Wednesday, July 4, 2012

FAVE 4ths!

DEBORAH CROMBIE: Did you ever wonder how we Americans would celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence if it had been signed on, say, January 4th, 1776? Snowballs? Chestnuts roasting on an open fire? Rum punch?


But as it is, we know the drill--picnics, hotdogs, concerts, fireworks, as well as, for many of us, lots of sunscreen and mosquito repellent.


For the past few years we've spent our July 4ths at dear friends; dipping in their pool, grilling, chatting with a convivial group, and then at dark, carrying our lawn chairs out into the street to watch a nearby fireworks show. But a few months ago, our friends moved to Louisiana, and we are really going to miss our special celebrations with them.


But as for me, having just finished writing a book, this 4th of July I suspect I won't mind curling up on the sofa and napping.  Maybe we'll watch Independence Day. And we do have hotdogs, local organic ones. My hubby found these directions for making spiral hot dogs--isn't that fun? We'll let you know how that works.


So how about you, REDS and readers? What's your fave way to spend your 4th?


(And a little safety reminder from JR: Stay cool, and keep your dogs and cats inside.  More pets are lost on the 4th of July than any other day of the year.)


HAPPY 4th OF JULY FROM JUNGLE RED!

 

12 comments:

  1. Hi Deb,
    We're trying something new this year, a BLT salad and Sam Adams. We'll probably celebrate with the Pops on TV. Can't miss The 1812 Overture.

    Let us know how the spirally dogs come out!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oooh Sam Adams...it never occured to me that drinking that could be patriotic. I actually always seem to watch - at least a snippet of - Yankee Doodle Dandy. My sister and I always used to look forward to that as kids. I think it was one of the first musicals we knew all the words to!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm marching in our town's parade with the local library!

    Later on will have some neighbors over for a nontraditional bacon and green chili quiche. There are thunderstorms predicted so I didn't dare count on the hubster grilling.

    Happy fourth everyone and congrats to you Debs!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I live outside city limits so usually we are ground zero for fireworks. This year, because of the super dry conditions, fireworks are banned in the county. I'm okay with that -- it's quieter and my dog who doesn't like loud noises like that won't have to take anti-anxiety meds this year. :) Yesterday it was 102 degrees here in Montana. We're just going to relax, keep cool, and I'm going to study up on some biz management because I got a voice mail yesterday about a job I applied for. (crossed fingers) Making hamburgers, and I have potato salad and watermelon.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love the fireworks on the Esplanade..and this year they're having the Dropkick Murphys. We'll cook out with the whole family--a huge beef tenderloin grilled asparagus and apple pie--then sing along with the Pops!

    I ALWAYS read the declaration of INdependence out loud. It always makes me cry.

    Happy Fourth!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sam Adams I love. Dropkick Murphys I had to google. And they're from the neighboring town of Quincy, MA, where incidentally so are many of the Adamses.

    As you can see I'm free associating this July 4. Or maybe it's hallucinating. I have a miserable cold and I'm feeling dense, drugged, and sleep deprived. Fortunately it's not 102 like it is in Montana? That would push me around the bend.

    ReplyDelete
  7. We are looking forward to a long walk this evening as the high temp today in Mesa AZ is supposed to be in the low 90's! No late night for us as we have to be up early to fly to Ohio tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  8. We do the same thing every Fourth of July: My wife takes the kids and grandkids to the local fireworks show, I stay home and drink. I dislike crowds, although I went to the Boston Esplanade show one year, Hank, and was very impressed. The musically timed fireworks were awesome.

    Thanks to all the people who risk their lives to keep us independent.

    ReplyDelete
  9. You have no idea how much joy I got from reading the words "having just finished writing a book ..." Yippy!!! You have earned your rest, Debs. (i can't wait to hear about the hot dogs).

    All these delicious things everyone's cooking up for the 4th sound too yummy. I think I'm going to need the recipe for the bacon and green chili quiche, Lucy. BLT salad - YUM! Tenderloin, omg. I'm embarrassed to death to admit we're having plain ol' hamburgers, baked beans and chips. Laws, but we are dull.

    BUT. We are also celebrating Harley Doodle Barley's birthday today. He's seven. And here's a picture - http://www.meanderingsandmuses.com/2012/07/july-photo-day-challenge-day-4.html

    Hallie - hope you feel better soonest!

    Happy 4th, everyone!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hallie, feel better soon! I hope someone else is tempted to try the spiral hot dogs!

    And I'll check the listing for the Pops on TV. As much as I miss our past annual celebrations, it's nice to have a lazy day.

    I might even break out the infamous green pool. Hope it doesn't leak.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hallie, feel better soon!

    Hope someone else is brave enough to try the spiral hot dogs:-)

    As much as we are missing our annual celebration this year, it's kind of nice to have a lazy day. I definitely deserve one.

    I may even break out the infamous green pool. Hope it doesn't leak...

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hank! I remember you reading the Declaration of Independence at Faneuil Hall, was it? Did I spell that right? I can say it, just never short I got the spelling.So beautiful... thank you for doing that! Is it still televised?

    Ro, how could I forget Yankee Doodle Dandy? The first time I saw it - was it really filmed in black & white - I returned to school in the fall and danced down every staircase until I lost all my free time privileges.

    ReplyDelete