Happy 4th

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This morning it was 62 degrees and raining when I left on my walk and it rained in varying degrees the whole time.  I didn't wear my rain gear or take my umbrella along  so I was dripping wet by the time I got home.  Even my hair got wet through my ball cap.  I came home only after walking 4 miles because it was becoming uncomfortable being that wet and even though it was 62 I was getting chilly.

I walked around town and around the cemeteries and ball park.  Passing by the corn, it was nice to hear the sound of the rain on the corn.  Didn't take my camera along today so no rainy pictures.

Usually on the 4th I see people about getting ready for the parade and celebrations around town but didn't see anyone out this morning.

The other day on my walk I came across what looked like soap suds on a lot of the weeds along the side of the road.  Does anyone know what it is? 

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The Parade through town started 11:00 and by that time the rain had stopped though there was a little shower near the end of it.  The parade ends right in front of our house so we just sat on the porch and watched it.  : )

Later on we walked over to the fire house and where every one gathers for food, crafts and a few games for the kids.  A band plays patriotic songs as well.  I bought a cloth bag that is made to keep potatoes in.  Bought one last year and loved it and waited all year so I could buy another one. : )

Back home we sat on the porch again and did a little reading but mostly just sat and talked. 

In a little while we are going over to a friends house for a BBQ and to watch the fireworks.  Part of their property is up a hill with perfect viewing for the fire works in McHenry.

I've made a bean salad to bring along.  It another new recipe I got out of a magazine the other day.

Bean Salad

2 lbs fresh green beans

1/2 cup olive oil

3 Tablespoons lemon juice

3 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon ground mustard

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 cup chopped onion

4 cups cherry tomatoes cut in half

4 oz feta cheese

Cook beans 8 - 10 minutes.  

Whisk oil and the next 6 ingredients together.

Drizzle over beans.

Add onion, and toss to coat.

Stir in tomatoes and top with cheese just before serving.

 I thought it was kind of bland so I doubled the lemon juice, vinegar, and spices, added some of Ken's Steak house lite raspberry walnut vinaigrette dressing, a couple teaspoons sugar and then it was quite good.

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The bricks for the The Veterans Memorial were finished in time for the 4th of July ceremony and I am proud to say that Ken, my dad, step-dad and dad-in-law's bricks are all there. : )
I was glad they grouped all four of their bricks together.  As you are looking at the memorial they are in the front left corner.

Happy 4th of July.
A happy day to you.
happyone. : )

Freedom has its life in the hearts, actions, the spirit of men

and so it must be daily earned and refreshed,

else like a flower cut from it's life-giving roots,

it will wither and die.

~ Dwight D Eisenhower

We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic

not to find soil for their ploughs

but to secure liberty for their souls.

~ Robert J McCracken

Comment replies:

John - No, Ken wasn't a carpenter - he learned building from his dad who was not a carpenter either, but just picked up how to do things living his life. : )  He was pretty amazing and so is Ken. : )   Thank you John for all your kind comments.