Star Spangled Medley

Did you know?  (I didn't!)

Each July 4 at noon, a "Salute to the Union" is fired by any capable military base.  This is a salute of one gun for every state in the United States."

For more history and/or factoids, check out Terri's blog or go to the National Day Calendar.

Hurray for the Red, White & Blue!

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Please share a favorite July 4 memory with us:

Back in '05 we took a road trip (here) to visit my son and family.  That evening we all enjoyed hanging at Montgomery's Riverfront for some of the best live music and fireworks we've heard/seen.

There's something about a girl and her sparkler!

Apologies if this sounds UNpatriotic, but at the time I thought it was so funny. 

As songs grew more recognizable, explosions more vivid, we knew the evening was coming to a close.  "God Bless America" segued into "America the Beautiful."  When "Oh say, can you see... " began we stood and began gathering blankets, water bottles.

Not so fast!  

How do I put this?

Only in Alabama.
Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" trumped the "National Anthem.

How do you plan to spend tomorrow?  If you are working, will you celebrate later?

I've no idea!

Son is working, our friends are under the weather ... and frankly, we're I'm feeling too darn old to sit outside like mosquito bait and sweat.

Hopefully, PBS will feature something like a 'Capitol Fourth.'

Is there a favorite food always reserved for your 4th of July celebrations?

Nope.

Tom will probably enjoy watermelon.  (I should … but don't.)

In Florida, you can buy all kinds of fireworks, including some that fly high and burst into pretty cascades.  Are fireworks legal in your state/community, and does anyone you know put on a display for your neighborhood?

I hope not!  Like blog-pal Anne, I'm gonna pray for rain.

Not naming names, but I know of two instances where irresponsible dog owners sacrificed their animals' lives by leaving them outside … and terrified.

Honestly?  I've never understood the appeal of things that go 'boom' in the night.  Give me a box of sparklers and I'm a happy camper.

Do you have a favorite movie that you always watch sometime during the 4th of July?  

That sounds like a neat tradition. What do you suggest?

Share something from your week, please.

Scads of thanks to everyone for your prayers for Tom!  (I felt them!)
I don't know if it was stress or what … but he felt increasingly worse over the weekend.  Monday morning his skin was just ... gray and his breathing sounded like a rock mixer.  Because he had difficulty standing and maintaining equilibrium, I put my foot down (pulled the b**** card) and drove him to the ER.  

Although we'd not yet heard back on the test results, the doc was able to go on-line and ascertain there were no suspicious lab findings, no blockages, etc.  Pushed fluids and discovered an inner-ear 'uh-oh' … but feel there's no immediate cause for alarm.  Just to be safe, Tom has to see both a cardiologist and a pulmonologist next month.  SO relieved!

On a lighter note!
One of the ladies in my Bible study shared this pix of her granddaughter, taken during the National Anthem at a recent ball game.

2 y/o Kennedy 'gets' it!

I hope everyone enjoys a SAFE and happy Independence Day!  Let's chat again soon!

Big hugs, Myra