HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY
Tomorrow marks the celebration of our nation’s independence…something very precious. Back in our grandparents’–and no doubt some of our parents’–time, it was called Independence Day by many. I think many of us enjoyed family celebrations with outdoor picnics that spanned the generations. Probably many still do.
I remember my aunt worked for the biggest department store in Portland, Oregon. They always sponsored a picnic for employees and their families at one of the largest parks in the city. Us kids had a great time and thought our aunt must be very important. How else could she invite all of us to such a big celebration? I wonder if this kind of sponsorship is still true in some parts of our country today?
Wherever you are, best wishes for a Happy 4th of July, hopefully one that includes aging parents and grandparents celebrating with you.
Help! Aging Parents 
So glad to discover your blog on Independence Day Eve. I am making our annual HMFPIC (homemade fresh peach ice cream) using a recipe given to my dad in the early 50’s. It has become an annual event – especially using peaches grown only 30 miles from home. I was ‘cranking’ the ice cream churn when I was 3. We now call it Pappy’s Ice Cream, even though my mom did most of the work. Dad is now 86, in a retirement center, and will join us on the 4th. Mom is 83 and in the nursing wing of the same facility. My three brothers and I are blessed to still have our parents with us and are so thankful they had the skill to raise the 4 of us to become adults and very good friends. (Ages 48-61) While feeling blessed, I do not want modern medicine to continue MY life in a wheelchair with the pain of Parkinson’s.
I’m very glad you discovered my blog, Rhonda,
Love that you’re continuing the tradition of Pappy’s Ice Cream over half a century later…recognition of your dad and your mother with all the loving work involved–as the family gets together on Independence Day.
Your comment about Parkinson’s hits home. My husband’s uncle lived with it for decades. We tried to add pleasure to his life as best we could, but there’s so much we can’t control, isn’t there. And it’s so hard to watch. I don’t understand why bad things happen to good people.
Really appreciate your sharing.