Out in my yard today… at this moment it is 75 degrees and breezy. I’m sure it will warm up more by the end of the afternoon.   The clematis is in full-bloom now. 

There are also several roses in bloom.  This pink one is one of my favorites.
If you look closely you can see the start of a yellow squash.  My tomato plants are all blooming, along with the zucchini and cucumbers.  I can hardly wait for harvest!
I’m grateful for… the United States of America!  What a privilege it is to live in a free country.  I’m so thankful for all of the service men and women who protect this nation and keep freedom secure for me and my family.
One of my favorite things… is celebrating Independence Day.  I must admit, it is my favorite holiday.  Good food, patriotic music, spectacular fireworks- I love it all!  Our family gets matching Old Navy flag shirts each year.  This year all of us girls also bought matching flag flip-flops.  Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness… I am blessed!
This week I’m reading… Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls.  I really enjoyed her memoir The Glass Castle.  In this new book she tells the true story of her grandmother. 
I’m looking forward to… watching my girls perform on stage in a local musical theater production this week.  My oldest brother is also coming to town for a visit.  He lives back east and we don’t get to see each other very often.  My other brother and his wife are also coming to see my girls perform, so we will have a little family reunion of sorts.
Simple life tip for the week… Need to get away from it all?  Find something to laugh about each day this week.  Laughter is an instant vacation.” ~Milton Berle