Happy 4th!

As I told you earlier in the week, I pulled out all my 4th of July decorations and began decorating the house for a little BBQ/Pool Party we are having today.

Happily, I took all the photos throughout the week because I’m not sure what it’s all going to look like when I wake up on the 4th. You see, I am typing this on Thursday night, during a massive wind/dust storm.

I lifted these two photos from the 12 News Facebook page. The one on the left, of Sky Harbor International Airport, was taken by Zachary Doublery and to one on the right was taken by Benita Skalada out the window of the airplane as she was taking off.

Yes, that is what is raging outside my home right now on Thursday night, July 3rd.

But honestly, a few tousled decorations are nothing when you consider that more than 25,000 people are without power due to the storm. And at least 24 flights bound for Phoenix were diverted to other airports.

Since I don’t know what will still be standing (hanging) when I awake in the morning, I’ll go ahead and share the details with you now.

I hung bunting over every door…

… and flags in every window.

The covered patios are alive with the Red, White & Blue…

As is the pool and BBQ area.

Peggy was over one afternoon and forced me to work on a long-neglected detail…

The front patio lanterns – before we cleaned them out and washed them down, they were full of pine cones, twigs, and pomegranates.

Winter is long gone and it was beyond time to face the truth!

Sometimes you just need a little help (and a push) from your friends!

I’ll be surprised if these stars survive the storm.

At least the inside will be unscathed!

And as promised, I did replace the dying ivy in the wine barrels, with the colors of the season.

My favorite decoration of all, which I most hope makes it through the storm…

…this huge old and rather faded American flag at the end of the back patio. Fingers crossed!

Recipes from the BBQ and a report on damages (hopefully few) will follow next week.

Happy 4th of July!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!