Happy Independence Day.  Bang, Bang, Boom!  I love this holiday.

I met Ever-Lovin’ on July 4th in Palo Dura Canyon.  I am not sure it was even a blind date – we were both tagging along with mutual friends.  That being said – this has always been a favorite holiday for us, and we enjoy celebrating with friends and family.  I get excited when planning a gathering.   This year it is easy-breezy.  Ever-Lovin’ is grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, and the guest are bringing the desserts and side dishes.  I can’t wait to see what they bring.  I feel a little lost and guilty about not cooking. (I do have peaches that need to be used. – We will see.)

Decorating for July 4th is fun, but also a bit of a challenge.  I have decorations, but…what do I do with them?  My decorations have potential.  They really do.  But  truthfully – under my guidance, they do not reach their full potential.  They do not look like all the pretty Pinterest pictures.  It is intimidating.  Honestly, I am okay with what I do.  I am what I am, but I just want you to know that I know that my decorations are lacking.  Understand???

Every pot gets a flag.  Duh!  I know it is boring, but that is about my level of expertise.

Some pots of greenery are lucky and get three flags.  If one is good, three must be better.

There is even a flag for the chair.

The shiny sparkly tinsel decorations will hang outside.  They remind me of fireworks.  (I do miss The Christmas Tree Shops.  They had wonderful merchandise that had potential.)

I am not sure how I will use the pinwheels this year.  Pinwheels are so much fun.  I like them.  I love them – especially when they are patriotic.  Maybe we will just wave them in the wind.

Last year I found these crackers or you might call them poppers around July 4th.  Not many were popped, so I will try again this year.  Wouldn’t you think that this falls under the reuse category?   (The three R’s – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.)  Just know.  I will keep reusing  them out until they are used.  Heaven forbid I would throw anything away.  It is a problem I have.

Bubbles and sparklers are available.  I do love sparklers, but I hope no fingers will burn.

I have had this set of glasses forever and ever – Amen!

We got this set of  canning jar mugs during the Bicentennial in 1976.  Jack-in-the-Box sold them..  I love the Liberty Bell.  (It was hard to get a picture.)

Perhaps this would be a good time to use the eagle salad bowl.

Great looking plates, but I probably will not get to use them because they are salad plates (small), and I do not have enough for everyone. They are the perfect size to use as a breakfast plate.

Saw these flowers at the store today.  Aren’t the purdy?  Planning to put them in quart Mason jars for table centerpieces.  Not too imaginative, but it is easy and colorful.  I am hoping to keep this gathering simple and fun for all.   No matter what.  When good friends and family gather together it is automatically a party.

May you have a wonderful day.  We have so much to celebrate.  I am thankful for our freedoms.

Blessings to you and yours,

One of my favorite verses is 2 Chronicles 7:14.  During the Bicentennial, it was often quoted.   As I was writing this post, this verse came to mind, and I thought I would share it.

2 Chronicles 7:14

King James Version (KJV)

14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Pray for America.