Oh Say Can You See

I love the Fourth of July, but not quite as much as I did growing up. It was such an amazing, fun time as a kid - my family getting together with the Peterson's, swimming in their pool, grilling, mom's homemade salsa and fireworks out on the driveway. Those were great times.

As an adult, I now live in the city that boasts the "largest land-based fireworks show in the country". And my friend Tim lives right next to the downtown park that hosts it. So for the past three years or so, we have taken to dodging the 100,000+ crowds of the park and instead watched it from his balcony. It works perfectly, especially since we're still in this run of 100+ degree days and we can duck back inside the air conditioning. His place is so close you can literally feel the fireworks explode as the sound/shockwave hits and rustles your clothing. It's a great location.

Does it get any more American than Neil Diamond??? I love Neil Diamond! Tim, Angel and I all sat and watched the NYC show, and then flipped to Boston where we caught this gem of Americana. He so reminds me of growing up in Dayton, Ohio and our block parties for the Fourth. We would block off the streets and the whole neighborhood would bring food for a giant potluck and fireworks show. One year, we kids all decided to throw a parade so we grabbed a boom box, put on our most patriotic colored clothing, decorated our bikes, and marched down the street to "They're Coming to America"; and then to top it off we stopped at the end of the street, and in a moment I can still feel a twinge of embarassement about, stood for what felt like an eternity, saluting the flag while Neil wrapped up the end of the song... Our parents were good to clap.

And here's Angel dodging a picture. The two of them ordered pizza (eggplant and black olive), so I passed and got the All-American #2: quarter pounder with cheese, medium fry, medium sprite and, because it was a holiday and I was coping, a hot fudge sundae with nuts. McDonalds, Neil Diamond, friends and fireworks. Ahh.....

July 3rd was a day I tried something new! - grilled clams. Didn't know you could grill clams. But there they are, heating up and getting ready to pop open. This, of course, was taken at the Kutner's. Pam made an amazing garlic butter sauce to go with them, and an even more amazing salad. She created the salad from taste, after having it at their favorite pizza place in Sugar Land.

See that beverage? That's one of Marc's deadliest creations yet - a spiked Arnold Palmer. Couldn't taste the alcohol at all, and what's more refreshing on a hot summer day than a tall, cool glass of iced tea mixed with lemonade (okay, and vodka). ?