Happy American Freedom Day!
The day we kicked out the British and established this great nation. Thousands of heroes lost their lives fighting for the independence and the freedom that we celebrate today – despite that, and many people seem to be so opposed to living in the great country.
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Updated in 1954 by President Eisenhower to include “…under God”
Sure, we have many challenges as we continue to evolve as a nation, but we are still a beacon of democracy and probably one of the freest countries in the World.
The history of this nation has been bloody, with unfair treatment of people, political scandals, wars, technical advancements, and the space race, Yet, all in a very short period. It is incredible how far this country has come since 1492. Not without pain and suffering, but every nation has been built on the blood and backs of people.
My Viking relatives will dispute that 1492 was the year the Americas was discovered, as it is clear that we arrived much earlier. We sailed across wild waters and quickly found it was a land of plenty, only to return to colder waters. I cannot argue with the statement or claim that we came first.
For our family, the 4th of July is vitally important. While I do not have relatives on this continent, it is a historical event that helped shape the foundation of this great nation under God. The US has welcomed us with open arms, allowing us to build our family here, and become part of the community.
We are first-generation immigrants, following the legal processes and pledging our allegiance to this great nation. We are proud Americans and want the US to prosper.
As such, we pridefully celebrate the 4th of July and remember all the people who gave everything to give us freedoms and this great nation.
20 Years Married
I’m proud to share that my wife and I have been happily married for 20 years. Two decades!
We have been together for 25 years, only a couple more years than I spent with KPMG. Some kids that I employ are not even that old. It erks and scares me when I hear someone is born in 20xx, but I’m 50 years old and allowed to be odd.
Thinking back at our life, we have been through many exciting adventures, not to mention sharing three beautiful kids. Each child is unique and special to us.
We’ve traveled most of Europe, a few places in Central America, the Balkans, the Middle East, and of course, America. It has allowed us to create many unforgettable memories, clocking up 100K digital images to witness the adventures.
Our lives had changed from when we lived in a one-bedroom apartment in the inner Dublin city, our house on the outskirts, to our rental in New Jersey, and now upstate New York.
My wife and family were by my side as I battled heart failure, aka myocarditis, and made a full recovery.
I look forward to more decades together as we create more memories.
Empty The Freezer Time
The school was officially over a week ago, allowing the kids to sleep in, and play computer all day – basically do nothing that might resemble a daily routine.
However, the girls’ summer camp kicks off on the 5th of July. They have been going to the same camp for 5-6 years and made many great friends and memories. Our oldest daughter works as a camp counselor and lifeguard, so she makes money while having fun at the camp.
Our son starts his extended school year program today as well. It is an excellent addition to his IEP (individual education plan) and much needed for his development. If he doesn’t get continued educational support, his skills will digress, which is not good.
So, back to making school lunches and dinner plans for the family.
For dinners, I’ve decided to empty the freezer for left-over meals. It is necessary to keep left-over meals to a minimum as they cannot last too long in a regular domestic freezer. Thankfully we only had three dinners.
During the summer, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, I attempt to cooking Friday to Sunday meals outside, using either the trusted Traeger, our new addition, the Blackstone Griddle, or the faithful Breeo firepit. Hence there are no set dinners, just some meat to grill.
T-shirt Design Session
I created my first t-shirt for the Knuckle Head Gang. More designs to come, but I will attempt to make some cool (funny) designs and perhaps sell them on this site.
Would you trust me to make t-shirts and would you buy one?
Fire up the Traeger. Ready your Dutch oven. Go shopping, and let’s start cooking—another Sunday in the Kitchen with music on the magical Demerbox and wonderful aromas filling the room.
| Lunch | Dinner | |
| Monday | 4th of July | Steak, sausages, wings, cornbread, and some green stuff |
| Tuesday | Cheeseburger on homemade buns | Lemon chicken with spinach and mushroom pasta |
| Wednesday | Dumplings with soy dipping sauce | Chicken lasagne |
| Thursday | Boiled egg sandwich | Pasta beef stroganoff |
| Friday | Pizza time | BBQ; fish and poultry |
One day, I might get so organized that I will link the meals below to my recipes. We can only live in hope!
Have a fantastic week, my friends. I hope you enjoy these meal plans. It is much easier to make food in advance, although you must invest several hours preparing meals during the weekend.
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