Welcome to the forum J Elliott. This is a great place to learn and to share. Don't forget, we love pictures here. And don't worry about stating late, I did't get my WSM until my early 60's. I have had Weber kettles of and on for years so technically have been smoking since we would often do our Thanksgiving turkeys on the kettles and always got great results. Now that is the only way I will do turkeys. You will love that great WSM. Once you get used to it you will find it easy to use and you will love the results. Good luck and welcome.