Independence Day on July 2^nd? It seems a little early to be celebrating, but it almost happened. It was a grueling hot summer in 1776. The American colonies were in open revolt and in Philadelphia a group of men gathered to officially declare the colonies’ independence from Britain. It was an historical milestone, but it’s only a fluke of public relations that made July 4^th the official day. The Declaration was actually signed on July 2^nd, but the founding fathers thought it needed a little PR pizzazz before it was presented to the public. It took them an additional two days to come up with just the right catchy slogan, and just like that July 4^th was born.

It didn’t take long for the American public to enthusiastically embrace Independence Day. Fireworks were added a year later and have become a staple ever since, along with parades, bonfires, concerts, and the firing of cannons. Strangely enough, the federal government, created as a result of the Declaration, was one of the last American institutions to recognize Independence Day. It didn’t become an official federal holiday until 1870, and it took another 70 years for federal employees to actually get paid for the day off. 

Believe it or not, barbeques were already a thing, and the 4^th of July made for a great excuse for a summer party. The first barbeques weren’t really so much family events as community events, where the entire town gathered together near an open fire pit to roast and then consume whatever animal was on hand. 

The details may have changed a little bit, but the basics haven’t. The celebration of July 4^th is a tradition that goes back over two centuries. It’s patriotism and a great party, all in one. What’s not to like?

Happy 4^th, everyone!

You may have noticed that, except for the 4^th of July, the summer months are devoid of major holidays. Maybe it’s an oversight or maybe people are too busy enjoying the fine weather to celebrate. If you’re one of those people who think there just aren’t enough holidays, then you’re in luck because even though the big ones won’t arrive until fall, there are still plenty on the calendar for you to enjoy.

In the month of June, for example, you have Heimlich Maneuver Day on June 1^st to kick things off and Meteor Day on June 30^th to finish the month strong. Along the way you can enjoy Hug Your Cat Day on June 4^th, have lunch in the sunshine on International Picnic Day on June 18^th or get wild and crazy on June 15^th’s World Juggling Day. For those who like deep-fried holidays, you can stop for a bite to eat on June 22nd to commemorate National Onion Rings Day, and if you can’t bear to leave your favorite pooch behind, bring them with you on Take Your Dog to Work Day, celebrated on June 21^st.

That’s just a small sampling from one month. Look around and you’re sure to find a holiday that suits your fancy. None of them are as famous as Halloween or Christmas, but fun is where you make it. Speaking of fun, maybe you just can’t find a holiday that fits your preferences. Not to worry. When in doubt, you can always make one of your own. 

Life is meant to be enjoyed, so in that spirit, have a great and holiday-filled summer. 

Dads come in all sorts of varieties. There are the traditional kinds like Ward Cleaver who always seemed to have time to throw a ball with his sons or the hard-working sorts who come home exhausted from earning the family bread and promptly curl up on the couch. Whatever variety of father you may have, there are undoubtedly some lessons in life he gave that have stuck with you. 

This Father’s Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on our lives and on those life lessons. Maybe it’s our values or the way we see the world. Maybe it’s the way we handle our business relationships. It could be something as simple as our choice of steak sauce or salad dressing or always keeping our wallet in our front pocket. We’ve probably recycled more than a few of Dad’s famous catch phrases over the years. Have you caught yourself fussing at your kids for leaving the window open and the air conditioning on? Chances are that’s your Dad talking.

It could even be things you learned not to do, like adding a little extra lighter fluid to the charcoal grill at just the wrong time, or a home improvement project that didn’t go quite the way Dad envisioned it. The list is endless and as unique as you and Dad.

Whether we want to acknowledge it or not, we are who we are in part because of Dad. Those life lessons stick with us as the years pass. This Father’s Day, say thank you and don’t forget to be a little careful around that grill. 

Back in the old days, parents used to tell their kids to “go outside and get some fresh air and sunshine.” Of course, those were the days before cellphones, TikTok and fancy interactive video games. It can sometimes be hard to tear the kids (or yourself) off the couch long enough to enjoy the great outdoors. The effort is worth it though, because nature- so-called Green Therapy- can be a great way to heal both mind and body.

Humans are designed for fresh air and sunshine. In fact, as anyone who’s experienced seasonal depression will tell you, we suffer when we don’t get them. There’s research out there that suggests fresh air and sunshine stimulates the creation of positive endorphins in the brain that make us feel better and give us the fortitude to better handle stress. 

Getting out and enjoying nature doesn’t mean a brutal survival trek through the wilderness, unless of course that happens to appeal to you. There are other, simpler ways to enjoy the outdoors that don’t involve eating bark or fighting off grizzly bears. Take a walk in the park, paint a picture underneath a shady tree. Try some nature inspired crafts, like making your own grape arbor or sculpting with natural clay. Plan and grow a garden, or if you don’t have the space in your yard (or a yard) then create a ‘green’ space in your house or apartment. 

Nature is out there, begging to be enjoyed. Get out there and breathe in that fresh air! It’s not only fun, but good for you as well. 

If you’ve looked at your schedule and cringed at the thought of yet another Zoom meeting, then you’re probably not alone. After more than a year of the pandemic, and hundreds of virtual meetings, you’re tired. It may surprise you to learn that your kids are just as weary as you are. Like you, kids don’t like sitting in the same place hour after hour, staring at the same four walls and computer screen. 

There are some ways to make it more interesting for them. Consider brightening up their room, adding colorful posters or decorations to keep them visually stimulated. Try using their favorite photos or bright post-it notes with encouraging messages.

It’s also important to engage with your kids. Talk to them. Get their opinions on what they like and don’t like about virtual learning. Find out what motivates them and what distracts them. Where are they having the hardest time? If you have multiple children try putting them together so they don’t feel so isolated. Or if they’re distracting each other, try separating them. Your children are unique, so your solution may need to be just as unique. 

They say a positive attitude will take you far, and that statement applies to you as well. Remember that your kids will take cues from you. Resist the urge to complain about virtual meetings in front of them. Face those digital shindigs with an upbeat attitude and your kids are more likely to follow your example.  

Like it or not, the Covid-19 pandemic has changed things. Zoom meetings are likely here to stay. If you can’t change things, then the only way forward is with a smile. It’s a lesson that not only applies to adults, but to kids as well.

As we approach summer, it’s easy to forget the freedoms we take for granted, especially when we’re surrounded by all that Memorial Day advertising. It’s only when we take a look at other places around the world that don’t enjoy those same freedoms, that we can truly get a sense of perspective. Thousands of men and women have given their lives so we can be free. 

This Memorial Day, let’s remember and be thankful. 

It really doesn’t take very long at all. Visit a nearby veteran’s cemetery and lay down a flag or a simple wreath. Every Memorial Day the President issues a Proclamation— a prayer for peace. Take a moment to read it and observe a moment of respect at 3:00 PM local time. 

You can celebrate a patriotic Memorial Day in other ways as well. Why not a red, white and blue themed entrée or desert at that cookout?  Know someone with a loved one serving overseas? Reach out and invite them over. If you have a flag, be sure to keep it at half-mast until noon, before raising it proudly for the remainder of the day.

If you want to get a little more involved, there’s always the VFW’s ‘Buddy Poppy’ program. Every year, VFW veterans and volunteers make red paper flowers to ship to VFW posts to encourage community donations. The program is a great way for you and your kids to appreciate the true meaning of Memorial Day.

On this official first day of summer, raise a glass, take a moment of silence, and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.