4th of July weekend

Each year is rememberable for me, but the best 4th's are those near a body of water. This year living somewhere new was a challenge, until I was invited to Silverstrand Beach in Oxnard, CA. With amazing host/hostess (Greg and Debbie Dziem) just a day off turned into an adventure. Debbie and Greg's cottage was only a few steps from the sand...by time we arrived, parking had become a hassle, but Greg secured us a spot across from their place. The streets were filled with people, beach and party goers alike on America's big day.

I learned much from my friends that came, one was that a few folk not only knew what cribbage was, but they actually played it. (I know this might sound foreign to those back home, but really cribbage isn't a game that is played out here) I now have a cribbage opponent in my local community, thank you Toni! That afternoon I also learned how to play bean toss...not that I could explain it now, but it was fun to try it. Most off all, I learned to listen and be open to meeting others, for the Lord had a plan for me...to be open to what I would feel that day.

After awhile, we headed to the beach to hang out, soaking up the sunshine, enjoying the soothing sand between our toes, and getting wind hair (quite a breeze out there). The longer we vegged the chiller it got.

That evening watching the fireworks from the beach felt like home for me. Surrounded by families ooooing and aaaaahing as each new sparkle in the sky displayed it's color, the sound of waves lapping the shoreline, and comfort of friends gathered in harmony; for a brief moment in time we were "One nation under God".

I cannot end this post without saying that the spread was delicious...Greg grills a mean chicken wing...the only way for me to describe them would be as such. You know when you are driving in the summer time and you smell a bbq? You sniff the air and lick your lips...that's exactly what his chicken wings taste like...I devoured every last morsel on my plate, licking my fingers until I was clean. The strawberry shortcake and homemade whipped cream was the last thing I ate that evening...it was all so good and filling. I did not eat much the next day, still full from the 4th.