Ideas For The Fourth!

 If you're not from the US, I hope you'll still have fun reading this post!

Our nation's birthday is on Monday, and I thought I'd share a few ideas with you for food and decor!

I made these watermelon and blueberry skewers last year. I got the idea from Pinterest. I used a star shaped cookie cutter to cut the watermelon out and then simply slid the blueberries on the skewers! So easy and this was popular with our grands and everyone else!

I also make a jello salad using dry cherry jello powder, a large container of cottage cheese, and whipping cream. Typically I'd use a large box (I am able to find my jello in a bulk bag here from a Mennonite store), the large container of cottage cheese, and then I whip up my own whipping cream, so I'm guessing a pint or so. My mom would make this with a container of cool whip, if that helps.

In this photo the jello salad is in the blue bowl. And if you need to be careful of sugar you could use sugar free jello.

We did this for Rachel and Wes's small covid wedding in 2020. The fruit on top of buttercream frosting and cupcakes was wonderful. You could also use whipping cream on top!

source

If you didn't want to make cupcakes but wanted cake instead this one wouldn't be hard and would be beautiful!

source

We usually grill burgers, chicken, and hot dogs. Sometimes we do chicken patties from Costco rather than chicken thighs or drumsticks.

We like to put catalina dressing on the buns, a ring of pineapple and you're good to go, with the chicken patties. Of course you could just fix them up like you would a burger!

You know what? If it were just Tim and I we might just make homemade subs. Anything is fine!

I bought red, white and blue star plates and napkins at Aldi last week, and blue solo cups. We'll have a table out on the patio, and a pop up for shade. 

My dad has a horseshoe set, and we have the pool. It's always hot on the fourth here, so we always try to have something with water. A slip and slide or we've gone to the creek for a while.

Here is a link to making your own slip and slide! 

source

Nate and his neighbor Randy have made some great ones where the live. They have an excellent hill for a waterslide!

I hope you have plans to gather to celebrate! Even if it is just a few people.  John Adams said to Abigail in a letter, 

"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."

Here are a few more great quotes - 

“We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls.” ~Robert J. McCracken

“It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.” ~Author unknown, sometimes attributed to M. Grundler

Rehydrating Annabelle Hydrangea

 These are my Annabelle Hydrangea in the garden.

This is what they should look like when cut and it a pitcher.

I cut a few Annabelle's Sunday evening to bring into the house. They were lovely. However, I forgot my cardinal rule for hydrangea. I forgot to dip them into Alum before putting them into the vase.

I had this yesterday.

ugh.

Last evening I put the flower heads into water to rehydrate them, and had some success. The above photo is after rehydrating.  You can see a bit of the flower heads in front that have rehydrated, and below is a photo of the ones that rehydrated well.

I've left them in the kitchen for now to see if the fresh cut of the stem and dip into the Alum will help the stragglers. I've not, I'll toss them out, lesson learned.

Have you ever rehydrated your hydrangea?

Weekend

 

It was hot this weekend. Swimming took place, so did work.

There was some work on the pool deck. The guys have had some issues with our high water table, and getting cement footers in. Tim finally bought concrete pills (premade concrete). We have to have that inspected before he can do anything else.

They also replaced the screening on our screen doors. 

One door he didn't work on because that screen door needs to be replaced. I don't know how old it is but we've had it for a long time. Even with a handy guy around the house, things eventually wear out.

Notice in the picture that Kyle noticed I was taking a photo. (grin)

We had church outside on again yesterday. It's the last one of summer at church. We will have an outdoor service in July for our baptism service. Our former pastor has a pond that they use for baptisms.

Klaire was sleepy at church yesterday, and she noticed that I took a photo, too! (grin)

Just a bit later she was out and Tim laid her down.

She eventually woke up and got to go play for a bit before we headed home.

Sarah was away this week for youth camp, she was a counselor, and arrived home last evening.

I hope your weekend was wonderful as well!

Information Friday

 

Hello Friends! As always there is so much going on. As the people awaken, the old guard is in a panic. They are desperately going to try to hold on to power, but do not fear, regardless of what they try. I truly believe our best days are yet to come!

Read more {here}.

This is so good! If I only could show you one thing today, this would be it! It's important to know that the United States is a Republic and not a Democracy and this video explains the difference!

 

This is in regard to the Supreme Court ruling on New York's stringent concealed carry law. Read more {here}. 

Republican lawmakers in my state are finally on the ball.

Globalists want you dependent on their food supply.  Here in the US we have had so many food processing plants burn, cattle have died, Bill Gates, who wants us to eat fake meat and bugs, owns the most farmland in the country.

Read more {here}.

JB wants to give us an 18 cent break on gas tax. That adds up to about $20 savings for the whole summer. Gee, how generous Joe!

For those who had the virus and now have natural immunity, more good news.

Have you noticed how many child p*rn and sexual assault arrests are being reported every day? Teachers, coaches, etc.

This is interesting. Watch{here}.

JB had a round table on Green Energy, and these are the notes he was given.

If he has to be told, and it has to be in ALL caps, then this man's dementia is advanced.

In RINO news - 

When you know your own party now sees what a despicable person you are, you turn to those you really align with. Read the article {here}.

I agree!

I've shared before the link to the NIH website and the links to their reports on Ivermectin and cancer. This week, I listened to an interview with Gregg Phillips (True the Vote) and Jon from Patel Patriot about Gregg healing his cancer with Fenbendazole. We used to alternate this dewormer with Ivermectin for our horses. They use it for dogs as well. You can watch the interview on Rumble {here}.

 Here is a bit of interest from Gregg's Truth Social page that started the whole discussion.

He mentions in the interview that their is a protocol online that he followed, that included Vit C and D, and zinc as well.

A guy I've followed for years on social media shared this two years ago.

I'm thinking that we are going to find out that we've been lied to about many things, including the fact that there are cures for cancer.

There is an interesting clip from Jon's first interview with Gregg where they were talking about tracking the ballot mules, and I recommend you watch it {here}. It's just over a minute long.

I love this group of women.  We went to tea yesterday morning and it was a great time of catching up on life. From the left are my Mom, my friend Katie, next to me is Jane, and then my friend Jennifer, whose daughter's wedding I did

 in May.

I'm still getting used to myself without glasses!

Also just heard that the court overturned Roe! Friends this does not eliminate abortion, is does send it back to the states where it has always belonged! 

However it's going to be ugly out there so be careful!

Books About The Home

 

I came across this book quote again this morning, and thought I'd share it here. I believe this with my whole heart. 

I love my home, and the life we live within these walls. I have always loved home decor and arranging furniture into cozy spaces for conversation or good function. It's always about what works for us, and our guests.

This first books I purchased as an adult that talked about the home were books by Emilie Barnes. When I first heard her speak I felt like I had met a kindred spirit. I felt validated! My favorite books of hers regarding the home are The Spirit of Loveliness and Welcome Home.

Blogging came along and there have been a host of people who I have found kinship with in making a home. I have lots of books, mostly used book purchases, regarding the home, but I have recently bought a two new ones.

source

Melissa and I have been blog friends for many, many years. I've watched her grow her blog into a business and then write books. Her blog, The Inspired Room, is a great one for inspiration!  She has a heart for her home that speaks to me. She creates beautiful, calming spaces that draw you in. 

I received this book by Miss Mustard Seed, Marion Parsons for Mother's Day.

source

Marion's creativity inspire me to create a home for myself and my family. Her book is full of photos and ideas, not for copying what she's done, to help you see what you can do to make your home uniquely yours. 

My "style" is not like either of these women, but the heart of each book is the same, and that is what resonates with me.

I know many have been inspired by Alexandra Stoddard and Edith Shaeffer. I'd love to hear what books have inspired you regarding the home.

If you purchase through the links I receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you.