July 03rd, 2017

I don't know about you, but we are looking forward to seeing a whole lot more of this tomorrow night!  Last year, of course, was our first Independence Day here in Florida. We were surprised and pleased to learn that we could see an awesome fireworks show right here on the island. They set it off on the jetty and it is visible from anywhere on the beach.  It's an island so there is a whole lot of beach to choose from.  We walked over around 8 o'clock and just pulled up a comfy piece of sand along with a zillion or so other celebrants and relaxed until the show started.  It was awesome.   And so, weather permitting, we anticipate doing it again this year.

Maybe because July 4th is so close to my own birthday, or maybe because I lived in New England for quite awhile, or maybe because I'm a history buff but Independence Day is on my short list of favourite holidays.  And never have I so strongly connected with a specific holiday as I did with Independence Day while living in New England.  You cannot escape the history there, the signs, the  literal signs are around you all of the time! 

There are all of the historic homes with the placque by their front door.  The residents are  very proud of  their home having been built before or during the revolutionary war.  Old school houses, office buildings, ship yards, cemeteries and Revolutionary battle fields surround you all the time there.  Historic significance is a palpable thing. 

Then there are cities like Boston where the history fairly screams at you.  There are actually painted paths that you can take through Boston, walking tours with brochures to guide you.  Names like: The Old North Church, Boston tea Party and Paul Revere which were just words on a history test in the 4th grade suddenly come to life.  Even a small town like Castine Maine has historic signage all over the town revealing it's own important role in the era that led to the birth of our country.

Then there is history as entertainment in living history museums like Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts and Mystic Seaport in Connecticut.  If you are lucky enough to be there anywhere near the month of July you cannot escape understanding the origin of the United States.  Suddenly you cannot escape the knowledge that these  were real people who lived through a war that changed our course forever. 

And I think about these things every 4th of July.  I also cook hotdogs and make Macaroni Salad and cookies and other foods that have become synonymous with the day (at least in our house) regardless of where we live.  And now we also go to the beach and ooooo and aaaaaaah with the multitudes also gathered there.

Regardless of how you spend your 4th, I hope it's filled with fun and food and fellow revelers.  Enjoy our Independence.  And as always, have fun and be safe!