Happy 4th, mates!

[Bartholomew Foulsteel]

Thanks Lizzy. I'd like to bring everybody's attention to a couple of thoughts:

--First, although many recognize Independance Day as a big holiday with fireworks and cookouts (and often a long weekend), it's really about the founding fathers of the United states. and the tremendous courage they displayed. Just imagine the pride they would have had to have felt for their country to take on a supremely powerful country like England. They risked their EVERYTHING so others could have freedom from tyranny and oppression. Unlike any other war the US has fought in, our very first, the Revolutionary War, was an all or nothing gambit.

--Second, the wonderful National Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner, deserves another listen to the lyrics over this weekend. It was written by Francis Scott Key as he was imprsoned on a British ship during the siege of Firt McHenry during the War of 1812. Look or listen again to the lyrics--they are very powerful and a finer song I could not have imagined for our Anthem.

I hope everybody has a SAFE and FUN Independance Day weekend. I want to Pyrate with ye all again next week, and not be sending get well soon cards to yer hospital rooms!