Introducing Anghelica, the novel’s title character, and her outlook on today’s festivities.
The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
I absolutely love the fourth of July!
The wearing of red, white, and or blue in linens and chambray; grilled food on sticks, on buns, in paper plates, with barbeque sauce that makes you lick your lips (no napkin necessary); and watermelon and salads festooned with strawberries and blueberries; corn fresh out of the pot, burning hot, with refreshing colorful drinks, and of course, bare feet. I can do all of this from Martha’s Vineyard to my own backyard.
What I can do without: is the sun, not the total sun, I don’t want it dark, I love the Light. I’m a light girl. I simply prefer to get it without direct sunlight. Unless I’m in a pool, specifically one of those infinity pools with a small set of friends in shorts and sarongs and designer shades, and we’re dishing on everything and everyone under the sun.
But I can’t get that at my community clubhouse. Too many families with little kids. Don’t get me wrong. I really enjoy seeing the kiddies floating in their rainbow-colored swimmies, I just don’t want to “pool” with them.
If it were up to me, there’d be a rule that anyone wearing a diaper or who has NOT been properly potty-trained CANNOT enter the adult pool. Toddlers need a separate pool – their own independent pool where they can be free, too.
I really enjoy seeing the kiddies floating in their rainbow-colored swimmies, I just don’t want to “pool” with them.
Anghelica

So I’m skipping swimming in the community clubhouse pool this year. I may dab my feet in the water, but I will not. Absolutely, will not allow any pool water to rise above my thighs.
Other than that, I plan to have myself a nice healthy turkey burger at least three inches high; graze on the veggies; indulge in Mother’s baked beans and potato salad; and because it’s a holiday, I’m having dessert (a significant piece of dark chocolate cake) which I’ll wash down with sweet green tea and lemonade – Anghelica, not Arnold Palmer, style. I might even watch a little golf or tennis with family and friends, but most assuredly once I’m feeling all full and fluffy, I am going to cuddle up with a good book while being serenaded by some Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Uhm! Uhm! The holiday independent life!

This is how I plan to celebrate my life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. I hope yours is as good as I pray mine will be.
Happy Birthday, America! May God Continue to Bless You!
Love,
Anghelica❤️