The Aftermath of the 4th!

The 4th is a day filled with glorious grilled meats, sparkling fireworks, and socializing with friends and family. But as the sun sets and the fireworks fade, what we’re often left with is the daunting task of cleaning up the battlefield that once was our backyard.

Those majestic fireworks that illuminate the sky leave behind more than “oohs” and “ aahs”. They leave tiny bits of paper everywhere! In your hair, on your picnic table, and even in your neighbor’s yard. They make you feel like a treasure hunter trying to collect all the pieces.

What’s black and crumbly and shouldn’t be in your yard? Your BBQ grill. Which is now a hardened mess that will take hours to clean.

Do you remember that epic potato salad you whipped up? It now resembles a science project that went awry, sitting in the refrigerator, growing a personality of its own.

And what is about the 4th of July that magically multiplies the number of red, white, and blue cups in your house? They’re everywhere, in the grass, under the porch, and I even found one in my sock drawer last year! It’s like an invasion.

Take a moment to look at your backyard. If it looks like a tornado hit it, don’t panic if your garden gnome has somehow ended up wearing an American flag as a cape. Just embrace the clutter.

Cleaning up after the 4th is no easy task, but at least it provides plenty of laughs and some stories to share at your future gatherings. As you scrub away the evidence of barbecues and colorful explosions, take a moment to appreciate the memories you created with friends and family.

Happy post-celebration cleaning!