I had no idea that Portland had a separate strain of "Beaver Fever"

I will be spending my last day in Ireland with my best friend. We have been here a month doing a study abroad program.

I think on the third we're taking the dog to the vet and spending the day fixing my car, then on the fourth we're coming back into town (our vet is about an hour away from the city) and fighting the crowds down by Navy Pier just because live-in thinks it's a shame I've never seen "big" fireworks and got used to Pittsburgh's.

We have a swim meet on the morning of the 4th. The son, nephew, niece are competing. I am scoring, my daughter is a stroke and turn judge and I think the other family members are timing. The afternoon will be devoted to whatever last-minute packing my son and nephew need to do for BSA camp. My Eagle son can pack better than I can in regards to camping so he can have at it. Perhaps I will work on the patriotic totebag that an Army wife commissioned.

Both the hub and I have Friday off, so we're leaving Thursday night to go to the ILs farm. His uncle is a bit of a pyro and likes to do an amateur fireworks show for the family. Because the ILs live out in BFE, nobody really cares. It's nice to go visit and get away from everything, but I really wish the ILs had 1) decent cell service and 2) internet at the farm.

I'm hanging out on Torch Lake in Michigan with some friends I haven't seen in a while. I'm excited to catch up with my friends and I'm also excited to go to Michigan because even though it's right next door, I've hardly spent any time there. I've never been to Torch Lake but I've heard great things.

You will enjoy Chicago's fireworks! When we had Convention there in 1993, we were there over the 4th and had the night of the fireworks free. We were at the Hilton & Towers that time, so we just walked across the street to Grant Park to watch them. Beautiful!

In 2001, we were in Atlanta for Convention over the 4th. We were able to see their fireworks outside the hotel window. From the 34th floor, where my room was, it was like they were at eye level. Very cool.

Aw, that's so sweet!!!!!!:)

Sweet! I love Ireland..so much so that I got married there. Have a pint of Guinness and a shot of Jameson for me.

4th plans: Going to dog training in the morning for an hour. After that, I don't know yet...chilling outside in the pool with a mojito hopefully, and eating some ribs...though not while in the pool, that could be messy.

We are going to the neighbor's potluck party and fireworks show they have every year. Aside from that, I will be planning the entertainment for my husband's 40th birthday on the 9th.

a friend moved to washington (state) so i'll be visiting her. it'll be my first time in the northwest.

You picked a good time of year! This weekend is supposed to be perfect weather, low 80s I hear.

If you're going to be in the Eastern side PM me, I live right on the border so I can give you both local info. The Westside is PeppyGPhiB's domain.

Help! Long story short - I just found out hubby and I are hosting a July 4th party/BBQ. I need quick/easy yet tasty recipes! I'm hitting up some recipe sites now, but if any of you have any suggestions, I'm all ears!

(This will be a family-friendly thing - 4 couples with 1-2 kids each. No need for mixed drink recipes. Although, I'll probably be up for one at the end of the evening. I really stress over last-minute get-togethers! Aaack!)

I'm having a sangria party at my place...but I have a feeling that it will turn into beerfest with all the fraternity guys coming..