Getting Ready for our 4th of July Party

Looks like we are in for a hot one this year...bathing suits are ready for a jump into the pond, paddle boat is fired up, row boat cleaned out and oars secured, and plenty of towels for drying off folded and in a big pile. Burgers and hot dogs are in the fridge, piles of rolls and condiments await a tasty treat off the grill. Family and friends are in charge of appetizers, salads and desserts...so old favorites and new recipes are sure to find their way to the serving tables. What a great day we have in store to celebrate our country's independence.
The flag pole has a new coat of paint and new flags hang. Old flags are ceremoniously burned each year. Bought some grass that looks like sparklers...love them at the base of the pole. This is an old wooden porch column that we painted, drilled holes in for the flags and topped with a gold painted eagle. This is where the group photo is taken every year...love looking at the old ones and look forward to the new one to add to the album.

Our niece Sandie and the kids gave us these towels at Christmas...so they hang off an old vintage wooden canoe towel holder in the day cabin...absolutely love these things...leave it to Sandie to find them...she has an eye for the unusual!!!!!

Chairs and benches are placed about for sitting, resting and of course napping....

The wood pile is ready for the bonfire...everyone on the pond has them along their beach fronts...gorgeous as the sun goes down and dark overtakes the daylight...fires glowing against the water with the smell of wood floating in the air. Around 9:30PM the pond association sponsors a fireworks display. Boats filled with families slowly make their way to a favorite spot for viewing. We fortunately just line our lawn chairs up and look to the clear skies. We play patriotic music full blast over a super sized sound system and everyone sings "This Land is Your Land", "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America". We include lots of marches as well...a neighbor down the pond always says her favorite is hearing Kate Smith!

Another spot at the other end of our island...these two trees are called "The Wedding Trees". This is where my dreamboat and I got married many moons ago...followed by a clambake...great day!!!!!

Another spot to sit...love this bench

Another bench made by the same fellow....

I filled the faux bois planter this year with shade plants...ferns and coral bells...nice look!

and even the chipmunks are taken care of...

So the preparations have started...looking forward to a day of good food, fun, fireworks and celebration. Will follow with more photos after the party.

Happy 4th of July!!!!!

Elizabeth

Be sure to check out Show and Tell Fridays with Cindy...this is a fabulous blog!!!!!