Preparing for America’s 250th Anniversary

Back Patio 4th of July Decorations

While it’s been a tough year for many Americans, me included, I am still incredibly patriotic when it comes to celebrating the 4th of July. True there are days where I don’t recognize our country. However, it is still my country, the good, the bad and even at times the ugly. So, I continue to remain hopeful that the standards our founding fathers put forth in the signing of the Declaration of Independence “… Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” can somehow survive our current times and maybe even thrive! So, with gratitude I am going to celebrate ‘Life’ and continue to pursue happiness. ‘Liberty’, especially individual liberty, seems to be a bit of a gray area right now in America with left and right political parties not able to find or acknowledge common ground. So for now, I’m going to leave the concept of ‘Liberty’ alone.

A celebration of Life: This time last year, Andy was just home from Craig hospital and beginning his LONG road to recovery from a devastating stroke. I didn’t decorate and our 4th of July was low key. We did attend the Palisade 4th of July parade but it was a struggle as Andy was in a wheelchair and I was still learning to navigate being his caregiver. This year, we will again attend the Palisade 4th of July parade only this time Andy will be walking with only the aid of a cane!

Happiness: After surviving the many struggles of 2025, this year I feel more hopeful and even more grateful for the life I have here in America and in Palisade, Colorado. While last year I was too overwhelmed, I decided to pull out our decorations and celebrate my patriotism. I gave our red, white and blue bunting a good washing and hung them along or back patio where we spend much of our free time. I also hung one on our new pergola in Posh Gardens. I think I need to invest in more for next year! This year my cousin is also visiting us in Palisade, his first adventure to the western slope! So, yet another reason to be grateful as we will be celebrating with more family, Bella is still living with us and has invited a friend to join us for the holiday.  We even have guests staying at Posh Cottage so my vision of creating Palisade Posh as a destination is turning into a reality! Even more reason to be joyful.

So here is to patriotism and wishing you all a very Happy 4th of July! Life, Liberty (temporarily on hold) and the pursuit of Happiness is still attainable even when times are challenging and sometimes even unrecognizable. Be well, be safe and be joyful America!