted falling over my BBQ truck, the Airstream travel trailer, and the carport roof. About half the shingles on the roof are now somewhere down in Arkansas.
The entire area was without power for days. We here were without for three days, and others are still without power after more than four days. Utility poles were snapped off like toothpicks. Portable buildings were blown away, and roofs were seriously damaged.
We have an insurance claims ajuster coming Thursday morning so we will see how good our insurance is. I'm sorry, but I trust insurance ajusters about as much as I trust lawyers. But we'll see.
On a more upbeat side, the Truman Days festival at Lamar MO was a huge success Saturday. After we dug the BBQ truck out with a chainsaw we had a really great day.
We have always done very well at Lamar, but Saturday was far better than we had ever seen there. We sold the first BBQ plate at 10:00am and by 2:30pm we were completely sold out of everything on the truck. The folks there had been without power and I guess they were hungry.
We are going to do something we have not previously tried for Memorial Day weekend. We will do two entirely different events about 70 miles apart on the same weekend. I will be at MOKAN dragway which is a huge event for us. At the same time, my son Josh will cover the Buffalo Days festival at Greenfield MO. with my other equiptment and BBQ. I'm anxious to see how this works because next year I plan to add a second BBQ truck to our business.
Well folks, it's late so must say goodnight.

Via Con Dios DM

Things are looking up

2009-05-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

Today is such a great day I have to sit on my hands to keep from clapping. Why ??? Well, just because it is ! This is a day that God has created, and gave to us to enjoy. And all else aside,I read the newspaper this morning and my name was NOT in the obituary page again. I have spent a great deal of time in the past months in deep sorrow for the loss of my wife Frances. And, there is a part of me that will always be with her. But God has begun to show me through his Word, and through daily prayer, that He is not quite through with my life yet. Only He alone knows when my time will come. But until that time comes, I have work to do and must be about it fervently.
I have begun a new exercise program. My doctor advised me three years ago when I had become disabled due to back injuries, that I needed to walk as much as possible and exercise daily. It took a long time for this to sink into my hard head. But as God made me realize that I had work to do, I began to rethink the doctor's orders. I started walking about six weeks ago, short at first, and am now doing 4 1/2 miles a day. And with this, have returned to an old hobby from years gone by of weighlifting. I think it is working, at least a little. I've dropped 30 lbs so far, and have not had to use my walking cane for over a month. All in all, I feel physically better than I have in 15 years. That's almost scary ! Next thing you know, I'll be trying to take up boogie dancing. HA, not with my two left feet. But I am ready to begin riding my big bay mare Shasta again.
Shasta is my Tennessee Walker and is quite a stepper. I'm just waiting for the ground to dry up some and then we are off and running.
Kelsey's school bus is due in a few minutes so I must sign off. May God bless you real good.
Via Con Dios, DM

Water Everywhere

2009-05-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

The rain has been coming down since last night. I think we have received around three inches so far. It takes at least two inches for the water to come over my driveway, and it was at that point around daybreak this morning. The little creek that runs thru my property is out of it's banks and creating a real mess. The whole area is under a flash flood warning and the weather forecast is calling for the rain to continue thru Sunday.
I sure am glad I'm not cooking BBQ or doing a festival this weekend. I hate to stand out in the rain and try to keep a fire going. Besides, if I stand out in the rain, it washes the Colorback out of my beard. ha.
This weekend is an off week for us at Texas BBQ & Beans. We have a 1-day event next Saturday at Lamar MO that will be a busy time. We always do well saleswise at Lamar and always have a great time. But for now, it's rest and relaxation time for me. I have tickets to a good afternoon music show at Branson, and am looking forward to chowing down on some excellent baby back ribs at Lambert's afterwards. AND, I won't have to do the cooking !! How great is that ? I'll let y'all know how good the food was when I get back. Until then........

Via Con Dios
DM

Grady Walter

2009-04-27T12:16:00.000-07:00

I realize I am way overdue for posting but it has been busier than a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs around here lately. We just finished up our season opener with the Webb City MO festival called "Springtime On Broadway". It was a three day event that ended yesturday. We made a few dollars and met a lot of new people. We always have a lot of fun at these things.
Our next event will be at Lamar MO for the Truman Days festival. Can't imagine where they got such an original name, just because it is the birthplace of President Harry Truman. It will be a one day event but always is quite profitable for us. We have a lot of things booked for this season. I will be posting a schedule for the year on this site soon.
Next week is a week of rest and relaxation. I think maybe I will run down to Branson and maybe take in a couple of country music shows and stop at Lambert's Cafe to eat. For those who have never been to Lambert's, or don't even know what it is, you have so far missed culinary heaven. I'm talking about the "Home of the Throwed Roll". If you have been there , you know what I'm saying !!! The food is exellent (this from someone who is hard to please) and the portions are so large you WILL leave with a doggie bag. I stopped at the original place in Sikeston MO once when I was still trucking and ordered a slab of BBQ ribs with all the sides. I stuffed myself, got a doggie bag for the rest, and ate for two more days on the leftovers.
Lest I forget the subject of my post today, Grady Walter,the latest addition to our family is doing great thanks to all of your prayers. My son Don W. has sent about a hundred photos which I have been trying to post on this site but just can't quite get the hang of it. Soon.
Via Con Dios DM

Answered Prayer

2009-04-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

I want to take a moment and thank everyone for your prayers for our new grandson. He was having some breathing problems at birth and a multitude of prayer went up for him. And, those prayers have been answered. He is growing stronger with each new day and has gained some weight since birth. My very proud son Don W. is sending some photos via e-mail which I will be posting soon.

May all of you folks have a great day today, and may God bless each of you according to 1 Cor. 2:9.

Via Con Dios
DM

New Grandson

2009-04-15T05:34:00.000-07:00

We have a brand new grandson in the family this morning. Son Don W. and wife Shantelle who live in South Texas had their first-born this morning at 4:04am. His name is Grady Walter, both good Scotch-Dutch names from my mother's maternal family.
Grady was 4lb 13oz and 16.9" at birth. My son tells me that Grady is having some early breathing problems so those of you who believe in the power of prayer, please do. God does amazing work. And before I forget(like it would be possible ) Grady brings the total to 20 grandchildren between Granny and I.

I have a really busy day ahead getting things ready to kick off the BBQ season next week so I will just wish all of you a great day and, as always, bid you..

Via Con Dios
DM

Rain, Rain Go Away

2009-04-13T17:28:00.000-07:00

Remember that little ditty from your childhood? Well, it's still appropriate for today around Poverty Flats. The rain started sometime before daylight yesturday and was still coming down about an hour ago. There is relief in sight however. The sun is supposed to shine tomorrow and Wednesday, then more rain for the rest of the week.
That's really no big surprise around here for this time of year. It's just typical Spring in Southwest Missouri. In a few more weeks the rain will stop. And when I say stop, I don't mean just slow down some. It will stop for about 4-6 weeks. But, the farmers say they need it, all the while grumbling because it's too wet to plow.
Some of us would complain if we were hung with a brand new rope. Notice I said WE.
But lest we forget, the sun IS shinning, somewhere, all the time. Even when it is cloudy, if we rise above the overcast, we will see the sunshine.....

Via Con Dios,
DM

Friday is past, Sunday is coming

2009-04-11T07:04:00.000-07:00

It is such a beautiful sunny day outside today, not a cloud in the sky to be seen. I am sitting here remembering a sermon I once heard titled "It's Friday,But Sunday's Coming". The story told of the gruesome death by crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. It was Friday, and all hope was lost to those who had followed Him so faithfully, believing He was to be the new king. Their leader had been slain, they were in hiding, fearing for their own lives. How could this happen after He had promised them He would be with them always,in fact claiming to be the Son of God ??? Never before in their lives had the future looked so hopeless. That's because it's Friday. Jesus is in the tomb. The world around them has turned dark. Satan and his crowd is rejoicing in their victory.
BUT........ it's only Friday !!! SUNDAY IS COMING !!!!!!!

The stone has been rolled away! The tomb is empty !!! Jesus has risen from the grave, bringing with Him the keys to death and the grave. Satan has been defeated, and the final payment for sin has been paid. Jesus Christ has risen from the grave, to reign and rule for eternity. And it is Sunday, forever.

I sat down at this keyboard this morning feeling more alone and depressed than at any other time since my wife passed away in January of this year. My tears made it hard to see the keyboard. I have been praying all morning asking God to speak to my heart, to give some kind of relief from this emotional pain. The story above is what HE sent to my spirit. It has blessed me in sharing it with you. If HE has blessed you with the reading of it, the time has been well spent.

May the God of all creation bless you and your's this Easter weekend. Please attend the church of your choice tomorrow if possible.

Via Con Dios DM

Hello America

2009-04-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

Good morning America, may everyone have a great day today !! That seems like a good way to start. The weather has been a little cold the last couple of days for this time of year but looks to be warming back up today. At least the cold north wind has stopped blowing and the sun is out bright and strong. I think it will be a good day to spend some time in the garden.
Hurricane Hailey and I are going to town later to buy tomato and pepper plants and probably some bedding plants for the flower gardens. We are way behind in transplanting strawberries but the patch must be thinned out or it won't produce those BIG juicy strawberries that the girls love so much. The blueberries are leafing out as are the thornless blackberries. We should have lots of berries for jams and pies this year. We also have both red and black raspberries but those don't last long with these granddaughters around (or their daddy).The girl's daddy, my youngest son Josh, usually watches for the first berry to ripen so he can grab it. This has been going on since he was old enough to walk. Like father, like daughters I suppose.
If you are a new visitor to our blog, please feel free to visit and post a comment anytime. We are always happy to meet new friends. Have a great day today.

Via Con Dios DM

Quiet Evening

2009-04-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

It's been pretty quiet here at Poverty Flats most of the day today. The weather took a turn back to cold and rainy. Those kind of days make me just want to stay inside and do little except read a good book or some other quiet activity. And that's not a bad thing either. Sometimes I think God sends the nasty weather just so we will stay in and rest.

I have been surfing the Internet this evening, viewing some political blogs and laughing at some funny things on YouTube, just trying to keep my mind occupied. It's another one of those evenings when I am alone in this big old house with nothing but my thoughts. It's also a good time to catch up on prayer and devotional time.And that, for sure, beats anything on TV.

I also enjoy the time visiting with folks through this blog. It has been a blessing since my wife has been gone. Her and I spent a lot of time talking with each other and I miss that. I have met some new friends through this blog and I am very thankful for all of you who stop by to visit.

As I sit here reflecting on things, I just remembered what day it is today. April 2 is a special day for me. In my past life many years ago before my wife and I were married, I must admit to having a very bad problem with alcohol addiction. But, she and I met,and my life started to turn around. On April 2nd, 32 years ago, I awoke early in the morning determined to try to beat this demon that had already destroyed my father's health and seemed determined to destroy mine. I made it to the coffeepot, and then to breakfast without a drink. WOW ! A victory, small, but I would take it. I made it through the entire day without giving in the the habit. Another victory, bigger this time. A whole day without alcohol!! It had been a long time since this had happened. Then, another day, and another. On April 7th, five days later, my wife Frances and I were married. AND STILL ALCOHOL FREE after 32 years. I have never to this day tasted alcohol in ANY form again. Five days from today, my wife and I would have celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary.......

And life goes on. And I miss her more than I can bear.

Have a good night. DM

Crazy Weather

2009-03-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

This has to be one of the craziest weather patterns in recent history. Trees are leafing out, flowers are blooming, and it is snowing hard at the moment and has been for hours here at Poverty Flats USA. The temp is supposed to drop into the low 20's tonight.
I have been here in this big house all day alone thinking about this. I am trying to see a clear way to blame the weather on the US government. They seem to have a hand in just about everything else.
I just read a clip on the Internet News that asks if maybe Obama is getting OVERexposed. What does this mean?? I know I for one am certainly sick of seeing his face everytime I turn my computer on or pick up a newspaper. Don't know for sure what's better, not seen or not heard.
O.K., so much for the rambling. I have the whole place to myself today and am enjoying the peace and quiet so much. Just myself, the two dogs, Mitzi and Max , and the horses. Hurricane Hailey and Kelsey are visiting their mother this weekend. It's great having them around all the time, but the alone time once in a great while is good too.
I have been able to get some new items listed for sale on ebay today, and order some new pieces of equiptment for the mobile kitchen. We are adding more outside lighting and sign work. It should be finished in another week. If it ever stops raining/snowing long enough we will get photos taken and post them for you to see.
And speaking of the mobile kitchen, things are progressing well in preparation of the season opener festival in Webb City MO April 24-26. This 3 day festival will be in downtown Webb City which is a neighboring town to Joplin MO in the far Southwest corner of Missouri. More on that a little later.
May God bless you all....
Via Con Dios
DM - Pit Master
Texas BBQ & Beans

Waterlogged

2009-03-24T18:34:00.000-07:00

We made it through the night with hardly any rain, then about 8 am this morning it came a cloudburst.I think that's what they call it around here. Down in South Texas we always called it a frog strangler. Whatever you choose to call it, it was a lot of rain in a short period of time. But all has passed to the east, and we ended the day with beautiful sunshine.
Springtime continues to come in spite of our doubts. The Dogwood and Redbud trees are blooming profusely down in the woods.My apricot and plum trees are beginning to bud out now too. Last summer, Granny and I transplanted some peonies from Bill at Countryview Woodcrafts' yard to our home about 300 miles south. Granny didn't think they would live but yesturday, I was out at the flower garden and 5 of them were up about 6 " high. Hurricane Hailey was with me, and I said,without thinking, "I sure wish Granny could see this." Without missing a beat, Hailey said, "But PaPa, Granny IS watching and she CAN see !!". Well, that about turned the tears on all over again for sure. God bless the faith and innocence of a child.
Well, it is getting closer to our BBQ season. We have our fisrt festival scheduled for the 24th - 26th of April. It's time to start stocking the mobile kitchen and making necessary repairs to the equiptment. It's sure going to be hard to stay focused without Granny, but like Hurricane Hailey says, she'll be watching to make sure I'm doing it right.
We will be adding a couple of new items this year too. We always start very early in the mornings because it takes a while to build a good fire in the smoker, and get the BBQ ready. There is always hungry people that time of morning, so we will begin serving hot biscuits and gravy. I know, there goes the diet, but what a way to go.
If I keep thinking this way, I'll be eating breakfast before I go to bed tonight.
With that, it's time I stop. May God bless you richly....

Via Con Dios
DM

It's Springtime !!

2009-03-20T05:55:00.000-07:00

Finally, after a long and eventful winter, Spring has sprung. This is, and always has been my favorite time of the year. Everything in the world outside is coming back to life after a long winter of dormancy. My trees are beginning to leaf out, the grass is greening, flowers are blooming and almost everything in my world is comming back to life, almost everything. Some things just take a little longer.

Granny shared my love of Springtime and all it has to give to humanity. We would always look at the seed catalogs together and plan what new things we would add to the flower and vegtable gardens. Hurricane Hailey, Kelsey and I will continue to tend the flower gardens, and I'm sure we will plant some things in the vegtable gardens. They both seem to have inherited Granny's enthusiasm for gardening. I try to maintain a positive attitude about things for their sake as much as possible. But, there is a huge vacant spot in the garden of my soul that just cannot be filled.
My comfort and sanity comes from the promise of that Springtime that is yet to come, for God's promise of resurrection and renewal of life is as certain as the sun that is rising in the eastern sky over Poverty Flats this beautiful Spring morning. If you have not done so yet, please, step outside and take a look. Smell the fresh air. It is full of Springtime and life. God has given it as a gift to humanity so please don't waste it.
From us at Poverty Flats USA.... Via Con Dios
DM

Full House

2009-03-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

We have a full house this week. My daughter Angie and her husband David came to visit for the week. They are from down around Galveston TX. They brought with them one of my granddaughters, Katie, who is 16, and also one of my great-granddaughters, Abagail who is 4. We have so many little girls around here it's hard to keep track of them all.
Hurricane Hailey celebrated her 6th birthday Sunday. We had a big party for her and now she thinks she is such a big girl. She received a lot of presents and had a great time with all the other little girls around.
Hailey and Kelsy are doing really well most of the time, but they both still miss their Granny very much. As do we all.
All my Texas bunch will be heading home Friday, and I will be going to Arkansas. I am going down to visit Linda for a couple of days and to attend a horse training seminar near her home. It will be a chance to get away for a couple of days and rest, both physically and emotionally. At least that is the plan.
Have a great rest of the week.
Via Con Dios
DM

Friday the 13th

2009-03-13T06:13:00.000-07:00

Well folks, my calendar says it's Friday the 13th which I guess is supposed to be a bad luck day. I personally have never believed in luck. Oh, maybe just a little, way back in my younger days when I enjoyed a good game of poker or blackjack. Or maybe at the racetrack, because I sure do like to watch those ponies run. But even that is not necessarily luck.There are professional gamblers who rely much on skill and knowledge of the game. Guess that's why I never won much. And the horses that race ? There's a lot of factors that come into being in such a race, but I think luck is not what determines the outcome. I used to think luck played a major role in fishing until I started watching some of the fishing tournaments on TV. Even those seem to be more about having the right combination of skill and equiptment. And sometimes the fastest boat.
Luck ? I would rather think some things are just going to happen regardless, while other things are determined by our actions. Sometimes, no matter how badly we want something to happen, it just doesn't. This is just the way of life and all the Friday the 13ths in history is not going to change that.
One thing I do believe in passionately is faith. I believe that faith changes all things, according to Scripture. I believe that with faith, we truly can move mountains. I don't mean the kind of faith that when we pray, we afterwards say "I sure hope God answers my prayer". I mean the kind of faith that when we pray, we begin immediately to thank Him for the answer, because we believe His Word that says "What-so-ever you ask in My Name, BELIEVING, that shall you recieve".
Luck ? no, I have some Irish blood somewhere in my family tree, but I don't put much stock in shamrocks and leprechauns. I believe in faith, and hands on the plow handles. Full speed ahead.
God Bless all, and have a really great Friday the 13th.

Via Con Dios
DM

Two months

2009-03-12T05:50:00.000-07:00

I am beginning this post today with emotions running rampant. One moment I am sitting here looking at the calendar realizing that Granny has been gone for two months today.The tears blur my vision until it's hard to see the keyboard. My loss and pain is no less than it was the day she left us.Sometimes, I think I don't want to go on alone. It would be so easy to accomplish this, if I could be so selfish as to think only of myself.
But,....as I go through my daily devotion time of pray and scripture reading, my emotions are high and hopeful. I was reading Dr.Charles Stanley's devotional commentary this morning and he was teaching from Genesis 37. He spoke of the life of Joseph with all his trials and hardships.God had made him a promise early in his life that he would be blessed beyond measure. But for now, he had been sold into slavery by his brothers,falsely imprisoned for a crime of which he was innocent and things could not look worse for him. And yet, through all this, he never lost sight of or forgot the promise God had made to him. In the end, God not only gave him his freedom, but did in fact, make him ruler of his people.
God has likewise made promises to us today. He has promised eternal life to any and all who will accept it. Granny accepted it long ago and is now with Him. I too believe it, and know beyond a doubt that in His time, by His schedule, I too will be there with Granny.
As I said earlier in this post, it would be so easy to bring it all to a halt now, and end the emotional pain. But the remaining time alloted to me will be decided by God Himself. After looking back at the many years of my life that have already flown by, it is comforting to know that any remaining time will be but the blink of an eye. As the apostle Paul said in the NT, "I long to be gone from this life and be with the Lord, but for now, there is work to be done." This is but a paraphrase, but close enough. If you are reading this and believe in God's promise, may He bless you richly as He did Joseph. On the other hand, if you don't believe, may I said to you, it has no bearing what-so-ever on the reality of it. God said it, that settles it,whether you belive or not. But why gamble with your eternal destination when the promises of God are so freely given ??
Hurriane Hailey just woke up and is as usual, ready to conquer the world. After her usual bowl of strawberry cereal of course. And this is one of the main reasons I will continue.
May you have a great day, in spite of the world around you.

Via Con Dios
DM

Weather Still A Roller Coaster

2009-03-07T19:52:00.000-08:00

What a weather ride it has been this past week !! When I last posted, my property was covered with ice and snow. Then later in the week, Four days later to be exact, we tied the all time record high temp for March 5th with a high of 82 degrees. Now, tonight we have strong T- storms in the forcast. And if that isn't enough, by Wednesday of this week the high is supposted to be only 42. Anyone remember the old TV ads for Parkay margarine "Somebody tried to fool Mother Nature"?? Well, SOMEBODY needs to leave old Mother Nature alone !!

I'm sitting here banging away on the keyboard thinking I have about an hour more before I need to call it a day, and the lady on the late news on channel 12 just reminded me that I need to turn my clock ahead 1 hr tonight. Who ever came up with this asinine idea of moving the clock back and forth thinking they were saving time MUST have been a Democrat. Why not ? They have messed up everything else in our country.

Well, enough of that. This started out to be a light-hearted, friendly post and I need to stay away from politics. Hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend.

Via Con
DM

Warming back up

2009-03-02T18:44:00.000-08:00

The weekend snow that sneaked up on us is pretty much history now. I like to think that I have grown spiritually over the years to the point that I don't hate anything. But I've heard that for everything there is an exception. And the exception here is that I HATE COLD SNOWY WINTER WEATHER. Seriously, I guess I don't really hate it, I just don't like it all that much. I was born and raised in the Deep South and we just didn't see much winter. Then, as I grew a little older, I moved north for some crazy reason that has long been lost to obscurity. I remember hearing people talking about how much they hated winter and I would think," I don't understand why they feel that way, all that pretty white stuff coming down." Then by the end of my first winter up north, I was right in there bad-mouthing the weather just like everyone else.
In the 41 years I spent as a long haul trucker, I have seen winter weather as bad as it gets. One winter in Iowa, I was caught in a blizzard where the temp was - 32. Folks, that's 32 BELOW 0 !! And I have been across Donner Pass when the snow drifts were higher than the top for my 13' 6" high trailer.
No thank you folks, if you are one of those people who just LOVE winter and snow, you can have it. I'll just take the warm southern breezes anytime.
Well I've rambled until it's time for work .
Via Con Dios
DM

Wow, What A Change !!!!!!

2009-03-01T09:04:00.000-08:00

In the last post, I wrote about Springtime, and how near it is. And then, two days later, it was back to cold snowy winter weather. It snowed most of the day yesturday, and when I went out to feed the horses this morning the temp was 10 degrees. When I got out of church a little while ago it was still only 23. This crazy weather has been doing this for about 6 or 8 weeks now. It will warm up during the week, then get cold and nasty on the weekend. The weatherman is predicting a warmup into the 70's by Thursday of this week. It will probably be snowing again by Saturday.

Talk about time going by fast, I just learned that next Sunday, we set our clocks ahead for Daylight Savings Time. I always like it when the days are longer. There is just so much to do around Poverty Flats, it's like getting more hours in our day. I don't need a lot of nighttime because I don't really sleep that much.

Anyway, in spite of the temporary set back, Spring is just around the corner. I will be planting onions, carrots, radishes, and sweet peas in a couple more weeks. Besides all that, Hurricane Hailey and Kelsey want to go fishing and I think they won't have any problem talking Papa into going. I'm never sure which is stronger, the urge to plant, or the urge to fish. But this much I do know, a lot of good fishing days have been ruined by work. Besides all that, a good friend of mine who passed away a few years ago used to tell me that if you could put a dollars worth of food on the table it was as good as a dollar earned. And a plate of catfish on the table sounds good to me.

Well sorry I don't have any political wisdom or religious insight to leave with you in closing this post so I'll just say "May God bless you richly, and keep your eyes on the government."
Via Con Dios DM

Spring Is Near

2009-02-27T05:33:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize it had been so long since I last posted . Time is rolling along, the days are getting a little longer and Spring is in the air. I drove into town yesturday to get a haircut and saw two patches of daffodils in full bloom. Never knew yellow could be so beautiful. My maple trees are budding out, and the grass is beginning to green up in spots. Spring is without a doubt my favorite time of the year. I always look forward to the world around me coming back to life after a long winter. I guess that is one reason why I love gardening so much. The idea of putting a seed in the ground and watching new life come from it fascinates me. I believe God, in all His infinite wisdom, gave us gardening and growing our food in this manner to remind us constantly of the promise of a resurrected life. I miss Granny so much that it is hard to function most of the time. But I take immeasurable comfort in knowing that there is a Springtime coming for BOTH of us,in which we will grow and bloom together forever in a realm where there will be no Autumn or Winter.

Well, Hurricane Hailey is awake now so time for rambling is over. She is my reality check. When she wakes up , it is cartoons and strawberry cereal, in that order. Next year she will be in school all day with her sister Kelsey. That is a scary thought !!
Maybe I should write a letter of apology to the school now. Really, they are a couple of really great kids who keep my life from becomming unbearably boring.

May everyone have a really great day, and as always....
Via Con Dios
DM

Up In Smoke

2009-02-18T18:50:00.000-08:00

Smoke has been rolling since 4am here at Poverty Flats. We have smoked a couple of beef shoulders, a couple of pork shoulders, and about 60lbs of venison summer sausage. It's been a little cool here today but with a fire in the firebox it wasn't bad. It really is a lot of work, but it don't seem like it. I enjoy what I do, but not as much as I did when Granny was here with me.
Some of what was cooked today will be overnighted to South Texas. Yes, South Texas !! We are shipping Texas style BBQ from Missouri to Texas ! Like they don't have any BBQ joints down there. My son Don W. lives in Clute TX, near Galveston on the coast. He and his wife are expecting a brand new baby boy ( grandchild # 20) and she is having a baby shower with about 60 people to be fed. And Don W. thinks our BBQ is the best in the world. Yes, I know he is right. Anyway, they want BBQ so BBQ they will get. I just hope those Texas cooks don't march north and attack. They get pretty touchy about bragging rights to BBQ.
Well, enough of that. It's been a long day and I'm getting to be an old fossil who needs a lot more sleep than I got last night.
I deeply appreciate those of you who drop by from time to time. I hope you will continue to stop by and visit when you can.
Via Con Dios
DM - Pitmaster
Texas BBQ & Beans

Time Flys

2009-02-12T19:19:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post tonight to say Thank You to all who have stopped by over the last few weeks with kind words and condolence. It's been a whole month today since Granny left us. In a way,it doesn't seem possible that it has been that long already. But then again sometimes it seems like time has just frozen in place.
Well, I said a quick post, and it would be so easy to ramble on and on tonight but instead I will bid all goodnight...Via Con Dios DM

Got It !!

2009-02-11T17:45:00.000-08:00

I think I have gotten the hang of this photo thing. Hard to believe something so simple for some can be so difficult for others. Hope you enjoy these pics. DM

Rainy Day Here

2009-02-11T11:05:00.000-08:00

It has rained nonstop here since yesturday afternoon. Our creek is up in the yard and it usually takes about 3-4" of rain just to get it out of it's banks. Don't know for sure how much we have received but it is enough.I had to tread water just to get the horses fed this morning. But on the upside, it gives good reason to stay inside and loaf today. Hurricane Hailey is catching up on cartoons and I am catching up on loafing.
Hailey and I started making summer sausage yesturday, and that was a chore. We ground up 45lb of venison and 12lb of pork fat. Then we had to mix all that, then add all the spices and seasonings and mix it again. It is just marinating in the cooler today.Tomorrow or the next day we will hook the stuffer tube on the grinder and stuff it all into sausage casings. Then it will go into the smoker for about 8 hrs wil some good old applewood smoke. By Friday we will have some world class venison summer sausage.
Have a great day. Via Con Dios DM

Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

2009-02-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

It's so nice out today I find it hard to believe it's still mid February. I think the temp. is in the 60's right now.
I have been busy listing items on ebay all day and getting them packaged for shipment so they will be ready to go when sold. It's interesting and it keeps me busy. I guess that is worth something. I have to stay very busy or the memories start to weigh too heavy to bear.
The ebay thing is just a way to kill time. Soon it will be time to start BBQing and then time will be a precious commodity. My granddaughter Hailey and I made and bottled 40 bottles of "Taste of Texas" BBQ sauce Friday. That's only a small quantity of what we will need for the season but it's a start.
Well, the horses need to be fed, and the girls do too so guess my spare time is over for now. Until later,
Via Con Dios DM

Warming Up

2009-02-05T06:03:00.000-08:00

I think the cold weather is behind us for a little while. The temp is supposed to reach the low to mid 60's today and for the next week. Maybe Spring will come early this year. But then I start thinking that same thing every year about this time. It's still kinda hard for someone born and raised in the deep south to adjust to these midwest winters. My wife was a Missouri gal, and she liked it here so this is where we made our home many years ago. And, after all these years, my own transplanted roots have grown deep here so guess this is where I will stay. BUT........, my heart is still in the deep, warm wintered south.

It sure doesn't seem like a whole month since Granny has been gone. I still keep expecting her to come walking in the door any time. And I find myself continually hoping that I will wake up from this nightmare and find that she is still sitting there in her recliner with her embroidery can in her lap, watching Judge Judy rake some poor soul over the coals.But, in reality, it's not going to happen. And each day that goes by I am coming more and more to realize this. Life goes on, and with God's strength we learn to deal with it. I am learning that to stay very busy keeps my mind occupied and makes life a little easier to bear.

Speaking of being busy, my granddaughter, Hailey and I have been busy this week making and bottling BBQ sauce for the upcoming season. This will be our first year to package and sell our sauce as an item. Granny and I spent a lot of time trying to come up with a name for it Just before she passed away we decided that since it was a South Texas style sauce, as is our BBQ, it would be called "TASTE OF TEXAS". We are really proud of it. For the first 1 1/2 years we would offer a choice between our sauce and the leading name brand from Kansas City. After a while we were running out of our own and taking most of the KC brand back home. So then we began to offer only our own sauce, and folks started asking to buy extra sauce to take home. So, TASTE OF TEXAS was born. For now it will only be available directly from us at the festivals and events where we will be . Hopefully, we can expand that in the near future.

Have a great day, and as always....... Via Con Dios
DM
Pitmaster
Texas BBQ & Beans

Thanks To All

2009-02-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

It's kind of a slow day here at Poverty Flats USA. Not much else to write about. I just mostly wanted to say " Thank You " to everyone for your kind words and sympathy. I know that time and faith in God will heal all wounds.Most of the time it is just so hard to stay focused. I have plenty to do to keep busy, with the granddaughters , the horses and the upcoming BBQ season. And as long as I stay busy it is easier to bear the loss.But after 32 years together, everything I see or touch is a reminder of her. And I guess that too will ease with time.

Just got a new digital camera and as soon as I figure it all out I will be posting some photos of the girls, the horses and our BBQ rig.

Via Con Dios DM

No News / Good News

2009-01-30T08:26:00.000-08:00

I remember an old saying that no news is good news. Don't know that I agree with that entirely, but for lack of anything wittier to start out with it will have to do. There just isn't much happening around Poverty Flats lately. With Granny gone it just seens like none of the fun things are fun anymore. I'm told quite often that time will heal but right now I have serious doubts about that too. I'm sure it's so, just kinda hard to grasp for now.

I have found myself thinking about our business Texas BBQ & Beans. I have seriously considered just selling all the equiptment and closing it out. The whole thing was a dream that my wife and I shared together, and without her, it's hard to be excited about anything anymore. But, in talking with our children and some close friends, I have come to realize that to allow that dream to desolve would be to dishonor her memory. SO !!!! We WILL continue on, bigger and busier than we ever have been. I am already booking events for this season withg the first so far being the new "Springtime On Broadway" festival in Webb City MO in April. We will post the exact date soon, along with our schedule for this year. We hope to see many of you at our serving window.

Have a really great day, and remember, "You are someone special cause GOD don't make no junk" Via Con Dios DM
Pitmaster
Texas BBQ & Beans

Just Reflecting

2009-01-27T20:13:00.000-08:00

It's late here at Poverty Flats, the 10pm News & Weather indicate that the winter storm has passed. I think we have about 1 " of ice covered by 4-5" of powdery snow. The girls think it is really great, especially because of no school today and tomorrow. We made them a big bowl of snow ice cream this evening and they thought this was just the greatest thing in the world.I'm amazed at just how little it takes to make a child happy. They miss their Granny so much, but children seem to heal so much faster than do the grown-ups.

I have received so many cards,letters,phonecalls and e-mails from folks who knew my wife, and I am humbled by it all. I'm sure she had no idea just how many friends she really had and how many lives she had touched through the years. Frances cared about people. She always seemed to find people who were hurting or just needed someone talk to. And she did love to talk !

I want to thank those of you who left comments on our blog here at Poverty Flats. May God bless you for your kindness. And I want to thank you for your kindness and friendship with Bill and Roxi at Countyview Woodcrafts. May GOD be with all of you.

Via Con Dios
DM

It's Been A While

2009-01-24T16:57:00.000-08:00

It's been a long while since we have posted from Poverty Flats and a lot has changed since . It is very hard to set at the keyboard and think rationally tonight. It has been two weeks today since life support was withdrawn from Granny and almost two weeks since she departed this life and graduated to her Heavenly home . Most who will read this post know that Granny was the name most around here used for my wife Frances. We have been together for 32 years , always the closest and best of friends. My sorrow and grief is almost more than I can bear. I need to quote Dr Jack Stanton, a well known Baptist evangelist from Missouri, when speaking of the lost of his wife to cancer. Someone asked him, " Dr. Stanton, don't you know where your wife is now ?" To which he replied, '"Yes of course I know where she is, but I also know where she's not. " I know that my strength is in my faith, for GOD's word says "The peace of GOD, which passes all understanding will keep your heart and mind through Crist Jesus our Lord". BUT,,,,,, in all honesty, I do so look forward to the time when I will be with her again for eternity.

I need to close for now. As always, Via Con Dios DM

BRRRRRRRRRR !!!!!!!!

2008-12-15T08:51:00.000-08:00

I don't mind too much a little cold weather, you know, just enough to kill off the ticks and fleas etc but this stuff that just blew in yesturday is NOT for a southern boy like me !! I grew up in South Florida , living for several years on an island in the Florida Keys. Later on, after leaving home at 15 , I made my home in Texas. I never could understand the mentality of winter sports like sking, sledding and such . Give me a warm southern breeze and a cold iced tea any day.

Speaking of winter sports, I am reminded for something from my trucking days. Just a few years back, I was trucking along down the highway one day listening to the old CB radio. I overheard a couple of truckers from up in Minnesota talking about ice fishing. They were quite excited about it, and looking forward to spending some time ice fishing when they returned home. Well, after listening for awhile, I just had to comment. I keyed that microphone and said " Break 19, for the ice fishermen ". Well, one of them said " go ahead" so I gave them my opinion of the sport of ice fishing. I said " I remember one time down in South Texas, we had one of those Alberta Clippers come blowing thru one winter and the temp. dropped down into the teens. Now don't misunderstand, it gets cold in South Texas. But this was an extremely rare thing for it to get THAT cold. It got so cold that our favorite fishing hole froze over solid. Well, an ex - brother in law and I decided we would try our hand at this thing called ice fishing. Neither one of us had ever actually done it before but both thought it would be fun." One of the Minnesota truckers asked if we enjoyed it. I replied ," Nope didn't like it at all ! " Well , he seemed suprised at my answer. He asked, "What didn't you like about it ?" I answered," Well, we went out there on the ice with an axe and started chopping a hole in the ice. After chopping for about 2 hours, we were both exhausted and still didn't have a hole large enough to get the boat in so we gave up and went home. " Still to this day I don't know what those yankee boys were laughing at as they faded out of radio range.

Gotta run, I'm getting old and it's almost my nap time. Via Con Dios,

DM

Too Quiet

2008-12-04T11:55:00.000-08:00

Granny just left for work, and the girls are with their mother for the rest of the week. The quiet here is so loud it is almost scary. It is amazing how loud absolutly nothing sounds like. Try it sometime. Maybe it's just me. Maybe I really am just getting old and senile. Or maybe it's just been so very long since our home has been totally empty that all this sudden quiet is hard to comprehend. Well, guess I had best enjoy it while it lasts. It's a good time to finish a book I have been reading, maybe break out the old 6 string and catch up on a little picking time.

Speaking of picking, I have a passion for bluegrass music. My dad and I used to spend a lot of time playing but over the years I have not been faithful to practicing. The yearning has begun to surface again lately. I have always tried to play rhythm guitar mainly because that's how I started. My dad played lead guitar, and I played rhythm for him. But lately, as the urge to take it up again has grown, I have been trying to learn more lead. This would have been a lot easier task years ago before my hands and fingers became so arthritic. Sometimes I can hardly hold down the strings but I am compelled to keep working at it. As with anything else, when we give up, when we accept defeat, we fail. I refuse to concede victory in anything to the enemy called failure.

Well, I have enjoyed all this quiet I can stand. Think I'll just go make some noise.

Via Con Dios DM

Thanksgiving 08 is in the can

2008-12-02T12:33:00.000-08:00

Well folks, another Thanksgiving has come, gone, and been survived. Thank GOD for all miracles large and small !! We had a really great Thanksgiving. Son Don W. and grandson Mason came all the way up from South Texas to spend the holiday week with us. We had a good visit and Mason and the girls played almost the whole time. Hurricane Hailey and Mason the Mighty are both like a couple of West Texas tornados. Put them both together in the same house, then throw in Kelsey for a mixer and guaranteed it will never get boring.

Don W. brought his guitar. He is learning to play and thought I could help him with a few things. Hope he wasn't too terribly disappointed. I know just enough to be annoying. I remember years ago went my dad was still alive, holidays back home with my folks was always a time to catch up on the guitar picking. First thing my dad would ask when I came in the door was "Did you bring your guitar ?" We would pick until late into the night, long after everyone else had gone to bed. My dad was one of these men who could play just about any stringed insturment he picked up. He played fiddle, guitar, mandolin,banjo and harmonica. Funny how these memories stick in our minds. The bad times, the arguements, sometimes the "knockdown, drag out " brawls are long forgotten. As well they should be when this much time has passed.

Don and Mason are back in South Texas now, Granny is at work today, and Hurricane Hailey and I are holding down the fort here at Poverty Flats. The weather is beautiful today. The sun is out and the temp is in the upper 50's. This is surely an outside day but with this arthritis getting worse each day I think we will just stay inside and read a good book. We're trying to stay out of the kitchen though. I think I must have gained 10 lbs over the holiday but I'm sure I must be the only one in the world to have done that. HA

H.H. and I have to go pick Kelsey up from the school bus stop so until next time, may GOD continue to bless everyone. And as always, Via Con Dios DM

Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

2008-11-19T07:57:00.000-08:00

Wow !!!! what a beautiful day GOD has made for us to enjoy today ! The temp is supposed to reach 69 today and the sun is shinning with a passion. The wind is blowing from the west- southwest and drying out all the damp ground we have had for the last month or so. This is definately an outdoors kind of day. Hurricane Hailey and I will probably spend most of the day outside catching up on some yard work. The gardens still need to be tilled under so guess we will work on that this morning. It's kinda late in the season for that but has just been too wet up til now.

Don't know what all we will get accomplished today, but whatever it is, we will enjoy the time. I think that is one of the joys of retirement that I value most. After 41 years in the trucking business, having to live by schedules and appointments, always living by someone else's time frame, the thing I enjoy most is doing What I want, When I want, or just not doing at all . This is the way it is with our BBQ business. If I want to go somewhere and sell BBQ I will, and if I don't, I won't. Pretty simple business philosophy. I do what I want, what I enjoy, when I want to do it. How cool is that !!!!

Thanksgiving Day is coming in a hurry ! We will probably have a full house for the holiday. My son Don W. and his family is coming up from South Texas to spend a few days with us. Don't know who else might be here but we will start cooking pies and assorted other goodies about Monday. We will deep-fry a couple of 13 lb turkeys and have lots of dressing and cranberry sauce, home made hot rolls, greenbean casserole, and lots of other good stuff . Oh , and don't forget the Malox and Rolaids.

May the God of Heaven and Earth, the God of all creation, bless you and your's this coming holiday season.
Via Con Dios,
DM - Pitmaster
Texas BBQ & Beans

WE"RE BAAAAACK !!

2008-11-13T19:40:00.000-08:00

Been awhile since we have posted on this site. No good reason for it, just lazy I guess . No, that's not it either. Sometimes we just get busy, or otherwise occupied with other things and lose track of time. And it has been a busy time around Poverty Flats lately. Actually, it's ALWAYS busy around here. Don't think I would want it any other way.

Well, since we last posted, America has elected a new president. A new BLACK president, so they say. I guess I am just a little confused about it though. As I understand it, he had a black father, but also had a white mother. And he was born in Hawaii. Now, here is where I start getting confused. Is he really a black man, who just happened to have been birthed by a white mother ? Or is he a white man who just happened to be fathered by a black man ? Or is he really just a native Hawaiian ? If I understand anything about genetics, he is just as much white as he is black, but nothing is being said about that. Personally, I don't particularly care if he is purple with pink and green polkadots. What I DO care about is that he firmly supports the practice of killing unborn babies and has publicly stated his opposition to private ownership of firearms. I care about the fact that he is one of the most liberal persons in US government. I seriously think America is going to wake up one day and realize the wrong man has been elected. May GOD have mercy on our nation in this time of tribulation!! !!!!!!! Having said that, I will move on to other things.

We have just finished construction of a new deck on the front of our home . It sure looks different out front now. Granny has our two rocking chairs out there, but the granddaughters are in them most of the time. That's OK though, I'm not quite ready for the rocking chair thing yet. I'm just glad to get the deck finished. I have been working on it for about three weeks. But then, I work a lot slower than I used to. On second thought, maybe I'm getting closer to that rocking chair than I realized......

The 10:00 weatherman is calling for rain tomorrow and quire a bit colder so maybe Granny and I will just stay in and bake cookies or something like that.

Speaking of Granny, I think she just went to sleep watching the 10:00 news and weather so I guess that is my signal to sign off.....
Via Con Dios DM

Brrrrrrr !!!!!!

2008-10-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

Seems like I recall a time or two back in July and August that I wished for some cooler weather. You know what I'm saying, back when the sweat was running down and the ticks were climbing up to see where it was coming from. Well, I knew then that I would regret that thought sooner or later. The temp. has not gotten up to 50 yet and it is 2pm. And this is only the beginning.
The weatherman is predicting our first hard freeze of the year by the first of the week. But of course there is always a brighter side to everything that comes our way. I can think of a couple of things like, no more grass to mow, and no more ticks. No more garden to tend, no more yellow jackets hiding in the bushes. I could go on and on but that gives the general idea. All we have to do now is wait for the inevitable ice and snow to start. I can hardly wait for the freezing to start so I can break out the tank heater for the stock tank, dig out the snow shovels, winterize the vehicles and all that other fun stuff that goes with it. By the time we get all that done, I will no doubt be saying "I sure would like to see some warmer weather", and the whole thing starts all over again.
I guess we should just learn to do as the apostle Paul said, and be content with whatever situation we find ourselves in. That is a great idea, and I know the Bible is right, but, sometimes it sure is hard to do. If mankind had grasped that concept from the beginning, we'd all still be living in the Garden of Eden. I heard a preacher say once that we should learn to be humbly grateful instead of grumbly hateful. Makes sense to me !

Via Con Dios DM

Today's Prayer

2008-10-20T09:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Lord,
So far today, Lord, I've done alright. I haven't gossiped, haven't lost my temper, haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or overindulgent. I'm really glad about that, Lord !
BUT..... in a few minutes, I'm going to get out of bed, and from then on, I'm probably going to need a lot more help.
Thank you, In Jesus Name,
AMEN

2008-10-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

Things are kinda slow around Poverty Flats this week. We have been so busy with the BBQ business since last Spring that we have about forgotten how to slow down. It's not like there is nothing to do here, It's just that doing absolutely nothing feels good for a change.
Well, to be completely honest, we havn't been totally idle. Construction has began on our new front deck. I promised Granny that I would start it as soon as we had a week off from selling BBQ so the work started this week. It will probably take a week or two working by myself to complete. It is going to make a big change in the front of our home. Wish we could post some before and after photos, but Granny or I neither one know how to post them.
MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENT THIS WEEK !!! We have a couple of younger horses that came from a rescue situation last year. That would be Star, and Blaze . They had not been worked with much when we bought them, and they had originally come from open range in N. Dakota near the Canadian border. On top of all that, with the abuse they had been through, they did not trust anyone. Well, I have been trying patiently for over a year to get a halter on Star. I could have just roped her and forced it on her, but would have destroyed the trust we have been working to build. Then, yesturday, I tried once more to slip it on and all of a sudden I'm standing there looking at her with a pretty pink halter on her head. WOW !! I thought it was just luck so today I went out and took it off her. Then she stood there and let me put it back on. Like I said, major accomplishment.
OK , Granny is looking over my shoulder saying, "Haven't you gotten that thing updated yet ?"
I think that is my que to go eat some ice cream so I'm out of here.

Via Con Dios DM

Another cool night

2008-10-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

We have another cool night in store for us here at Poverty Flats. The temp. dropped to 42 last night. I was ouside cooking BBQ all night and it was pretty cool. I don't particularly like really cold weather, but after a really hot summer the cooldown feels pretty good. Guess we had better enjoy it while we can because as we all know, it is going to get a lot colder in the near future. I can just picture myself wadding through snow up to my beltbuckle to light a fire in the smoker to cook BBQ. South Texas was never like that !! Down there, when it gets too cold to go skinny-dipping in the Gulf, it's wintertime.
Well, the weatherman on the local TV station says it is going to start warming back up tomorrow. Hope he is right for a change. We have a big festival over at Girard KS this Saturday that will run from 9am until 10 or 11pm. The weather is supposed to be great with temp in the low 80's and sunny all day. We are expecting to do really well at this event. It will be our first time to sell BBQ in Kansas. Those folks just don't know what they have been missing.
We have had an unbelievably great festival season this year. The response to our BBQ has been far and away beyond anything we could have imagined. We have had the opportunuty to meet a lot of new people, we've had a great time doing what we do, and made a pile of money in the process. You just can't get much better than that !!!!!
We are still looking at landing a spot locally to set up and sell BBQ weekly thru the winter months. I just have to get back to the owner of the property and tie up the deal. We have gotten a lot of local name recognition this year and a lot of folks keep asking when our BBQ will be available locally. We are already doing some local catering and I think we will do well with the spot.
We have already added some new equipment to the BBQ truck and we will soon be adding to the menu as well. Soon we will be adding potato salad and cole slaw to accompany our already popular BBQ ranch-style beans. AND, as soon as we can get everything approved with the health dept., we will begin to bottle and sell our BBQ sauce. We still have to get our label designed, and still have to decide on a name for it. So far, we just call it 'our sauce '. Granny says we need to have a contest to find a good name for the sauce. Don't know. Maybe .
This has all just snowballed beyond the original plan of just once or twice a month to suppliment our retirement income. I guess it goes to show again that GOD's word is true. Jeremiah 33:3 says " Call on me and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not ".
It's late, I'm tired, and a warm bed is waiting. Via Con Dios to all .
DM Pitmaster
Texas BBQ & Beans

Just Rambling

2008-09-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

I'm quite sure that if I tried real hard I could come up with something really really witty to write about. But tonight, my brain is like a train on a siding idling. Lots of steam built up, lots of power, just itching to go, but just waiting for the light to change. Some days are like that. I think sometimes GOD allows us to have days like this to keep us humble. Life is not always fair, and either is most of the human race. It's kinda like climbing to the top of a tall, tall tree ( remember that thrill when we were kids ? ) and just about the time you reach the topmost branches you realize some idiot is down on the ground below with a chainsaw. Oh well, onward and upward !!!

Texas BBQ & Beans had a fairly good weekend. The weather was ideal for a festival. The town was small so the turnout wasn't all that great but we try to take them all regardless of size. This next weekend should be better. We will be at the Carl Jct MO Bluegrass and Craft Festival. This should be a lot of fun with Bluegrass bands playing almost nonstop from about 9 am until late evening.

Following that the following weekend Oct. 4th we will be back at Lamar MO for the Apple Festival. We were there last year and did very well.

We just booked a new date today. Looks like we will be going to Kansas for the next one. Girard KS is having their Fall Festival Oct. 11th. We havn't been there before so am not sure what we might expect but I feel pretty good about it . We havn't gotten into Kansas much yet but there are sure a lot of events going on over there. Their health dept. permit is kinda steep though. They allow you 9 free days a year and after that it is $400.00 per year. That sounds like a lot but when you consider that a good event will net you $ 1000. - $ 1500. per day, it's not all that bad.

Well, I'm running out of wit... As the old country song says," I'd A Wrote You A letter, But I Couldn't Spell Phtttttttttttt !!!!!! And That's All I've Got To Say".. And that's all I got to say for now.
Via Con Dios, DM

PS Jesus said to love them who say all manner of evil against you. I don't wanta, but He said it and I gotta.

Our big beautiful babies

2008-09-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

Well here we are at Poverty Flats out taking care of the big babies in the pasture. Those horses just want LOTS of attention and love. They manage to get it too. They have been talking to me while I fed them this evening. Well Tx. B-B-Q and Beans is getting ready to do another day tomorrow. This is just a one day festival and not near the large money maker the last ones have been but still lots of fun and profitable none the less. The truck will leave at 5:00 in the morning to get there and fire up the smoker so things will be ready and hot for all the hungry folks. Am I going with the truck at that ungodly hour of the morning?? NO I am not. But will go a little later when the Pit Master really needs help. I really enjoy the smaller ones best cause that gives us a chance to talk to people and get to know more about the area. Well guess must go and help with dinner will post and let you know how things went tomorrow. God Bless all of you, from us at Poverty Flats.

Busy Week

2008-09-06T19:29:00.000-07:00

It has been a really busy week here at Poverty Flats USA. We started out having to replace the garbage disposal just before leaving town to visit Granny's family. And of course, as always with a plumbing repair, it just kept snowballing. It started out as a stopped up drain in the kitchen sink. Granny came outside where I was working and said the drain was stopped up and that if I knew what was good for me I better come right now and fix it !!! Well, being the somewhat less than master plumber that I am, I did what any fix-it expert would do. I poured a qt. bottle of Liquid Lightening (sulfuric acid, for the uninformed) down the drain and waited. Didn't work!!!
So, I poured yet another qt. bottle down the drain. Well, the drain still didn't open up, but the garbage disposal sure did!!!!! That stuff ate holes in the disposal !! I had sulfuric acid all over the kitchen floor. Good thing we have clay tile floors. Granny got some on her jeans and had to throw them away. I told her to keep them because with all the holes, they were in style. Granny didn't see the humor in it that I did. Well, we finally got the drain open. And, we really needed a new disposal anyway, so I guess it wasn't all bad. I'm thinking seriously about giving up shadetree plumbing. It's really a dangerous vocation anyway. First the exploding toliet, then this. Oh, I forget to tell you about the toliet. But we'll save that for another time. I think there are still pieces of porcelin scrapnel stuck in the bathroom walls.
Have a great week. Via Con Dios DM

LABOR DAY AT LAST !!!!!!

2008-09-01T10:33:00.000-07:00

Well, labor Day weekend has come at last. Those of us who really don't care for hot weather look forward to this weekend all summer. Can't say I particularly like cold weather any better, but Fall is a nice time of year. I like it best when we have to wear long sleeve shirts or light jackets. And the ticks we have down here in Poverty Flats carry switch-blade knives. I sure won't miss them !!
We have had a really great Labor Day weekend for Texas BBQ & Beans. We were out at MOKAN Dragway last weekend for a 1 day race, then this week, it was the big NAPA Labor Day Race that is quite a large event in this area. We sold out last weekend, and came very close to it again this week. Profit wise, we did exceptionally well. But, we also made a lot of new contacts for future business.
Our schedule looks pretty busy for the near future.We will take next weekend off,( gotta go fishing ) then back to cooking BBQ. We will be at Diamond MO Sept. 12-13 for the GEM CITY DAYS; Liberal MO on Saturday, Sept. 20th for PRARIE DAYS ; Carl Jct MO Saturday Sept. 27th for the BLUEGRASS & CRAFT FESTIVAL ; and Lamar MO on Saturday OCT. 4th for the APPLE DAYS FESTIVAL. WE will try to keep this updated a little better in the future. We've had a great season so far and are already looking toward next year with bigger and better things at Texas BBQ & Beans.
OK , LABOR DAY is supposed to be a holiday, and my plans for the remainder of it is to LOAF..... ABSOLUTELY DO NOTHING BUT LOAF, and when it is over, I'm going fishing!!!!
Anyone care to join me ??? NO???? OK, see you when I get back.
Via Con Dios, DM
Pit-Master, Texas BBQ & Beans

Quiet on the home front

2008-08-19T15:30:00.000-07:00

Not much happening here at Poverty Flats USA. Took Granny to her doctor for a follow up today and went by the clinic to pick up my med refills. Doc said Granny could go back to work anytime she feels like it. She says she don't feel like it and that's all we are going to say about that !!@ After we got back from town, things really got exciting. I sat out in the garden and watched my beans sprout. Then I watched the dust settle on my pickup. Believe it or not, there are times when things aren't near this exciting around here. Occasionally, it gets downright boring. Oh well, onward and upward.

Looks like we are going to have a full house for Labor Day weekend. Linda is coming up from Arkansas, and Don W. and family is coming up from South Texas. Looks to be a great holiday.

We will be taking Texas BBQ & Beans to MOKAN Dragway Labor Day weekend also. We are scheduled there Saturday and Sunday , the 30th and 31st. This promises to be a really big event and we will have plenty of world class BBQ on hand including Pulled Pork, BBQ Beef, Smoked Sausage and of course our now famous Ranch style BBQ Beans. WOW, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.

Next year, we are planning to add a large commercial cooler to our BBQ van so we can carry and serve cole slaw and potato salad. Granny's recipes for these two dishes are second to none !!!!!!! But, we don't currently have the cooler space to carry them. Slowly but surely, we are growing.

Well, it's time for supper, Granny's ringing the cow bell. From us to you, Via Con Dios DM

Granny says I better update

2008-08-15T19:27:00.000-07:00

Guess I better get to hunting and pecking, Granny says we need an update. I was just sitting here wasting all this intellect anyway so why not ? Some days I just amaze myself with my wit and wisdom and other days I'm about as witty as a bug on the windshield of an 80 mph Peterbilt. I think maybe the humidity has something to do with it. I'm sure most of us have days like that .
We have been getting ready for a garage sale tomorrow. It should be a good day for it since the rain has been taken out of the forecast. Granny and I are garage sale addicts. We go to these sales, buy a bunch of junk that we will probably never use, then have to have a garage sale to make room for more junk. But, we have fun and meet a lot of people so it's not a total waste.
Labor Day is coming up fast, and we at Texas BBQ & Beans are about to get as busy as a long tailed tomcat in a room full of rocking chairs. After this weekend , we have only one weekend free until sometime in November.
Until next time........ Via Con Dios DM Pitmaster at Texas BBQ & Beans

Not much going on

2008-08-11T17:03:00.000-07:00

Pretty quiet around Poverty Flats today. The weather is sure a lot more pleasant than it has been. I think it is only about 80 outside right now. It will get hot again no doubt, but it won't last long. We're starting to see a few leaves turning red in the Dogwood trees and the Blueberry bushes. They are usually some of the first to start changing. Fall will be here next month. WOW !!!!! where has the Summer gone ? It's amazing how fast the seasons come and go as we get older. Remember when you were a kid, and Summer lasted for a whole year ?? At least it seemed the long. But of course, when I was a kid, I lived in Key Largo Florida and Summer really did last all year.

Granny is starting to get around much better now although she is still sore. She's talking about going back to work in a week or two. Don't know if she will go back to the same type of work or not. Whatever she decides will be ok.

We have been canning tomatoes today. Sure is a lot of work to get all those things in the jars but it is certainly worth it when you are through. We have canned green beans, pickled beets, jalapeno peppers, salsa, blackberry jam, yellow pear tomato preserves, and strawberry preserves as well. Sometime later in the season we will make and can some green tomato pickles. Those sure go good with fried catfish, pinto beans, and hot cornbread. I'm making myself awfully hungry. Think I'll go help Granny fix supper.

Via Con Dios, DM

Relief at last

2008-08-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

Finally, a little relief from the heat !! We had a cool front move thru today and broke the heat wave we have been suffering under for the last couple of weeks. It sure feels better outside tonight.
Granny is feeling much better too. She is still really sore, but she is on the phone so that is a good sign. Anytime she feels too bad to talk on the phone, she REALLY feels bad. She's already talking about going back to work. HA. She won't be ready for that for at least 2 weeks.

Well, Texas BBQ & Beans is going back to Noel MO this weekend and probably next weekend as well. After that it is 2 weekends at MOKAN Dragway, the last of which will be Labor Day weekend. Then, in Sept. we are booked for 3 or 4 weekend festivals. Most of October and the first part of November is booked also. After that, most of the festivals will be over until next Spring. We are working on a local spot to sell BBQ thru the winter so we will be very busy for a while.

I think, when the festival season ends in November, I will travel to my old home town down in the Smokey Mountains of East Tennessee. Erwin Tennessee is a little town that is located in Unicoi County. Unicoi is an Indian word that means "The Beautiful Valley". The town itself sets in a valley that is surrounded by mountains on all sides. It borders North Carolina, divided by the Appalachia Trail.
I have a lot of relatives in that part of the country, some I would like to see once more, and some I wouldn't. I have an uncle, Alvin Miller , who I have stayed really close to over the years. Also have an aunt, Thelma Querry, who I will visit while I am there. My uncle Alvin turned 85 on his last birthday, July 4th. He called me to tell me he had gotten a brand new wife for his birthday!!!! Boy, was he happy .... I think that was his 9th one !! I don't know if the's the women he likes , or if he just enjoys the ceremonies.

Well, think I'll quit for the night, my fingers are tired. As always, from me to you......
Via Con Dios DM

Granny's all patched up !!!

2008-08-04T19:34:00.001-07:00

Well, we took Granny down to the big city hospital today, where she had surgery to remove her gall bladder. Beat's me why GOD ever put something in us that we can live without and often are better off without ! ! Don't know , but that's going on my list of things to ask about when I graduate to Glory. Anyway, she is doing very well , all things considered. She is still pretty groggy tonight and no doubt will be really sore tomorrow but she did get to come home this evening and is in bed asleep. Doctor said she will be fine in a few days but for now she needs lots of rest. Life around Poverty Flats is not always very restful but for now it will have to be.

We just wrapped up the big Emancipation Day festival in Joplin MO yesturday. Can't say a whole lot about it except it was NOT what we were led to believe it was going to be. It turned out to be more of a Democrat Party rally and fund raiser for the black community. I can assure you that many of the black people are a lot more prejudice toward white people than we are toward them. Don't believe that ???? Think about this... A black man, in a crowd of whites will usually be accepted with little or no problem... Most white folks don't want to be thought of as racist. BUT....... a white man in a crowd of blacks, especially at a place that is considered to be a black event, is very often made to feel like an intruder. I believe that GOD loves us all regardless of our skin color, and if a person's heart is right with GOD there is no place for racial prejudice.
Not sure how I got off on that, but there it is.

Must go, my beauty rest calls........ Via Con Dios DM

2008-07-30T18:54:00.000-07:00

Heard a preacher one time say, "Be very careful what you pray for because when GOD starts answering your prayer HE will, according to scripture, open the windows of Heaven and pour out blessings you will not be able to hold. Well, we here at Poverty Flats USA felt it was time to pray for a little bit of rain for our gardens. We prayed real hard, two or three times. Even prayed with our eyes closed !! Well, today about 5:00 pm, GOD opened the windows, AND the doors and dumped almost 3 inches of rain in 90 minutes !!!! We're not going to pray that hard again for a while !!!!!!
Seriously, GOD really does hear and answer our prayers. Not always the way we expect, but HE does answer. If you need HIM, HE is always there. GOD's phone # is found in the Old Testament, Jeremiah 33:3 where he says " Call on ME and I will answer thee, and show you great and mighty things which thou knowest not. "
It's BBQ time again. This weekend we will be close to home in Joplin MO. We will be at an event called Emancipation Days. It will run Aug. 1-3. Hope to meet a lot of new people there. One of the side benefits to our business is that we get to meet so many new people and visit with them.

Well , as happens each day about this time, we come to the close of another day. I remember a prayer we recited as children long ago, " If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. " I'm going to sleep knowing that no matter what happens between now and morning, GOD is still in control of my destiny.

Until next time, from me to you, Via Con Dios DM Pitmaster Texas BBQ & Beans

Getting Hot

2008-07-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

It's finally starting to get hot around Poverty Flats. Temperature has been in the 90's every day for the last couple of weeks. Going to get a lot hotter before the summer is over so guess we better not complain yet. There is plenty of outside work to be done around here but my will to do it weakens as the mercury rises. Anyone remember what life was like before air conditioning was in every home ? I do, but it gives me a headache to think back that far. Besides, I have a theory, I think as we get older we feel the temperature extremes more than when we are younger. Don't have any hard evidence , but it sure seems that way.

Well it's getting about time to start cooking BBQ for the next festival. We have an event coming up soon that will keep us stepping . This is an annual event in Joplin MO called the Emmancipation Days Celebration. This is a 3 day event that runs August 1-3. It is a large event that will see a very large attendance. After that, we will do a couple more in August then in Sept. we will be at festivals almostevery weekend thru the end of Oct. We are also waiting for word on a site we are hoping to get in Webb City MO on a regular weekly basis. This will keep us busy with BBQ year round. Well, there goes retirement !!
One quick update on the BBQ, we added BBQ beef to our menu along with the pulled pork and it is in high demand. At the last event, in Noel MO, we sold out of BBQ beef by the second day.
We also make our own BBQ sauce that is as good as it gets. We always offer our own sauce, along with KC Masterpiece to give folks a choice. We are using 2 bottles of our's to 1 of KC. Don't mean to brag, but it's just good !! One man, down at Noel, said " those folks at KC Masterpiece are going to have to go some to beat your's." We still don't have a name for our sauce yet. Maybe someone has some ideas ??

Well, I guess I have rambled on long enough. Think I will go and smell the flowers for awhile. Until next time, Via Con Dios DM Pitmaster Texas BBQ & Beans

Grannys Home

2008-07-12T16:50:00.000-07:00

Well, we brought Granny home from the hospital this evening. Things weren't quite as bad as we feared. The heart doctor said there were no blockages, but she does have a weak muscle in the front part of her heart. She will have to take it easy for a while. Which probably means we will have to use leg shackles and handcuffs. Granny is an extremely strong-willed person and doesn't take well to being reduced to an idle. She'll just have to get used to it because my job is to see that she does! !! At least this was found early enough, before any real serious damage could be done.
I guess when we get to be old folks we just have to make some ajustments in our lifestyles. It's not always easy to accept these things but there is very little we can do but go with the flow. I have known people over the years who are terrified of getting old. But when we really think about it , it's just a natural part of life. The thing most folks are afraid of is the unknown factor. But , when we know the ultimate future, know what is waiting beyond this life, that fear of the unknown quickly fades away.
Until next time, as always , Via Con Dios DM

Great 4th of July weekend

2008-07-08T14:14:00.000-07:00

WOW !!!!! What a weekend we had at Noel Missouri this year !!! We were at the local grocery store in their parking lot, about 1 block from the Elk River. We sat up operations there about 9am Thursday morning and were there until 9pm Saturday night.
There sure was a lot of people there. A lot of people who was hungry for BBQ. Thursday was not really that busy, Friday got a lot better, then Saturday we got slammed. There was so many people , Granny and I would never have been able to keep up with it. But, our daughter Linda came up from Arkansas to help, and the three of us held our own against the hungry multitudes.
Linda said she was working to pay for the BBQ she ate. WOW!!! I didn't know a skinny little white girl could eat that much !!!! ( Just joking Linda ) Really , her and Granny both did a great job.
All said and done, we sold a lot of BBQ and made a little money too. But more than that we met a lot of new people, and had a great time.
Wer have a couple of weeks slack time to get things caught up around Poverty Flats USA then it will start getting very busy almost every weekend right up until the first of November. After that who knows ??
Well, today is Granny's birthday and I promised to take her out for dinner. Gotta run.....
Until next time, as always , Via Con Dios DM Pitmaster at Texas BBQ & Beans

Quiet on the home front

2008-06-28T07:05:00.000-07:00

Pretty quiet around Poverty Flats this morning . The girls, Kelsey and Hurricane Hailey, are still asleep and Granny is way off up north near the Arctic Circle in a place called Fairfax MO. About all that can be heard is the sound of thunder and rain. (of course, what else ?)

I began this day early (5 AM) by firing up the smoker and starting to cook the BBQ that Texas BBQ and Beans is so very good at. Today we are doing 10 pork butts and 2 beef shoulder clods. That is about 110 lbs. of meat. Not a particularly big order but enough to keep me busy. When we get really busy, and load it heavy we can do around 400 lbs. We really need to think about adding a much bigger smoke, I guess.

I can hardly wait until the shoulder clod is done. You would think that cooking it all the time, a person would get tired of BBQ, but folks, it just ain't so !!!!!! Imagine if you will, the great flavor of a BBQ 'd brisket, then add the flavor and juciness of a chuck roast. Combine that with the tenderness of prime rib, and you are getting close. I guess , if you have never had the joy of tasting beef shoulder, BBQ'd as it is done South Texas style you will just have to try it at the first opportunity.

Speaking of opportunity, we will be a Noel MO. for the 4th of July holiday. We will be set up in the Harp's grocery store parking lot July 3rd - 4th- 5th. This is about 1 block from the Elk River . Canoeing and floating the river sure works up an appetite ( for BBQ ) We will serve our own Pulled Pork, BBQ Beef and of course the Ranch Beans that are a full meal in a bowl. WOW !!!! You just can't beat that !!
Well, I've done gone and made myself hungry so I'm going to go have breakfast. I think the girls are awake now anyway.
Until next timeas always , Via Con Dios DM Pitmaster at Texas BBQ and Beans

Just Rambling

2008-06-24T06:52:00.000-07:00

Sitting here in the early morning quiet, hot coffee in hand, my thoughts again begin to ramble.
In a time far removed, this great land we live in and call home was vast and uncivilized. Or at least as we know it today. It was populated by many different "tribes" of people who by today's standards were savage, heathen, uncivilized , etc.
For the most part, they had no organized form of government as we know it. Therefore there was no taxes, there was no government bureaucracy, and certainly no election campaigning every couple of years to fill the TV time. In fact, there were no TV's, so no commercials with all their mindless drivel to tell us and our children what we just can't live without. Believe it or not, the children actually survived, without it !!!! And HEY, folks, there were no soap operas, and no bare butts for all to see on the screen. And guess what ??? No divorce court, no people's court, there weren't even any lawyers !! Can you imagine that !! A day without Judge Judy ??
There was no known so-called 'social diseases', no abortions , or medical malpractice. No water and air polution. And I'm fairly certain they had no traffic jams and no one to run stoplights.
No light bills to pay , and no gas shortages.
Then, the great wave of people, the civilized world , began to discover this great land and began to come by the multitudes. They landed, took a look around, and said " We will make this a better place !!!!" And the rest is history !
I for one, am proud , as is my wife, to be descended from these people who first inhabited this great land , these "savage heathen people" who have contributed so much to America.

Well, enough of that. See what happens when Granny allows me to play with the computer all by myself ? Have a great day !! Via Con Dios DM - pitmaster , Texas BBQ & Beans

How time flys

2008-06-21T06:40:00.000-07:00

I've heard it said that time flys when we are having fun. I guess that is so in most instances . For example, here we are at the end of another long week of holding things together. The Wolf is knocking at the front door, the Banker is at the back door, and the IRS is watching all the windows. The rabbits have ate most of our bean patch and the birds, after visiting the mulberry tree, are leaving purple patches all over our car and pick-up. The grass is growing so fast that it has to be mowed every week . My yard tractor is old and crotchity and burns about $10.00 in gas everytime I mow. We got a thank you letter from IRS telling us our Economic Stimulus check just about covered last years taxes. Our roof has a leak, our floor has a crack, and the bathroom sink is not draining very well. My arthritic back is killing me, and my dog has fleas. BUT...............!!!!!!! time sure is going fast so we MUST be having fun.
Soon we will get back to talking about BBQ but til then we'll just keep on having fun. Via Con Dios DM Pitmaster - Texas BBQ & Beans

Diamonds in the rough

2008-06-17T19:29:00.000-07:00

I'm reminded for some odd reason, of a song the late John Denver sang. "Some days are diamonds, some days are stone. Sometime the hard times just won't leave me alone." Some days really are like that I guess. I think maybe that the bad days are really good in a way, because they teach us to toughen up. If everyday was "Diamonds" we would get so used to it that when a bad one came along,( and they most certainly will ) we would be grossly unprepared to handle it. I would love to wake up every morning and start my day by saying " Good morning, LORD !! " But in fact, lots of mornings it is rather," Good lord, morning ??" I think maybe if we can just manage to keep the two of then balanced, enough bad to keep us humble and enough good to keep us going, we can get through this life in pretty good shape. GOD created this world we live in and has given each of us the privilege of living in it. I guess we can at least give it our best shot. I think that as this day finally draws to a close, I will lay all my burdens and cares, problems and pain at the foot of the cross, trust it all to the Savior's hands, and go to bed. Tomorrow promises to be DIAMONDS.
And you probibly thought I was just going to talk about BBQ tonight. Oh well, you've been wrong before.
Via Con Dios DM

GREAT FATHERS DAY

2008-06-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

Fathers Day has come and gone at Poverytflats. All and all it was a great day. Got lots of cards , phone call, gifts and Lots of little girl hugs from grand daughters. This is what happens when you have lots of kids. Some like you , some don't but the trick is to have enough to ballance it all out.
Things are still busy at Povertyflats ! This never changes EVER!! When things slow down around here it gets scary. I guess being busy is better than being bored tho. The weather around here is not boring tho it will change with every hour it seems. It has rained it seems forever and the yard is so soggy it is like walking on a giant sponge.
The up side to all this is the garden is growing great if you can keep the bunnies out of the beans. That is a real chore unless you enjoy eating bunny. Have already harvested onions, squash, strawberries and raspberies. Beans are almost ready to pick a and tomato's are coming on strong. Will start picking them within 2 weeks.
We have had one weekend off from B-B-Qing but will begin again next week and will stay busy with that the rest of the summer and fall. More news on that later.
Till next time as always Via Con Dios DM

Same Old Stuff

2008-06-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

Well, not much new here at Poverty Flats this week. More rain, and then more rain. The sun is shinning bright today, but the forcast for tomorrow is , of course, more rain. I don't think it will ever dry out around here.
This is the first weekend in over a month that we have not been somewhere selling BBQ. We like to do BBQ but a weekend of rest is needed ever so often. But, never fear, we will be busy again starting next weekend.
We will have to start cooking again the later part of this week. Will probably add some brisket to the menu this time. We have been featuring pulled pork at most of the events so far, but are starting to get more calls for brisket now so will do our best to supply the demand.
Our BBQ brisket, like our pulled pork, is second to none. It is dry rubbed with our own rub recipe then marinated overnight in refrigeration. After that, it goes into the smoker for about 18 hr. of slow steady wood smoke. When it comes out, it can literally be cut with a paper knife !! Tender, juicy, spicy, and oh so good !!!!! Makes me hungry just talking about it.
Another planned addition to the menu is an item I picked up from down in the South Texas area years ago. I used to stop and visit with an old fellow who sold some of the world's best BBQ from a little mobile stand on the outskirts of Houston. Beef clod, or shoulder clod, is the entire beef shoulder. This is the area from which we get chuck steaks, chuck roast, ground chuck, etc.
The whole shouler is placed in the smoker, and when it comes out, is nothing short of world-class BBQ. It yields both sliced and chopped BBQ , depending on personal preference.
Well, I have some serious loafing to get done today so better get started so I can try to get it all done. May GOD bless you real good today. VIA CON DIOS DM Pitmaster at Texas BBQ and Beans

Great BBQ Weekend

2008-05-26T07:22:00.000-07:00

Well, we survived the weekend festival at Greenfield, MO in pretty good shape.
It started out as an almost disaster. I left home about 5:30 am on Friday morning going to Greenfield, and about 10 mi from home blew a steering tire on the truck.
With the smoker trailer on behind, it was quite a ride. The skid marks indicate that it took 2 lanes of highway to get it under control and on to the shoulder of the road. There I sat with the smoker full of meat, the coolers full of soda pop, loaded to the max with supplies, AND NO SPARE TIRE !!!
Well, I called home and said " send the calvary". Needless to say, my family did as they always do in a crisis. They scrambled, and put together a rescue effort that saved the day. My daughter-in-law Danielle, and my grandson's wife Katrina brought my pickup, the tent and some tables. We transfered everything on the side of the road, left the mobile kitchen setting, and went on to Greenfield. I arrived there by 8:00am. Just in time to set up and get ready for the festival to begin.
Friday was a pretty fair day for sales but nothing to brag about. Then on Saturday morning at 6:15am a severe thunderstorm blew in and knocked down about half of the booths. Ours was intact but everything was wet.
The fire dept., which was supposed to have their annual BBQ chicken dinner at 11:00 decided to cancel due to the late start from the storm. Needless to say, this left a lot of people in town hungry for BBQ, and only one place to find good BBQ, that being none other than Texas BBQ and Beans. Well, we sold BBQ and beans until our arms were about to drop off. We sold out of beans, cooked more, and sold out again. I had taken 3 cases of buns for sandwiches, sold out of them. Frances brought 2 more cases fron Joplin when she came up that morning and we came close to selling out of them. All in all, we sold a lot of BBQ !!!!!!
Have to get ready for the event at Kellogg Lake in Carthage MO. this next weekend. This will be a little different type of event. It is an event to promote clean water in the Ozarks. There will be a lot of display booths and we have been invited to supply the food concession so it will be interesting to see how itcomes out.
Well, I have to go, it's past time to feed the horses so I have to go be busy for a while. Take care, God Bless, Via Con Dios DM

It's Friday, But Sunday's Coming

2008-05-16T18:40:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's Friday, end of another busy week at Poverty Flats USA. We have been super busy putting the final touches on the mobile kitchen . Everything on the inside is pretty much finished as of today. We can hardly wait to put it to work next weekend at the Greenfield MO "BUFFALO DAYS" festival. We will be there for two days. Should be a really busy time if the weather is good. That, of course, will be a matter of prayer for us this week. You can pray too if you want. We need the prayers and most folks can use the practice !!
Things are starting to look pretty good for our BBQ business thus far. We have a good chance to start setting up in the Walmart parking lot one day a week if we want. Don't know if we will or not. Our original plan was to do only festivals and events. However, the demand for our BBQ has become greater than we had ever hoped to imagine.
Well, there IS other things in our lives besides BBQ. The horses, Shasta,Amy, Star and Blaze are looking really good now that they have lost their winter coats. Shasta, at 16 hands, and about 1100 lbs is the undisputed head mare. She's the boss and everyone else knows it. She's an 8 yr old Tennessee Walker, and quite possibly the most magnificent animal in the world. Yet she is so gentle our 5 yr old granddaughter can ride her.
Amy is almost 5yrs old , a beautiful breeding stock Paint. She is just a big baby who loves to be petted , and thrives on attention
Star and Blaze are both almost 2 yrs old. Both are Quarter Horses but Blaze looks to have some Mustang blood in her. Both of them are rescue animals. They were about 15 mo old when we bought them, and they were a pretty sorry looking sight. In fact, they both looked so bad we almost left them. They were literally skin and bones, covered with sores and have been ran through barbed wire and had some very bad cuts. But, they touched our hearts, and we bought them for $40.00 each. Good nutrition, love, and time have worked wonders on both of them. So there is a look at that part of our lives.
It's late, Granny just left for work, the granddaughters are in bed , so guess it's time for me to go check out the ice cream options. I'm getting old and need my ice cream everynight.
Goodnight, Via Con Dios DM

Time flys when we're having fun

2008-05-10T17:16:00.000-07:00

WOW, can't believe a week since the last post !! We have been busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest !!
We have finally just about finished with the mobile kitchen. Just a little more inside work. Sure will be nice to be able to work with it. We just got home from Lamar MO about an hour ago where we worked a festival today. Had to use the old tent and tables, and it rained just about all day. BUT, we sold a boatload of BBQ. We sold out of just about everything. Can't imagine what it would have been like if the weather had been better. As it was, we had people standing 6-8 in line to be served IN A THUNDERSTORM YET !!
Well, we have 2 weeks until the next event in Greenfield MO. Which is located on the south end of Stockton Lake. And that will be Memorial Day weekend. Guess I had better start cooking tomorrow.
But for tonight, it's boots off, big feet up and a much needed rest.
Til next time, Happy Trails DM Pit Master

It's Sunday !! Time To Rest

2008-05-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

It's been a really busy week here at Poverty Flats USA. God gave us 6 days to work and 1 to loaf. Well I don't think HE said it quite like that but you get the idea. I havn't even breathed hard yet today. Good time to take a rest because next week promises to be even busier .
The mobile kitchen will be mostly finished this week and we will fire up the big smoker about mid-week. We usually start cooking a couple of days before a festival or event. It takes 1 day to apply the rub and let it marinate the meat, about 24-26 hours to cook, and another day to cut,chop, and wrap the finished product. So, it takes about 2-3 days of preparation for a 1 day event. I'm quite certain there are faster ways to prepare and cook the meat, BUT, there is NONE, I repeat, NONE BETTER. We at Texas BBQ and Beans cook the best BBQ in this area. The only place I know of that possibly does a better job of BBQing is a place called Heinz BBQ way down in South Texas in Wharton, TX. It sets on US hwy 59 about an hours drive southwest of Houston. And on a good day you can smell the BBQ smoke all the way to Dallas. We cook Texas-style BBQ in much the same way it is cooked in South Texas which is where I learned a lot of the basics.
If you are ever in the area and looking for really great BBQ pulled -pork, brisket, and hands down bet BBQ beans on earth, look us up and be ready for a trip to BBQ heaven.
Well, enough tooting my own horn, Granny is out brushing the horses and I promised to be right behind her. Just don't think I told her how far behind her I would be. Gotta go, happy trails, via con dios DM

Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

2008-04-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

It sure has been a nice day here at Poverty Flats today . Granny and I planted a flowerbed today. She had a bunch of stuff she wanted planted and I had some too so we decided this would be a great time to Getter Done. We planted some gladolias, dalias, cosmos and zinnias. Don't know how we would have gotten it all done if Hurricane Hailey hadn't been there to help!! She has to be in the middle of everything that's going on, no matter what it is.
Work is progressing well on the mobile kitchen. The counters are in and finished as of today. We got a good start on the sinks and will probably finish that tomorrow. After that we'll finish the electrical system and it will be just about finished on the inside.
We're gearing up for the upcoming festival season starts a week from Saturday at Lamar MO. That will be the Trunan Days Arts and Crafts festival. Lamar is the birthplace of Harry Truman thus the name.
After that, we have two more festivals booked for later in May also. Next is the Buffalo Days at Greenfield MO on the 23rd and 24th , then a new event at Kellogg Lake in Carthage MO on the 31st. WOW, this was supposed to be a retirement venture !!!! Well, at least we're off to a good start this year. We have bookings throughout the summer which will be posted at a later date.
Well Granny is threatening me with a bowl of ice cream ( low- carb, but good ) so guess I better land this thing right about here.
Good night and may God Bless !!!!! DM

Fixin Fence

2008-04-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

Well it finally happened the light gage wire that was up when we bought poverty flats got broken what with the horses trying to reach the grass on the other side of the fence. They didn't get out tho thank goodness. We live about a block and half from a very busy street. So Don and Josh was off to fix the thing and now we will have to replace the llight wire with some heavier gauge wire. Knew we would have to just hadn't gotten around to it yet. We will have to get in gear now tho can see that. I didn't have to go help this time tho cause son Josh was home this time.
Well the weather is great here today tho just a little cool but still very nice. No coat needed today just long sleeves. The horses are just loving this weather and so am I. It was pretty cold last night tho 38 degrees but guess didn't frost and kill the tomato plants and peppers nor any of the other flowers or veggies. At least don't look like it yet and it is noon here now . Well guess i will get off here and help around here for now. The fence is fixed and Don is mowing So i can rake grass for the horses now. Walk with God and enjoy life. More from Poverty Flats Later.FM

End of another busy day

2008-04-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

Sure has been busy around Poverty Flats today. 'Course that ain't nothing unusual for here. With the horses, dogs, rabbits and two granddaughters( Hurricane Hailey, and her sister Kelsey), plus the BBQ business, spare time is a valuable commodity. I thought about asking GOD to grant me a little more time to rest, but I'm afraid HE would put me flat of my back again !!! No thank you !! I'd just as soon stay busy.
The work on the mobile kitchen is coming along pretty good right now. After finishing the floor, things started moving well. The two 8 foot counters are in and painted with a primer coat. Tomorrow, they get top coated with acrylic enamel, a sprinkle of silver glitter, then topped off with a clear coat of acrylic. Then, when all that is cured, the sinks will go in. After that the plumbing, and electrical system. Hope to have it all finished in a couple more weeks. That will be just in time for the festival season around here.
We had originally planned to only go to 1 or 2 events a month( you know, enjoy our retirement years ? ) but it's beginning to look more like a full time thing. We will be down at Noel MO for 4th of July weekend this year, and have been given an OK to set up there most holiday weekends. This is a really busy local tourist spot in the summer months, so should be really good for us. Also, we will probably be in Arkansas again this year for the "Bargains Galore on 64" event This is the home of the 150 mile long yard sale.
Well it's late, I'm in desperate need of beauty rest, so it's of to bed for this old fossil. Just remember, if you're not the lead horse on the trail, the scenery never changes. DM

Beautiful day here today

2008-04-23T15:07:00.000-07:00

Hi there from Poverty Flats and it is a wonderful day too. Had to go to Sam's club and get some things for Texas B-B-Q Beans and of course we couldn't seem to get out of there without buying things for the house too. Trips to Sam's club can get expensive. Well the horses are really enjoying the weather and love the attention they get too. Josh went to have a tooth pulled (oooh no fun) and will be home in a bit. The rest of the bunch are playing out with the horses and I am trying to hide out least they find something else for me to do. I do hear it thundering tho now so I guess the sunny day is coming to an end soon. That was a sudden thing I hope it don't bring any surprise storms with it. Well will post more later maybe Don will get on here and let you know how the truck is coming along. FM

Beautiful day here at Poverty Flats

2008-04-21T20:26:00.000-07:00

Well it has been one beautiful day here in our part of Missouri. Spent the day just working around here in the yard, playing with the horses and don mowed the yard. I raked up some of the grass too. Then it was on to working on the truck for the B-B-Q business. It is really starting to take shape now and is going pretty fast now. Don has planted garden and things are doing good so far. I have some flowers to plant also, some cannas and other things. Will try to get some pictures to post as things go along. It is so much fun to watch things take shape in the spring. Well am going to sign off and get some rest tonight will post more later. FM

Great Day to be Alive

2008-04-18T05:20:00.000-07:00

This seems like a good time to update this site. It has been raining most of the night and everything is pretty soggy outside this morning. Can't really complain about that because it waited until we got the tomatoes and peppers planted yesturday. We planted 32 tomatoes, 4 bell peppers, and some beets. Still have to plant some hot peppers and a few other things later. So far we have planted beans,yellow squash, patty-pan squash, cucumbers, sugar snap peas, potatoes,and Texas 1015y onions. We put 12 wheelbarrows full of horse barn compost on both gardens so if something don,t grow, I quit !!!
So much for the dirt work. I'm getting tired again just thinking about it. Gardening is a lot of enjoyment but a lot of hard work too. Granny came out yesturday and watched me work for about 15 minutes and had to go in and rest for a while. Yep, that watching will wear you out real quick. You want to watch and not do too much of it.
Speaking of work, things are coming along pretty good on the BBQ truck. The red and white tile floor is in, and we are working on the countertops now. With any luck, in another week or so we will have them finished with the sinks in and the water tanks in place. Also working on the wiring system. I,m certainly NOT an electrician so every step of the process it's back to the manual to see where to go next.It's an exciting and fun project but I will sure be glad when it is done. We have other important things to get on with, like fishing and garage sale shopping and etc.
Well, breakfast is calling ! Guess we will just have a simple little breakfast of sausage links ,fried potatoes, biscuits and gravy, eggs orange juice,coffee. Just a few of the things that drive my doctor crazy. Wish you could be here, but since you can't we'll think of you while we eat.
Have a really great day and keep watch, soon the trumpet will sound. DM

Quiet night on the home front

2008-04-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

It sure is quiet sitting here in front of the keyboard. Granny has gone to work, Kelsey and Hurricane Hailey have gone to bed , Josh is at work and Danielle just left for her job at Walmart. WOW!!!! This kind of quiet doesn't happen very often around here. Kinda spooky !! Oh well, morning will come soon enough and the girls will be rested and ready to rumble.
All in all, it's been a good day. We got a little work done on the truck in spite of the cold and wind. Got about half of the floor tile installed and it is starting to look pretty good. Soon as I figure out how to put a photo on here we'll post a few to show the progress.
Granny is feeling a little better but I think she will have to go back to the Doctor for more antibiotics before she is through with it. She is just really stubborn about going to the doctor when she gets sick She will just keep going until she can't go any more. Now I have told on her and everyone will know !!
It's supposed to get back in the 70's this week so maybe we will find some more mushrooms. Found about 20 day before yesturday. Need to get my tomatoes and peppers in the ground too. They should have been planted last week but it has been too wet.
Well I'm going to quit rambling and get off here. All y'all praying folks just keep it up. We need the prayers, and you need the practice. GOD bless and good night. DM

Rainy Night in Joplin

2008-04-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

Don't think it will ever dry up around here. It has rained all night and everything that was starting to dry out is now waterlogged again. Just so one one thinks we're being too negitive, I'm happy to announce that the cracks in the ground from last summer's drought have disappeared.An old Indian I once knew said something about a silver lining behind the clouds. I don't think he ever spent the night in a wet tepee.Oh well, enough of that !!

We are still working on the BBQ wagon. We have looked all over the Four-State area for red floor tile. Had no idea that color was so hard to find. Originally, it was going to be black and white checked but our little 5-year old granddaughter Hurricane Hailey took one look inside the van and proclaimed "I want a RED floor". So,the search was on. Well, We just located red and white checked floor tile in Springfield this morning and will have it by the weekend. God is stil in the miracle working business !!!!!!!!

Granny (Frances) and I just celebrated our 30 year wedding anniversary this week and we are right back where we started from, good old Joplin MO. We've had a great time so far, but folks, it ain't over with yet.We still have a lot of life to spend together. Gotta run, my bread dough is comming over the top of the bowl.
If you do nothing else worthwhile today, live life like you would if you knew GOD was watching. DM

Beautiful day

2008-04-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

Hi from Poverty Flats and hope you are all doing well today. I had to work last night. and will again tonight but then will be off till Thursday. So that really isnt bad. Don is the other half of this partner ship and he is out working on the B-B-Q truck today. It is a beautiful day here and I can't wait till it gets even nicer. We have had a LOT of rain here so it is still muddy here and the horses are sure dirty because of the mud. But wont be long and we will wish we had some of this rain. Oh well guess God just can't please us no matter what he gives us. Well i guess must get off here for now and help my sweetie so will try to post more tomorrow. Take care and as Bill says Walk With The KING.

q

2008-04-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

Things are starting to dry out just a little here at Poverty Flats.It sure was rainning hard yesturday.In fact, it was rainning so hard at one time, the fish in our creek were wearing lifejackets. It's looking better today although you still want to keep your hipboots on most of the time around here. Well, enough of the serious stuff.
We are working like little ants trying to get the mobile kitchen up and running in time for the up and coming festival and BBQ season. We will be kicking off the season in just little over a month at Lamar,MO., on May 10. We are booking events now and are open to just about anything that is legal, moral, and profitable. The mobile kitchen is going to be a really great addition to our operation this year. It is being outfitted now with both dishwashing and handwashing sinks, hot water tank, fresh water and waste water tanks. Wiring is being installed to accomodate a 30 amp system for electrical needs. New red and white checked flooring and matching counter tops will accent the interior. All we need now is to find someone who knows how to cook BBQ !!!!!!
Look for more BBQ updates soon. DM -Grill master and chief honey-do'er

Up and Running

2008-03-30T14:14:00.000-07:00

Okay folks Poverty Flats USA is up and running. There will be changes made as we go but now we can post. Thanks for your patients.