I find myself interviewing all sorts of people -- I am the features writer and as far as I'm concerned, the stranger the story the better. So far I've interviewed a pig farmer which was fun, gotten security clearance and interviewed people at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. I even got a phone call from Captain Morgan (he's head of the local Salvation Army).

But today, within a more serious story on two generations of Choctaw women I interviewed the Chief of the Choctaw Nation. Their offices are in Oklahoma so it was by phone but when I got done I realized it was a person I didn't think I would have ever spoken to. Stories in Thursday's paper.

I love this time of year. More time cooking outside is always good. I've been grilling as much as possible -- time and weather permitting. As a result, I always end up smelling what my neighbors are cooking. I've even met some of my neighbors as a result. We share what each other is grilling, talk about the weather and exchange drink ideas. Grilling is so communal. And with a couple of holidays coming up, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and my personal favorite, Bastille Day, anyone have any recipes worth sharing?

Today, I should've bought a hoolahoop. I have no idea if that's spelled correctly and I don't care. After work I think I'm going back to the store and buying it. If that won't entertain me for like 10 minutes, I don't know what will.