Independence Day

IMG_2656IMG_2650Taking a leaf from the pages of my past I have been grilling hamburgers and hot dogs all afternoon to serve with homemade cole-slaw and potato salad. I remember as a child how exciting the Fourth of July was as we anxiously awaited sundown so; that we could ignite sparklers, firecrackers, Roman candles and those neighborhood dad’s who would cross state lines to purchase M-80’s made the season explosive for all the kid’s. For those of us who are not fortunate to live close to a “fireworks stand”, the Internet has made purchasing for the private consumer a bit easier.

Today is Independence Day and to those of us who call America home, let’s come together in celebrating her 241st birthday!

Celebrate the Fourth safely,
K

Kathleen5 Comments

Happy Fourth

IMG_2656IMG_2650Taking a leaf from the pages of my past I have been grilling hamburgers and hot dogs all afternoon to serve with homemade cole-slaw and potato salad. I remember as a child how exciting the Fourth of July was as we anxiously awaited sundown so; that we could ignite sparklers, firecrackers, Roman candles and those neighborhood dad’s who would cross state lines to purchase M-80’s made the season explosive for all the kid’s. For those of us who are not fortunate to live close to a “fireworks stand”, the Internet has made purchasing for the private consumer easier.

Today is Independence Day and to those of us who call America home, let’s come together in celebrating her 238th birthday.

Enjoy the Fourth Safely,
K

Kathleen2 Comments

Summer Solstice

IMG_1395IMG_1398{Heath before sunrise}

Lately, the sights and sounds around Heath have been signaling the rapid approach of summer and today, June 21st will mark the longest day of the year, the summer solstice.

I decided to partake in the unfolding of treasures the day had to offer by getting up before sunrise, and put on a pot of mint tea (from the garden of course), then sat on the front porch to envelope my surroundings along with our cat Malcolm. Firstly, it was a bit cool around 55 degrees with no humidity, the air was fresh and extremely crisp to the point that I needed a sweater. There was no movement except for a slight rustling of the branches and trees. After a few moments of sitting the light of day began to inch across the lawn, next the chirping of the first bird resounded and then a few minutes later, several birds were joining the chorus.

IMG_1428{Malcolm the family cat}

It was great to see a few of my neighbors venture out before sunrise as well, tending their gardens and lawns before the heat of the day. Several minutes later the earth seemed to awaken with the noise of distant traffic, the smell of cooking from other homes and several of Malcolm’s (the cat) friends were running home… did I mention they are an opossum and a raccoon?

After observing the start to my day, I had to go to work, but made it outside at noon to see the sun high in the sky, along with my minuscule shadow on the ground. The heat of the day was progressing, but what I found incredulous about the summer equinox is after today, the days will begin to grow shorter and the nights will become longer, as we head back towards the winter solstice.

IMG_1446 IMG_0196{Heath at sunset and the moon playing her part in the summer solstice}

Walking this evening was fabulous; I went out after sundown to watch how the light plays across the atmosphere with the gorgeous indigo-blue tint in the western sky. There was a lot going on this evening beginning with fireflies flittering throughout the trees like shooting stars, crickets chirping, frogs croaking, and the occasional popping of firecrackers to indicate the start of summer or probably a  prelude to the fourth of July.

Being outside was a wondrous feeling because the sky was clear and of course I watched for shooting stars, but more importantly it was refreshing to take part in the symbiotic relationship of earth and sky simply by spending time outdoors.

Here’s to a fabulous summer!

K

Kathleen3 Comments