JULY 6, 2009 - GRANDPA HARPOLE’S HOLIDAY

JULY 6, 2009 - GRANDPA HARPOLE'S HOLIDAY

Cookbook Greetings:

Hello to all the cookbook fans of *Rosalie Serving Italian,* and soon to be *Rosalie Serving Country.*

After a rainy 4^th of July in and around St. Louis, Missouri and also in Terre Haute, Indiana, where we were visiting with our sons and their families, it was a bright change to see the sun come out on Sunday, July 5^th. Since many of the parades, reunions, and fireworks displays had to be either cancelled or postponed until Sunday, everyone, including eight of my ten grandchildren, was anticipating with joy the awaited family firework extravaganza that only their

Grandpa Harpole could put on.

Since my husband, Bill, loves fireworks, our grandchildren knew that as soon as it was dry enough and dark enough their grandpa would not let them down. They were not disappointed. One of the neighbors living close to our son's home in Terre Haute volunteered her backyard field to our family and friends. While grandpa was setting up the "stage" where the entire shoot-offs would take place, we were setting our chairs up to get the best view.

It wasn't long until the sky was lit up and sounds of booming resonance filled the air. The kids and adults alike were screaming and shouting "this is great, or "that was the best," all of which only motivated grandpa to keep the show going. There were huge colorful sprays, falling parachutes, rockets, Roman candles, whistling birds, cackling hens, pops, tops and sparklers. The kids were in high gear and the laughter was uncontrollable.

After the last big finale, (there were many), someone said, "Grandma, do you have any penne pasta left with red sauce and meatballs?" Since I had made a gallon of red sauce and served pasta earlier that afternoon, I assured everyone there was probably some left. While everyone gathered in and around the large patio, with kids on their scooters, and the dogs celebrating the cease of fireworks, out came the hot dogs, chips, leftover barbecue…and penne pasta. And if all of this wasn't enough, my daughter-in-law, Tami, made sure every one had a root-beer float.

To say that this was a very memorable July 4^th holiday for the Harpole family would be an understatement. I'm sure it will be one the children and adults will never forget. So, keep the traditions alive, whether it is Grandpa's holiday, with fireworks for everyone, Grandma's penne pasta, or Aunt Tami's root-beer floats--families are the glue that holds the world together.

Look for me this Saturday, June 11^th. I will be at J. Viviano's & Sons, down on The Hill in St. Louis, Missouri, for an all-day book signing, or just click on my site for upcoming events,

www.rosalieservingitalian.com Hope to see you there.

God Bless,

Rosalie