Independence Day

On the wall behind me is a beautiful wooden case, holding the flags presented to me at my father's graveside. It has been a bit over four years since then, and I still miss him every day. My father was a National Guardsman for 40 years, 38 of those years he was full time.
I learned a lot from my dad, like how to drive a stick shift and "always bring a sweater". My father also taught me about patriotism. Three things stand out in my mind:

1. Stand up when the National Anthem is sung.
2. Obey the rules when displaying the U.S. flag.
3. Show respect for those who serve in our military. They're the good guys.

Thanks, Daddy, and thank you to all those who have served and those who continue to serve. You are my heroes.

Happy Fourth of July!

My phone rang the other day and someone (not sayin' who) invited himself, his wife, mother and two daughters to my house for a 4th of July party. Since, in our entire adult lives, I don't think this cousin (again, not namin' names or anything) has NEVER done this before and since he volunteered to bring food (okay, well, his wife and mother did the actual cooking), I couldn't say no.

So my question is, do I play it cool, acting like I'm doing them a huge favor by letting them come OR do I let on that I was actually thrilled to pieces to have some of my favorite people in the world spend the day with us? Hmmmm.....

Did I mention his wife makes fabulous desserts?