Annual "4th of July" Party

It's taken me a good day to recover from another great July 4th party. For years we enjoyed this day at our dear friend The Licata's home. Three years ago we transferred the party to Tina's cousin Kim's home in Commack. What a lovely home and fabulous salt water in-ground pool plus plenty of yard for the kids to play in.

We all bring a couple of trays (I do two trays of brownies) plus chip in money for fireworks. Logan and I timed it that we arrived when Kelly & her crew did. (Michele always celebrates this day with her family for their annual BBQ.) Usually the entire Licata clan goes which can be up to 15 adults and 15 children - this year not all were in attendance. Considering I know this family since I was born it's very nice for me to see so many of them which keeps some old Pine Street memories alive.

As usual, Logan arrived in his bathing suit & jumped right in after playing pack mule for me and carrying all our bags in. (The bags are filled with extra towels, more bathing suits, food, camera, bug spray, and whatever else I'll need for this "day trip" to the country.) I played lifeguard for a short time and then sat to catch up with old friends.

As the day went on we had a great barbecue which included the second year in a row a BBQ grill fire. Not too worry - burgers & dogs were saved! I munched on cold shrimp and nuts as an appetizer and later enjoyed two pieces of sausage and a scoop of beans. I did try to have a bite of soft cake in the evening and once again discover that that sort of food is out of my life. It just sits there -ugh! Luckily fruit goes right down so I can still enjoy a nice snack. I was told that moderation is the key but I'm actually glad that I can't enjoy bread/cakes. There is no temptation when it is laced with pain. So maybe shock therapy would have been a cure for me years earlier; I consider this choke therapy and that is quite successful!

Kerry came to join us in the evening after we had a few boughts of rain. The kids began the evening festivities with sparklers. We then gathered chairs on the great front lawn and sat in a drizzling rain enjoying 30 minutes of some great fireworks. (Thanks to the folks who drove to PA for them - much appreciated!)

Another great year for all...hopefully next year Bill lets Logan join us again. He's actually been very decent over the past years and allowed him to join in the fun.