Friday, July 3, 2009

Happy Independence Day!


Happy Birthday America!

July 4th has always meant picnics, barbecues, and family get-togethers. It's always HOT and there are always fireworks. As a kid, we spent many of these holidays at my grandparents' home in the foothills. It is always very, very dry at this time of year up there so Grampa would spend most of the day soaking the ground in the yard and all around the area. He and my four uncles were all volunteer firemen and actually founded the station there in Raymond after they came back from the war. Several of them acted as captain at one time or another through the years. We are very proud of all they did!


With 17 grandkids, numerous great-grandkids, & various add-ons, the crowd could get rather large. It was quite the event and we'd have hours worth of fireworks to keep the group entertained. As we got older, it was a rite of passage to be able to assist in the lighting of some of the "whistling petes" or the "ground flowers" instead of just playing with sparklers. Even with the day long prep and careful planning, we still had the occasional mishap. The brigade was always ready though with lots of buckets full of water and garden hoses manned. Gramma was prepared with lemonade & Kool-Aid and salve for any burnt fingers.


As we celebrate this great nation's birthday, let's keep our good thoughts and prayers going out to the brave men and women who face danger on a daily basis whether here at home in our local fire and police departments or overseas in our military branches. They are part of what keeps America - Land of the Free and Home of the Brave!


Have a wonderful & SAFE 4th of July!


Thursday, July 2, 2009

My First Award!

What a wonderful surprise to receive an award from a truly lovely lady!

Sandra at Thistle Cove Farm is a fascinating woman that I met in "blogland" through the "One World One Heart" event back in January of this year. She became an instant friend who I am really enjoying getting to know and admire greatly. She leads such a full and interesting life. Her blog is informative and full of updates regarding her beloved animals and the lovely farm that she has created a true home on.

She inspires me to be a better person and live a better life. She also inspires me to be a better blogger and try to be more consistent in my posts! (I must admit that being gone from the house before it's daylight and not being back in the house until well after dark is taking a toll on my time on the computer and my sleep! But it will be slowing down soon so I can spend more time catching up with my posts and visiting blogs I enjoy like Sandras.)

Please go by and visit her and see why I have become so fond of this beautiful person and be sure to check out the gorgeous yarn and wool she has available! http://www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com

Thank you for my very lovely award Sandra!