The Land of the Free

Independence Day is the perfect time to stop and reflect on how fortunate we are to live in this great country of ours. 

Thank you to all those men and women who risk their lives so that I may live in this beautiful country. 

Our troops, our police, our firemen...all standing proud and brave in this land of the free. 

And although there are many places I'd like to visit in my lifetime, there's no place I'd rather live than in the USA. 

In particular, my little heaven on the mountain top. 

Sweetie called this morning to see if I wanted to go for a little cruise around the mountain top. 

Why not? The chores that I put off yesterday will still be there when I get back!

We started at my Sweetie's house, in the heart of the village, where his flags were flying and the roses in full bloom. 

My sweetie works hard on his property, and it shows. Gorgeous! 

I headed to the front of the house to photograph the roses, and Sweetie brought the car up front to pick me up. 

A day like today is the perfect day for a spin through the gorgeous countryside in a cherry red convertible with a handsome man...don't you think?

I am truly blessed. 

Our area is so picturesque, and I never grow tired of the views. This is our 'main' street, heading out of the village. Just lovely!

I was taking all these photos from a moving vehicle, so excuse the quality, I just couldn't help myself, the photos were begging to be taken!

In between snapping photos, I was enjoying immensely the sun warm on my face and the wind in my hair. 

At one time there were many large farms dotting our landscape. Now, there are many barns still standing, but few working farms. 

It's sad, isn't it? The American farmer was the backbone of our country in days gone by. 

This old barn may not be in use for farming any longer but it's obviously still well loved, with a coat of red paint and a window box planted in front. 

It couldn't have been easy on farmers in our terrain, with all the rocks and hills....and the short growing season. I'm sure they struggled, and it was anything but an easy life. 

This gorgeous country church caught my eye - the rolling hills around the church were beautifully groomed, and the church is so well cared for. Wouldn't this be such a lovely church for a wedding?

The creeks run through the valleys between the mountain peaks, and we spotted quite a few folks enjoying the local swimming holes today. 

What a wonderful way to spend a gorgeous summer's day!

But, alas, the respite is over as I have some laundry calling my name, as is the dishwasher that needs to be unloaded. The veggie garden needs weeding, and I'll be picking and prepping some greens and peas for our supper. A garden salad with rotisserie chicken and a fresh herb vinaigrette. Light and simple for a hot summer's day. 

How did you spend your Fourth of July?