Interesting Factoid: The colonies voted in support of independence on July 2^nd, John Adams thought that that day would become the national holiday. Instead we celebrate July 4^th, when the final wording of the document was approved. The document itself wasn’t signed until August 2^nd.

So much has changed since those fateful days in 1776. Our world is faster and smaller. There is very little that can’t be understood, or at least explored, with a mouse and a modem. Funny, even the word mouse to one of the Founding Fathers would have a very different meaning. I doubt they would recognize much of “America” today. We are, in many ways, an isolationist, thoughtless, and polarized society.

Jefferson participated in an annual pea contest – the neighborhood farmer who produced the first pea of the season won! He hosted regular dinners for his neighbors; today we barely know our neighbors well enough to nod and smile as they drive by. Adams grew his own food and celebrated the manure on his farm as being better than that which he found in London. Most modern Americans rely on the grocery store for their food and, if they grow anything pour petroleum fertilizers on top to “help” them grow. Adams and Jefferson are also remembered for their correspondence. Not only did they write “real” letters, but they explored ideas; they conversed in person and in writing about everything – politics, history, books, gardening, philosophy, and more. Quite often they disagreed, however, they were part of a generation who understood civil discourse. Today we frequently have arguments, if we converse at all. There is very little true conversation going on in our country today. Everything now becomes a dichotomy; you either agree with me or you’re against me, there is no middle ground in which to explore alternative ideas.

As I look back over the last 10 months of blogging, and 20 months of prepping, I like to think that what Trace and I are doing is bringing a bit of the Founding Fathers’ ideals back into our world. I’m not talking about politics. I’m talking about understanding and appreciating where our food comes from, and the amount of energy it takes to grow one tomato plant. I’m talking about the ability to converse with, and even appreciate, people who disagree with us. I’m talking about the value of slowing our world down just a bit and being conscious of life, of our world, and of our impact on it.

As we celebrate a milestone in the lives of our Founding Fathers, find a moment to take stock, appreciate the good, and recognize what can be improved. And, if you’re lucky, see if there’s anything ripe in the garden that you can have with dinner.

Have a safe and happy 4th!

(Friday: What We Did This Week To Prep)