Happy Independence Day

[heyabbott]

In fact, independence was formally declared on July 2, 1776, a date that John Adams believed would be “the most memorable epocha in the history of America.” On July 4, 1776, Congress approved the final text of the Declaration. It wasn't signed until August 2, 1776.

This was a great idea of a country. And for most people it was the best country ever and for the last 150 years it was the hope of the world. Now it’s just another date in history like June 15, 1215.

 

[Inky_Wretch]

Do they have big Magna Carta Day sales in England?

 

[heyabbott]

Do they have big Magna Carta Day sales in England?

Axes, lances, swords, codpieces all 40% off or lower from Crazy Godfrey. Our prices are positively medieval

 

[jlee]

For the longest time, I could not get my brain to recognize the difference between the Magna Carta and habeas corpus. I’m very glad I rarely come across a situation when either term is applicable.

 

[Inky_Wretch]

Axes, lances, swords, codpieces all 40% off or lower from Crazy Godfrey. Our prices are positively medieval

They are really slashing prices, eh?

 

[swingline]

I'll probably have to scour the cable stations to find that movie. Or just turn on the TV.

 

[Batman]

Axes, lances, swords, codpieces all 40% off or lower from Crazy Godfrey. Our prices are positively medieval

That's not a bad deal. But down the street they're chopping prices in half at Harold's Halberd Hut.

 

[heyabbott]

 

[bigpern23]

View attachment 6277

Disagrees:

 

[Moderator1]

That picture is just past the exit to my daughter's house. I don't know how people drive on 66 every day. I just don't.

Will spend Independence Day in the DC area but will not spend a second on 66.

 

[MileHigh]

Will see how this year goes, but it used to be one of my favorite holidays. Probably still is, but a lot of things aren't my favorite anymore.

I previously had spent the Fourth for several years at my sister's place in Fort Collins with a big BBQ, kids on the trampoline and zip-lining into the pond. Then riding our bikes with all the kids over to City Park for the big fireworks show. Some years my brother-in-law took his employees (and me) on rafting trips down the Poudre River in the morning that would have been awesome this year with so much snowmelt.

Last year, we did a family reunion for my parents' 50th anniversary and a partial burial in southwest Colorado, so this will be the first true Fourth not going up there since I lost the four of them. I'm working, which is fine. And it's still a great and fun day. But ... it will be different being on this side of the Rockies this year. Be safe everyone.

 

[jlee]

Will see how this year goes, but it used to be one of my favorite holidays. Probably still is, but a lot of things aren't my favorite anymore.

I previously had spent the Fourth for several years at my sister's place in Fort Collins with a big BBQ, kids on the trampoline and zip-lining into the pond. Then riding our bikes with all the kids over to City Park for the big fireworks show. Some years my brother-in-law took his employees (and me) on rafting trips down the Poudre River in the morning that would have been awesome this year with so much snowmelt.

Last year, we did a family reunion for my parents' 50th anniversary and a partial burial in southwest Colorado, so this will be the first true Fourth not going up there since I lost the four of them. I'm working, which is fine. And it's still a great and fun day. But ... it will be different being on this side of the Rockies this year. Be safe everyone.

Good luck, MileHigh. May you have some peace and relaxation this weekend.

My wife and in-laws are in a similar situation. My brother-in-law died a year ago this week. With both Canada Day and the Fourth, this was a raging good time every year. This time, we’re just quietly making sure we get by. Seeing a few friends, but mostly keeping things flexible so we can lay low when needed.

 

[MileHigh]

Good luck, MileHigh. May you have some peace and relaxation this weekend.

My wife and in-laws are in a similar situation. My brother-in-law died a year ago this week. With both Canada Day and the Fourth, this was a raging good time every year. This time, we’re just quietly making sure we get by. Seeing a few friends, but mostly keeping things flexible so we can lay low when needed.

Thanks. Yeah, the first year is absolutely the hardest. Or the first time for something, like this one with the Fourth. But I've learned to adapt and deal with a lot of things these past 22 months. Doesn't mean it's ever easy.

 

[CD Boogie]

4th of July would be 50 percent better without the stupidity of fireworks and if everyone who had a few too many took an uber instead of drunk driving.

 

[bigpern23]

I'm pretty lucky that I live in a spot where we can view 25-35 separate fireworks displays of varying distances all from our deck. We host a decent BBQ and don't have to fight traffic, or drunk drivers, or any hassles really. We spend the morning on the beach, come home and get showered, and then serve 20-50 people depending on the year. We light off small-time fireworks, make smores, drink some beers and generally enjoy the holiday to the fullest.

We have some awesome baby back ribs, burgers, dogs, specialty corn, buffalo chicken dip, potato salad, shrimp cocktail, trifle, beers, beers, beers, some fun cocktails and more on tap for tomorrow.

This is my favorite holiday, with Halloween and Christmas a distant 2nd/3rd. There's nothing better than great weather, good family/friends, food and beer.

 

[hondo]

View attachment 6277

I-66? So much fun.

 

[hondo]

4th of July would be 50 percent better without the stupidity of fireworks and if everyone who had a few too many took an uber instead of drunk driving.

I never minded personal fireworks displays on the fourth. But at some point a few years ago, assholes decided they would start about four days in advance, then shoot off what was left on July 5, 6 and 7. The founding fathers didn't go through the trouble for people to make neighborhoods sound like 1983 Beirut for about six nights in a row.

 

[bigpern23]

I never minded personal fireworks displays on the fourth. But at some point a few years ago, assholes decided they would start about four days in advance, then shoot off what was left on July 5, 6 and 7. The founding fathers didn't go through the trouble for people to make neighborhoods sound like 1983 Beirut for about six nights in a row.

Start them after 8 p.m. end them by 10 p.m., and I'm cool if they do them all week long (my kids are asleep by 8, and the dogs don't notice much after 10).

 

[micropolitan guy]

That picture is just past the exit to my daughter's house. I don't know how people drive on 66 every day. I just don't.

Will spend Independence Day in the DC area but will not spend a second on 66.

Take the 50 East exit and in about five miles you're at my first cousin's house. They moved out there from Fairfax proper in about 62 or 63 and it was the absolute boonies. Dulles wasn't even open.

 

[swingline]

I'm pretty lucky that I live in a spot where we can view 25-35 separate fireworks displays of varying distances all from our deck. We host a decent BBQ and don't have to fight traffic, or drunk drivers, or any hassles really. We spend the morning on the beach, come home and get showered, and then serve 20-50 people depending on the year. We light off small-time fireworks, make smores, drink some beers and generally enjoy the holiday to the fullest.

We have some awesome baby back ribs, burgers, dogs, specialty corn, buffalo chicken dip, potato salad, shrimp cocktail, trifle, beers, beers, beers, some fun cocktails and more on tap for tomorrow.

This is my favorite holiday, with Halloween and Christmas a distant 2nd/3rd. There's nothing better than great weather, good family/friends, food and beer.

Jealous.