Thanks for your sweet comments, "Holiday-ers!" Can't believe a week in July is gone already ...summer is passing by so fast! I looked up info on the "Our Flag" print (not 'The Flag') ...it's a pretty old framed print (lithograph) & I appreciate it even more now w/Mom gone. yes...it was a real good weekend...work & play ...had some of kids/gr'kids home! And, who knows, luvs...we may meet up again one day! That is if Jane ever gets that bus tuned up & rollin'! I'll ever let Dollbaby ride along if Punk will bring TJ! LOL! Thanks, again, everyone...you're the best bunch of "Holiday-ers" I know! Jeanne S. Here is a link that might be useful: Old Glory originated in Excelsior Springs

Hi guys! I'm here again. Already been to a Scottish Highlands celebration---VERY FUN! and an airshow---big stuff here---very talented pilots! "Big" earthquake wasn't anywhere around here, but there are frequent earthquakes in this area. The REAL threat is the mosquitoes! YIIIIII! I bought HUGE citronella candles, DEET spray, and citronella plants---and STILL they come! Combatting the bugs is a joke and constant hobby here. I was potting some plants for my porch yesterday and thought I was going CRAZY--getting bitten and buzzed out there! I will take my large candles with me next time! The greenhouses here are very casual and freely run. The plants are mondo sized and CHEAP! Nearly everything is under 10 bucks. It's downright dangerous for me! lol. QOD: the 4th: We're headed out to a small fishing village that has a gigantic celebration on the 4th. It's a 5 hour drive and then a ferry ride, but I'm told it's worth it, so off we go! Then coming back to a family casual dinner with all Americano food probably--kosher dogs, salad, and whatever else people bring. Tikanas~ I am STRICT about keeping a food diary and try to eat healthy choices; lots of fiber and veggies and VARIETY! I don't eat a huge amount of protein-usually only for dinner-and an occasional egg for brekky. I was weighing in every day at home and then once a week at Weight Watchers, but since I arrived here for the summer, I have not weighed. I probably will cave and buy a house scale and there's a WW place nearby, so I will start weighing in again. I use the scale and book from WW to keep myself accountable to someone! I have lost a large amount of weight since October- about 25 pounds or so. It is a SLOW weight loss (about 2 or 3 ponuds a month), but it's finally staying off and no big fluxuations any more, so I'm finding this to be the way for me to go. Well, we are having a guy DH met over for dinner tonight. He's Korean and homesick, so I am making Korean BBQ, rice, and cabage salad with sesame oil and chili oil. I better get hopping tho', cause I have to marinate the beef! I'll check in tomorrow! Magickitty~ Up, up, and away with the restart! Take Marci's hand and go for it! NHSuzanne~ So glad SP is holding her own. Good luck on the diagnosis. And don't sweat the deadline---it'll pass----lol. :) Cheers! Eat healthy choices! Can we have a junk-free Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday CHALLENGE to make up for the holiday weekend? Planning ahead---just in case! Join me?

oh, wait, also wanted to say, I totally get the post about not playing to your audience. I still remember the time I made homemade hummus and took a huge dish of it to my in-laws house for a cookout. My husband had never had hummus before and discovered he LOVED it, so he had asked me to make it for his family. So I whipped up this fabulous bowl of the stuff, made it extra garlicky, the way we love it, and put pita bread wedges all around the bowl. well, this was a traditional Mexican family who ate tortillas and carne asada and tacos and chips and salsa at their family gatherings. so of course, five hours later, the bowl sat UNTOUCHED except for what my husband and I had eaten. His family all just looked at it curiously, but avoided touching it. I kept explaining that it was made from garbanzo beans, similar to the pinto beans they all like so much, but they shuddered at the mere thought of eating it. you'd think I'd have learned with that one, but alas, I hadn't. last year's picnic was evidence of that. I will say, I also took a plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies to last year's picnic and those were gobbled up. but the side dish I took was flat-out ignored.

Ruthana, your rare roast beef sandwiches would be the first thing I’d gravitate to – sounds too good! What a wonderful idea, and how generous of your friends – I’m sure you – and everyone - had a fantastic time! Seagrass, your caprese skewers is such a great idea that I’ve saved it! I also really like the idea of crab cucumber boats (cool and refreshing for a hot evening). Islay, the savory cake you suggest is so interesting! I couldn’t help myself and googled just to see photos of savory cakes and stumbled across one with cheese and kalamata olives… oh my. Someday I shall attempt a savory cake... Aunt Bill’s candy (I make this for winter holidays, but it’s good any time). Baby back ribs (with bones removed but not shredded), caramelized onion sliders Marinated mixed veggies salad on endive Watermelon cookies for the kids (not so great in flavor, but I take these to any outdoor summer get-together with kids as they always love the way they look and gobble them down)