Today is July 4th and like all good Americans I went after the green.  By green I do not mean the mountains of Vermont, but the almighty dollar.  I went to work instead of finding a barbecue or preparing for one.

I felt great and somewhat in control, I am in America the land of the free, and that means free choice.   I love the freedom that is all American, but I am somewhat disquieted by the recklessness that is being exhibited all in the name of freedom.  We are really our brother’s keeper.  Let us all take time and put ourselves in each other’s shoes.

The question should be how do I want to be treated?  am I extending the same courtesy to everyone ?  Let’s just forget color, ethnicity and any other barriers.  Make the effort to unify this beautiful country.  Let us lift the Stars and Stripes unfurled, with love and purpose for a unified America.

The word island means only one thing to me, the place I grew up, and that is the beautiful island of Grenada. I have travelled to many other islands but none have such a hold on me as The Spice island. Apart from the many spices including cinnamon, tumeric, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, we have the most beautiful beaches in the West Indies. Our people are the warmest and most accommodating and are ready to show visitors a great time in a great island nation.

The day before July 4th not a peep was heard from my neighbors. This makes me worried, because I am thinking, if the barbecue is not today, then it is tomorrow or not ever. I was never big on barbecuing myself, but I love to be invited to backyard parties. Over the years I attend less and less of these parties, not that I am anti American, but they became to pedestrian and ho hum. Not withstanding my thoughts and feelings, I do enjoy seeing the neighbors preparing the Barbie, the many friends and families milling around and the mix of music billowing from the different yards. It’s the celebration of Independence Day on Long Island, but as I say there is not a peep to be heard.

So I have to create my own celebrations, let’s begin. Since it’s Sunday I went to church, listened intently to the pastor, and thank God for another day. I came back, did a little shopping and then prepared breakfast for my family. My family or what is left of it do not like “West Indian” food, but today on America.’s Independence, I was craving a true Grenadian breaststroke, how ironic. So you’re ready? Cod fish souse was on my menu. I made the souse with cucumbers, avocado, watercress, tomatoes and virgin olive oil. I coked cheer potatoes, Idaho potato, yams, plantains and green bananas.

I fed the boys their American breakfast and then I sat down to my Grenadian. This dish did not disappoint. The provisions was firm and not overlooked, the codfish had the right amount of salt in it. I wanted to sing the Star spangled banner and the Grenadian anthem all together, but instead I thanked God for the previledge of bring an Amerian. Happy July 4th everyone. Go out and have safe fun.

A friend asked me yesterday, …do you ever think about slavery, what if you were still enslaved?… My answer was somewhat contemplating . If I were enslaved, I may not be so fiery, I may be broken and accepting. No one knows, but since I have not been born into slavery, any hint of it have my hackles up.
With this preamble, I am ready to fight, my health is worth fighting for. I will eat well, exercise, rest, pray and believe. Today I am strong and feeling well, my mind is clear, and I am excited to enjoy America’s Independece Day.
Later.
Jean

Last night I crashed but I am up early again giving praise to God for another day. Something is bothering me, but I quite can’t understand what it is, so I at the wall again figuratively. At the wall praises go up, but questions are asked and notes are left. Today is a busy one so I have to run run run. I’ll edit this post later.
Jean

Up early and still feeling the mild soreness of Monday’s exercise, because of this, I know that I must exercise more often. I am off to finish planting the rest of the herbs…. No not that I leave that to Colorado.