The Fourth in the North

What a wonderful Independence Day we had at the northern compound!

It was one of those glorious northern summer days without too much heat or humidity, and not a cloud in the sky. Without that damp air, and after being scrubbed clean by a Lake Michigan breeze, the sky was the most perfect shade of blue.

We spent the day doing summer "stuff" and just enjoying our surroundings. Supper was met with, what else, a barbecue, along with libations and the wonderful company of our good friends from The Study and family. The libations were appropriately measured, the food and fellowship were not! Our cup overfloweth.

We capped off the day with the drive up the narrow, curvy highway to the very end of this beautiful peninsula, where, it seems, most everyone in it ended up. Quite the crowd. But this little town does itself proud with the fireworks they launch off the beach and out over the bay.

Lots of noise, and lots of oohs and aahs. A very nice display. And then just to make it perfect, they exploded in a clear sky with a full moon as a backdrop! Many of the shells actually seemed to burst right out of the moon. Very neat.

I've spent just about every 4th of July of my life in the beautiful setting of northern Michigan. Several different small towns, and some larger ones. Even an island. I can remember almost all of them. This one ranks with the best.

An inspiring reflection from John Adams to wife Abigail follows here. Written 233 years ago:

I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.
You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. — I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. — Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.

God Bless America!!