Good evening. We’re back in Tennessee again. This time we’re heading home from our little 4000-mile roundtrip journey to the Massachusetts cookoff. Along the way, we’ve consumed plenty of east coast seafood – clams, scallops, and crab. We also experienced something that’s been quite rare for us, RAIN! I wish some of it would run downhill and get to Texas.

NEWS

"After a hard fought battle, Robert Nelson has left us.　 He was a good man who will be missed deeply.　 Arrangements are pending." Jim Trietsch
　
RESULTS and UPCOMINGS

"Just a quick note to update as many as we can about the 28th Annual New Mexico State Open Chili Championship.
　
I guess the first thing you should know is that we're planning a "Peoples Choice - No Rules" chili category.　 If I have my information correct there will be a cash prize for the winner.　 So you may want to begin to prepare you "stuff" now because we all know that those that have the most do the best.
　
Mr. Thomas has been really busy these days.　 This year we will be joined by the Lone Star BBQ Association.　 Yup, we're gonna have a "for real"　BBQ Smoke out!　 More cash for the winner.　
　
I guess you folks should also know that the NM Governor, Mr. Bill Richardson, has proclaimed October 3, 2009 as the "New Mexico State Chili Cookoff and Championship BBQ Day".　 See attached.
　
If you need housing, we are getting a CookOff deal at www.ruidosoriverresort.com.
　
Anyway, Rick has asked me to pass this along to as many folks as I can and we're hoping that you'll pass it along amongst your Pod members.　 Hope to see you folks there!" Bud Barrick

POTPOURRI

Happy Birthday to Pat Massarelli.

"Wisdom is what's left after we've run out of personal opinions." - Cullen Hightower

News items and pictures for the CHN can be emailed to pepperdean@ctesc.net