My Fourth of July

Fourth of July always brings back memories of when I was a kid.

I hated firecrackers—too noisy.  Loved those 'snake' things—you lighted the tip of a coil and the ash turned into a snake.  Sparklers, too.  I loved running down the driveway, waving them in the air in circles and figure 8s.  And I remember for a couple of years we ordered fireworks from a catalogue.  Roman candles, firecrackers, and a variety of other items were shipped to us through the mail.  Gotta love the good old days.

And we always had salmon and fresh peas from the garden.  I have no idea why my mother chose that menu, but it was a tradition.

One that I've used off and on.  Since I had a nice piece of salmon in the freezer, I figured why not?  But the peas were a problem.  Mine have only started to blossom

But, I had cucumbers . . .

so I decided fresh-from-the-garden cukes were a nice substitute.  I mixed up a tasty dill and yogurt dressing, baked the salmon and I was good to go.

Then the thunder-boomers rolled in.  Shut down the computers (hence the day-late posting).  Waited and waited and waited for the sat TV to reacquire the signal (I remember why I like cable—except that it's three times the price) and despaired of having my own backyard fireworks display.

Finally the storms moved away and the downpour stopped and it was close to being dark enough.  Quick, before the next storm arrives.

I dashed outside, strategically placed half of my Morning Glory sparklers and lit them.  Here's my favorite picture from last night.

So, what's your favorite memory of the Fourth?