The Spirit of '76

 

Today I'm feeling the Spirit of  '76

Today I join the Spirit of '76 Club, though I won't officially turn 76 until 10:26 P.M. It's overwhelming -- neither of my parents made it to 76 -- and lots of fun, and I am very grateful to join this club. I'm going to write a longer birthday post, but couldn't resist including this in a very quick recap of the monumental weekend. 

Tall ships on the Hudson River 

It was quite a weekend in New York City. There were tall ships, planes, fireworks, the World Cup Games and as previously discussed, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding. There was a lot of discussion about the upheaval the wedding created because several blocks were closed, but if you weren't driving it was barely a ripple in Manhattan. Streets are closed for one reason or another every day and a few times a month I find I'm riding on a bus that's detoured because of a street fair or construction. 

I got to watch the tall ships and planes from a friend's office that overlooks the Hudson River -- New Jersey is across the water. We were on the 35+ floor. We had a great view of the ships coming down the river, but a less good view of the details. No complaints from me. It was one of the 100+ degree days and I was happy to be inside and out of the sun and have a great array of snacks and a coffee machine. It was truly memorable.   

I also made two visits to the New York Public Library for several great exhibits, which also deserve their own post. The Library has gone from what was, when I moved to New York in 1975, a musty series of reading rooms to a very lively and interesting place for exhibits, lectures and a cafe. 

I spent time "curating" my collection of photographs of the American flag taken in the last decade. I put my collection on Instagram and I'm happy to share the link. This photograph of the Fearless Girl statue in Lower Manhattan is one of my favorites of the collection. 

Fearless Girl and the New York Stock Exchange

I hope all of Buttercupland had a great celebration, too. I'm going to take the next few days and simply catch up. There's email to read, bills to pay, thank you notes to write, blogs to visit and the usual household chores to do. Turning 76 doesn't change the errands and chores, but I did take a vacation from them to celebrate America's birthday and my birthday. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and keep cool. 

On July 4, 1776

 

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed..."

The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

Born on the Fourth of July

 

Mackinac Island, Michigan

A few days ago I wrote a love letter to Canada and this post is a love letter to my home and native land, America. More often than not, the Fourth of July is a day for the beach, fireworks and barbecues, but its origins are much more serious. It's the  day the Declaration of Independence was adopted in Philadelphia in  1776. It would take seven more years for the former colonies to become a country, but in 1783 the Treaty of Paris was signed and the United States of America had won its freedom. 

As the Marquis de Lafayette wrote: 

Humanity has won its battle. Liberty now has a country.

Over a century ago my family found a new home, one without a state religion and with freedom of  speech and the press. It was a haven from the persecution they knew in Europe. It is the country of Liberty and my gratitude is boundless. 

Happy birthday, America and a toast to those who bravely signed the Declaration of Independence and pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and enjoy this great and sacred day.

And Forever in Peace May You Wave

 

I'm a little late too for Fourth of July greetings, but not too late to say that I hope it was a happy day. I'm also never too late to quote George M. Cohan and my favorite lyric from "You're a Grand Old Flag." 

"And Forever in Peace May You Wave."

This beautiful scene is on the spectacular Mackinac Island in Michigan. You leave Detroit and drive 300 miles north. You take the ferry to the island and you blink once and you've entered paradise. There are no cars, but lots of bicycles and some of the most fabulous scenery ever. Have a lemonade, eat some fudge, listen to the water lapping at the shore and enjoy the calm.   

I want to share my very first Fourth of July card from dear Buttercup friend, Darlene in Tennessee. Firecrackers, stars, stripes and good wishes! Darlene, can't begin to thank you for your thoughtfulness. Much, much appreciated. 

I didn't spend much time out-of-doors today -- the dreaded holiday rain descended -- but I did see the latest version of Indiana Jones and caught up with a dear friend. I also began my birthday celebration with a great Mexican dinner. Thanks, E, both the food and company were a treat.   

I hope your day held good times and I hope, too, that Old Glory waves over a peaceful and just nation. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and happy summer.  

Fourth of July in New York City

 

Rockefeller Center 

Actually the photos on this post were taken on the third of July, but let's not quibble about the dates. The weather forecast for this weekend was at best iffy, and I wanted to make sure that I got to Rockefeller Center to take photographs on a sunny day. I went yesterday and it turns out today is just as lovely as yesterday. The entire weekend has turned out to be a great weather weekend and I've enjoyed a less-busy New York, at least in my neighborhood. The Rockefeller Center vicinity was hopping and lots of fun to visit. 

Love the "stay dry" fountains!

I'm not sure what the technical term for these fountains are, but in Buttercupland they're to be known as the "stay dry" fountains. The water stops and people step into the circle and then the water begins again. This is a new addition to the area and it's the same area where the Christmas tree is displayed in December.  

One of my favorite parts of Rockefeller Center are the fountains that begin at Fifth Avenue and stretch for half a block going west to the skating rink. They are decorated for every season and these summer decorations are particularly lovely.

 

I'm about to do some walking and enjoy this beautiful day in New York. I treated myself to my favorite summer treat, soft ice cream, yesterday and if I'm feeling especially indulgent I just may treat myself again. What's your favorite summer treat?

As ever, thanks for visiting. Heart and prayers are in Highland Park. Take care and stay safe, my friends.  

Note: I'm not sure what's with the quotation marks, but I'm figuring it's just today's quirky Blogger issue.   

She's a Grand Old Flag

Mackinac Island, Michigan, 2016

Independence Day is over, except for a few random fireworks still going off.  I hope it was a safe and enjoyable day for all of Buttercupland. I celebrated with iced coffee out of doors in the morning, a long and fun Zoom with my group of travel buddies in the afternoon and a Zoom wedding in the evening. 

I gathered a few of my favorite American flag photographs to share. One of my all-time favorite photographs is the one above taken on beautiful Mackinac Island in Michigan. Mackinac had long been one of my travel destinations and I so enjoyed my visit there. My only regret was not spending time on the island after a flight, a long drive and then a ferry ride. It was a lot of travel, but so worth it.   

  July at Rockefeller Center, pre-social distancing

A perfect summer day in the West Village, New York City, 

on one of my favorite historic blocks

The first pictures are  from times past, but this one was taken yesterday, just a few blocks from home. The building is next to one of the fruit stands I frequent and across the street from my hair stylist. It was one of many flags I saw displayed in the neighborhood.

I'm linking to the Fourth of July fun at Pink Saturday, though it's now officially Sunday. While I wrote this post the fireworks have ended and it's quiet once again in my corner of the world. I hope your corners of the world are peaceful, too. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care. Much love and stay well. 

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

Long may it wave! Old Glory in Guilford, CT 

 

Two hundred and forty three years ago in Philadelphia America was born. The Declaration of Independence is its birth certificate. An extraordinary document and the extraordinary commitment to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I've just reread it and as always, I am struck by the courage and vision of the founders of the United States. 

 

I'm off on a little adventure, not far from where America was born. I'm bringing my iPad and hope to post pictures while I'm away. Wishes for a bright and sunny Fourth of July and a great weekend.   

 

As always, thanks for visiting. Happy birthday, America!

How I'm Spending My Summer Vacation

When I retired I learned that every day is vacation, but I've found that keeping to the rhythms of the rest of world gives me a comfortable structure. I celebrated summer and the Fourth of July with a visit to Lower Manhattan, along with tens of thousands of my new best friends that joined me there. One of my stops on my "staycation" was a photographic visit to someone who needs no introduction, the Statue of Liberty.

This is the line for the ferry to Liberty Island, and this is only a small part of the line. 

The view of New Jersey from the marina at the World Financial Center, one of my favorite stops in Lower Manhattan.  

A slightly different view, with thanks to the Snapseed app.

 

 

I'm off to catch a train to Connecticut. There will be family, there will be friends and there will be pictures.

 

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a great weekend!

 

 

We Hold These Truths

 

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed

 

These words are as true today, as they were July 4, 1776

Happy birthday to the United States of America

 

Dressed up for Fourth of July on Mackinac Island Pink Saturday

I'm going to take Blogger's Prerogative -- just coined this term -- and switch the order of my announced posts. I'm in the mood for sharing my Fourth of July pictures from Mackinac and that's just what I'm going to do. To paraphrase Lesley Gore, "It's my blog and I'll post what I want to."
 

I'm not sure I've ever seen a place in America that looked as pretty for the Fourth of July as Mackinac Island. We were still ten days away from the holiday and the decorations were everywhere. I'm sure flags fly there throughout the year, but the decorations abounded and the flags flew high.
 

One of the landmark inns of the island dressed for Independence Day

 

Fort Mackinac -- on the hill -- overlooking Lady Liberty.

 

The fort was built in 1780, on the site of a French fort. The fort went back and forth between America and Britain until the Treaty of Ghent ended the War of 1812 and in July 1815 the fort went back to America. Mackinac Island and the Straits of Mackinac were important to America for control of the Great Lakes.  
 

Another beautiful inn, this one surrounded by the peonies blooming everywhere on the island.

 

Yes, I love this island and I love sharing its beauty with you. I hope you're having a wonderful weekend and very happy Pink Saturday and Sunday wishes!



Happy Birthday, America!

My view each day and so grateful for it.

 

 



"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776
 

...And Forever in Peace May You Wave

The American flag, with New York Harbor in the background

I learned a lot of patriotic music growing up and this song seemed just the right one to feature with my photograph of the American flag. My great wish for America on its birthday is the one in the title. May our flag fly over a country -- and a world -- at peace forever.

Have a Wonderful Fourth of July!

Happy Birthday and Thanks, America!

In the last month I've been thinking a lot about things for which I am grateful. I think of G-d's presence in my life, good health, family, friends, my neurosurgeon. The list is long and not a day goes by without my thanks for all of them. But I would be beyond remiss to omit my gratitude for my country.  

My mother's parents came to this country from Russia and Poland in 1905. My father's parents came to America in August, 1914, just before the start of the First World War. My grandfather was already a refugee from Russia who lived in France when he decided to come to America. He and my grandmother had just been married. Many of our relatives did not come to America and only a small number survived World War II. Though the depression years here were difficult, the alternative is unthinkable.

My infinite gratitude, America! You gave my family a safe home, the ability to earn a living, to participate in a free society and to worship without restriction. Happy 236th birthday and wishes for many, many more!

Pinterest Strawberryfest

Source: gigglesgalorenmore.blogspot.com via Carol on Pinterest

I wasn't sure what strawberry goodie I would find for today, but I typed in "strawberry treat" and found this Fourth of July strawberry treat and knew I had found something just right. I've had July on my mind and now that I'm almost back to real life I realized that next week is Fourth of July. It's always been a favorite holiday and though I'm a little early I am happy to begin my celebration here. What are everyone's plans for the Fourth?

I know I am feeling better because I did a little decluttering today and have just finished shredding checks from 2003. Of course I have no idea why I kept them, but it feels great to have one new empty space. I'm not pushing myself, but it's as easy now to watch television and sort as it is just to watch television. My television watching is mostly reruns of "Say Yes to the Dress" and "What Not to Wear" and I can definitely give some concentration to sorting.

Wishes for a Sweet and Fun Weekend!