Happy Independence Day!
This is the first time we will be out of the country on the Fourth of July. I always liked the Fourth of July – it is a low fuss holiday, it usually involves lots of food, and it gets you another day off mid-summer. Plus, there are explosions. What’s not to like?
I was trying to remember how we spent the last couple of Fourths. Last year, we went to our friends Matt and Mindy’s annual picnic. There was that potentially dangerous combination of beer and fireworks, but no casualties.
This picture about sums up the state of the world today:
I don’t recall what we did the year before, in 2008. I’m hoping it didn’t involve work, but it is a distinct possibility if there are no pictures.
It didn’t surprise me that the holidays in 2006 and 2007 were spent in some house renovation related context. In 2006, with the help of our friend Scott, we must have spent the day painting our kitchen. Back then, long weekends meant renovations, without fail.
In 2007, at least we got to combine home renovations with travel – a strange concept, I know. Did I mention that not only did we spend four years fixing up a house that we ended up selling to take this trip, but that we were completely crazy in our efforts to do so? Long ago, I dreamed about writing a house blog, but there was never time. At one point, our plan was to stay in our house forever, but somewhere along the line of replacing character stripped out years ago to make room for bland apartments and fixing decades of other people’s shortcuts, we realized that the house was not for us. But not before we drove all the way from Pennsylvania to Iowa to pick up antique 5 panel doors complete with transoms that were likely similar to the ones originally in our house, saved from an Iowa farmhouse. In truth, we went much because it gave us an excuse to see many of the fly-over states – the ones where everyone says there is nothing but corn. Well, yes, but there is also a lot of life going on between the coasts. Our midwest road trip was one of my most favorite trips. We stayed in a B&B in a different state each night. We spent the morning of the Fourth that year in St. Louis.
After stopping by to taste some pie at a Slice of Pie in Rolla, Missouri, we arrived in Fort Scott, Kansas, by nightfall. Fort Scott, chosen at random because it was on our way, was the epitome of mid-Western, small town America. I still recall the enthusiasm and vigor with which the townspeople celebrated the Fourth. Driving through the town, we were surrounded on all sides and above by big, intense fireworks. We watched what we thought was the town’s official fireworks display, until we realized it was just a family shooting off fireworks in the yard.
There will be no fireworks for us this year, but I suppose that’s the tradeoff. I hope everyone has a happy, safe, and fun Fourth of July!
Happy 4th of July, Amy & Sean!! Your moms & families will be spending the holiday together, talking about our poor dear children & the sacrifices they’ll be making while missing the fireworks & celebrations. We’re happy that Fabulous will be with us ~ we’ll be sure to give him lots of loving so he doesn’t get scared from the loud booms!
Hey amy,
we went to a picnic yesterday, not Thiels as we didn’t get any word of it this year. Then we headed to the “celebration” at the Hampton community center. It was SO nice and we had never really known about it before. Next year, you guys should come with us. Maybe you can even buy a house in our neighborhood and we can be neighbors 😉
Today we are heading to my brother’s house for a late day picnic and then tomorrow to Aunt Sissy’s house. Hopefully we get to say hi to Patty and Dick while there. That evening at about 6:30 or 7ish our time we’ll be heading to the staydubar for a chat about Ireland. If you are up at that ungodly hour, your time, you should try to skype in. I’ll take my computer or matt will have his.
Enjoy the 4th, wherever you are!!!
Fourth was as busy as usual. Went to two parties – one of them a graduation party. In the morning while I was riding my bike I saw some people jogging for exercise carying the American Flag on Washington road. It was a sunny summer day as is the whole entire spell for 10 days at least. Pretty nice even for this time of the year.
Thank you so much for your comments on Fort Scott. It was another great 4th of July here, so hope you enjoyed yours no matter where in the world you are.
Glenda Crowder
Director of Tourism
Fort Scott, Kansas
Hi Amy & Sean, happy 4th! Hope you had a good day. Went to my friend Abby’s for some swimming, weird gin drinks, and pulled pork w/ apples. Had a really good time! Everyone in the neighborhood was shooting off incredible fireworks. Hope you’re having fun and aren’t too homesick…although from your post it sounds like you aren’t missing your house at all! I miss you guys! <3
We think Fort Scott is a great place to celebrate the 4th!!!! Glad you found our little town on the prairie.
BTW, Great pictures! Especially of the brick!