Happy 4th of July!  Although I have lovely memories of July 4ths earlier in my life in many other parts of the country, there is nothing like July 4th in New England.  Especially in small town New England--there are tons of parades with tractors and fire trucks (Zanzibar and I got to ride in one for a couple of years before my ex moved to a new town), Boy Scouts, Candidates for public office, old cars, Jazzerizers, mountain climbers over the age of 60--you name it!  Oh! Shriners on little scooters with their Fezzes, Antique bikes and unicycles and Uncle Sam on stilts.  There are chicken barbecues, lobster bakes, fried dough, Italian sausage sandwiches, pancake breakfasts and of course fireworks.  Not every town has them, some towns have them at other times, maybe parades at Christmas and Memorial Day--but there are lots of them! Around 800,000 people were expected to visit New Hampshire this weekend.  I live in a vacation area, so we get lots of them here.....can you see me gritting my teeth?  Most touristas are very nice--others, not so much. We actually have traffic this weekend! I have other things to do, so won't be partaking this year...maybe next year.

So, what are you doing?  What are you cooking/eating?  Do you have any July 4th traditions?  Grab a lawn chair, beers and other libations are in the fridge--sit a spell!