Independence Day. And Cake.

Back when That Old House was new,

when the Morris Canal flowed by on the other side of the road,

and there were just a handful of houses on this part of Main Street, 

Independence Day celebrations were a Very Big Deal.

 Independence itself was still a Very Big Deal -- the Revolutionary War had ended fewer than 50 years before. 

A dramatic reading of The Declaration of Independence

was part of most communities' celebrations, as were parades, picnics, fireworks, games --

pretty much the same way we celebrate today.

Only we don't usually read The Declaration of Independence.

Maybe we should.

I wish you a happy, healthy, safe holiday,

no matter how you are celebrating!

I'm not sure why this dolled-up patriotic lady is holding a broom and dustpan as she advertises cigarettes.
But she symbolizes what Howard and I are doing for at least part of today -- still clearing out the cellar!

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Another set of obligatory wedding pictures.
This is the sample picture from the internet that Alida gave to the caterer's baker,
as an example of what she wanted their wedding cake to look like.

And here is what the baker baked:

 Simple and classic, and just what the bride wanted.

The topper is a wood silhouette from an Etsy seller; Alida bought it months ago.

I don't know what the groom wanted, but he was in California and

Alida was pretty sure that he, well, didn't really much care what the cake looked like!

As long as it tasted good.

It was delicious -- vanilla cake with dark chocolate fudge between the layers.

The picture of the cake is courtesy of Alida's friend Christa,

pictured below with the bride.

These two met and bonded at the hip in 6th grade.

Christa's mom Betsy and I had lunch together on Friday,

to reminisce about all these two have been through together since 1997.

Wow.  How did we get such old kids and stay so young ourselves?  One of Nature's mysteries.

Happy 4th to you all!  -- Cass

 Cheers!

Patriotic images courtesy of Karen, The Graphics Fairy

Snapshots courtesy of Christa!