Happy 4th. of July, United States!

Posting from Paradise

As I type, E is preparing the marinade and the rub for the beef ribs he is planning on cooking later. We're having his famous parmesan cheese, herb and cilantro corn on the cob and a new bean dish. Our neighbors are coming early evening to join us for bbq and later the fireworks which we can see off our patio.

In the past, our small neighborhood has turned out at dark, sharing the fireworks many have purchased. This year, because of the long, dry spell preceding this holiday, there is a county wide ban on individual fireworks. This went into effect about ten days ago and the firework stands have had restrictions placed on them as to what they can sell. The stands look all but barren and I've seen few people buying. I understand this completely but will miss the community feeling we have always had here when everyone hits the streets to watch each other set off the works.

When I was a child, growing up in Iowa, my family would spend the 4th. at my aunt and uncle's cottage on the Cedar River outside of Waterloo. The day would be spent playing croquet, checkers and the adutls taking turns canoeing. I remember my older cousin being given a quarter for each of us younger ones and 'escorting' us through a path in the woods to a small amusement park where we could ride a ferris wheel and get cotton candy. We'd all gather for the fireworks which were shot off from acorss the river and also from the amusement park. We were all given sparklers and the night was perfect. Funny how these Norman Rockwell memories of my childhood keep resurfacing.

Have a great 4th. everyone.