Thoughts on the 4th of July

Fireworks, cook-outs and cherry pie are 4th of July traditions.

But, this year fireworks are cancelled in much of Colorado. Denver is still participating in this July tradition (and getting a lot of criticism for it).

Most cities, including Westminster which we live, have deemed it too dry and hot to risk a fire being sparked from fireworks. It’s so strange to think we won’t be watching fireworks this year. Sure, we could brave the tangled mess of traffic that is guaranteed to take place downtown. But, do we really want to deal with the traffic jam?

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Last year, on the 4th of July, I got the phone call I had dreaded for years: my step-father, Ron passed away. He battled ALS for 10 long years. The 4th of July will never be celebrated without me thinking of him.

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I am planning to work on my porch rockers. I have one finished, one to go, then I can finish up with the front porch redo. The garage has been started. They poured the caissons yesterday and will be back tomorrow to pour the cement.

Hubby got me these rockers for my birthday a few years ago. I fell in love with the old Southern rockers found on the plantation homes in Louisiana. But, a few years of sitting on the porch, they were looking very weathered. They are over-due for sanding and paint. I chose a wine color that matches the new shutters and front door. (more on that later)

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The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is a federal holiday that celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of the Independence on July 4th, 1776. Here’s some fun facts about the 4th of July:

• In 1776, the estimated number of people living in the free nation was 2.5 million. (source)
• In 2012, the estimated number of people living our nation this July 4th is 313.8 million. (source)
• In 2011, $3.6 million was spent on imports of American flags. $3.3 million of that was flags made in China. Check the “Made In” tag before you buy a flag. (source)
• The Fourth of July was not declared a national holiday until 1941. (source)
• Approximately 150 million hot dogs are consumed on this day. (source)
• Presidents John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe all died on the Fourth. Adams and Jefferson died on the same day within hours of each other in 1826. (source)
• The percentage of American homes with an outdoor grill is 87 percent. (source)

Have a happy and safe holiday! And, if you see an American solider, say “thank you”. 

**Just heard that Broomfield, Thornton and Northglenn are going ahead with their fireworks show…there’s hope yet of a 4th of July tradition!