Independence Day!

The Douglasses and Swanekamps are at Loveladies, Long Beach Island, with Joan and Lou. Jack got in Monday night from LA. It's really special to have everyone together.

The weather has been outstanding and we've been having a great time--on the beach, great meals together, pork roll sandwiches at Neptune's, reading. I'm reading one of the best novels I've read in a long, long time--The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen.

Yesterday was July 4th and we celebrated with what has become a series of traditions. Watching Wimbledon, hot dogs for lunch, family pictures under the flag, tenderloin for dinner and then watching fireworks from the roof deck and singing of a patriotic song or two. There is a 360 degree fireworks show, as Waretown across the bay, Harvey Cedars, Barnegat Light and other towns on the island all have displays, and a number of people put on pretty impressive amateur shows on the beach right behind us. Here are some pictures, including of the nearly empty, pristine beach on Independence Day, courtesy of Jack...

We've played lots of tennis too. We had court time at Sunset Park in Harvey Cedars Monday and Tuesday and had both courts today. Lots of sweat was expelled. It's been pretty hot, around 90 degrees, but on the beach it's been perfect. The ocean has been warm enough to swim comfortably. I feel sorry for all of Donna's siblings who will never, ever get this week.

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