Family Time in Ocean City, New Jersey

 

Ocean City, NJ was the ideal location for our McDermott family gathering. 20 family members from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida, South Carolina, California, and Hawaii traveled here to reunite and enjoy each other's company, taking part in activities like jumping waves and going on the boardwalk rides.

My personal favorites were the exciting Bumper Car rides, watching my great nieces and nephew showcase their talents during Kid Karaoke, and spending quality time with the younger family members. 

The food was also exceptional, with appreciation extended to Mary for bringing authentic Connecticut Italian cuisine and to Diane for her outstanding faro kale salad.  

Let's not forget the delectable New Jersey Bakery jelly donuts and cheese Danish that were to appreciated! 

We are so fortunate to have a loving family as ours willing to travel so far to be together!

July Fourth

 

The PGIslanders, our boating club, asked for volunteers to organize a 4th of July event on July 3rd. Since my good friend, Sue, is not available, I decided to pick up the baton.

Richard and Chuck Millburg grilled hamburgers, brats and hot dogs for 30 of us in the rain.  Everyone brought a side dish to share and it was an awesome menu of picnic food.  I decided to dig out my "Bergenfield Deli" potato salad recipe and it turned out great.  I also made a strawberry pie.  Yum.

I decided to create a 4th of July Jeopardy game and I was told it was a "challenging" game.  The team called "The Stars" won first place by betting it all on the Final Jeopardy question.  It was amazing that they knew that 56 patriots signed the Declaration of Independence!  They won 2 bottles of wine for their effort.

 

On the actual 4th of July, we drove over to the Peace River Wildlife Sanctuary to hear a special talk on eagles. It was interesting to learn about their habitat, behaviors and other facts.  It is wonderful to know that they are no longer endangered.

Later in the afternoon we attended a cookout at Isles Yacht Club.  We had a great time meeting some new members.  Later, we viewed the fireworks over Lashley Park and Fisherman's Village from a great vantage point.