I didn't realize this would bring me so much joy

Sometimes it's about finding happiness in the little things.

For me this weekend, that meant finding some unexpected joy at the pool.

It has been over two years since I've been in a pool thanks to the pandemic and not living near one myself. So when my friends invited me over to hang out poolside at their place, I was really excited. 

Once I made it there, we toasted to being able to see each other again, soaked in some sun (with SPF, of course!) and cooled off in the water.

And let me tell you, it did not disappoint, especially considering the temperature was in the 90s. 

It may sound silly – that a pool could have sparked such infectious laughter and delight – but hanging out in the water and having lighthearted conversations with friends felt so nice and normal. My worries floated away as I floated, feeling carefree.

So with the July 4th holiday upon us, I hope you're able to find some joy in whatever your weekend plans are, whether it involves a pool or not – though if you're near one on a hot day, I highly recommend!

July 4th is Sunday

Speaking of July 4th, are you planning to break out the grill?

If so, our friends at 24/7 Tempo solicited backyard barbecue advice from seven grilling experts from around the country to help your grilling go great.

Here's a sampling of their advice:

1. Clean your grill well before lighting it: A dirty grill turns out dirty food. While a good wire brush can useful, if you don't have one, don't fear. Instead, you can use aluminum foil rolled into a rough ball about four inches in diameter. "Heat your grill, then hold the ball with a pair of long-handled tongs and use it to scrub the grill clean," say Christopher Hirsheimer and Melissa Hamilton of The Canal House, a cookbook publishing, photography and design studio in Milford, New Jersey.

2. Don't cook straight from the refrigerator: "Take the meat out of the fridge at least an hour before putting in on the grill," recommends Myron Mixon of Unadilla, Georgia, author of “BBQ&A with Myron Mixon." 

3. Use hardwood charcoal, not briquets, if possible: If you're cooking with live fire, as opposed to gas, use hardwood charcoal, says Robert Del Grande of Café Annie and The Grove in Houston. "The more it looks like irregular chunks of wood (not pressed tar) the better," he adds. "Hardwood generally burns hotter, longer and cleaner (than briquets), without any notes of resin." Wayman concurs. "I prefer to use hardwood," he says, "but if you're using briquets you can always add a piece or two of hardwood for flavor and smoke."

To read the full list of tips, click here.

Today's reads

• How to keep your dog calm during fireworks this 4th of July
• Going to the beach for July 4th? Don't be the person on the sand that everyone hates
• Are you ambivalent about celebrating July 4? You’re not alone.
• Your guide to July 4th weekend traffic. Here are the worst times to hit the road
• These are the stores and restaurants that are open July Fourth

• Pride Month is over, but you can still be an ally to the LGBTQ community the rest of the year

Today's pet

Meet Ellie.

"We have been working on conditioning her to be a 'lake chic' and getting used to the boat. Mission successful!" writes Beth O'Reilly, who says Ellie is turning 1 on July 8. "She is a water dog and couldn't be cuter dawning her life jacket! Safety first!"

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