Wednesday, July 3, 2013

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






virtual

Let Freedom Ring!
Now, let's barbecue.  Who wants a burger and who wants a dog?
.   

38 comments:

  1. A day to remember, a day to give thanks.

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    1. We Americans love this holiday and celebrate with gusto - meaning lots of good food and, of course, libations.

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  2. Let freedom ring. I like the photos and the one of Washington's headquarters is especially nice. I am glad you solved the world's problems, will I be reading about that soon? The NSA and IRS scandals and fixing Obamacare too? Well, I can hope.

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  3. Welcome back, Arleen. World makes more sense already.

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  4. I so remember taking my children to all these places in 1976. I must plan on getting my grandkids there.

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    1. Joanne, I remember taking my children and their visiting grandparents there in '76, during the Bicentennial celebrations to see all the wagon trains camp there. It was quite a wonderful sight.

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  5. Great to have you back, Arleen. Have a wonderful 4th of July with your friends and loved ones.

    Great post.

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    1. We will all party hardy and have a good time. Thanks for your well wishes, Lee. You have a pod weekend also.

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  6. Have a good fourth of July, Arleen.

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    1. It was hot, hot, hot, but we all had a good time anyway. Hope you have a good weekend, Jenny.

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  7. Welcome back - you have been missed. Have a great weekend.

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  8. I'm glad you had a nice break and feel refreshed. Thanks for the lovely pics and have a great 4th of July! :-)

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    1. I hope you are doing ok, Lexa. You have been on my mind this week.

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  9. Dear lady, it is lovely to see your return to the wonders of blogland :)

    Thank you for the poignant tour of where you live. May your Fourth of July, be peaceful and positive.

    Gary

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  10. We forgive you. And to think; had you remained British, you would know what real freedom is!!!

    Have a happy-ish 4th July... we do understand your regrets.

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  11. Glad to see you posting. I've been to a lot of historic sites, but somehow missed Valley Forge. Definitely putting it on my list. Wishes for a very happy Fourth!

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    1. I have lived around Valley Forge for most of my life and still love to spend time in the park. It is a lovely place.

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  12. As I was born in Britain I have to say how foolish our forefathers were to lose such a beautiful land. I lived in Texas for a few years and my children were born there. I loved the pride and confidence of the American people. Sadly since 9/11 you have been dealt many blows. Party it up today, you deserve it.

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    1. Ah,but we still love and are fascinated by your royal family, Susan.

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  13. Good to have you back Arleen. Happy Independence Day. Have a lovely party with your family and friends

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  14. Happy 4th Arleen! I love Philly! I love Vermont! (can you tell I'm celebrating alrady?) Hooray!

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    1. I don't love Philly anymore. I like that I live near a big city but glad I don't have to go there. Now, NY, well, I love NY.

      So glad, Laura, that you are celebrating and having a good time.

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  15. Hi Arleen. Our recent history has been remarkably similar what with Grandkids, vacations and a break from Blogging. Welcome back.
    We Brits are still going to the States of course but we go for the pure enjoyment now.
    Madam, I salute your patriotism!
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    1. Taking a break every now and then is a good thing, but it is always nice to have a friendly place with good people to come back to.

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  16. Welcome back!!!

    Great post. It was probably around '76 when we took our kids to Valley Forge, too. The one thing that sticks in my head is how tiny the soldiers' beds are.

    We had lots of rain here over the weekend, so a lot of the local celebrations were postponed, but we steamed a mess of crabs and watched a movie and the celebrations on TV while we ate 'em. I hope you had a super duper party.

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    1. Hmm, I am virtually tasting those wonderful crabs now. It sounds like you had a super duper day also, Susan.

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  17. Great photos that really bring out the spirit of the 4th of July!! Hope you are enjoying the holiday weekend! Glad you're back Arleen!

    Julie

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  18. A great post about the price of freedom! Thank you for giving us all a piece of the history you see.

    Now, are you talking "real" dogs? After eating at the Roadkill Cafe, I'm not taking anything for granted.

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  19. Dear Arleen, this is an inspiring posting. Thank you for showing us the beginnings of this country where we enjoy freedom and where we strive to welcome differences. Peace.

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