Some people go gaga for Christmas. Some people relish all that Thanksgiving brings. Some people favor the hoopla of St. Patrick’s Day or New Year’s Eve. Not me. Independence Day is my favorite holiday. Don’t laugh.
I get teary eyed listening to patriotic tunes and choke back a lump in my throat every time I hear our national anthem. It’s not that I’m a flag pin wearing nationalist or anything; I simply get caught up in the fervor of the Fourth. All the patriotic non-fiction I read in elementary school might have something to do with it. I also blame the effects of growing up in Thomas Jefferson’s shadow.
On Independence Day we simply celebrate our nation. No gifts. No fancy meals. No candy. Just laid back cookouts to host or attend, cold beer to serve, sprinklers to scamper through, sparklers to glow, burgers to flip, flags to wave. At my house we all geek out and wear the customary red, white, and blue and flag shirts. I stick little flags in my outdoor planters and perch on the couch to watch America Rock with Bird and Deal. I sing along and annoy them. Then they start humming and singing along because you just can’t NOT sing along to Schoolhouse Rock.
I’m celebrating this year’s Independence Day with a little pre-4th cookout. I’m getting my wisdom teeth taken out on the fifth so my customary 4th of July shenanigans shall take place a day early this year.
Fireworks Sangria
1 bottle dry red wine (inexpensive but not cheap)
1 cup pomegranate limeade
1/2 cup Absolut Mandrin vodka
1/2 cup rum
1/2 cup each: pineapple chunks, sliced strawberries, blueberries
Pour wine, limeade, vodka, and rum into a large pitcher or punch bowl (I am a big fan of the punch bowl and am so happy I snagged my friend Christy’s from her garage sale pile!). Add fruit and give it a good stir. Let it sit for a spell in the refrigerator. Serve chilled over ice. Don’t let the kids eat the alcohol saturated fruit!
Happy Fourth of July!
I’m trying out a pink sangria tomorrow! Love sangria in all its forms!