The McConnell family lived across the street from us for many years.  Joe and Anne had three children – two boys and a girl – who were near the age of Perfect Daughter.  They were great playmates.

One year Joe decided to offer his boys a penny apiece for each sweet gum ball they would pick up out of his yard.  Now I don’t know what your experience is with sweet gum trees, but suffice it to say that while beautiful especially during  Fall, they produce millions of these prickly little seedpods that are tremendously painful when stepped upon.  I’ve busted my rear on more than one occasion just by stepping on them.  Joe figured he had found a way to entertain the boys for the day while Anne and I were out shopping and saving money.  It was a perfect plan until it wasn’t.

So what does this have to do with the very best barbecue sauce for chicken?

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