Independence Day Without The Aliens

It drizzled and stormed off and on all day. No complaints as we do so need the rain. We all headed over to my brother and sis in law's home and enjoyed a cookout...well, the guys did the cooking OUT part while dodging the rain drops! The ladies put together a feast INside! Hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, watermelon, chips, veggies and dip, strawberry and blueberry parfaits, strawberry shortcake.... We watched old movies and then watched the festivities in NYC and Washington DC on television. It was still raining off and on and we were not sure whether the fireworks would go off as planned. 15 minutes early, at 9:30, we heard the first *BOOM*. We all hurried out to the front porch to watch. The huge Delco Park fireworks are easily viewed from the comfort of my brother's front porch...perfectly framed by the trees! Nothing magnificent picture wise I am afraid. Between the rain and my frightened nephew (and doggie niece), I spent more time INside than OUT. He wanted Auntie Sue to come inside with him and the dog, Haley, and I am a limp noodle when it comes to them. We did watch from the window though! Just an update on Haley...I posted back in the Winter about her cancer. She is still pain free and doing fine. As long as this remains the status quo, she can enjoy her life! She can still run after the squirrels, lie in the sunshine and eat all the hot dogs Auntie Sue can dish out! Yesterday Grace and I enjoyed a wonderful GIRL'S day out. Just the two of us. So sweet...we had lunch and talked, shopped and talked, talked and talked. And then we talked some more. It has been a bask in the sun and swim in the pool week as well. We have really been having fun in the pool at Mom's condo. My buddy T lives there as well so she, and her twin sis C, have joined us several days this week. It was just perfect weather earlier in the week. The sort of days that you think about the whole year long! On Tuesday Grace met a fashion designer! She was in 7th Heaven. Most of you know that Grace loves clothes and sewing. She sketches clothes all the time and wants to work in the fashion industry someday. The lovely young woman and her husband were visiting one of my Mom's neighbors. She graduated from the Fashion Institute in NYC and works in the city. Grace had a blast chatting and asking questions. Bill has been at his new job for one week today. He was hired by a new company and it is exactly what he has wanted since he retired from the military. They are a super company and a place he will be happy for years. He has had a contented smile on his face all week! He is back on the base here and sees lots of old buddies every day. It is a job he knows well and enjoys. I am so happy for him! I hope your week has been a sweet one. I am having a grand time visiting all of you via your blogs! Enjoy your weekend...may it be one that finds you smiling and surrounded by loved ones.