Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July.

Today I'm having my sister Lynda over with her children and her new boyfriend, whom I haven't met yet. I'm going to have a barbeque....that's about it. Capt and his kids are here. One of these days I'm going to go with them since they spend most of the summer there. I'm just not the rollercoaster-type chick...but the lazy river ride looks like my speed.

The 4th of July used to be so much fun when our older sister lived on Long Island. She used to throw the best parties...she would plan them all year long and put her heart into each little detail.

So, in comparison, my little bbq never seems like a big deal and the only thing I look forward to is seeing my neices and nephews (whom I adore)....and eating blueberry pie.

Mindi and her former husband used to own a house with an inground pool, she'd plan water polo games, water basketball games and stuff like that. My children have the best childhood memories of these parties.

Sometimes Mindi would have whole lobster on the bbq. Each year there would be shrimp, filet mignon, hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs....everyone would bring something too. And there would be about 100 people that would come. A couple of people would bring chili and we would all sample different types of chili. There would be so much great food!

There would be lots of games too. We would sit around in little groups playing board games. The men would play horseshoes or Bocee ball. At night the fireworks would come out. They used to go on and on for hours. No one ever wanted to leave. Mindi would throw the best party ever, everyone looked forward to them.

In comparision, my 4th of July bbq's aren't as exciting. There's no pool at my house, no kid games, no horseshoes. (uggh, I don't even have an umbrella for my picnic table) And I know that we will be sitting around reminising about the best 4th of July parties ever.

Well, I'm on my way to the supermarket now to get some odds and ends to pull off this bbq at 2pm. I know we will have a good time, we always do, but there always is this sadness that looms over us all on the 4th of July, it's a feeling like there's something missing and we all want to find it again.

I want to thank all the people who fought/fight for our country, dedicating your lives so that we can be free.

And I'm wondering what are you all doing to celebrate today?

4 comments:

Monica said...

My MIL has a cousin and an aunt over. They came last night and will be here until tomorrow sometime. Husband should be grilling later today when he gets home from an overtime job he had to do. This all means lots of food and diversion for the kids. And me? I will kick back and alternate between watching a Monk marathon and continuing to watch the 3-day Twilight Zone marathon. WIth lots of food around the day before I get back on the weight-loss wagon, this shall surely be a good day.

rena said...

Sounds like you have some wonderful July 4 memories including the ones you're going to be making today. Hope you have a great day full of laughter, family and friends. Enjoy and Happy Birthday USA

Looney Mom™ said...

Happy Birthday America! We're having our folks over and doing fireworks with the kids. Our other option was this event (Albuquerque is also celebrating it's 300th birthday). I don't think we'll do that since it's been raining every night this week. Anyway, have FUN!

Cheryl said...

Your BBQ will also be a good memory for everyone. You have opened up your home and your heart to your friends and family..that's what people remember.

As for what we are doing? We've already celebrated...last night we had a pool party for my daughter who was injured in Boot Camp and is permanately home.

I too am very thankful for our freedom....smiles and have a wonderful fourth