A great weekend in the books

Well out second cookout of the summer grilling season is in the books. The hubby's best friend from Texas came for a visit this weekend. And what a great visit it was! Lots of laughs, a few adult beverages, some sentimental conversations, and maybe even a couple of tears shed. We don't see him often enough so when it came time for him to head home no one was ready for it. We did get to grill out on Thursday while he was here though! Well...I did the grilling while the three buddies got tattoos. They had a great time so I don't really mind. And the food turned out awesome!
    I read somewhere that all you really need to season a good steak is salt and pepper. So I decided to try it. Just sea salt and pepper. Coated both sides with course sea salt and ground up peppercorns and let them warm up on the counter for about 45 minutes while the coals burned down on the grill. Threw them on indirect heat and let them simmer. While those were cooking on the bottom rack, I put baby portabellas on the top rack stuffed with mozzarella and leek cheese. Just run a spoon around the stem a couple of times and it will pop right off.  Wash them well and cut small chunks of cheese, about an inch cube, and put in the middle of the mushroom. You can use any cheese you like or try a specialty cheese from dairy department at your favorite grocery store! They warm up, the cheese gets melty, and they take on a wonderful smoke flavor that is to die for! If you enjoy mushrooms, this is a must for the summer grilling season!
    Friday afternoon was the annual Cruise In for our town. People from all over bring their classic cars and motorcycles to the downtown business district, the streets are blocked off, and everyone in town comes out to enjoy the food vendors and conversations. The weather could not have been better! High 70s with a slight breeze made for the perfect day!
    Saturday was pretty much a lazy day. It was rainy most of the day so we all just stayed home and enjoyed long overdue conversations. That evening we did take a trip to another city for great burgers, but it was pretty much a lazy day.
    Sunday was the day we were regretting all weekend. The Texas buddy had to return home to his family. While we totally understand his leaving, we sure weren't ready to let him go.  Although it was Fathers Day, we really didn't do much. The hubby received the usual cards but we really didn't do anything else. So while we are on vacation I'll cook something very special for him.
    As you can see our weekend was blessed. This week will bring more blessings with the Northern children coming home for a visit. Our family will be complete once more...even if it is only for a little while!