Thomas Aquinas said “Joy is the human’s noblest act” and as a ‘human’ I second the thought! Living Joyfully in the long run is the ultimate best way to be and this blog is all about my attempt to do so.

Since the 4th of July is a perfect time for fun and merriment what a great opportunity for a party and what is more fun than preparing for a party? Nothing!

Once the decision is made, preparations begin. Ordering ‘stuff’ takes priority. There has to be games and if you have games you have to have prizes and on it goes.

First off you need a theme …if it’s the 4th that’s easy…must get flags, large and small. Off to Home Depot.

Get the windows washed… Skip and Biff always come through.

Put up lots of lights…Thank you Jhonny!

And get Jesse the painter…

Oh, don’t forget to get a Flamingo suitable for the holiday!

if you have any sort of party intended to be joyful…you must have balloons! This will blow up your balloons but they won’t float!

To get your balloons to ‘float’ you need a helium tank…best to get two… or three!

Time to send out the announcements. If you have a dog, that’s the best messenger!

Double check your shopping list and it’s recommended to get extra of everything. Make sure all games and decorations are ordered in a timely manner then let the festivities begin! I like goodie bags at the door. For the 4th, everyone must be decorated with glasses, necklaces and bracelets! This is definitely Kita approved!

Nibbles on the patio…Guac and chips thanks to dear Carol Soucek King! Celery and carrots in my John Deere Tractor thanks to adorable Lizzie Girl!

A photo booth is a must!

And games…You need someone to keep score because there are prizes…

All set to begin the cooking…

In the kitchen, the chefs prepare the yummylicious grilled cheese sandwiches with bacon of course…Nino’s fantabulous orzo salad went perfectly!

Just time for Bingo before the fireworks…

We suspected it was fixed because Curtis kept winning…

Even against tough competitors…

But then finally Sweet Patricia won!

What time is it? Why Gelato time!

With cones in hand it was time for the show…

And on the deck outside the studio…

I finally got to the photo booth with Sweet Patricia…

And that’s how we live joyfully on Via Alta…(Tuesday morning we began planning for next years 4th.) Get your reservations in early! Night night!

Special thanks to Curtis McElhinney (curtisvision.com) for his wonderful photos!