Tag Archives: Fourth of July

Jul4

It’s The Fourth

Posted on by
Standard
It’s The Fourth

The first week in July has been a busy one with friends, writers group and book club. But the highlight is definitely the time I spent volunteering with VBS (Vacation Bible School) here in East Wenatchee at Breath of Life Church.

It was wonderful to have the opportunity to spread God’s word to so many kids by engaging them in fun activities that included skits, songs, games, crafts and even snacks. A few years back I wrote a blog post about my wish to have my own granddaughter attend one of these events. It hasn’t happened yet but I still hope that one year she will make it down here from Canada.

Today is the Fourth of July. While many associate this day with barbecues and fireworks, the history behind it is important. This is the day when the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress back in 1776. The thirteen American colonies were now officially separated from Great Britain.

Later on today we’ll be going out for dinner and then over to a friend’s to watch the fireworks. I’m certain we’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the display from the deck. And it will be a pleasure to avoid the traffic and congestion at the park below.

Happy Fourth!

Jul4

Happy Fourth!

Posted on by
Standard
Happy Fourth!

Fourth of July. Independence Day. And I have memories of this day going back decades. When I lived in Winnipeg we’d often drive down to Grand Forks or Fargo to see the fireworks. Back in 2011 I was in Minneapolis with Carole. We went to a band concert out at Lake Minnetonka and watched the fireworks. We also went to a parade in St. Louis Park. When I lived in Leavenworth I’d walk downtown and watch the kids enjoying Kinderfest. But here in East Wenatchee I’m having a lazy day so far. Supposedly fireworks are prohibited in Douglas County, but I’m sure they’ll light up the sky tonight anyways. Washingtonians are like that.

Actually there’s another reason why I’m having a lazy day today. I’m still drained from yesterday. I finally booked my flights to Winnipeg and that is an ordeal I always dread. It may be easy to get to Mexico from Sea-Tac but it sure isn’t easy getting to Winnipeg. I lucked out. I’m actually going to do this within 24 hours. I leave Wenatchee at 7 am and get into Winnipeg at 1:39 am the next day. One shuttle to Sea-Tac and two flights. Drawback is I have to go through Customs in Vancouver, an airport I detest. And I’m also flying Air Canada, an airline I’m not fond of. But Alaska still doesn’t fly to Winnipeg.

But this year I’m determined to get back to Winnipeg although I was there last summer. I have an opportunity to be with both of my kids together for the first time in eight years and I can’t pass that up. As an added bonus my granddaughter will be there too. Somehow when you’re in your seventies and you don’t live in the same country as your kids, it feels a lot different than when you were in your fifties and did that. So when I heard that my daughter was flying in from Kelowna, I knew I had to make this trip. It might be the last time we’re all together again. I’m far from being a pessimist but I look at things very differently than I did when I was younger. And if my kids are reading this and rolling their eyes, there’s no need to panic. I’m not dying of any terminal illness that I know of. I’m just looking forward to us all being together.

On a very different note, we went to see the new Indiana Jones movie on the weekend. I loved it! Okay, the storyline was a little weak and predictable. But the special effects and the stunts were amazing! For a couple of hours there I was totally engrossed and forgot all about the hassle of booking flights and shuttles. I encourage everyone to go and see this movie. You won’t be disappointed. Indiana Jones also brought back memories of seeing a live show at MGM in Orlando decades ago when my kids were little. And I wonder if they remember it.

Happy Fourth of July!

Jul4

Happy July Fourth

Posted on by
Standard
Happy July Fourth

It’s Thursday July 4th, Independence Day here in the USA.

It was nice to sleep in and not rush off to teach a fitness class this morning. Rather than brave the crowds at Kinderfest this year, I have chosen to spend a leisurely day reading instead.

I’m currently reading The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher. This is one of my favorite books and I have read it numerous times.

I recall the first time I read it. Recovering from surgery, I had gone to visit my mother in Port Charlotte, Florida. She was determined that I rest and gave me this several hundred page book to read in the hope that I would lounge around reading and relax. Her strategy worked. I loved the book and couldn’t put it down.

Over the years I read the rest of the books Rosamunde Pilcher had written. I also collected them all. But sadly I no longer have them. They, along with the rest of my library, simply did not fit into the two suitcases that are the extent of my possessions today.

Now that I have this blog post up, I shall return to my reading until it’s time to go over to my friend’s home for dinner.

Happy Fourth!

Jul11

Kinderfest

Posted on by
Standard
Kinderfest

The more time I spend here, the more amazed I am at the various events here that are family-oriented. This time the event was Kinderfest and it was held on the fourth of July. Temperatures soaring into the 90s were no deterrent to the hundreds of adults and children who filled the streets in the downtown area. Front Street was transformed into a major carnival with a variety of games and activities.

The fun began with a bike parade at 11 am. Afterwards long line-ups prevailed throughout the day as eager children excitedly awaited their turns at a bouncy house and a water slide, not to mention all the other crafts and games that were set up. An incredible amount of volunteer manpower was evident and I am impressed with the giving spirit in this community.

054

A popular area had fire engines, ambulances, tow trucks and tractors that were all kid-friendly. The children were delighted to clamber aboard and honk horns or blow sirens.

012013

One of the tables touched my heart. A friend of mine from Cashmere spearheaded this one. Children were encouraged to write a note and enclose a tiny flag that would be sent to soldiers serving overseas.

018017

There was a table where hats could be constructed.

021

Games included fishing with magnets, basketball, balloons and more.

039027026

The bouncy house was a favored attraction, as was the water slide for cooling off.

033047

The Rotary Club volunteers were hard at work building birdhouses.

049

Here are a few miscellaneous shots.

016020024031034030

And that was Kinderfest 2017. 

 

Jul12

Vecinos Con Carinos Fourth of July Party

Posted on by
Standard
Vecinos Con Carinos Fourth of July Party

Vecinos Con Carinos is an organization that supports schools and people who live in a poor area in Teacapan, about two hours drive south of Mazatlan. I am a member of this club and we held a fundraiser at Villa Loman, a beautiful home a few minutes north of Teacapan. Our hosts were Helen and Jerry Loman, also members of the group. Their home is spacious and the grounds are huge. And it is only a five minute walk down to the beach. Here are photos of the home and the view from the terrace.

IMG_5167

IMG_5050

 

Some of us stayed overnight in guest apartments, while others came out only for the day. Kathy and David Francone graciously gave me a ride down there in their new Winnebago which made it all the more enjoyable.

Upon our arrival at Villa Loman, Dave Parker had been busy barbecuing hot dogs for us. His wife Sue did an amazing job of organizing this fundraiser attended by some 23 people. Sue is very creative in terms of planning everything from activities to obtaining door prizes. She even designed trophies for the game winners. And what fun games they were!

A bean bag toss was the first game, followed by a potato race. There was also a putting green on the grounds for those who braved the broiling sun. A trivia quiz followed, Bingo games and then the raffle for the door prizes took place.

Helen Loman is a remarkable woman. At the tender age of 87, she provided and cooked all the food for our sumptuous dinner that evening. The menu included ribs, chicken, cole slaw, potato salad, corn on the cob and garlic bread. Helen lamented that she had forgotten to serve the baked beans she had lovingly prepared, so care packages were provided. The table was set beautifully with china and silver. Dessert followed with delicious homemade ice cream.

IMG_5067

After dinner we sat around on the terrace and then some of us participated in a sing-along. Others began their drive home to Mazatlan. We were all exhausted by eleven and retired to our apartments.

The next morning we were treated to a wonderful breakfast of quiche, potatoes, fruit and the lightest and fluffiest biscuits I’ve ever tasted. Most of us were still full from the meal the night before and were overwhelmed by yet another feast.

All too soon, we said our good-byes and departed Villa Loman. On the way back to Mazatlan, we took a detour through the pueblo of Teacapan and explored the Malecon.

IMG_5148

IMG_5163

It was a fabulous way to celebrate the fourth of July. And the fundraiser itself was a huge success, raising approximately $8200 Mexican. It was indeed a Happy Fourth of July!