The Star Spangled Banner

I grew up in an area filled with history!

And went on field trips, both growing up and with my own children, to places that shaped this country.

These buildings have tales to tell.

And history to share.  People even say that some of them are haunted!

Their grounds remind us of a simpler time, and majestic old trees pay homage to the men and women who once lived there.

This beautiful old building is known as Tudor Hall.  It is located in Leonardtown, Maryland and was once the home of Francis Scott Key's uncle.  As many of you know, it was Francis Scott Key who penned our national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner.  I have passed by this house a million times over the years, give or take a few, I've done research inside its walls, and it was even where I went to the library growing up.

We had heard those ghost stories from our friends when we were little, and so a trip to the library in Leonardtown was sometimes a little scary for a small child.  Today, this building houses our local Historical Society.  Ruth Hill, and the other wonderful people who run our historical society are fonts of knowledge and wonderful assets for keeping our history alive.

I have always loved the 4th of July and I tend to "over" decorate for this holiday!  Just ask Mr. Tide who had to hang my buntings twice this year since he accidentally hung them backwards the first time!

I sometimes wonder if growing up in an area so filled with history gave me an even greater love for the holiday that celebrates the birth of our nation!

Or maybe it's because it's smack dab in the middle of summer, my favorite season!

It could be because there's no pressure to buy gifts, or cook a fancy meal, just simple food like burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, and apple pie will do just fine!

Or maybe it's because after a day of celebrating you are then treated to beautiful fireworks!

My favorite fireworks are the big weeping willow ones with the gold sparklies that seem to hang in the air and then slowly drift away with the breeze!

Children's eyes grow wide and people "ooh" and "ahh" in perfect unison!

And my dogs bark and howl at the sound of the booms off in the distance.  This is NOT their favorite holiday!

But what I think I love the most about the 4th of July is that no matter where you come from, or how rich you are, as the sun sets on that one day each year, we are all just Americans!  Proud and Free to call this place our home!

Happy 4th of July!