Greetings, loyal blog followers.

With this post, I am taking a holiday break. Here in the good ol’ USA, July 4 is our Independence Day. No, it is not the “fourth of July holiday” — that expression always drives me nuts, like when I hear people wish each other, “Happy Fourth of July!”

Independence Day recognizes the date when we choose to celebrate that the United States of America declared her independence from Great Britain in 1776. I’ll let the patriotic bloggers get into the politics of it, but for the rest of us, it is a day of celebrating our nation’s independence and freedom.

By the way, this post is being posted on July 3. So “Happy Third of July, everyone!”

Now, back to the point… what will we be doing on this long holiday weekend, and what footwear will I be wearing, considering that the weather will be the typical HHH? (Hot, humid, hazy?)

Activities in the ol’ BHD household for the next 3-1/2 days include–

* Caregiving for my adorable, loving, spouse. Not much more to be said; he remains quite ill, but each hour of each day that I can simply hold his hand is a blessing.

* Spending dedicated time working on “that big thing for my kitchen.” It seems that every summer I work on some massive project. Two years ago, I replaced my kitchen floor with Italian tile. Last year, I built a pond and patio in the back yard. This year, I am building, literally, both a functional and beautiful piece of art. Gorgeous #1 red oak forms the major components of this “big thing”, with lots of labor in routing, mitering, joining, and other manly workworking skills (smile). I will not do the “big reveal” for about three more weeks, so hang tight! This is gonna be spectacular!

* Having an early release from work on July 3 — woopie! I get to go home and make chicken soup for my spouse. Oh joy! (It does take about three hours from start to finish, following my uncle’s recipe.)

* Riding my Harley (weather permitting) to my state capitol on the morning of Independence Day to witness two friends taking the Oath of Allegiance and becoming our nation’s newest citizens! How cool is that? I’ll be there in American jeans, USA-made Chippewa boots, and a USA-made shirt (which is damn hard to find these days!)

* Provided my spouse is stable, I will drop by my best friend’s house for his annual Independence Day party. Crabs, beer, badminton, volleyball… well, one of four ain’t bad, since I don’t drink beer or play any kind of sport.

* Watching the Independence Day concert and fireworks in DC — on television. Much better view, no bugs, no rain, no noisy crazies, no security hassles, no parking problems. I’ll just park myself next to my spouse on the couch and hold his hand.

* Perhaps, maybe, hopefully, going for a motorcycle ride on the weekend with my cousin and some other buddies. At the time I am writing this post, we are still firming up plans. It’s tough trying to organize things with a millennial. 🙂

* Working with some buddies on a remodeling job on a house where a wounded warrior lives with his wife and children. Another friend is organizing the one-day massive remodel among some 30 volunteers. Me, my power tools, jeans & work boots will be on the job, sir.

* Taking my usual LOLITS grocery shopping.

* Walking my usual long, brisk walk with my senior walking buddy.

Overall, it will be a nice holiday with lots of things to do sandwiched in between caregiving and doing what my heart leads me to do.

BTW, unless there is breaking news, my next post will not be until 7 July. I really do intend to take time off this holiday weekend, as you can tell from the slothful list above. (snork)

Life is short: Happy Independence Day, in boots!