4th of July memories

I will be the first to admit that the 4th of July (followed closely by April Fools day) used to be my favorite holiday.

I grew up in a house that did a variety of things for the yearly holiday. There was not a set menu but it always included grilling and lots of delicious food. We ate outside and used paper plates-so clean up was easy. We didn't have to get dressed up-it was usually hot and we dressed accordingly and wore red, white and blue, if you had it! Friends, family, anyone was invited to the holiday meal. And of course there was red, white and blue type of food and watermelon, of course. It was just a good time, lots of great memories and no expectations like other holidays.

My hometown is known for the great festivities they put on every year for the 4th, after all it is named Independence! A top notched parade. An airshow, cookouts, ball tournaments, concerts and entertainment and the list goes on.

I was in the parade a few times as a kid. It was fun and of course always hot. But it is July in the midwest. The holiday was just fun and left me with a lot of found memories.

I've tried to carry on the same traditions as an adult. But living too far from my hometown and the closest thing to 4th of July celebration lacks...big time, and that's putting it mildly. Pathetic the best way to describe it.

The only thing I can control is the food and the together time. I try to put together a big meal for the 4th of July. Some years it has included lots of people, other days are smaller-like this year. And it does not matter how many or who, it's making the most of the day. Celebrating our independence. Good food. Relaxing and fun times spent with people.

Appreciate this day and what it means...we take our freedom for granted.