Independence Day

Today, we in America celebrate Independence Day; they day we finally cut off ties with Britain and King George III.

The signing of the Declaration of Independence was seen as treason by Britain, and had we lost the Revolutionary War, out founding fathers would have been executed.

Thankfully, that did not happen, thanks to General George Washington and many other brave men and women who sacrificed everything to embrace freedom for all.

The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

While the United States has been on the decline the past two years, it is still the greatest country on Earth. God bless America.

Since I am stuck at work today, and all you folks are likely enjoying the long weekend, I’m only posting this and the Caption Contest Winners. I’ll resume normal posting tomorrow.

Remember Our Fallen Heroes

While everyone is hitting the beaches, enjoying the barbecues, and spending time with family, please remember those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Today is not about white, sandy beaches. Today is not about cooking hot dogs and hamburgers. Today is about our men and women in uniform. If you see a member of the armed services today, make sure you thank them.

And, while you’re at it, check out Books for Soldiers. It’s a terrific program where you can send care packages of books, non-perishable food, or anything else that a soldier could want. It’s easy. Hell, if I can send CD’s and Slim Jims (which were a big hit) to the troops, anyone can.

He Has Risen

Today is Easter Sunday, the holiest day of the Christian calendar, where Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead. It is a day to rejoice and celebrate the Lord.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” – John 11:25-26

While I am not a terrific Christian by any means, I have been trying to be better. It doesn’t always work out, but I’m trying. This will be the only post today, and I hope you all have a terrific Easter Sunday.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

For the record, I don’t really embrace my Irish roots because I embrace my Slovak heritage. That said, Mrs. Earp’s family has strong Irish roots, so I might as well post about the holiday.

While I am usually working on St. Patrick’s Day, this year I am daywork, so the family will be having traditional Irish food. The good news is Mrs. Earp will hook me up with something different for dinner.

So, if you’re into the Irish thing, I hope you have a great day. And while I don’t really celebrate the holiday, I do very much love a pint of Guinness now and then.

Sláinte!

Happy New Year!

Dear 2021, you were a disgusting bitch which destroyed all our hopes and dreams. Please die in a fire.

Normally, I would be optimistic about the coming year, but F. Joe Biden is still the “president,” Covid continues to thrive, and politicians refuse to leave us alone. I mean, we’re not as bad as Canada or Germany, but I fully expect this will be another terrible year.

I sincerely hope I am wrong.

So all we can do is hope for the best these next 365 days. Hug your loved ones, ignore the fascist leftists, and drink beer/wine when necessary. Here’s hoping your 2022 is much better than 2021.

BTW, this post is late, because I set the posting time for 1-1-2021. I’m an idiot.

A Savior Has Been Born

Today is Christmas, the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the only Son of God.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

These past two years have been trying, and there are many people in this country who are making things more difficult for the average American. That said, there is hope for all of us in the afterlife. At least that is what I believe.

Have a terrific and safe Christmas.

P.S. – I’m going to take the day off tomorrow so I can recuperate from the holiday weekend. Posts will resume Monday.

Christmas Is Coming

My second traditional Christmas Eve post is a rehash of my favorite Christmas song of all time; namely, Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses. Yes, I posted this a week or so ago, but the tradition continues, repetitiveness be damned!

My runner-up is an odd choice, but my kids love it as much as the mainstream Christmas songs.

NORAD Tracks Santa

It’s Christmas Eve, and regular readers know I have two traditional posts on this day. The first is NORAD Tracks Santa.

For those of you not in the know, NORAD Tracks Santa tracks Santa’s route in real time utilizing NORAD radar and Google Earth. His position is updated every five minutes, and even shows real “footage” of Santa flying through the different countries.

In our house, this is the best part of Christmas Eve, and it’s a family tradition. If you have younger kids at home, I would highly recommend it, especially if you have little ones at home. You can check it out at the link.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today we give thanks to God for the Puritans deliverance to the New World and for a bountiful harvest during the fall of 1619. It is also a day to spend with family and friends, and to remember the blessings God has given us.

As always, I will be working this evening, and am sincerely hoping the citizens can behave. Enjoy the holiday, your family, and friends.

“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.” ― W. T. Purkiser

Happy Halloween!

Okay, this is obviously an old photo, but it features the kids right before going Trick or Treating. Tonight will be bittersweet, because Kevin and Julia are getting older, and pretty soon they won’t be going out for Halloween anymore.

It’s also bittersweet, because I have to work – again – on Halloween. Since we’re so short right now, I can’t take a day off, so while my kids are walking the neighborhood, I’ll be sitting at a desk, wishing I was home. The worst part about this job is missing the events in my children’s lives.

If Mrs. Earp can send me a photo of the kids tonight, I’ll post it here.

Julia dyed her hair so she could be Alice Cooper, and Kevin decided to be The Cardboard Knight.

I think both came out looking pretty cool. Also, my cousin and his daughter were a Sith Lord and Cinderella. Notice the Beetlejuice Sandworm behind them.