Aussie blokes at the Barbie

For my American friends I would like to introduce a bit of Aussie culture: blokes and their barbies (BBQs). Even vegetarian blokes -- such as our orange-shirted neighbor -- derive male pride from manning such a device. The "sheilas" (women) don't cook: instead, they generally sip white wine demurely as pictured. Note behind the "sheilas", another Aussie icon: the Hills hoist. My DH (along with most Australians) are very proud of this Australian invention, a rotating clothesline. They are so proud of it that they put it right smack in the middle of the back yard, so when you are sipping your chardonnay you can inspect your friends' underpants on the line (most people dry their clothes on clotheslines, instead of using dryers).

I may be challenging DH's manhood by admitting this on a public forum, but in OUR house.... I'm the one who's in charge of the BBQ! It's not due to lack of testosterone (as you can see by his latest beard which he miraculously grew in only a few days). It's due to his firm conviction that you can't overdo anything. "You can't overdo a sausage" he says as smoke is pouring out the BBQ. I'm afraid you can. So I had to take charge. It does get a few uncomfortable looks from male guests at our BBQs but I guess DH can blame it on my foreign ways.