Chutzpah -- Part Uno

My neighbor is quite handy with a BBQ grill. This past Saturday, he was smoking some ribs and, as it turned out, a boneless turkey breast as well. I was sitting on my back patio enjoying the smell of the hickory chips wafting across my lawn. Given the nice weather, I thought that perhaps I, too, should fire up the Weber Kettle for a backyard cookout.

Alas, it was not to be. Sadly, I found that I had no charcoal, no hickory chips, no lighter fluid, and most importantly, nothing worthwhile meat-wise to form the centerpiece of my feast.

I didn't let such minor inconveniences deter me, however. I waited until I could see my neighber placing the succulent meats on a platter. I then grabbed the official family whereupon we strolled over to his house, opened his door without knocking, and proceeded to help ourselves to his dinner, including side dishes and desserts.

I should note, my neighbor and I are on generally good terms. He waited until after we'd had our fill, to suggest that while he certainly didn't oppose in principle, our families dining together, he thought it might be better for me to call first, or least knock, before coming in and having a go at his buffet.

Well, such a response to my behavior was incredibly cheeky, and I told him so. Not only that, but the turkey was overdone, as well. I then took thirds on the ribs, as I thought it would be nice to fix a plate for my mother, who doesn't get out much.

Later on, the more I thought about his reaction, the more offended I became. The only word that came immediately to mind was the one which is the title to this entry.

Suffice it to say, I'm not going to take this lying down. Tomorrow, I intend to stand in his driveway with a sign protesting his boorish conduct. I hope to rally my friends in the blogosphere to my cause, which, after all is not just about me and my rights. Rather, it's about all neighbors, everywhere in our subdivision, who can't find or make decent BBQ for themselves.

I understand some Hollywood types might be showing up to help.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Cheers.

R. Sherman