Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!!

Happy 4th from last year!

Such a momentous holiday and so LOUD!

Recycled the beach photo below from a 2009 summer vacay at Hilton Head.

I need a beach visit soon!

We love to celebrate the 4th of July though it's become

a lot tamer than when the boys were young!

During those noisy years, it seemed like we were

constantly running to the fireworks stands for 

more, more and more supplies!  

Most years we head to the pool for fun

4th activities!  I have been know to think about doing the

biggest splash contest or noodle races, but I generally chicken out!

One year, someone (not saying who) had me try out

for the karaoke contest.  I came in dead last --  but hey,
at least I didn't get booted

out of the contest!

It was after that I realized I'm better at lip synch

than karaoke! 
In other words, don't sing out loud!
I got the message!

Hope you all have loads of fun!

Stay safe!

Happy 4th!

Happy Independence Day!!!

Happy Independence Day!!

What a special day to celebrate our freedoms!

Mr. Tennis and I lived in Philadelphia a few years and the celebrations 

there were simply amazing!

I love Philadelphia!

I must admit when my sons were young and LOVED fireworks,

I kind of dreaded the 4th of July -- not the actual holiday, of course,

but the danger involved with boys and fireworks!

Mr. Tennis was like a kid himself and the three of them

together were constantly blowing things up (including toys, 

stuffed animals, little cars)

 and making more and more trips 

to the fireworks stand for supplies! OY!

We had a few mishaps over the years . . . 

probably the most memorable was when a spark somehow

ignited a bagful of fireworks on the patio table!

Ended up with a hole in the umbrella and a fried table!

But, at least no one was injured that time!

Looking patriotic in her Happy Hound bandana, but terrified of fireworks!

Maddy and I like the pretty fireworks and sparklers,

the Roman Candles, buzzing bees, smoke bombs 

and cracklin balls.  Much tamer fireworks!

We're planning some pool time and hot dogs on the grill.
A little gin and tonic is on my list!

Maddy and I may make a quick trip to our local zoo.

Sounds like a perfect day to me!

Happy 4th Friends!!

Maddy and Her Pets

Unfortunately, the Fourth of July weekend was dreary, rainy and chilly around here. I don't remember when we've had such a downcast day for the 4th. Usually, we head to a big pool party, but that was not to be this year. But, we made our own fun! Maddy and her dogs, Biscuit and Lucky, both animatronic (?) had fun indoors and posed for pictures.

And we did get to visit my parents and Philip and Catherine too. Philip and Catherine were babysitting a friend's dog, a Pekepoo named Lulu. Larry (their dog, a Bichon) and Lulu had so much fun together. Maddy loved seeing them. I'd show a photo, but it would just be a big blur as those dogs were tearing around like crazy.

But, not to worry about our dreary day, it cleared off enough Saturday night to join neighbors and set off lots of fireworks! And here's one of the big differences between raising boys and girls. The boys would have been setting off fireworks all day long and we would have made numerous trips to the fireworks stands to replenish. Maddy was fine with doing a few sparklers and even sat on my lap to watch some fireworks. A much calmer and safer 4th than some when the boys were growing up! :)

P.S. I'm not the meanest mom on the block . . . Maddy does have a pet -- meet her fish Janie!

Flashback 4th & Recipe

Posting a little early for the 4th and this is going to be 2 -- 2 posts in one! Flashing back to the 4th of July, 2007 with Miss Maddy and the neighbor! Such sweet girls --we are so lucky to have so many kids in our neighborhood!



And here's a great easy-peasy recipe. If you know me, you know it has to be easy! It was printed recently in Family Circle, so you may have already seen it and tried it. Yummy!!



Turkey Waldorf Salad [ makes 6 servings; prep time - 10 minutes; refrigerate - 1 hour]

3/4 cup low-fat ranch salad dressing
3 tablespoon cider vinegar (I used Apple Cider and it was delish)
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 tsp. black pepper

1 bag (16 oz) cole slaw mix
1 bag (10 oz) shredded carrots
1 package of precooked turkey pieces (or just turkey slices - you can cut up yourself)
1 Fuji apple, cored and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
3/4 cup chopped walnuts


In small bowl, stir together ranch dressing, vinegar, sugar and black pepper - set aside.


Combine cole slaw mix, carrots, turkey, apple and walnuts in large bowl. Drizzle salad dressing over top and toss well to combine. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before service.

Per serving: 268 calories; 14 g fat (2 g. sat.); 15 g. protein; 24 g. carbohydrate; 5 g fiber; 615 mg. sodium; 38 mg cholesterol.


Enjoy!!