Happy Birthday, USA

You're a grand old flag,

You're a high flying flag,

And forever in peace may you wave

  You're the emblem of the land I love.

The home of the free and the brave.

Thank you, George M. Cohan for the music and thank you to millions of Americans who have lived and died to keep these words true. From Valley Forge over two hundred years ago to  Fallujah in a not-so-distant past my deepest gratitude to all those who protect our flag, our selves and our republic.  

I thought you all would enjoy a few pictures of the flags at Rockefeller Center. The blue umbrellas you see are set in what is the ice rink in the winter. I took these on Saturday and loved the bright sun and the waving flags.

It's been a fun weekend and I am luxuriating in having a day to catch up on things I didn't get to earlier. Bright sunny weather today, unlike yesterday's thunder storms. I see some Italian ices in my day! Hope it's a great Fourth of July all over!

I Am Grateful for...

My Country

"...Land that I love. 

Stand beside her and guide her 

Through the night with the light from above."

"G'd Bless America, My home, sweet home." 

Profoundly grateful doesn't begin to describe my feelings for America. Freedom to worship, freedom to assemble and freedom to vote are all gifts I treasure.  I've been a state and city employee for the majority of my working life. I know there are flaws in our government, but I also know there are abiding strengths. 

As I treasure the freedoms I hold so dear I extend gratitude to those who risk so much for my country, members of our military. Keep safe, keep well and know that you are all in my prayers.