Hey, Here's the Weekend!

It is a warm and humid Friday night and the news is filled with weather and updates about Memorial Day celebrations. Some folks have already taken off for vacation destinations.

Here in New Jersey we take so much for granted. If you live in the Kittatiny mountains of the Delaware Water Gap area you probably go to the shore for your vacation. If you live along the shore, you might want to go to Wild West City and Lake Hopatcong for a change of pace. Both family friendly options are within a day's drive.

New Jersey has more millionaires and more horses per square mile than any other state in the Union. I guess it follows that we have thoroughbred horse racing at Monmouth and Meadowlands, standardbred racing at Freehold and the Meadowlands and marinas full of yachts all along the Jersey shore. And then of course there is the luster and luck of the Atlantic City casinos.

We have many baseball farm teams all the way from the Skylands to AC. The Meadowlands is home to both the Jets and Giants and soon to be the site of the Superbowl francise. And then there is hockey, basketball, soccer...

As I lay out plans for this weekend, I see that there are specials in most of the grocery stores. I plan to take advantage of the fresh watermelon, corn, strawberries and other goodies. Hot dogs and relish are also on sale so even cooking for a crowd does not need to break the bank.

I can hardly wait for the fun to start. Millhouse had their barbecue today and the weather could not have been more cooperative. Even if there is a shower or two in the outlook for the weekend, most of the parades and celebrations should go off without a hitch.

The closest parade is in Hamilton Township and there will be lots of horse entries. I know a couple of riders who are going to be participating so I think that I may end up holding a horse when they take their breaks. The route is along Nottingham Way and starts at 10:30 am.

The Trentonian has a listing of the observances for the holiday and the Lone Bugler is going to be playing at many locations throughout our area. In years past, I remember putting red geraniums and American flags at veterans' graves which now include my brother and my dad. For me, Memorial Day is rounded out with those final mournful notes of Taps as they drift over the wooded cemetery hills.

Have a safe and memorable holiday. Hope to see you all this weekend.