In the frenzy of packing up everything we own Mr. B had the good judgement to insist on leaving his grill out on the deck. He figured that the deck was high above the potential water line and that a ceramic grill could survive just about anything. In what is now the strangest summer of my life I am happy for Mr. B’s foresight- because with a grill at least it still feels like summer.

When Mr. B and I were dating our favorite restaurant was a little beach cottage along Highway 101 in Encinitas, California. Owned by a Moroccan who grew up in Spain and France, the food was French in style and Mediterranean meets California in flavor. Live bands rocked the small space every weekend and despite sand between the old wooden floor boards it was impossible to get in without a reservation.

Happy 4th of July! We are celebrating by throwing a big block party for the National Guard troops who have patrolled our levees and helped us battle the flood waters for the past month. There will be fireworks too large to be legal in most states and lots of grilled meat- a true South Dakota party. We wish you all a day filled with hot sun, cold beer, and good friends.