We had a fun family day on the 4th!

We were able to do most of the traditional things: hot coals grilling our beefy hamburgers and hot dogs; chocolate faces and fingers from homemade chocolate chip cookies;

The Boy Playing

swimming pools made of plastic; children spraying/splashing their parents; parents warning their children not to spray or splash them; lots of sunscreen; a little beer; and plenty of Louisiana heat and humidity about which to complain.

Sissy Playing

The Boy was just so happy to be outside AND playing in water. For those of you who are unaware, until recently, the only times The Boy really cried was when we would take him out of the bathtub or would bring him inside from playing outside. (However, much to our dismay, he has broadened his horizons and will cry about other things now.)

Sissy doing what she termed “The Whale”

Sissy had a fun time jumping and running and sliding in the pool. And if you hadn’t guessed, she is the culprit who takes great delight in attempting (and oftentimes successfully accomplishing) the saturation of her parents mama!

Sissy also developed The Whale, as illustrated herein. It was pretty funny! I am not convinced the pictures do it justice.

Hydrating

Dad also rescued a little baby bird from certain ill-fate, when he spotted her right before he ran over her with the lawn mower! We tried to nurse “Tweety-Bird Sissy” back to health. We prepared a comfy, cushy basket for her (which you can see behind The Boy as he’s drinking his juice), gave her fresh water (she liked to climb in the little bowl of water like a bath), and offered her a shot glass of flaxseed (that’s all we had!). Unfortunately, Tweety-Bird Sissy did not make it. But we think she was at least more comfortable in her last hours.

Resting

And due to popular demand, we watched Star Whores again!

Then . . . Well . . . As is the tradition on all the best of holidays, we took a nap.

I recently had the pleasure of attending a most wonderful tea party. The hostess, an exquisite young lady, welcomed me with such warm manners, including a lovely smile and affectionate hug as I arrived. She was dressed in her best – akin to a princess. She had a most magnificent table set. The table was draped with a beautiful hand-crocheted tablecloth, color of pumpkin, in the pattern of pineapple (which I believed to be very witty, in light of her hospitality). There was also a unique centerpiece containing bright orange and gold leaves that danced and sparkled in the late afternoon sunlight spilling through her window. It was a charming touch. And of course, she selected her best china for the occasion.

She served homemade pumpkin cookies (made from fresh pumpkins), which were delightful. She would not take “No, thank you” for an answer when I declined to have more than one. I reluctantly indulged in several. She also did a most unusual thing: instead of serving tea at her tea party (which, in my humble opinion, is so trite), she served the far superior and refined beverage of chocolate milk. That is when I discovered the depth of this young lady’s intellect.

We had some friends over for Sunday lunch. Good food (if I do say so myself), good wine and good fellowship.

One precious friend stayed and visited until the evening. As we were putting food away, I offered her a Coke (Not a “soda” or “pop!”). She said water was fine. I asked, “Are you sure?” She had been drinking water all day! She replied that she was fine, water was fine, everything was fine. I protested because I know she likes Coke (Hey, who doesn’t? Down with the Pepsi drinkers!). She insisted that she was fine — as is. I have to admit, I did not believe her. She is so gracious and did not want to trouble me for a thing. So I tested her resolve and told her “I’m gonna have one” (which I did plan to do, but got all caught up in this situation, as you will soon see why). She relented.

I reached in the fridge and grabbed a Coke. She was standing right there, so I handed her the can while I fixed a glass of ice. In this process, I looked and she was drinking right out of the can!!! I cannot stand to drink right from the can . . . anymore (I confess I did it in my youth. But I have recovered. There is hope for you, too, you pitiable can drinkers!). I said, “Don’t you want a glass of ice?” She insisted she didn’t, saying such things as “this if fine,” “I am great,” “I like it this way,” “it doesn’t matter,” etc. Well, I have to admit, I did not believe her AGAIN (I am so B-A-D)! So I had to get her in a corner. I knew she would not lie if I asked the right question. Consequently, I asked her “Which way do you PREFER your Coke: on the rocks or out of the can?”

It really doesn’t matter what our dear friend preferred. What IS important is that she enjoyed her Coke . . . on ice.

My wonderful in-laws have given my husband a fantastic dining table for his December birthday! It is hard to describe how thankful I am for this table. This table is beautiful. It goes perfectly in our home, and in fact, really classes up the joint! It is strong and sturdy. It is big: It seats up to eight – EIGHT – EIGHT!!! – people! At one time!

The friends and family to be served! The feasts to be eaten! The wine to be drunk! The bread to be buttered! The milk to be spilled! The cookies to be eaten! The stories to be told! The songs to be sung! The prayers to be offered! The pictures to be drawn! The games to be played! The memories to be made! I am as happy as a little girl!

I remember one Christmas when my mom received a beautiful dining room table. For years after, every time my sister, my brother or I had our feet on one of the pedestal legs, she would say “Get your feet off of My Christmas Present! How would you like it if I put my feet on your Christmas present?!?” At the time, I scoffed. But now, I understand the ability to cherish an inanimate object that will be the setting of so many pleasurable moments in my family’s life!

Thank you Emmy and Granddad!