“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
2 Corinthians 3:17 ESV
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY
PJ had the Sunshine Cottage festive and ready to celebrate the 4th of July. I know she has some patriotic ideas and a lot of red, white, and blue coming up tomorrow in Monday Morning Blooms, but I had to sneak a photo in today. Maybe I won’t be in too much trouble for jumping ahead. Happy Independence Day! Will you manage an extra long weekend with the holiday on Tuesday?
This gets the distinction of being the season’s first sunflower, at least in our garden. After a slow start, it appears that many sunny faces are not far behind…and being just east of the Sunshine Cottage just seems to be the appropriate place for sunflowers!
“The earth laughs in flowers.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
This well known quote gave me a thought…Flowers are quite often an important part of both the happiest and saddest of occasions. A list of “flower occasions” could be long, but weddings and funerals first came to mind. So, I must conclude that flowers are universal, used to celebrate, commemorate, honor, and comfort.
As I took a stroll through the yard and garden last week, I got the idea that the “freedom fairy” had been by and left surprises everywhere. I wonder if this is happening at night?
Even the old adult tricycle was decked out with a flag. I never know what might be awaiting. I need to get out more!
EM and EK have outgrown this little riding buggy, but they didn’t mind hopping on and giving nice smiles for the camera.
This swallowtail almost looks suspended in mid-air near a chaste tree branch, but it was perched and working on getting nectar. Do butterflies “perch”, or is that only birds?
As I mentioned, I believe many sunny faces are about to burst forth, and just in time for the weekend!
I really appreciate our farmers and ranchers across this nation. These hard working patriots provide the basics and essentials for our everyday living…food and clothing are a very big deal! (Cotton is my favorite fabric!) Many of our locals fly “old glory” all year.
I was hesitant about displaying this flag. It is very old and fragile and I also did not wish to hang it in an improper way. However, I believe this is fine and was a good choice and here’s why: I’ve had this flag for better than 35 years. Pam and I remember that it was gifted to me, but our memories have slightly different recollections of the exact circumstances…so I will leave that to our imagination. The real significance is that this flag has 48 stars, and it was made by Annin & Company which was founded in 1847.
The label indicates it is made from cotton bunting and is called “Defiance”. Most likely this flag was made just after WWII as the cotton bunting had begun to replace wool flags. The 48 star flag was adopted in 1912 and remained until the 49th and 50th stars were added in 1959 and 1960 for Alaska and Hawaii. BTW, the first official flag with 49 stars was flown on July 4, 1959, and the first official flag with 50 stars was flown on July 4, 1960.
Why is the Annin label significant to me and this flag? Annin Flagmakers has been making the US flag since 1847, and is the oldest and largest flag maker in the United States. The history of their flags is amazing. It was an Annin-made flag that Marines raised on Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945. On July 20, 1969, astronauts stepped from the Lunar Module and planted an Annin-made flag on the moon, where it remains today. Their flag draped the coffin of Abraham Lincoln in 1865. To mention all that I’ve read about would take up too much space…but Annin flags were part of the North Pole expedition of 1909, Byrd’s expedition of the South pole in 1930, and the National Geographic expedition to Mount Everest in 1963!
I wrote a song about 30 years ago called “God Has Blessed America”. I would often take this 48 star flag to our concerts and display it before we did the song. The song is long, but perhaps in the future I can share some of the lyrics! The song is part of our Everyday Living project from which our blog gets it’s name!
An old terra cotta pot that contained mint, crumbled and caused an avalanche of soil and roots. I figured all was lost, but I tossed the debris back in a new pot and it looks better than ever. Pam makes a simple syrup for our iced tea and adds a sprig or two of mint. So, so, good!
A vine sprouted this spring in the edge of the woods about 30 yards from last year’s pumpkin patch. I decided to leave it alone to see what would happen. It’s possible we may get a few pumpkins if there is enough sun in this spot, however it is probably too shady to do well. If any survive, they might be ripe a little early for the fall season. I am curious to see what color/kind this might turn out to be. We had a variety of pumpkins last season.
On a morning jog/walk last week, these 3 little birds were huddled out in the open near the edge of the road. Not able to fly, they remained very still and were there an hour later. I suppose their instincts told them they were vulnerable and being very still was safer than moving about!
Blue summer sky, hay in the field, and Lookout Mountain…love it! Blessed beyond measure.
Our sunset today is a throwback. The mountains you see are not the Appalachians, but the Rocky Mountains. This view was awesome and a sweet memory for us from the top of the mountain above Vail, Colorado, on this weekend, 2012.
”Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”.
Hebrews 13:8
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
The butterfly photo is stunning
Thanks for the quick history of the Annin flag maker
Thank you, Gail. Wishing you a wonderful Independence Day 🇺🇸
Would you like to share your mint syrup recipe. Sounds refreshing!
Emailed you!
Greetings, Butch and Pam. I appreciate the Annin flag info—such a rich history. The Sunshine Cottage’s patriotic look is amazing. My first sunflower opened yesterday —it’s a volunteer from last summer.
Have a blessed and beautiful Sunday.
Thanks so much, Cindie. Sunflowers make me smile!
Pam
Beautiful post! The flag history is very interesting. And the sunflower is stunning. I especially love the photo of the girls; they are growing up so quickly. Happy 4th!
Thanks, my friend and Happy 4th!
Pam
A lesson today that we won’t find in our classrooms. How many children or adults for that matter know the history or dates that the stars were added to our country’s flag. I was there when that happened. Our country was a believing Christian nation then And I believe God will not turn away from us because of His remnant. Sing loud “God Bless America” .
Thanks so much, Alice!
Great information on the flag. The girls look so cute in the buggy. Happy 4th.
Thank you, Kris!
Pam
Happy Independence Day to you!
Thank you 🇺🇸
Pam
Interesting history on the flag company. Those little fledglings are cute, and I hope they stay safe from predators while they learn to fly.
Thanks so much, Carole!
Pam
The Sunshine Cottage is beautifully decorated. The Annin flag info is so interesting. The sunflowers are healthy looking. The butterfly pic is amazing! The girls are so cute. Hopefully the bird babies made it to safe territory. Cotton is our favorite fabric too. Farmers work so hard and provide so much to all of us. We are grateful to them. Happy 4th!🇺🇸 Clara❤️
Thanks so much, Clara 🇺🇸
Pam
The Sunshine Cottage looks so festive! I really enjoyed reading about the Annin flags, amazing~ the girls look adorable as always and I know they enjoyed seeing the flags that the “freedom fairy” left 🙂 Beautiful capture of the butterfly…the sunflowers are going to be stunning! Have a lovely Sunday as we get ready for the 4th of July!
Thank you, Jenna. Enjoy the week 🇺🇸
Pam
The sunshine cottage’s patriotic tribute is perfection. A bill was passed in June that all flags purchased and flown by the federal government must be made in America with American contents…Amen. As ever, the photos of the “dimpled darlings”, the emerging garden fare, the fields, skies and sunset, the whimsical touches of the freedom fairy, your keen observations of the nature surrounding you; these are Sabbath gifts that uplift and inspire gratitude. Have a wondrous
Fourth and God bless America.
Thank you, Mary. We did not know about the bill, good info to know. Happy Independence Day!
Pam
Thank you for sharing the story of the Annin flag, it truly is part of our American history! John’s grandfather was a DoughBoy in WWI. We have the flag from his funeral and proudly fly it on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran’s Day (he lived well into his 90s!). I have gingerly watered around a nest of baby birds and their mama who chose a fern for a nursery. They finally all fledged and said fern is now deeply watered! Can’t wait to see Pam’s full post tomorrow. The Sunshine Cottage looks beautiful!
I am so glad you have that special flag, Roxanne. The birds disappeared. As always, thank you!
Pam
When displaying the flag horizontally, the star field should be uppermost and on the observer’s left.
This was brilliant! So enjoyable. A+ my friend
Thank you sweet friend!
Pam
I amend my previous post to read, when displaying the flag horizontally or vertically, the star field should be uppermost and on the observer’s left.
Thank you, Nancy. Wishing you a wonderful Independence Day!
Pam
A delightful post guys! I really enjoyed reading the history of your flag & the butterfly shot is exquisited. Bless you both, Jennifer 🙂
Thanks so much, sweet friend!
Pam
The “freedom fairy” is a rather lovely and creative adventure! The flag and its history are both a treasure trove, thanks for sharing it with me this Independence Day! Enjoy this special week of celebrating our nation’s birthday!
Thank you, Mary. Wishing you a wonderful Independence Day!
Such an enjoyable post. LOVED the history of your vintage flag. Loved the shots around your house and glimpses of zinnias growing. For some reason, I can’t get mint to grow well!!!!!!
The butterfly pic is great!
The Sunshine Cottage is decorated first class. Looks like a magazine cover.
Thank you, Bonnie. You are always so sweet to comment!
Such lovely photos! The Sunshine Cottage stands proud and beautiful!
Both of us enjoyed the Annin flag history. I read it to sweet man.
A beautiful stroll with you both. Thank you! Happy 4th of July!
Thank you, Nancy. I am glad sweet man enjoyed!
Pam
Pity the girls have outgrown the riding buggy. I’m glad they can still pose on it. I must admit, I nearly had to brush away a tear when our daughter-in-law sold the boys’ little green “car” at the yard sale this year. You two are clearly ready for the fourth. I hope it’s a happy one!
Thank you, Jeanie! Children grow up so quickly!
Gorgeous Americana scenes from your everyday living! I did know about the Anin history, and whenever I find a 48 star flag at estate sales, I certainly snag them for our antique booth. I always try to include a snippet of the flag history on the tag when I sell them. I wonder who that freedom fairy could be??? Happy 4th week, Richardsons!
It was really interesting reading about the history of the Amin flag as I didn’t know any of it. The Sunshine Cottage looks so pretty all decked out for the 4th. I hope those little birdies are okay.
The grands are adorable – and growing! I hope you get lots of beautiful sunflowers and the sunset picture is gorgeous. Happy 4th of July to both of you and your family!
Thanks so much, Kim. The sunflowers are in full bloom if our afternoon thunderstorms and straight line wind don’t wreak havoc on them. Have a wonderful week!
“Annin” flag.
Your post on the rich history of the Annin flag is outstanding! My son loves history, and will love all your amazing details about the Annin flag this 4th of July when he visits. Thank you for all the wonderful beauty you share each week with us!
Thank you, Elaine. We are so happy you enjoyed. Happy Independence Day!
I would love to hear that song! It sounds beautiful. Not just the lyrics, but would love to hear you sing it. God bless you all!
Thank you, Cheryl. It is a great song, I might be a bit prejudiced!