We had a small Fourth of July celebration. Our daughter-in-law is recovering from having her wisdom teeth extracted so there were no big party either at their house or at ours. Plus it is a little hard to get revved up when so much is going wrong (in our opinion) in the U.S. at the moment.

Happy Fourth of July hamburgers, potato salad, and broccoli salad

A few years ago our grandkids, our daughter, and I made a patriot tissue flower bouquet. I saved it and bring it out for July 4, Memorial Day, and Labor Day when we are apt to have grilling parties. We also play a mixtape that John made in 1984 of patriot and celebratory music. That year when the kids were 4 and 7 we organized a giant block party with games, swimming, and even a fire truck. It was great fun.

Our dinner consisted of grilled hamburgers, an olive oil rather than mayo potato salad and a sweet and tangy celery seed broccoli salad.

It was all good but I felt a little sad that the whole family had not gotten together. I guess it is up to me to make things happen. Sigh.