Happy and SAFE 4th Of July

My daughter Leah, has the day off today! Actually, she is off until Monday!! I always get up with her in the morning; even though she is an adult, I make her breakfast and pack a lunch for her. So, needless to say, the dogs and I still woke up early. I have  mowed the front lawn and walked the dogs and it's only 8:00 AM.
 I would have starting weed whacking the back yard but, it started raining too hard and I was getting soaked. I have an old fashioned lawn mower. No motor, so no noise. My niece Anji calls it an Amish lawn mower. The best thing is that it is quiet and doesn't emit any fumes. So, the scent of freshly cut grass is so much nicer!
 The weather is promising not  to cooperate for outside parties today, unless they are under a tent. But, today is so much more than parties and get togethers. Today is all about Freedom! 
 I decided to do some research on what we call Independence Day. I was really surprised to find out that July 4th has only been a Federal holiday since 1941!  However, the tradition's of the 4th go all the way back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. 
America had only 13 colonies at that time and  representatives from each of those colonies got together in June of 1776. They worked on a resolution to become free from Great Britain. Finally on July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence. Two days later, July 4th, The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson, was adopted. So, since 1776, there have always been a celebration. From fireworks, parades, cookouts, and concerts, we still find joy in celebrating our freedom.
A little bit of trivia for you that I remember from my favorite teacher in high school,  John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on the 50th anniversary of when the Declaration was adopted. July 4th 1826.
John Adams would turn down any invites for the 4th of July in protest because he believed that the true date to celebrate was on July 2nd.
'Uncle Sam' started as a joke that eventually led to Uncle Sam being the symbol of the United States government. Meat shipments that were being supplied to the military were stamped with the initials, U.S. Someone made the comment that it was from Uncle Sam, and it went on from there.
 No matter how you decide to celebrate today, please put safety first.  Please don't drink and drive. 

Have A Safe AND Happy Fourth

Well, the sun came out after all!! Enjoy your day!!