Honestly, after the week I’ve had-I’m in no mood to party.  No problem either-my husband is working until 9 p.m..

Don’t ask.  He just is.

In the last week, I’ve realized that I am both thrilled for my son’s new job and sad because he’s leaving.  Our daughter-in-law and pets will be living with us for the time being-starting the 8th.

Our son will be joining our daughter and family in Arizona.  He’ll be living with her for the time being.

He’ll be working on Wednesday as well.  Hopefully, since he’s only going in Thursday to gather his things, get his last paycheck and say good-bye, he’ll be gone by noon.

As for recipes-I know this column hasn’t been filled with many the last few months and I’m sorry.  But between the hand surgery, the other health problems and just life, well, I haven’t been very creative for this time period.

Since it will just be me, I might have my parents over for dinner.  If I do-I think I’ll make some fish, roasted veggies and possibly some baked potatoes.

I’d prefer grilling, but I don’t have the hand or shoulder strength to pick up the lid!  Hence the easy preps and just all around simple fair that has been being made of late.

Normally I’d have ribs ingesting their rubs, packets of potatoes and onions with garlic and rosemary and evoo ready for the grill or corn, a nice big salad with some homemade type of vinaigrette.

I do have fresh corn in the fridge now, so I might use them in a nice corn and black bean salad.  Roasted corn with the beans, red onion, tomatoes and a lime dressing is always refreshing and colorful-I also add some brown rice or barley to this mixture for a spin on rice and beans.

Desserts are wonderful this time of the year due to the wonderful bounty of berries and stone fruits-try the stone fruits grilled with some wild honey and cinnamon and then serve with some frozen yogurt or sorbet.

Even grilled bananas topped with some brown sugar and cinnamon over vanilla ice cream is a decadent treat.

Remember to use the rainbow, combine textures and keep things easy and cool.

Happy Fourth!