things that go on at a typical barbecue

1. Prawns that are half-cooked but taste just as nice.
2. Chicken wings that are half-cooked but taste just as nice.
3. The SISTER being the proud cook of the aforementioned items, toiling over the open fire with surprising enthusiasm. The marathon chef, as she is called - even the UNCLE had less endurance.
4. A debate over whether the sugar in the marinade caused the carbon build-up on the wings - a debate that never fails to arise during bbqs, whether with the MOTHER'S side or not.
5. The clever innovation that was our very own marshmallow roasters - sticks that stick out of the grill at such beautiful angles to roast them mallows nicely, which produce wonderful saggy and rippling curves of brown, freckled crust and soft, woozy filling.
6. The downing of red wine which awakens allergic reactions in me - though I don't actually mind; I don't fancy alcohol.
7. A gathering of the family and all its nice, warm, fuzzy feelings - even if we do turn to what's on TV later on.