10/11/2026
The weather tried to cancel dinner. It failed.
120 guests. Texas brisket, BBQ chicken thighs, smoked bacon mac & cheese, and my soon-to-be-famous peach baked beans for the Special Forces Association Chapter 111 Fall Gala in Johnson City, Tennessee.
What the flyer doesn’t show: 60 mph wind gusts, flying pans, a runaway pop-up, and a table umbrella I had to deflect while preparing dinner. No cook photos this time. Keeping dinner on track took both hands.
A huge shout-out to Johnson City Country Club and the crew who jumped in to help. I’m grateful for your hospitality, teamwork, and support through one wild cook.
Everybody ate. Mission accomplished.