Carry on, Independence Day

We’re stretching out the Fourth of July celebration this year and maybe that’s a good thing.

Flooding in parts of Iowa changed our travel plans for the holiday, so we stayed home for the Fourth. I was curious to see “Horizon,” Kevin Costner’s just released western, especially after spending the better part of three years immersed in the American West while writing Lila’s Journey. The theme of the movie–settlers lured to a settlement called Horizon in Arizona in 1859–was fitting for the Fourth of July, so off to the movie we went.

I thoroughly enjoyed the three hour movie. There are several story lines and many characters, so you have to pay attention to the shift in scenes. I liked the multiple points of view–the settlers, Native Americans, Mexicans, Army soldiers, even Chinese immigrants. The first fifteen minutes include a horrific Indian attack on a settlement which was chaotic and realistic and terrifying.

Since there were no laws or governance in this part of the West, vengeance was the order of the day. It was brutal on all sides. The cruelty between the white men and Native Americans and also among the general population is on full display. Don’t despair, however. There are moments of civility, kindness and humor, too.

I was expecting breathtaking scenery and was not disappointed. The cinematography is gorgeous. Be forewarned Horizon is the first of four installments with the second one coming in five weeks.

That night we watched the Kansas City fireworks at Union Station from the comfort of our living room. Liberty Memorial, lit up in yellow, is the the National World War I Memorial and Museum and looked stunning against the fireworks display.

Due to threat of rain, we postponed our grilling until July 5. Yesterday was glorious. The sun came out, the humidity disappeared and we ate on the patio. I came across some yummy sounding summer drinks perfect to try out for the Fourth.

It’s a milkshake with Irish Cream and could be made with or without the liqueur. I’d love to try the mocha version but didn’t have coffee ice cream so made the raspberry milkshake instead. It was delicious!!! and is more dessert than drink. I scooped mine with a spoon.

So as I sit here on July 6, drink in hand, I’ll make a quick plug for my new book and encourage all of us remember that every day is Independence Day in our great country.

Until next time . . .