A bit of magic of the summer season integrated into my photographic lens from this past month. I have truly enjoyed the simplicity of the photographic blog posts each month that I began earlier this year. Photos do tell their own story. July, it’s been a warm month… in memories and temperatures. Thanks for tagging along with me!
I have linked a few other blog posts from this month in here as well. Take your time with this one folks and find all the other blog posts within, coming back to them as you can. I so appreciate your continued support! I hope you enjoy these special July memories in photographic form.
A Walk Around Kerr Scott
ReflectionsPeaking ThroughA Walk By the Lake … If you didn’t get a chance to read Rooted in Wilkes yet, I hope you will get a chance to do so soon!
Home
Contradictions in the SkyTime to BlossomBlue Skies and BloomsYoung BloomsJust Like LaceBusy Bee 🐝In Full BloomAngel TrumpetA peak inside a blooming Crepe MyrtleSimplicity of a trailing vinePeaceful, Easy Feeling… Morning SunriseBarely ThereRising to the OccasionNight skySeeking Raindrops
Friday Flower Fun at Wilkes County Hardware
First Flower Friday… success! See you again August 9th!!!
North Wilkesboro Greenway
Growing Field of DreamsWildflower Dreams
Blue Ridge Parkway
Where the Wildflowers GrowBlue Ridge HorizonBlue Ridge Skyline
It’s a time to celebrate the birth of our nation. July 4th, 1776… marks the adoption and approval of the Declaration of Independence as the 13 Colonies broke away from England. If you will remember your American history, the conflict between the 13 Colonies and the British Empire had been ongoing since 1775. The Declaration of Independence was officially our “breaking up letter” to the British and another stepping stone to the process of making our nation. Once independence was won in October 1781, with the final victory at Yorktown, The 13 Colonies were truly free!
A peak inside Independence Hall in Philadelphia
What most people do not know is that the holiday of July 4th, Independence Day was not fully celebrated for about 100 years after independence! It was 1870 when Independence Day became a national holiday, and federal holiday in 1941.
Let freedom ring!
Enough of the history lesson! Old habits die hard! The former life of a history teacher… 😂
So how do we celebrate the July 4th holiday in modern times??? Maybe for most of us, Fireworks, Flags, Food, And Family Fun are always at the center of most celebrations whether you celebrate at home or traveling on vacation.
Fireworks
Why do we celebrate with fireworks each Independence Day??? The first organized celebration (headed by John Adams) was held in Philadelphia July 4, 1777 to commemorate the occasion.
Fireworks in our town are the centerpiece and the culmination of the celebration of the day. Families gather to watch the Fire Truck Parade before the fireworks and at dusk, the finale, the Fireworks. It’s an exciting time for kids and adults to view the colorful show in the darkened skies.
Where’s your favorite spot to view the fireworks on July 4th???
Flags
As flag etiquette and tradition states, an American flag can and should be flown during state and federal holidays. July 4th fits that category.
Upon buying a hardware store in 2015, one of the first things we noticed was the American Flag flying outside the store everyday. We wanted to make sure that our customers could always find a high quality American flag in our store for purchase. So when we arrived in New Orleans (our first hardware show) we made sure to order from Valley Forge Flags to keep that tradition alive.
In 2018, we added another service for our customers- drop off old American flags for proper disposal. Our customers can leave an old American flag and we will make sure the Flag Code of the US in observed in the discarding of the American flag. Our community received this service well and plan to continue to do this well into our future.
Drop off your old American flag 🇺🇸 and purchase a new one in the month of July 20% off!
Food
Summer food is just fun! Let’s face it, the garden is producing wonderful fresh vegetables, fresh fruits are plentiful and quite tasty. What foods scream July 4th to you??? Here’s a few that are traditional favorites at our house each July 4th.
A Lodge Grill is a great option for camping and extremely durable!
1. Hamburgers and Hotdogs with homemade chili (click link to view recipe)
2. Homemade baked beans (click link to view recipe, see above)
3. Fresh fruit- watermelon, cantaloupe, blueberries, peaches… ahhh! The list is long and simply fantastic!!!
Wedge or chunks??? Which is your favorite way to eat watermelon???
4. Fresh squeezed lemonade
This dishpan sold at Wilkes County Hardware is a quick, festive and easy holiday drink dispenser. I used the half gallon mason jars and filled them with water, fresh lemonade, sweet tea, and a fruit flavored water.Southern Sides for the BBQ Grilling Season
5. Homemade ice cream- Nothing is better than a bit of sweet homemade ice cream on the July 4th holiday. I often add fruit into my basic homemade ice cream recipe.
Whether you choose to travel this July 4th weekend along with 60 million other travelers, I wish you traveling safety!
Maybe you might be just staying home, planning a cookout, splashing in the pool, or just relaxing the day away… check out the following swim safety tips.
Top 10 Pool Safety Tips:
1. Never swim alone -swim with a buddy always
2. Be mindful of opening and closing times at your community pool or public pool. AND yes, even when you are on vacation as well! Pool chemistry is checked at least once a day (usually before opening each day). Chemicals are often added prior to opening/closing each day and time is a factor! Give the pool chemicals time to work properly and swim safely without the worry of harsh pool chemicals impacting your skin.
3. Obey all pool rules. This one might be obvious but definitely crucial for a safe swimming environment.
4. Be mindful of drains and skimmers. Stay away from these areas as you swim. Educate your children about these areas as well.
5. Protect your skin! Use proper sunscreen and enjoy your pool day.
6. Avoid night swimming… pool areas should be well lit and have lights installed in the pool for SAFE night swimming. This rule applies back to basic pool hours noted at your public swimming pool, community pool or your vacation swimming pool fun.
7. Roughhousing and running around the pool area creates safety concerns. This also includes the safety equipment, like hanging on the safety rope. The safety rope has to be in place at public pools to designate the shift from shallow to deep water in the pool. If it is damaged, the pool may have to close. 😬
8. Stay weather aware. Summer storms are frequent throughout our area. If you hear thunder, it’s time to get out of the pool.
9. Come prepared. Take the essentials: towels, sunscreen, phone (in case of emergency) water (hydration), first aid supplies (bee stings, cuts etc) and of course the best pool snacks!
10. Lastly, keep watchful eyes on all in the pool, even though your kids maybe good swimmers. Accidents can happen can occur instantly.
Wishing y’all a SAFE and Happy July 4th weekend!!!! Have a Fantastic Fourth!
The highest compliment a Southern cook can receive from someone is the request of their recipe after the meal. It means the dish was deliciously prepared and well received by those who ate it.
I must admit, when I have gotten a request for a recipe, I feel very honored. Today, I’m sharing a few of our family favorites from the summer BBQ grilling season. These side dishes are not revolutionary, but simple favorites that my family enjoys each July 4th.
So to celebrate the grilling season, let’s take a moment to reflect on the classic sides that have become proven favorites. We usually select Hamburgers and hotdogs each July 4th. Having great side items to accompany the best grilled burgers… well, that simply goes without saying. Happy grilling y’all!
A great rub can elevate your July 4th burgers to a new level. We sprinkle a bit of this one at home often to add a little extra touch of flavor. Yes, Wilkes County Hardware has this available in store! Keegan recommends to add a splash of Sauce to your hotdog!
Baked Beans
My Mama spoiled me. I didn’t realize that fact, but these baked beans have been a staple cookout food ever since I was younger. I am not accustomed to baked beans without meat. Baked beans without hamburger, well that’s just a plain old seasoned bean!!! Like I stated before, my Mama spoiled me with this recipe, so all other baked beans haven’t measured up to Mom’s.
My Mama always made the easiest, and the best baked beans that we all loved, and we still do! Leftovers are rare. The recipe, in the mind. Not written down at all, because it’s a simple recipe to make, using pantry staples. I hope you enjoy!
Mom’s Baked Beans
Ingredients List
1/2-3/4 lb hamburger (cooked)
1T Dried onion
2T Worcestershire sauce ( I adjust the amount I use based on hamburger, making sure all the hamburger is coated with the Worcestershire sauce)
2 Cans Pork Beans
2 T Pancake syrup (depending on how much sweetness you prefer)
1c Ketchup
Simple Steps to A Great Side
1. Fry and crumble hamburger meat well in the skillet, as the hamburger cooks, add dried onions (1 T)
2. Drain hamburger grease prior to adding additional ingredients.
3. Add Worcestershire sauce to hamburger meat once the hamburger meat has browned. Stir well.
4. Turn heat down on skillet/ sauce pan and add pork and beans. Combine the hamburger and beans evenly.
5. Add pancake syrup for a bit of sweetness. Stir well.
Stir the syrup into the bean/hamburger mixture prior to adding the ketchup
6. Add ketchup. Simmer until beans are warmed and tender (20-30 minutes)
I adjust ketchup level to change the color ratio from a pork bean color to a more traditional baked bean color… adding more as needed I typically just squeeze in the ketchup and stir until I’m satisfied with the color. Note the difference between the two photos
Larry Patterson’s Hot Dog Chili
This recipe was gifted to Mom years ago by her friend, Larry. It was an instant family favorite after she made it the first time. Mom shared it with me several years ago and it has become a staple of our summer cookouts. It does require a bit of time to simmer on the stove top, but it’s worth the wait!
Honestly, it’s hard to go back to a canned hot dog chili once you have had a good homemade chili. This recipe is even better on day two… the longer it sits, the spices have a chance to simmer and get into the chili. I love this one on BOTH hamburgers or hotdogs! it freezes well and I half this recipe often.
What are your favorite “must have” items that you put on a hotdog? 🌭
Ingredients
2lbs. Ground hamburger
2t chili powder
2t black pepper
1T Texas Pete
1/2c Ketchup
1c water
Simple Steps to Chili
1. Crumble raw hamburger into large saucepan.
2. Add all spices and Texas Pete to raw hamburger
3. Add Ketchup and water.
4. Stir well and simmer 3-4 hours stirring occasionally.
Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
This recipe is based on my pitcher size I typically use.
3 large lemons
1 cup boiling water
1 cup sugar
2 cups ice
4 cups water
Steps to Making Sweet Lemonade
1. Boil 1 cup water. Add sugar to dissolve into water. Allow to cool.
2. Extract juice from 3- 4 large lemons.
3. Once sugar syrup is dissolved and cooled, add to pitcher with lemon juice.
4. Add 4 cups cold water. Stir in 2 cups of ice. Add a few lemon slices to the top. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Lemonade, a refreshing summer beverage!
Whether you are enjoying the July 4th holiday cookout or just grilling out for the weekend, I hope you find these simple recipes a great addition to your BBQ fun!
The Hardware Life - A wife's journey into the hardware business 