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Endeavor balloon over the Rio Grande Gorge in New Mexico.

It's Terrific Tuesday again. What's happening in your neck of the woods? A few vacation and fun activity pics are beginning to surface and that's a really good thing! The photo of the balloon in New Mexico was sent to us by Colin Graham.  Send yours to:

news@botetourtview.com

What are you doing on the 4th of July? I have a three pronged approach. First I am going to a friend's farm for a cook out,  then to the Buchanan Parade and finally to the fireworks in Fincastle. I cannot imagine a 4th of July with out burgers and dogs grilled over a nice flame or a salute of fireworks in the name of freedom! The parade starts at 6 p.m. and will be follwed by the Carnival and prizes and fireworks for the last night. The events in both towns are a great way to see friends and neighbors and to honor the many different public safety volunteers in our area.

Yes, the Buchanan parade has a lot of  fire trucks and rescue vehicles. I actually had a lady complain to me about that last year. Well, I think we are lucky to have so many fine volunteers and could use a few more! Don't complain--help!

In Fincastle they have the best fireworks display around. No, they don't have a big musical, but have lots of ice cream available and seeing folks and chit chatting before the display can't be beat for a person of my profession! The fireworks are top of the line. Come about thirty to forty minutes before dusk. Bring bug spray a blanket or  lawn chair, too! Volunteer Firemen and the Town of Fincastle make sure all goes well.

Take pictures of your event and send them along! We'd love to see them!

This week's reading suggestion:

"First Family" by David Baldacci

My favorite writer has come through with another winner! Michelle Maxwell and Sean King are back in this thriller about trouble in the First Family. Add a dose of the old south and a bit of kidnapping and the stage is set. I read the book in large print so I could get it quicker. I am ashamed to say, it makes for easier reading! The library can put you on the waiting list! With the slow economy and the hubby out of work, the library is the best way to get reading material for me this summer.

So far I have read 11 books since June 1! How about you?

Here's recipe for something yummy for the 4th of July picnic from Kay Fechisin of Daleville

Strawberry Dessert

Crust and Topping:
1 c. butter, melted
½ c. brown sugar
2 c. flour
1 c. pecans, chopped

Filling:
10 oz. fresh or frozen strawberries (I usually increase to 16 oz.)
1 c. sugar
1 T. lemon juice
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (12-oz.) carton Cool Whip (If I use extra strawberries, I increase this to 16 oz.)

Crust and topping: Mix butter, brown sugar, flour and pecans. Place in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and bake at 400° for about 18 - 22 minutes, or until brown. Watch carefully and stir several times during baking to avoid burning. When brown, place half of the mixture aside for later use as the topping. Press the remaining half in the bottom of the dish and cool.

Filling: Dice strawberries into small pieces. Place strawberries, sugar, lemon juice and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Mix for 5 minutes, then fold in Cool Whip. (Be sure to fold in the Cool Whip gently with a spatula; if you stir, the filling tends to become runny.) Pour filling over cooled crust.

Sprinkle reserved nut mixture on top. Cover and place in freezer until ready to serve.

Next week I'll be on a mssion trip so see you in two weeks! Send info to news@botetourtview.com while I am away!