“You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.” — Erma Bombeck
This is kinda why the 4th of July is my favorite holiday.
I love the no nonsense celebrations of July 4th. No gifts, no family stress, no oneupmanship (as long as you avoid Pinterest). We celebrate simple pleasures and link arms to toast all that’s right with America. Despite all my political ranting, I do believe there is SO MUCH right with America. That’s precisely what I fight for. Independence Day is a time to stop and take note of all that freedom affords us. We must stop taking so much for granted and remember what it means to be American, whether by birth or otherwise. My sons are first generation Americans. That’s a big deal that’s just chalked up to kismet, luck, and all other things that align to position us in the station of life that we are born in to. My parents weren’t born here. I wasn’t born here. We don’t take this being American thing lightly. And we don’t need July 4th to remind us what it means to be a citizen of this country, its honor and duty in equal measure. But we do take this day to celebrate it.
As always, I celebrate with food and drink.
Iggy Azalea I am not. I don’t do frills. There’s nothing fancy about me, except for the dijon mustard in my pantry. I like things in my kitchen and in my bar to be simple, easy to whip up, and tasty. The tasty bit goes without saying, natch. Cold beer flows, soda tops pop, and ice cream flows. It’s often unbearably hot so serving up something refreshing is a must. This year I’m serving popsicles. For grown ups.
Old Glory Red Pops
1 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup lemonade
3-6 ounces light rum
Add all ingredients to a blender (I used a Ninja Kitchen, my work horse.) Blend until smooth. Add more lemonade if necessary. Consistency should be smooth, not grainy. Use a small spoon to fill popsicle molds. Freeze (obviously). Just make sure the under 21 set doesn’t get a hold of these!