We had so much fun Friday at Gini and John's. There was a croquet game that lasted more than two hours and everyone got poison. I was in the pool twice, and in my bathing suit for most of the day (my new rule for Fourth of July). I had a lot of fun, didn't eat much, and drank no alcohol. We were home by 8:30 or so. I was exhausted and sore.

Amaryllis blooming

Saturday morning Ray slept late. I was eating breakfast. It was nice and cool and I had the windows open. Cameron started barking and I said, "there's my Dad." Ray woke up and came downstairs. Dad was tired, too, but he did some gardening and watered. Things are really suffering from the heat and dryness. He did find some green beans to pick and Ray and I picked about two cups of blueberries. They are smaller now, harder and less tasty, but still good. We took a walk, but I wimped out and came home early. I spent an hour or so on the couch, on the computer, feeling tired and dispirited. "I know," I said. "Let's invite John and Deb over to play cards." It had been a while. Ray agreed that was a good idea. We had a couple pounds of chicken to grill and I had been in the process of making some potato salad. They were happy to join us.

I studied recipes on the NY Times Cooking site. I'm a beta tester and I love it. There are so many choices. Ray mowed the lawn some and vacuumed the house. I cut up the beans and marinated the chicken. I made a blueberry strawberry pie and watermelon daiquiris. About 5 or so, I went outside. It was hot, but not too humid. I let the chickens out while I grilled the chicken.

When they arrived, I added some more ice and buzzed the blender again. I poured out some daiquiri for our friends, who were definitely game for watermelon daiquiris. They were delicious and pretty. Big chunks of watermelon, some lime juice and rum and ice. The one thing I would do if I were serious is chill the glasses. I got out a few crackers and bits of cheese, and turned the green beans on. Ray finished cooking the chicken and I got out the
potatoes. The food was good, but not great--healthy, though.

We dealt the cards and played half the game before eating dessert. Ray was way ahead and John couldn't win for losing, as my Dad says. Deb and I just had fun. I was even ahead briefly. When we had played down to one, we went out and got the chickens in. Deb and John helped. It was pretty fun. Then we ate pie, still slightly warm. Sadly, we had no vanilla ice cream, but offered raspberry sorbet to those who wanted. The pie didn't really hold together and I served it up with a giant spoon. We ate it in bowls, with spoons. Oh, man, was it good. The strawberries came in our box on Thursday and they were starting to go, even though they had been in the fridge. What a great use for them!

We finished the game by 10...Ray beat us badly, with a score well over 200. He was in a good mood, naturally.

So, now we have a pretty clean house and nothing we have to do today. It's cool again this morning and I probably need to water the garden thoroughly, even this morning or tonight.