May 18 - We return to Massachusetts from Florida
June 2-3 - We attend husband Charley's college reunion
June 4 - We attend granddaughter's graduation from high school
June 18 - We return rested and energized from a vacation to our favorite
spot off the coast of Italy.
June 25 - Charley's brother passes away after a lengthy illness.
June 29-30 - Services for Charley's brother
July 1 - I begin shopping for our July 4th cookout. The number attending
exploded from the usual twelve to forty-something, including
those who said, "We'll just stop by for a drink." The kitchen
island transforms into a buffet table, and I rummage the
Christmas Tree Shop (which declared bankruptcy) for
red-white-blue melamine plates. I find them for $1.00 each.
I hit BJ's for liquor, quantities of non-alcoholic drinks, and
perishables. I begin cooking the freezables - cranberry/orange
breads, strawberry/ rhubarb and apple pies, tomato tarts
(tomatoes drained but tarts end up mushy. Will stick to the quiche
recipes in the future.)
July 2 - The weather forecast turns ugly for July 4th, with thunderstorms
predicted at 4:00 pm for the start of the party. We decide to
forget the badminton and Corn Hole games and set up inside,
where the a.c. can handle the humidity. Charley's sister Kathy
and her husband Norm drop off three small tables and chairs
and help remove our furniture. Frank, who watches our house
while we're in Florida, and his partner Tony drop off an 8' table,
coolers, and more folding chairs. Our living room accommo-
dates the large table and our dining room transforms into a cafe,
with the three small tables, coolers, and a table for drinks.
We set up our drop-leaf and game tables in the family room and
cover all with July 4th tablecloths and centerpieces supplied
by a friend who's attending.
July 3 - I begin making devilled eggs, baked beans, salads, dips, carrot
cake. All else (except the meats) donated by invitees. I go to
bed reviewing mental lists. Not asleep at 11:00 p.m. and go to the
bathroom.
Toilet won't flush! No water from the faucets!
I wake Charley who says, "It couldn't be the well with all the rain
we've had. Will call Frank early tomorrow. Don't flush the toilet!"
July 4 - Frank appears by 8:00 a.m. with two appetizers and says he's
already called the well compnay who will install a new pump
(ours dead after almost 40 years) on the morning of the 5th.
Charley suggests we call all invited guests to cancel.
"Not neceessary!" Frank says. "Let's ask your neighbor
across the street (invited to the party) if we can hook a hose up
to their well (no town water at this end of town). Charley and
Frank receive permission from our neighbors. Frank heads to
Home Depot (open on the 4th) for a 400' hose, which he and
Tony attach between the two houses. We have clear, plentiful
water by noon!!
Thunder and lightning start at 4:00 as guests are pouring in
through the garage and front hall. Son Todd, Charley, and Norm
cook dozens of hamburgers on the outdoor grill under
umbrellas. I cook hot dogs on the cooktop grill in the kitchen.
Everyone gets to know each other really well without a
clue we'd run out of water! The drinks are flowing.
July 5 - By noon we have a new pump in the well, the kitchen is clean,
and donated items have been picked up.
Charley and I head for bed.
