Growing up, the 4th of July was bigger than Christmas in my family.
Early in the 20th century, in the midst of a gentle valley in southern Kansas, a man-made lake was created and a group of several dozen cabins built around and near it. It was developed by the Elm Mills Corporation -- the old Elm Mill which once ground the grains that were grown in the area had been defunct for some time.
My grandfather bought one of these cabins in the 50's and our family tradition of spending the 4th at "The Mill" began. There are fireworks galore, sack races, three-legged races, row boat races, scavenger hunts, turtle races (you have to catch your own) along with many more activities and a lot of eating. It's Americana in its highest glory.
The cabin was passed to my dad and now is owned by my brother -- yeah, the one who lives in Budapest. My sister and her husband now own the cabin next door. To get a good picture in your mind, think "On Golden Pond" with a smaller pond.
The last time I was "home" for the 4th was, I think, 2000. This year (this week!) we will be back -- myself, Beth and Molly. My sister Dianne will be there with her family and my brother Dennis with Judit, his significant other.
Just thinking about it warms my heart. I feel like a kid waiting for... well, Christmas.
Expect many pictures!
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