HEAT WAVE: Local Dad in Fresh Kicks Fires Up The Grill As Temps in Oregon Soar Above 50 Degrees

by | Mar 1, 2025 | Adventures, Humor, News, Satire

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SPRINGFIELD, OR — The scent of lighter fluid and overconfidence filled the air Friday afternoon as local dad, Greg Thompson, triumphantly wheeled out his Weber grill, declaring it "grilling season" the moment temperatures climbed to a balmy 50 degrees.

Despite a forecast of overcast skies and a light drizzle, Thompson stood on his back patio in his finest grilling attire—khaki shorts, a wildly patterned Hawaiian shirt, and a fresh pair of blindingly white New Balance sneakers—cracking open a Coors Light as he proudly proclaimed, "Feels like summer out here!" to no one in particular.

Neighbors reported hearing the distinct sound of a metal spatula slapping raw hamburger patties as Thompson ignored his wife’s insistence that it was still “too damn cold” to be outside cooking. "You gotta embrace the season," he said, teeth chattering slightly. "In Oregon, this is prime BBQ weather. You wait for 60 degrees, and boom—it's wildfire season."

Thompson’s teenage son, Kyle, who was summoned outside to “man up and bring the buns,” stood shivering in a hoodie while scrolling TikTok, clearly unimpressed. “Dad does this every year,” he muttered. “Last time, he got frostbite on his toes but said it was just ‘a little numbness from the cold beer.’”

As the propane grill flared up with an ominous whoosh, Thompson grinned, flipping the first piece of corn on the cob with the confidence of a man who refuses to read cooking instructions. "Ahh, you smell that? That's the smell of freedom." He then spent the next fifteen minutes fighting the elements to keep his half-grilled chicken wings from flying off the grill and into the neighbor’s yard.

At press time, Thompson had relocated the entire operation into the garage, where he continued cooking under a partially opened door. “Real grillmasters adapt,” he said, dramatically wiping rain from his forehead. “Besides, the wife says I can’t set off the smoke alarm again in the kitchen.”


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Written By Tyler James

Tyler James, founder of That Oregon Life, is a true Oregon native whose love for his state runs deep. Since the inception of the blog in 2013, his unbridled passion for outdoor adventures and the natural beauty of Oregon has been the cornerstone of his work. As a father to two beautiful children, Tyler is always in pursuit of new experiences to enrich his family’s life. He curates content that not only reflects his adventures but also encourages others to set out and create precious memories in the majestic landscapes of Oregon. Tyler's vision and guidance are integral to his role as publisher and editor, shaping the blog into a source of inspiration for exploring the wonders of Oregon.

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