July 4, 2011

My favorite memories of July 4th aren't from my childhood. Growing up in Texas, it was too hot and there were too many flies and mosquitos to have an outdoor picnic, and I've never really enjoyed evening firework displays and the crowds. Yes, I was a "princess" even as a child. The only thing I really liked about July 4th was that my mom or grandmother Nannu would make homemade ice cream. Once the creamy mixture was in the canister and the canister was in the bucket with ice and rock salt, my older brother and I would take turns sitting on the top bucket to hold it in place while the men hand turned the crank. The results were delicious!

My favorite July 4th celebrations were when Kendall was in grad school in Denver. I looked forward to going at that time of the year to visit Kendall and Nick, and shop the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. They would invite their friends for dinner, so the day always involved me making lots of "sides." Two different kinds of potato salad. Baked beans. Green salad with ranch dressing and homemade croutons. Lots of garlic bread. Sugar cookies, lemon squares, and brownies. The huge platters of deviled eggs were always the first to go, usually before dinner was served.

Nick and I would marinate chicken. Then just as the sun was going down and people started arriving, Nick would light the charcoal grill. Their friend Keaton, who is a chef, would help Nick grill the chicken, basting it with either barbecue sauce or a peach marmalade.

Christmas lights lit the backyard and we'd all sit outside, drink wine or beer, and enjoy the company and good food. It was interesting and inspiring to listen to the "kids," many of whom were in grad school, talk about their plans and visions for a bright future. By the time the fireworks started we'd usually donned a long sleeve shirt or light sweater. Great, fun times! July 4th with no flies and no mosquitos was heaven!

Today I'm creating an empty apartment by helping Mr. B and Missy (and Larry) finish packing and moving everything out of their mom's apartment. After all the bending and lifting and carrying, Mr. B and I will probably spend a quiet night at home. After we clean up and each take two Advil gel caps, we may watch the fireworks on television. No flies and no mosquitos.