Yes! I haven't grilled nearly as much this summer as I usually do. Partly because of the 110+ heat...it hasn't been any hotter than usual, but the older I get the less I can tolerate it. Also, since it's summer vacation and I have 6 grandchildren out of school, a few of them are here at any given time and we've been doing inside crafts where it's cool. Rock painting....
My Weber charcoal grill lives on the backyard patio which is on the east side of the house so by the time afternoon hits, the sun is on the other side of the house. There's a sliding door between the kitchen and patio so everything is only a couple of steps away. I put everything I need on the patio table, bring out my music, phone, get my beer or wine, light the coals and don't walk away until the food is done and on a plate. I've ruined a couple of nice steaks before by walking away "just for a second".
I need to order one of those thermometers Kay posted, though. I've been wanting one for quite a while and have been forgetting about it. Thanks for the link Kay...I'm on it.
If you do any long cooks on your Kettle, consider a dual probe remote for 20 bucks more. You can do a dual zone charcoal setup, and put one probe in the meat, and one probe at meat level in your kettle... and always have the remote with you showing both temperatures.
If the Kettle temp drops or spikes, you can make a quick adjustment to the bottom vent of your kettle, and go back inside to cook sides, or have a cold drink.
CD