Okay, so I have too much time on my hands.  And I wasn’t invited to a single 4th of July party today – the biggy is tomorrow, so I decided to take a day of total freedom.  I’m not doing one thing except what the spirit moves me to do. No “to do” list and no work whatsoever.

Well, the “spirit” moved me to play with my food this morning.  So after making a big pot of grits and grilling them as I typically do,  I poured the remainder into some salad molds to see what would happen.

Unfortunately I had let the pot of grits cool a bit and they weren’t packed in as well as if I had poured them into molds while still warm.  But I thought the results were stunning (lead photo).  Next time I’m going to mix them with shrimp and cheese and throw a grits party.

I get excited about the smallest things these days and this seemed fascinating to my 67 year old mind. (Or is it 57? I forget but I hope it’s the latter.).  Now I’m off to buy some more grits and try to mold them in the shape  of a car I borrowed from Brenda’s grandson.  This could be the most memorable 4th ever!  (I was an only child and I can always find a way to entertain myself.)

Incidentally, I don’t know where you are, but this is the coolest 4th on record.  Lows tonight in the 50s.  I’m getting in the firewood!  Happy Fourth of July and here’s to a very cool summer.