Woman vs. Mouse.

I am a big grill person. Those who know me, know that I grill all year round. I'll shovel my back patio, in any blizzard, just to reach my grill. I do it because I really like the taste of grilled food, but I have to confess-- the main reason that I am a year-round griller is that I can't stand to do the dishes...especially pots and pans.

The other day I went outside to light up my grill and when I opened the lid, a large rat (okay, it was a mouse but it felt like a rat) was licking the grates. I screamed so loud that the neighbors came running.

I am normally not afraid of critters but the thought that a mouse was in my grill and could have easily been cooked or even worse, pooped in it, made me absolutely nuts.

My nephew was brave enough to coax the mouse out with a stick but in the process the mouse injured his leg and had to be carried to the woods. Talk about losing your appetite.

My husband wondered how long the mouse had lived in there...and that did it.

Outdoor cooking operations temporarily suspended. I want a new grill. If I have to wait until the after Labor Day sales all I can say is...

Hello Boston Chicken.