Now That's A Fire!

It was a great weekend here, but Sat night was a bit chilly. It got down to the high 50's in some areas and we had invited some friends over for a cookout. After we had feasted on just about every grillable delicacy imaginable, we retired to the fire pit for some fun not knowing if the cooler temps would keep us at bay. The fire pit pictured above is almost identical to ours and every seat was taken as we piled on the wood to create the heat that would allow us to enjoy the elements. It did not disappoint. It was perfect fire pit weather and everyone enjoyed the relaxing vibe and great conversation.

I love a nice fire and My Guy and I really love our fire pit. We labored a bit over the decision to make it natural gas or wood burning and I'm so glad we went old school. I'm a pyro, by nature, and My Guy laughs at me when I pile on the wood and stir and stoke the fire like it's a bowl of homemade soup. He enjoys stacking the wood and keeping it supplied and he's even added a bluetooth device that plays Pandora from his phone that sets the mood and keeps us all entertained.

The interesting thing about a fire is that it brings out the good in people. My kids love to sit out there with their friends and sometimes they will even invite us! It's amazing, the things the kids will talk about when we are sitting around the fire, and some of our best memories have been made out there. I've had heart to heart talks with some people and we've even solved a few problems and dreamed some big dreams while sitting out back at the fire pit. It's also the ideal place to create a perfect s'more. We have gotten to be  s'more connoisseur's, as we have tried them every way possible. 
(QUICK TIP*the smaller the marshmallow, the better the toast and the better the "ooze" when you eat it. The big marshmallows look amazing and aren't bad, but they are really messy and take longer to toast all the way through) 

Fire is good, and I'm happy to be able to enjoy a night under the stars with the hum of the crickets, a roaring fire and the people I love. I ask you, what could be better than that?

Summer Has Arrived!

And it's about freakin' time.

Well, well, well, our good friend summer had decided to make an appearance after it's long hibernation. What will this summer bring us? I hope long glorious days spent enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors.


We here at the Daily Dandy are kicking off the festivities tonight with a BBQ with some friends and their kids. We are rolling old school too. Burgers, hot dogs, some steak tips and chicken. We'll have potato salad and corn on the cob, our good friend Budweiser, Carona (for those with a taste for cervesa) and I got me some Skinny Girl Margarita's.

There is nothing like the smell of the food cooking on the grill to put you in that summer mode. I hope the mosquitoes don't show up, but I will be prepared. Tonight we will christen our lovely fire pit and roast marshmallows and make smores and hopefully someone will come equip with some funny jokes. Joke and liquor are just like peas and carrots.

No room for winter tonight. No siree, it's all summer all weekend long.


BUT WAIT...there is but one lonely remnant of winter poking itself into my summer celebration plans. A reason to still root for winter's last hurrah. Our Boston Bruins will be home tonight to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning with the winner advancing to the Stanley Cup Finals against Vancouver.

We haven't been there since 1990.

Wouldn't it be the icing on the cake tonight to see our boys advance? With some good friends and some good food and booze? It could possibly be a "where where you?" moment and we are set to make history. So if you happen to be a hockey fan watching the game tonight, say a little prayer for the boys in black and gold.

Have a great weekend bloggers! Happy summer kickoff!