Tag Archives: Fourth of July

The Dogs at the Party

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If you caught yesterday’s blog about fireworks, you may remember that Moose and Lally were invited to attend a barbeque with me. I wasn’t sure if I should bring them, but in the end, since I was going to be out of the house for more than eight hours, I let the pups tag along. They’re good car riders. Moose flopped out on the back seat of my station wagon; Lally rode half the time in the passenger seat next to me and half the time in the way-back of the wagon. I was the one who had trouble — … Continue reading →

Let the Fireworks Begin!

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Last night around nine o’clock, somebody started in with the fireworks. I live across the street from the local high school and middle school, and there’s lots of open space available between the sports fields and parking lots. Through the open window, I could hear the crackle of the fireworks, followed by a whole lot of hooting and hollering. Right around the same time I was hearing the beginnings of Fourth of July celebrations, a friend posted on her blog about her dog’s reaction to fireworks. Not fear — as is a common reaction to fireworks and other loud noises … Continue reading →

“Independence Day” for a Single Parent

I have never been a huge fan of the *Fourth of July* in its traditional sense with the firecrackers and heavy drinking. What I can wrap my head around however, is the “Independence Day” part of the celebration. While I know my history well enough to appreciate the founding fore-folk and all the work they did to bring about our republic, “Independence Day” also has strong meaning to me as a single parent… If I was to pick one word that describes single parents and single parent families, it would probably be “independent.” Many of us are completely self-supporting and … Continue reading →

Babies and Fireworks

Will you be celebrating the Fourth of July with a fireworks show? If so, here are some things to keep in mind to ensure that everyone, including the baby, has a wonderful, fun and safe celebration. First let’s mention that very young babies shouldn’t be taken to a fireworks show. The loud noises and crowds can make your baby uncomfortable, scare or cranky. While it may be inconvenient, in the long run it might be easier to get a sitter or to watch the fireworks on television or from very far away. Speaking of far away, pick out a spot … Continue reading →

What to Bring to a Fourth of July Parade 2

Are you all ready for your Fourth of July celebrations? I hope that you get the opportunity to visit a community parade. I’ve been sharing some items for items to bring to the parade to enhance the experience. Small candies: Small candies are great to have on hand to share with your parade neighbors. A secret stash of candy also helps if your children don’t happen to catch any of the candy that is thrown from the parade. Last year, we were at the end of the route and the candy from the floats had all been used up before … Continue reading →

What to Bring to a Fourth of July Parade

Every year, we try to hit at least one fourth of July parade. These parades are fun and really give us both a sense of patriotism and community. In our old neck of the woods, when we lived in our smaller home with the postage-stamp yard, the town Independence Day parade went right past our home, literally. We simply got some lawn chairs out and pulled them up to the sidewalk before the parade started. Our neighbors would do the same. One neighbor always hands out Italian ice (or water ice as it is called here in Pennsylvania), while another … Continue reading →

Patriotic Desserts

You can’t have a Fourth of July picnic or an Independence Day backyard bash without dessert, right? If you are looking to decorate your weekend buffet with a red, white and blue sweet treat the following recipes will come in very handy. Each provides a patriotic punch to holiday meal, though you might want to reserve a piece early because neither will last long on a hot July day. RED, WHITE, AND BLUE FRUIT PIZZA Ingredients: 1 roll (16.5 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 … Continue reading →

Where to Wave Your Flag this Fourth of July

Nothing says Fourth of July quite like a patriotic holiday parade. If you are hitting the highway to enjoy a family vacation this weekend you might consider stopping in one of the following cities to take in the sights and sounds of some of our nation’s most festive Independence Day parades. Grab the kids, a few lawn chairs and your miniature-sized flags and watch as Old Glory marches down Main Street. WISCONSIN—-Racine Fourth Fest Parade It’s billed as the largest Fourth of July parade in the Midwest and it takes place in tiny Racine, Wisconsin, which is nestled along the … Continue reading →

Summer Travel—-Culinary Tours and Fourth of July Savings

Some of Seattle’s most popular chefs are heading up a unique tour this summer designed to get foodies to hit the road for a taste of the Northwest. The top-rated chefs are teaming up with Gray Line of Seattle bus company this summer for eight new culinary tours. Each tour features a visit with a chef from a popular Seattle restaurant. Participating eateries include Crush, Troiani Ristorante Italiano, El Gaucho, Sky City at the Space Needle, Chandlers Crabhouse on Lake Union, Daniel’s Broiler at Lake Union, Waterfront Grill and Palisade. During the tour individual chefs will greet participants at the … Continue reading →

Celebrating the Fourth in Hawaii

Despite what you might think we do celebrate with fireworks, BBQ’s, and parades just like the rest of the country. Spending Independence Day in the 50th state is a dream come true for most folks, and as someone who was born and raised there I must admit there are quiet a few tourists that time their Hawaiian vacations to coincide with Fourth of July celebrations… and rarely are they disappointed with their decision to do so. This year Waikoloa Beach Resort is once again hosting the Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race. The annual Fourth of July festival has been going … Continue reading →