My sisters, friend, husband and kids and I are all going to be floating on noodles or rafts in the lake, barring any thunderstorms, and maybe toss back a few brews! BBQ later...very low key.

I hope everyone has a very relaxed, blessed day with family & friends.

We're just hanging around the house. I hope to get a little gardening in today. My peonies and iris need deadheading. I moved several hosta around yesterday, but it was so steamy out that I was dripping wet by the time I came in. DH had back surgery Monday and came home Tuesday. He's doing well. The nerve pain seems to be gone, but the pain at the incision site has been severe. He's feeling better today though - walking around, doing steps, cooking for himself. He's an easy patient, thank goodness. Nursing is not my forte.

Looking forward to the big Macy's fireworks show from New York on NBC tonight. I hope everyone has a wonderful Fourth of July!!

I'm playing in the kitchen, making dolmades (grape leaves stuffed with ground meat and spices) and manestra (a Greek-style orzo covered in browned butter and cheeses) to take to my in-laws this afternoon. Teens and their friends will probably hop in the in-law's pool to cool off later today. They'll go watch the fireworks, while DH and I will happily stay home.

Happy Independence Day, y'all!

I'm just getting ready to hand-sew the binding to the back of this Eiffel Tower Panel quilt that I'm doing for a friend. I've been feverishly trying to get it done and sent. Other than that we are staying home, DH will light up the grill and smoke some sockeye salmon, roast some corn on the cob, sweet potatoes, and grill some broccoli and mushrooms with lemon. Yum!

Larri, I absolutely LOVE Greek food, especially stuffed grape leaves, can I come, too? DH isn't as crazy about it, he'll eat it but never asks for it, so I'll leave him home. I do make some dishes occasionally - especially Greek salad and simple broiled lemon chicken breast. We have a very small franchise here that does the gyros, salads, rice bowls and they make this awesome side - feta fries - they are just too good to describe.

Come on over, Rita! There's always room for more feet under my table. :)

This is DH's Yiayia's recipe for dolmades. It's a favorite, and made often around here.

Yum to the feta fries. They sound delish!