Independence Day

We made plans for an Independence Day cook-out.

I cut flowers, I arranged vases, I died epsom salt red, white, and blue and poured it around candles.

I spent 10 minutes taking pictures of the deck's decorations.

Before I could finish taking pictures, the rain began and did not STOP.

So the decorations came inside.

The cornhole sets stayed inside, and the fireworks stayed in their boxes.

Hendrix enjoyed the seat-cushions-turned-dog-beds that were brought in from our rainy 4th of July.



Our plans didn't quite play out as arranged but all was definitely well!

A baker's dozen worth of people came, along with lots of side dishes and desserts. Nick was a trooper grilling our burgers on the deck and we all ATE, ATE, ATE for hours!


I didn't pick up the camera again till the end of the night when we all retired to the basement.

The girls were a hit with the Rock Band.

The guys dominated the pool table.

God had different plans for our night.

Very glad he did!

There was no shortage of silliness.

No shortage of friends.

What else could we ask for?

First party at our new home: a raging SUCCESS!

If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I’d worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
with just my children and my wife.

I’d thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.