Running with a new color scheme for the front yard, I planted red, white, and blue flowers in the urns near the front door.
I just love the prevalence of red cardinals and blue jays in Virginia, along with the hummingbirds I enjoyed so frequently in Texas…so I had to buy this banner.
It perfectly adds my style with the birds and flowers, picket fence, watering can, flagstone border in patriotic style…
That pop of happy color was just what the front needed!
AMERICANA INSIDE
Then I decorated the inside of the house with all the patriotic stuff I could find…
I’m so glad I have a great storage room in our basement, where I can organize all my decor as needed.
Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson singing on top of the piano…
I’ve had these fun beadboard stars since Texas, and the silver urn was purchased at a Colonial Williamsburg auction…where no bid is allowed to reach regular sales price.
I just love these placemats, that are sadly wearing out.
Threatened with evening thunderheads on July 1, I had to admit they were stunning to watch dramatically build taller into the sky.
HIKING
Although the day before Independence Day threatened rain, we hiked on different trails off the George Washington Memorial Parkway, which parallels the Potomac River.
HAND-CRANKING ICE CREAM IN THE RAIN
Laying a tarp on top of the deck, we could hand crank ice cream below while listening to the rain drops falling around us.
So…my son and I have been analyzing the use of those 4 ounces of extract in this one container of ice cream. Hmmm…stay tuned for that post about Prohibition Era Ice Cream!
FAVORITE MOVIE
In between food prep, we watched one of our favorite movies, Yankee Doodle Dandy with James Cagney.
GRILLING IN THE RAIN
On Independence Day, it rained, so we creatively conquered our Texas style grilled fajitas on top of the deck while dodging rain drops.
Last year I attempted smoking brisket in the rain, which was pretty good.
This year I was prepared with an easy grilling in case of rain, so today it was fajitas!
FIREWORKS AND RECITATIONS
While waiting for the fireworks, we take turn reading aloud our favorite patriotic poetry!
Enjoying the local fireworks from our deck, I especially enjoy the mist and then the show!
Let’s see…on my shopping list next year is bunting for the front and back!
