Our Independence Day was a BLAST!

Group shot 7-4-2010

On our Nation’s 234th birthday, Tara and I gathered a wonderful group of friends (for the 13th year in a row) and set out at 6:00 a.m. from my “Wood Streets” home to deliver approximately 2,000 American flags!  Each of us grabbed a few bundles of flags, set out to different sections of the neighborhood, and carefully placed one flag in each neighbor’s yard.  Some neighbors even display all of the flags they’ve gathered from us over the years!

Depending on how many friends help each year, this patriotic task can take us anywhere from 1½ to 2½ hours to complete.  This year, we finished in record time — little over an hour!  Afterwards, Tara and I treated everyone to breakfast at our local Coco’s Bakery & Restaurant.

homemade cupcakes adorned with fresh blueberries... by DoretteOnce our bellies were full, everyone went their separate ways to either meet up with their families, take a nap, or prepare for the annual BBQ at Tara’s house.  Hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie dogs, veggie burgers, baked beans, corn on the cob, potato salad, macaroni salad, fruit salad, green salad, and plenty of homemade desserts were enjoyed by all.  Along with the bountiful food and great company, there was swimming, badminton, bike riding, and even a cupcake food fight.

And to round out the fun-filled and patriotic day, a large group of us walked down to the end of Highland Place and watched an unobstructed view of the Mt. Rubidoux fireworks show from a large open field.

Gracie and April enjoying the Mt. Rubidoux fireworks show!Every day, Tara and I we realize how fortunate we are to be living in such a wonderful family-oriented neighborhood, and a free country thanks to our service men and women who have sacrificed for America over the years!

America the Beautiful” song lyrics:
O beautiful for spacious skies
For amber waves of grain
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

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