And The Fun July 4th Weekend Begins

6:38

8:00

Sleeping in until 6:30, as the fourth of July weekend begins.  A cloudy start, with some rain predicted this morning, perhaps this afternoon but then its clear sailing through the holiday weekend, with sun and warm weather.

Yesterday was a madcap kind of day, as we worked hard to get ready for my sister and family. There's always something else to do to get ready.  I started the day with breakfast, however, at the Bemus Inn, a good way to start the day, for me, poached eggs on hash with wheat toast.  When I got home, it was time to wash the windows, just those on the lake side so it didn't take very long or because it did not take very long, they were streaky.  I  tried.  It was then time for a marathon trip to Lakewood, to get a few last things we need at three different stores, including Home Depot, a marina and a coffee shop.  I was gone for close to two hours and came home in a foul mood.  I had had enough shopping for awhile.

Evie was finishing cutting the lawn twice when I got home, and she stopped briefly to help put things away in their proper place.  I had soup and a sandwich for lunch and watched the end of the Iceland victory over England.  We then both put the finishing touches on both the house and yard, making sure both were ship shape and ready for my sister Ellen and her family.  We both relaxed, then, as I watched the soccer match between Portugal and Poland, before going out to join Evie on the dock for a bit.  Around 4:30, Ellen and her husband Walt arrived from Virginia and our weekend fun began.

Dinner With Walt And Ellen

We decided the best way to start the weekend was to take a booze cruise, so we filled up the cooler, Evie got out some appetizers and we were off to Bemus on a blue sky and lake afternoon.  It was fun for both of them to be out on the lake again, as they have been coming up to visit most summers ever since we bought our house in 1981.  When we got back, it was wine time on the front porch and Evie heated up the chicken tortilla soup and she made up quesadillas to go with it, stuffed with artichoke hearts, spinach and cheese.  It was a fine evening to eat out side so Ellen set the table and we enjoyed our dinner, as the long day waned.

Our Niece, Julia, In The Morning

We were expecting Ellen's daughter Julia and her husband Hampton to arrive around 8:00 from Boston but their flight was delayed twice, so they ended up driving in just after 11:00, alas.  They were in good spirits, however, Julia especially was happy to be back at the lake.  We stayed up till midnight talking, catching up on their lives before we finally all went to bed.

We are looking forward to the next four days, filled with booze cruises, bean bag, and great meals.