So, my long-awaited package arrived yesterday. I can now cook the things I crave . . .

My order of Vidalia onion steakburgers, all-beef hot dogs and Kansas City strip steaks has arrived! And our vacation spot in Ft. Walton Beach, FL, is the perfect place to enjoy our favorite meals.

Oh, and that’s my son’s service dog — Marley — he goes everywhere with us now. He commandeered his favorite spot the moment we got here and he hasn’t left since. There’s so much to see!

The weather is beautiful, the beach is beautiful and our dinner tonight is going to be heavenly.

Stay tuned for my report on our “Steaks on the Beach.” They’re gonna be fabulous!

Did you have a great Independence Day?

We’re here in Ft. Walton Beach, FL, enjoying the amazing views, sounds, smells and ambiance. That crazy oil spill didn’t keep us away and we’re so glad we made the decision to come.

Here’s what it looked like yesterday . . .

It is uncrowded — a tragedy for these parts, especially at this time of year. And our stretch of beach is tarball-free . . . so far.

I did have a little bit of tar on one leg after a particularly rough playtime in the ocean with my youngest son. I’m not sure where it came from because it wasn’t visible. But it was just a little and they had special wipes at the pier that got it off in a jiffy.

What’s a little tar among friends?

We decided to taste a little of the local fare here so we can help support the area during this rough time. We tried a local steak house and nibbled on ribeyes and lobster. Mmmmmm.

But it wasn’t  as good as the delivery I have coming later this week will be. I’ll be cooking some faves in our home away from home and I can’t wait.

We’ve decided that we are going to have a great time spending quality time with our kids and enjoying great food in an amazing place — one of this country’s jewels. So check back for more on what we’re cooking on our trip to the Gulf Coast!

We recently had a family reunion of sorts — hosted at our house.

And what did we serve to celebrate the occasion?

Why, steak of course!!!

T-bones and boneless ribeyes crowded the grill. (Check out that big one there in front.)

We sat around the dining room table, laughed, drank wine and caught up. Just like it should be.

We even made t-shirts for the occasion. But I’ll spare you those cheesy shots.

This is the plate ready to head to the table — spatula and all.

That’s a lot of beef.

My hubby was thankful everyone came (well, it WAS his side’s reunion after all) but moreso because he had leftover steaks for the next 3 days.

Score.

That’s what summer days are all about at our house! 🙂