This Fourth Of July Weekend was fantastic! One of my favorite parts about celebrating America's birthday is that it's a happy, middle of the summer time. Memorial Day we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Labor Day always has a little level of sadness to it because we all know that's the end of summer more or less. Fourth Of July? Let's enjoy summer! My goal was to work on my color, have fun with friends by pools, and enjoy some grilling adventures. By Thursday afternoon I was a little burnt out from a busy week at work. I was able to catch up with some of my friends at The Irish Cottage Inn briefly.
Friday we knew it was going to be packed for the holiday at Crystal Springs Vista 180 Pool, my Heaven On Earth Happy Place. I got there shortly after 11, and it was packed. I was very happy to join besties Artie, Shawn, Ruby and a couple other new friends too. The weather was absolutely fantastic. Despite wearing sunscreen and even reapplying, and spending time in the shade, I did get a little pink on my torso, but that has already started fading to tan. My summer base coat is finally starting to take shape even though we are already halfway through summer. Normally by Father's Day I'm in prime tan mode! Our bestie friend George showed up, and I treated us to a delicious round of beverages at the Tiki Bar under the shade. Even on a warm summer day, at the Tiki Bar you can still enjoy the gorgeous views overlooking Wild Turkey Golf Course, and the valleys beyond it. I'll never get tired of that amazing view. Combine that with everyone there being so happy and friendly, the perfect white noise of waterfalls cascading from the upper pools to the runoff below, and the ambiance is amazing. It was a great time getting to see my friends. Friday night I had a quiet, early night in after being out in the hot sun for a few hours. It was just what the doctor ordered.
Saturday morning, I was able to see my friend Tracy for a much needed, welcomed and overdue massage. She went to work on the major knots throughout my neck and shoulders (which I refer to as my axis of evil,) and I felt like a new person after that! I then treated myself out to lunch at Industry Kitchen & Bar in Sparta. I did the Double Down Burger and fries. I combined that with a very tasty hazy IPA, which was delicious. Success! I always try to go support our local restaurants on holiday weekends like July Fourth, knowing that it tends to be a very quiet, slow weekend for those working in the hospitality industry. I try to support whenever possible. I then visited my friend in Hackettstown and she showed me her neighborhood pool. 2 different pools in 2 days. If that isn't celebrating America's Birthday and summertime, I don't know what is! I then ended up grilling a Cape Cod Cafe Pepperoni Pizza, with burgers. Major success. Cape Cod Cafe Pizza is the best! Talk about just the right touch of everything from the thin crust, to sauce, cheese, and toppings! I have gas grilling with Cape Cod Cafe Pizza down to a pretty decent science, but next step is getting my electric grill at home up and running. I know it'll take longer, but the wait will be well worth it.
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Sunday I accomplished some errands, and then went back to the Crystal Springs Vista 180 Pool for 2 hours from 11:30 to 1:30. I kept my still rather pink torso totally covered with a towel just like Saturday. I only probably spent an hour in the sun, as half the time I wolfed down a delicious foot long hot dog by The Tiki Bar. It was great in the shade, so relaxing. Yes, I put ketchup on my hot dog! I know that many haters (including my Dad Padre and Uncle JDawg,) will bash me for putting ketchup on my hot dog but I don't care! It was absolutely yummy and I have zero regrets! Saturday I did some burgers, pizza, then Sunday I did a foot long hot dog. How American celebrating is that?
Sunday afternoon evening I was able to go over and see besties Sally & Douglioso. It had been my first time seeing them in far too long. Then it was great getting to see many of our other wonderful friends too. I had a great time enjoying my front row seat view for Sally vs. Peter in a heated JENGA battle. It was great to see Sally & Dougliso's dog, Turbo. To think so many years ago he was my Adopt A Pet Of The Week, and now he's been their family dog for years. Great times with wonderful friends.
Even though I'm a little tired from having so much fun in the sun all weekend, it was well worth it! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my Epic Weekend In Pictures. I might not have travelled too far, but fortunately for me my fun didn't require much of that. Time to start planning next weekend!
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