Are you getting ready for the 4th?
Finally got the flag up. How about you? While Jen was giving Maggie a complicated obedience lesson, Mr. Farmer and I were sprucing up the place a bit. I don’t know about you but our flag stands, poles and fabrics have been problematic over the years. We love having that flag waving in the yard, showing our patriotism; silently letting our friends and neighbors know how grateful we are to live in our free nation.
Thought I’d share this information I found on Wikipedia. I found it so interesting!
During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain in 1776 actually occurred on July 2, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia declaring the United States independent from Great Britain rule.[5][6] After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the wording of the Declaration, finally approving it two days later on July 4. A day earlier, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:
The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. 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 shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.[7]
And we, the people, must continue to be vigilant in doing all we can in keeping our country free. So let’s celebrate. Let’s raise our flag and thank Almighty God for the gift of freedom! Let’s thank our vets and those in the military by showing up for the parades, celebrating with friends and family and making a big “shout out” for FREEDOM!
Tried this recipe from Hanging On By A Needle and Thread.
I especially love the butter frosting.
This recipe is from scratch. The cake is moist and delicious and of course it’s even more delicious partnered with ice cream and a few raspberries.
- For cake:
- 2 C sugar
- 3 C flour
- 2 t soda
- ½ t salt
- ½ C cocoa
- 2 C water
- 1 C vegetable oil
- 2 T white vinegar
- 1 t vanilla extract
- For frosting:
- 2¾ C confectioners' sugar
- 6 T cocoa
- 6 T butter, soft
- 5 T milk
- 1 t vanilla extract
- Cake:Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix sugar, flour, baking soda, salt and cocoa. Add water, oil, vinegar and vanilla. Beat by hand until smooth. Pour into a 9x13 inch pan. Bake.Cool completely and frost with Creamy Chocolate Frosting.
- Frosting: In a medium bowl, stir together sugar and cocoa, and set aside. In large bowl, cream butter til smooth, ; gradually beat in sugar mixture alternately with milk. Blen in vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy. If necessary, adjust with more milk or sugar.
