Thursday, July 3, 2008

Proud to be an American!



Today, the day before the Fourth of July, I can't help but remember fun years past when the whole Hall/Mayfield/McGibboney/McMichael family would gather at Perdido Beach anxious to claim our poolside lounge chairs, reserve our umbrella on the beach, and hang our flag decorations from the balcony railing. Whether we were all staying in a 3 bedroom or separate 2 bedrooms our 4th of July meal was the same...A Low Country Boil with corn and new potatoes from the Alabama farmer's market and shrimp right off the boat (they said it was!) and strawberry shortcake-Martha Stewart would be proud of- for dessert. The Zatteran's crab-boil would make everyone's eyes burn and steam up the condo but it was worth it! Then, in our matching t-shirts (my personal favorite, the bright yellow, "Jump for the 4th of July") we would gather on one of the balconies for the fireworks show, up and down the beach, carefully synchronized with the radio playing "Proud to be an American".

The last couple of years tradition changed and we found ourselves looking forward to watching the fireworks display over Boston Harbor from the Smith's sailboat. We would start our dinner cruise with lobster rolls and a toast to "good friends and a slight breeze". The reflection of the light show on the water was breathtaking and Captain Brian always navigated us cautiously in the dark, through the hundreds of boats back to the dock safely.

This year we will spend our 4th of July in London celebrating with new EY friends, no family, no kids!
But that is what this move is about ...new adventures!
Rick and I wish all of you a Happy 4th of July - where ever you may be celebrating it!

1 comment:

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

Now you've made me cry!

Those are some precious memories. I may wear my 'jump' tee shirt just for old times sake.