Yesterday was the Fourth of July, which is a holiday here in the US. We are celebrating the anniversary of our country declaring its independence from Great Britain, so it is also known as Independence Day. Most people have the day off from work, and it is a day for family gatherings, grilling and other food related activities, and fireworks. In honor of the day, today’s Wednesday Wanderings will be all related to the Fourth in some way.
One of the staples of the holiday celebration is fireworks. Ever wonder how they got those pretty colors? This will explain:
What do we eat on the Fourth? Here’s one list of the best foods for celebrating our independence. I think most of these are pretty spot on:
Just like any other event in history, some of the “facts” that have been handed down over the years may not be quite true. Here are five about the Fourth of July:
It Happened on the Fourth…. Or Not
And finally, it wouldn’t be the Fourth of July here in Massachusetts without the Boston Pops Esplanade concert finale of Tchaikowsky’s 1812 Overture complete with cannon fire and fireworks. Here’s Keith Lockhart leading the Pops in the finale from 2014:
♥Don’t forget– all my books will be either free or half price at Smashwords during the month of July. Take a look below and pick your favorite (or two or three!) and go to Smashwords starting July 1 to take advantage of the sale!
(Image from Metro US)
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Available now:
After five years away, Kaili is coming home for the ceremony to install her sister as head of the family business. When an old rivalry threatens the family, Kaili and her partner need to use all their skills to save the sisters’ lives. Learn more here
A collection of six short fantasy stories set in varied worlds of magic and mayhem. Learn more here.
A short novelette set in a dystopian Earth after the final environmental collapse. Sam is a genetically engineered chameleon who may hold the key to mankind’s survival. Learn more here.
In a world reeling under the effects of severe climate change, food shortages are common, and arable farmland is scarce. Unscupulous distributors like Beni Oligowma take advantage of the shortages for their own gain. When a promising new technology for growing food even under the harsh conditions is unveiled, grocery store owner Frank is determined to see that everyone is able to benefit from the results, not just the Benis of the world.
Feed My People is a short story, set in a dystopian science fiction world, and is free. Learn more here
Demon hunters Johnny and Cerise travel to the small town of Carroll Fork where they find a demon-possessed thrift store, a sweet old lady who is more than she seems, and an army of underworld inhabitants. Can Johnny and his trusty yo-yo save the town from a devil of a problem?
Five and Daemon, the Yo-Yo Files #1, is a short novelette in an urban fantasy setting, with elements of the supernatural and humor. Learn more here
Things have been quiet. No demonic possessions, no otherworldly intrusions, nothing. And then Lucifer shows up in Johnny’s living room, claiming that two archangels are missing, and something is definitely not right in the heavenly- and other- realms. Saying he has nothing to do with it- this time- he asks Johnny and Cerise to help him find out what’s happening, and who is behind the disappearances. While they are trying to do just that, Lucifer is devilnapped by a larger-than-life serpent. He manages to get a clue to Johnny before he disappears. Johnny and Cerise are left to puzzle out the disappearances and try to find the missing angels. Oh, and stop what could mean the ultimate destruction of pretty much everything.
Snake’s Alive, the Yo-Yo Files #2 is an urban fantasy novelette with elements of the supernatural and humor. Learn more here.
And So On... 