This year we managed to hand crank ice cream for Memorial Day.  Last year it rained for all the major summer holidays.  Although we desperately need the rain this year, we made the most of our sunshine. 

DH and I got this hand crank ice cream maker as a wedding gift from a friend from his side of the family.  His family has a tradition of making only hand crank ice cream.  It was very important to them that we have one of our own.  This friend searched high and low and found one in an antique shop.  DH found that it easily came apart.  He took it apart, sanded it, varnished it and glued it together.  Then a few months later we visited the cooper at Colonial Williamsburg and learned that these types of containers are supposed to easily come apart.  However, they are strong enough to remain put unless you purposely take a supporting ring off.   Oh well.  It still makes great ice cream!

DS takes a turn...

DD took a turn...

Success!  We got Almond Fudge Ice Cream!

Then we grilled fajitas with a spice rub and hickory smoked.  Then I squeezed lemon juice on top and let it sit while the tortillas, peppers and onions grilled.

A summer holiday grilled dinner must be enjoyed outdoors. 

The garden lizards entertained us...

Then we devoured homemade ice cream!

For a lovely floral tribute to our country, check this:

http://www.jacquielawson.com:80/viewcard.asp?code=1221321706636&source=jl999

Here's another favorite:  John Wayne as he tells the story of why he loves America. 

 http://sagebrushpatriot.com/america.htm 

And then the story of "The Ragged Old Flag."  We've gone on family walks this weekend and dh, who is in the military, has counted the number of flags he's seen flying on our walk.  So far, he's counted...four.

 http://www.countrywhispers.com/raggedoldflag/