A Weekend of Red, White, and Blue

I hope all of my fellow Americans had a wonderful 4th of July weekend!

I love the 4th for so many reasons. It’s hard not to gripe about the negative issues currently affecting our country, but this holiday gives everyone a reason to band together and celebrate our great nation with undeterred patriotism. It’s a day to swell with pride and wear red, white, and blue; it’s a day to remember all of the things that this country provides for us, things we may take for granted on a daily basis; and it’s a day to be thankful to those who have fought to keep our country free and safe. I’m thankful every day for the sacrifices my dad and my husband have made as members of the armed forces, but on the 4th, I take special care to think of everyone, past and present.

And, to me, the 4th of July is the epitome of summertime. It’s a weekend full of warm sunshine, beach attire, barbecues, juicy watermelon, firework displays, and family togetherness. The weather this weekend was absolutely gorgeous - high 80s and 90s with a slight breeze, baby blue skies, and fluffy white clouds. I had my husband all to myself for four whole days, and we did everything under the sun. We caught up on sleep, cuddled up with blankets and movies, browsed the sidewalk sales at the outlet mall, shopped for patio furniture, bought fresh produce at a local farmer's market, barbecued, let Molly run free at the county dog park, and went for long drives with no destination in mind.

Close to sunset on the 4th, we treated ourselves to ice cream and headed to the Charleston harbor to join the festivities of the annual 4th of July Blast at Patriots Point. Despite the congestion of people, we found a prime viewing spot on the waterfront, and while we waited in anticipation for the fireworks, we soaked in the breathtaking views of the bridge and the sunset over the Cooper River, which was swarmed with hundreds of boats, all huddling around Patriots Point.


At nightfall, the fireworks were shot over the river from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. By far, it was one of the most beautiful firework displays I’ve ever seen.

All in all, it was a charming, relaxing weekend that left me feeling effortlessly happy and energized for the shortened week ahead.