Friday, July 1, 2011

Happy Fourth

How ironic.  As we celebrate the Fourth of July, the State Of Minnesota has shut down.   As in closed.  No social security checks.  No state medical insurance.  60,000 people turned away from Minnesota State Parks this weekend. etc., etc.

No out of town camping for us this weekend.  I guess we'll turn home into our very own private campground.  We'll keep the luxury of running water and electricity this fourth.  Luckily, we'll still have the enjoyment of a lovely beach a stones throw from here, the symphony of frogs in the evening and the ever important campfire in our backyard.  We'll grill, play card, tell ghost stories, sleep in and break out the squirt guns.  We're not going to let the State shut down stop us from honoring our founding fathers.

I'm going to enjoy all of favorite elements of summer:

Lemonade on the deck.
The smell of fresh cut grass.
Ignoring the clock.
Beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
Time with my kids.
Reading.
Playing cards.
Frog songs.
Flickering candles outdoors.
Smores.

However,
I will not
enjoy Minnesota's State Bird...


I will be purchasing
mass amounts of
bug repellent
and citronella candles today.
 
Then I will be ready to sit back, relax and enjoy these summer days.






 

and all the beauty is has to offer.

Oh...and then there's this...


         a little surprise I found in my camera this morning...












Yup.  That's the same girl that was the lovely Princess for Prom.


Happy 4th of July, everyone.

God Bless America!

18 comments:

Bonnie said...

Have a lovely holiday! Hugs! Bonnie

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

The state issues sound scary and frustrating.

I hope you enjoy your 4th - it sounds like you have nice plans!

Unknown said...

Oh wow. I don't watch news very often (what I need to know, people post on fb -haha) so haven't heard about the shut down. Crazy. Sounds like you are making the best of your weekend anyway. Happy 4th. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Sorry it took me so long to return the favor...been a hectic week!

TexWisGirl said...

oh dear. hope your state budget woes will be solved soon! i think a lot of states (and the nation) are in similar situations...

enjoy your weekend!

Leontien said...

happy 4th of July to you too!
But why did they shut down everything?

Thanks
Leontien

OurWanderingAdventures said...

Sounds like you have the alternate under control! Happy 4th!

Reena said...

LOL ... funny girl ... sorry for your state's woes! But have a sparkly weekend in spite of it all!

Valerie said...

I laughed out loud at Becky's picture!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I read about your state's financial problems. That is rough and I hope it's not a sign of things to come for other states. I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend. Cute photo!

My Mind's Eye said...

We heard about MN on the news this am!! Good grief I hope things are straightened out very very soon. Seems many States are in dire straits. Many State workers here rec'd notice on June 1 that their jobs were terminated July 1. Some of the jobs were ones held by more than one person like machinist or mechanics which leave one pers to do it all. Sad state of affairs.
My niece is getting married this weekend so we have lots going on here.
Happy 4th,
Madi and Mom

Anonymous said...

Wow, scary times in this world. I hope you can "put the world away for a minute" and enjoy the weekend!

forgetmenot said...

Jill, What a cute post. Sorry about the state government--hope it gets better. Doesn't sound like it will slow you down a bit. You have a great weekend planned with your family--some of your favorite things are definitely mine too (smores being at the top of the list). Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend. Oh, those flower photos are beautiful. Mickie :)

Michaele said...

Oh no! Not this weekend! Your list sounds delightful. Good for you!!

Janie said...

There is absoutely NO raining on your parade. Good for you Jill. I agree with several of your comments, it is like that for most of us in the states. But to different degrees of cut backs. For National Parks to close really breaks my heart. We traveled most all the parks with our kids back in the 70's and 80's. I will cherish those memories.

Lovely flowers, and the girl is your daughter?

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

I was hearing about Minnesota's woes on the news tonight--There's really no place like home I guess!! I do hope you have a wonderful and enjoyable weekend!!

Kayla said...

I feel the most sorry for all the families who had camping/vacation plans at all of those campgrounds! Heartbreaking! But good for you looking on the bright side of everything - do you live near Lake George?

Jackie said...

Sounds like an incredible weekend at Jill's house... I think I will do some of the same, read refreshments on the deck, time with family. Enjoy your weekend Jill.

Jenny Woolf said...

A strange choice of day for a shutdown but I'm glad you are not letting it cramp your fun.