In actuality, this is another of those situations where Hubby and I generally have to work all or part of the day, but we do so in the spirit of the holiday. In my case, it’s only part of the day today and at the moment, that’s the same for Hubby. That part, however, can change very quickly as it often does with someone signing up with short notice to dive. It happens often enough that we are accustomed to it. We also usually attend the City Of Homestead Fourth of July bash at the Speedway. It’s a big event that they handle well. The only drawback for me as a morning person is that means I’m out later than normal since it takes a while to get through the heavy traffic after the big fireworks display. The police flow traffic as well as they can under the circumstances, but when there are thousands of attendees, you can only do so much.

Anyway, on to the topic of appropriate Fourth of July foods. Yes, I know that everyone in Maine does lobster and I have no doubt that there are other regional specifics. For us, however, the acceptable meals are burgers, hot dogs, ribs, fried chicken, or BBQ. My husband, born and raised in Georgia, insists that only pork can be referred to as BBQ and that’s a point on which we shall always disagree. Side dishes aren’t much more expansive – potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, macaroni salad, deviled eggs, and French fries if you’re dining out. Chips and dip are fine and I never am sure if watermelon is supposed to be dessert or just something to eat which then also includes displays of blueberries, strawberries/raspberries, and whipped or ice cream. And speaking of ice cream, it’s fine along with fruit pies, certain cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. What’s your Fourth of July food list?