Proud to say my children are 5th Generation Smokers!
Last month was an eye opener for me. I have three kids. Grumpy Teen (GT), Grumpy Pre-Teen (GPT) and 8 going on 28 (8/28)
as happens in most families. there are the usual squabbles and conflicts. "It's my turn in the front",
"He's breathing my air", "GT hit me" All those wonderful moments that most parents have to endure.
So when GPT and 8/28 both declared that they wanted to come and help their Dad at the market my first thoughts were "Oh great, customers will be walking past as I am keeping them separate from killing each other."
Then it hit me why don't I negotiate a peace treaty? So we sat down in the war room and I skilfully negotiated terms that everyone was happy with.
( I have offered my services to the UN but am still waiting for a reply)
So off we went to market, I had an element of trepidation, partly because I feared that the peace treaty
would be broken within minutes of arriving and partly due to the fear that they would spend more money, on the delicious cakes donuts
and goodies that are available at these fabulous markets, than we would take on the day.
How wrong I was!
Working like a well oiled machine the stall was set up with 8/28's artistic flair and GPT's desire to provide the tastiest samples around,
no fuss, no arguments, just hard work and desire. They refused to have a break they slogged through one of the worst days weather. Shmoozed customers, fetched me hot drinks and surprisingly spent very little.
It was a proud moment for me which I will cherish for ever. It reminded me of when I was young and had just started to learn the trade,
there was my Grandfather Harry, my Dad Stanley my sister Danielle all working in the shop, laughing, arguing but most of all
having a sense of belonging and a feeling that we were all in it together.
Sadly Harry took ill not long after that but I now get a sense of pride that I hope he felt onthat day.
So it looks like smoking salmon is in the blood, there is only so much knowledge that can be passed down through the generations
without having the love and desire to produce the best smoked salmon around.
By the way GT is still in bed as I write this!
You can buy from our website www.themanchestersmokehouse.co.uk