JSummer started like any other summer. Steve packed our car full of fireworks and drove to New York to celebrate with family at Mom's lakehouse on Arnold Lake on the 4th of July. My kids flew in, and their partners joined them this year. It was so much fun. All four siblings, their partners, nieces, nephews, and friends joined us, totaling about 70 people. We always cook a lot because we love our food.

I must say, a highlight this year was the 50 lobsters Kimmy brought from Maine and Johnny's banana cake. My friends said it must be laced with something because you can't stop eating it. And then my dad died, and I learned that death is a part of living.