How You Doin'

After a month off, I have returned to Blogland and I am doing OK.

Between working on my gardens, taking care of grandchildren, going on a vacation, and solving the great problems of the world, I come back to Blogger feeling refreshed and renewed. Well, maybe that might be exaggerating things a little, but I am going with that positive thought. 

Speaking of refreshed and renewed, and because tomorrow is The Fourth of July, our Independence Day, (and that I am having quite a few people over for a party that I have to work on today), I am going to reboot a post that I wrote two years ago for this holiday. 


Of Thee I Sing

I am fortunate to live in a historical area of the US. Brave soldiers fought and died on this land to bring about this great experiment known as America. I am surrounded by the ghosts of the past wherever I go and swell with pride at the sacrifices that they made for all of us who reside in this land of freedom.

My county, 'tis of thee,
Sweet Land of Liberty,
Of thee I sing.

Cemetery near Valley Forge, PA

About a mile from my home there is a cemetery where twenty-two Revolutionary War soldiers are buried. I drive by this site many times a week and only stopped by a few times to reflect.  There are no names written on their graves, they are unknown, but not forgotten. On Thursday, there will be a ceremony at the site which will be attended by local dignitaries and a core group of citizens that gather every year to remember.

Land where my father died,
Land of the Pilgrims' Pride,

Soldier's huts at Valley Forge

Not too far down the road is Valley Forge Park. This was where Washington and his troops of about 11,000 men encamped during the winter of 1777-1778. Many died because they were ill equipped with supplies of clothing and food. In June they left to pursue the British who were heading toward New York.







This is Washington's headquarters where he stayed along with his aids. His wife Martha also joined him for a few months that winter. The building is 80% original.





The park is a beautiful place to go to reflect and be thankful for the country that we love.


From ev'ry mountainside

Let Freedom Ring!

Now, let's barbecue.  Who wants a burger and who wants a dog?

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