Thursday, July 04, 2013

Happy 4th of July

We invited Jilda's family over this afternoon to eat some ribs, brats, baked beans, and potato salad.
Our sister-in-law baked a peach cobbler, and our niece brought some kind of sweetbread that we ate with vanilla ice cream.
We ate ourselves into silence and sat for a long time watching the rain fall outside our windows.
This July has been the coolest in over 75 years here in Alabama.
After everyone left, and we cleaned the kitchen, Jilda and I stepped out to the screened porch to listen to the rain on the roof and the sound of fireworks in the distance.
As I sat there, I reflected on America. It's actually a miracle that our country survived its infancy. I know I read about this in school, but a few years back I spent a great deal of time reading about American history through the words of David McCullough who wrote (among other books) 1776 and the biography of John Adams.
He brings our our history to life in a way that I've never experienced it before. It was only through the dogged commitment of our forefathers that we are here today shooting fireworks, and eating BBQ.
I am grateful for their sacrifice.
I hope you all have enjoyed a remarkable holiday.

6 comments:

  1. Despite the rain, it sounds like a pretty nice 4th with family. You are right - we have an amazing national history.

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  2. Happy 4th guys!
    I am glad you had a good day and that the weather was not too bad Here in BC it began with clouds and then later the sun decided to peek out a few times. It was cool so we enjoyed that and sleeping will be fine tonight.
    Now that I am older I do enjoy history a lot more than I did as a kid. We had such boring history teachers and math teachers were even worse.You basically had to teach yourself.Books were also hard to come by. Today its all so easy.
    Anyway God Bless America. Happy Birthday.
    But once you get it it is easy. lol We had trout today I enjoy trout the best out of all the fish. Always did.

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  3. Hi Rick, it sounds like you had a nice 4th of July... it is always good when we can reflect on how blessed we are to live in the countries we live in :)

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  4. It sounds like the perfect way to spend the 4th. I love David McCullough's books.

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  5. Spending the 4th of July with family is even when it's raining when there's good food around, is a great way to celebrate. As long as there's a roof over your head, a rainy day with love ones is as good as it gets.
    JB

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  6. Sounds perfect to me! I'm constantly amazed how small things can bring about great change...we're truly blessed to live in this wonderful country. Happy 4th to you and Jilda! Enjoy the weekend!

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