Monday, July 1

The Month of July

 July, for the most part, symbolizes the middle of the summer, at least for me.  When I was growing up in Alexandria, Virginia, we went to school September through May.  The only time that school extended into June was when we used up all of our snow days.  


School boards extended the school year so they could justify giving teachers a higher salary.  And even though their salary increased, the quality of their instructional teaching did not.  If anything, it decreased.


Not only is July an indication of mid-summer, it is also an indication when backyard gardens start bearing fruit.  So far, we have been eating cucumbers, yellow squash, and zucchini out of our garden.  Cucumbers in salads, yellow squash in soups and casseroles, and Zucchini chopped up and friend with onion and olive oil.


In fact, we have gotten so much yellow squash and zucchini that we have been able to freeze several bags for the fall/winter.


July also brings with it, in three days, the annual celebration for our independence from Great Britain.  When we celebrate the 4th, we seldom think about the sacrifice our ancestors made in order for us to have the freedoms we enjoy.


Traditionally, the meal is composed of hamburgers, hotdogs, coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, apple pie, watermelon, and homemade ice cream.  Most of those items will be served at our house this year.


While inflation has taken a hold upon many households, it will not stop Americans from spending the money to enjoy the 4th and pay off the debt later.  We need this kind of celebration in our lives right now, especially when many of us are concerned about our future.


Most of the time, the rest of July is devoted to family vacations either at a beach, in the mountains, or visiting some tourist attraction with family and friends.  It is a time to relax and enjoy being alive.


For those of us who do not take vacation during the month of July, like my wife and I, we spend time enjoying the comforts of being outside most of the day.  While the yard may need mowing, the house pressure washed, or the deck stained, we will still spend most of our days outside.


Many of us enjoy the warmth of the summer and for those who do, the month of July is considered one of the best months of the year.


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