Life

 We are a board game family -- any board game! -- Life and Clue and Scrabble and Upwords and Boggle and Rubicube and just about anything that pulls the family together.

 Chris Saxman cups ... LOL. They were all around the table.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
Independence Day Weekend

Luke

Luke.   :)

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
4 July 2011

Birthday Wishes to George W. Bush

Today is the birthday of the 43rd President of the United States George W. Bush. He will be immortalized in history for helping to keep Americans safe during the war on terrorism when 3,000 innocent people were killed in the devastating attacks on 9/11/01.

Many thanks to the former President for his leadership and for his continued support of our military troops who protect the freedoms we cherish.

Happy Birthday, President Bush!

7.4.11 ... family, friends, flags, and fireworks

American flags against the Shenandoah Valley sky on the 4th of July 2011.

Storms and rain moved in late in the afternoon, causing problems throughout the Commonwealth and raining out many fireworks shows. Staunton, however, carried on with activities in Gypsy Hill Park with the Rhondels concert followed by fireworks. Harrisonburg's fireworks got canceled.

Thankfully, we set off fireworks on Saturday and Sunday nights.

What is Independence Day without red, white, and blue? We've been decorating and entertaining in our back yard on the 4th of July for years.

SWAC Daughter caught this neat angle of the American flags against the sun.

Homemade ice cream ... two batches: banana and peach. Yum!

Burgers, hotdogs, brats, chicken kabobs, corn-on-the-cob, salads, deviled eggs ... it was a summer feast.

It was a Rock Band weekend along with badminton, grilling, board games, Green Valley Book Fair, Hull's Drive-In, fireworks ... it was busy!

Pre-cookout setup in the backyard and ice cream making ... sunny skies and warm temperatures made for a perfect day.

SWAC Daughter's annual tradition since she was ten years old ... the flag cake.

Walk like an Egyptian....

Hey there, Barb!

Cook custard. Add ice and salt. Freeze. So good....

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
4 July 2011

These colors don't run

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
4 July 2011

A red, white, and blue holiday

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
Independence Weekend 2011

"There's a storm across the Valley...."

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
4 July 2011

Independence Day celebration

This container of M&Ms sitting on the living room coffee table, drew young folks like flies to honey.

Who knew M&Ms were so popular?

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
Independence Day Weekend 2011

George Allen on Independence Day: Thank you to our brave troops fighting to preserve our freedom

“As Virginians and Americans, we have so much to celebrate and be thankful for on this Independence Day. Our heritage as a nation began right here on the soil of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

“The wisdom of Thomas Jefferson gave us the Declaration of Independence, and defined for America the founding principles of our nation and the inalienable rights of all human beings. Those principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are as true today as they were 235 years ago.

“As we reflect on the enduring inspiration of our Founding Fathers, we remember their struggle to be free and the promise that it holds. It is our responsibility as Americans to ensure that our nation continues to be a beacon of freedom for generations to come.

“Thank you to our brave troops fighting overseas to preserve the freedoms and opportunities that we cherish here at home. Stand strong for freedom. God bless America.”

"It is in truth not for glory...."

"It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting,

but for freedom — for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself."  

~Arbroath, Scotland, 1320

(Thanks, home school alumni Hannah Short, for the quote.)

Gov. McDonnell on Independence Day: "Remember that freedom is not free"

“As people around the Commonwealth and country raise their American flags, march in community parades and gather with friends and families to celebrate our Independence Day, we honor those who fought for and declared our independence 235 years ago, as well as the brave military men and women who continue to protect our freedom and liberty serving overseas today.

"We must always remember that freedom is not free.

"We have the duty to ensure that the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, given by our Creator, penned by Thomas Jefferson and forever enshrined by our forefathers in the Declaration of Independence in 1776, are secured for generations to come.

"These are the principles that for 235 years have guided our great nation. These are the principles the men and women of our armed forces serving in Afghanistan, Iraq, and around the world defend so valiantly today. These brave men and women have selflessly put their lives on the line to ensure our safety and security.

"We are forever grateful to them and pray for their safe return home. On this Independence Day, I wish all Virginians, residents of the cradle of American Democracy, heirs to a glorious past and architects of a prosperous future, a happy Fourth of July.”

--Governor Bob McDonnell
July 4, 2011

4th of July in Staunton 2011

American flags against the Shenandoah Valley sky.

Fireworks in Gypsy Hill Park will take place at 10:00 Monday night, July 4, 2011.

If you're looking for a good old-fashioned 4th of July celebration, look no further than the SWAC area for displays of American flags, bunting, fireworks, and picnics celebration America's Independence Day.

Staunton's America's Birthday Celebration committee has the lineup of events for Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday including fireworks Monday night. Monday morning at 10:00 is the annual 4th of July parade in the park. Come on out and join us in the Valley for the 4th!  Activities are located in Gypsy Hill Park and centered around the Gazebo (Bandstand Stage). Vendors, food, arts and crafts, and carnival will be available.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Sunday
11 a.m. — Community Worship Service conducted by the Rev. Luke Smith
12 p.m. to 3 p.m. — Terry Barrett, Faithful Praise, Greater Love
3 p.m. — Break
5 p.m. — Ivan Parker with special guests Jeff & Sheri Easter and Charlotte Ritchie

Monday
7:30 a.m. — Firecracker 5K Race
10 a.m. to noon — Parade
Noon — Children's Hour
1 p.m. — Texaco Country Showdown
2:30 p.m. — The Last Minute Band
5 p.m. — Wild Horse Band
7 p.m. — The Rhondells
10 p.m. — Fireworks

More events for Independence Day:

Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia:
Free admission on July 4th for this hands-on outdoor museum located in Staunton. Stop by to see interpreters on the various farms-- England, Ireland, Germany, Western Africa, and American -- and talk with them about a way of life at a different time in history.

Green Valley Book Fair:
Open Saturday, July 2, through Sunday, July 17, from 9 am until 7 pm daily, the Book Fair offers thousands of books in all categories at 60-90% off retail. I-81 to Exit 240 in Mt. Crawford (north of Staunton).

Massanutten's Summer Jam:
Sunday, July 3, at Massanutten Resort east of Harrisonburg. Lots of summer fun, entertainment, food, and more. $25 per person.

Monticello:
For the past 49 years, Independence Day has had a special meaning at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello estate as they celebrate with their Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony. This year 77 people from 44 countries around the world will stand on the West Lawn and become U.S. citizens at 9:00 a.m. Go to the website for more information for this free event.

First Annual Oak Leaf Bluegrass & Mountain Music Festival:
The grounds of Luray Caverns will host this first ever event along the Shenandoah Music Trail with a full weekend lineup of entertainment on July 2 through July 4. Check out the website for information on prices, camping, and musical groups who will be performing.

Wintergreen 4th of July:
Head for the higher altitudes for a Fourth of July Jubilee with wine tastings, fireworks, arts and crafts, scenic chairlift rides, and much more family fun.

Humpback Mountain Farmstead:
On Sunday, July 3, on the Blue Ridge Parkway six miles south of Afton Mountain, join Dixie Pride from 2-4 p.m. for entertainment on the farmstead.

Staunton's Old Fashioned 4th of July:
With a full weekend lineup of music and entertainment, Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park is the place to be for American Independence Day celebrations. See the complete lineup here ... and don't forget the annual parade Monday, July 4, at 10:00 a.m.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

The words of Hemingway

"The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places."
~ Ernest Hemingway (July 21, 1899 - July 2, 1961)

I liked this Hemingway quote posted by a Facebook friend. It's one I had not heard before -- I've seen it expressed in other ways by other people -- but it is quite accurate.

It certainly applies to many people I know in all walks of life who have taken their hard knocks, picked themselves up, dusted themselves off, and become more determined to carry on. It divides those who say, "I can," from those who say, "It's your fault."

I'm glad to know so many "I can" people.

Shenandoah Valley 4th of July weekend ... events around the area

American flags against the Shenandoah Valley sky.

Independence Day ... the very name conjures up visions of fireworks and red, white, and blue ... picnics and cookouts and parades ... patriotism and American pride.

Most of us are proud to be American. We're independent, just like this country we love, and we're strong and self-reliant. We proudly display American flags as we celebrate those who fought and freed us from British control ... and we remember our active military members who are still fighting for the freedoms that allow us to gather for celebrations with family and friends.

So I was surprised to read the Harvard study that is going around proclaiming those who celebrate the 4th of July are "right-wingers." It went on to say:

"Fourth of July celebrations in the United States shape the nation's political landscape by forming beliefs and increasing participation, primarily in favor of the Republican Party," said the report from Harvard.

Republican?

I've got to stand up for my Democratic and Independent friends who are also patriotic and love America. Perhaps it's the uninformed who don't celebrate such as was demonstrated in this video called, "Zombie Americans Have Forgotten Why 4th of July Is a Holiday!" Personally, I think the uninformed come from all political parties.

So back to the festivities and celebrating. There's lots going on in the Shenandoah Valley this weekend for those who live here and those who visit. Enjoy ... and don't forget the reason we celebrate the 4th of July -- America's Independence Day.

Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia:
Free admission on July 4th for this hands-on outdoor museum located in Staunton. Stop by to see interpreters on the various farms-- England, Ireland, Germany, Western Africa, and American -- and talk with them about a way of life at a different time in history.

Green Valley Book Fair:
Open Saturday, July 2, through Sunday, July 17, from 9 am until 7 pm daily, the Book Fair offers thousands of books in all categories at 60-90% off retail. I-81 to Exit 240 in Mt. Crawford (north of Staunton).

Massanutten's Summer Jam:
Sunday, July 3, at Massanutten Resort east of Harrisonburg. Lots of summer fun, entertainment, food, and more. $25 per person.

Monticello:
For the past 49 years, Independence Day has had a special meaning at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello estate as they celebrate with their Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony. This year 77 people from 44 countries around the world will stand on the West Lawn and become U.S. citizens at 9:00 a.m. Go to the website for more information for this free event.

First Annual Oak Leaf Bluegrass & Mountain Music Festival:
The grounds of Luray Caverns will host this first ever event along the Shenandoah Music Trail with a full weekend lineup of entertainment on July 2 through July 4. Check out the website for information on prices, camping, and musical groups who will be performing.

Wintergreen 4th of July:
Head for the higher altitudes for a Fourth of July Jubilee with wine tastings, fireworks, arts and crafts, scenic chairlift rides, and much more family fun.

Staunton-Augusta Farmers Market:
Downtown in the Wharf parking lot from 7 a.m.-noon on Saturday, local farmers offer produce, flowers, fresh meats, and more.

Humpback Mountain Farmstead:
On Sunday, July 3, on the Blue Ridge Parkway six miles south of Afton Mountain, join Dixie Pride from 2-4 p.m. for entertainment on the farmstead.

Staunton's Old Fashioned 4th of July:
With a full weekend lineup of music and entertainment, Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park is the place to be for American Independence Day celebrations. See the complete lineup here ... and don't forget the annual parade Monday, July 4, at 10:00 a.m.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell