This year my brother, Jim, and sister in law, Terri, invited me up to their house to view a spectacular fireworks display that they have been having for many years. It was great to take a break from my usual “retirement” routine and visit them for a few days. It is always fun to catch up with them. They are excellent hosts and I really enjoyed my visit. An added bonus was seeing their daughter, Jenn and her son, Jake. Also present for the fun were Terri’s brother, Ed and sister in law, Mary and their two children Rosie and Bud. Amazing how the years have flown and their children are so grown up now. My sister in law, Ilene and her husband, Walt were able to come to view the fireworks, too. Family is so important, and spending time with everyone was great.
Jim treated me to a delicious pizza cheesesteak from Delco steaks and then barbecued some salmon, while Terri made smashed potatoes for dinner on Wednesday night. On Thursday, they had a barbecue with hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, chicken, potato salad and fruit. A lot of Jim and Terri’s neighbors joined us to watch the fireworks. After the amazing fireworks display there were desserts. It was a wonderful 4th of July celebration! Since Jim’s birthday was June 26th, I was able to treat him to lunch at Delco steaks on Friday before I left for home. The traffic wasn’t bad on Friday and I made it home in about 3 hours.
Whenever I visit Pennsylvania, I try to go to Calvary Cemetery to visit the graves of deceased family members. I was fortunate to say a few prayers at the graves of my husband, John, my grandparents Manus and Mary, my Dad and Mom and my brother, Bob. My Uncle Manus and Aunt Anne are also there and were included in my prayers as are my Aunt Peg, Uncle Joe, and their daughter, Mary. My Mom once said to me, “You’ll never come and visit me.” I promised her that I would, so I try to make it there at least twice a year. All of these relatives are remembered with great fondness as well as many more.
It is so important to spend time with your family, making memories that will last forever! I am grateful to Jim and Terri for making this 4th and 5th of July so memorable!
