Cleaning Windows

When I hear the expression “Cleaning windows”, I can not help but recall a song by one of the greatest songwriters in recent history named Van Morrison. In this case, it is a little different.  I came home Monday night from work.  I heard earlier through the family grapevine that another Lemonade sale was performed by Sophie and Savannah.  Recently, Sophia spent all her earned money on a Lego set. This Lego set is currently in the hands of UPS and in transit to us in the next few days.  With all her money spent, Sophia had the lemonade and bake sale also.  Jackie mentioned that the Windows needed cleaning.  She only had to say this once to Sophie. This quickly turned into turned into another financial opportunity for Sophia.  She is always looking for ways to work around the house to make a quick buck.

 

Here is Sophie at work.

She is making her dad proud by using Windex which is made S.C. Johnson in my original hometown.  I like the reflections in these images as it adds some depth  and pizzazz to both of them.

   A closer look at her efforts.

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Independence Day – Freedom and a Lemonade Stand

The July 4th weekend means celebration for many Americans.   In North Carolina,  many folks in our area head to the beach for the weekend.  This weekend is the busiest weekend for the North Carolina beaches.   Some celebrate by grilling hot dogs and hamburgers in the backyard and shooting off their own firework displays.  Others head to their local municipal firework location and hang with their fellow citizens. The point is that people have various ways of celebrating the July 4th weekend.

“Why do we celebrate July 4th?” asked our very inquisitive older daughter Sophia.  Our first response was that “we celebrate our freedom.”   “Freedom from what?” chimed Sophia.   My wife Jackie explained that back on July 4, 1776 our forefathers of our country declared our country’s  independence from the England.  Anticipating the next question,  I explained that “a forefather is not like your father or grandfather where they are related to us but rather they are the fathers of our country.”   Not sure if she fully understand this exchange, but it appeared to end any of her further inquiries.  So hopefully, we answered her questions.

This exchange got me thinking about the significance of  July 4th and what are we really celebrating on this weekend.  I think our first response was pretty accurate.  We celebrate our freedom.  Personally,  I believe it is much more that a celebration of the anniversary the signing of the Declaration of Independence document in 1776 even though this event was a very significant catalyst in the evolution of our freedom that we enjoy in our country.  One freedom I am currently enjoying is the ability to write this blog post without any interference or censorship from anyone.  People in other countries may not have this privilege.  I realize that this is a pretty shallow example of freedom but when you think about all the various freedoms we enjoy like this one,  it all adds up. 

I find myself reflecting  on our freedom evolution by recalling various events in our history like the following:  War of Independence, writing/signing of the constitution,  Emancipation Proclamation,  Women’s suffrage/rights movement,  civil rights movement, and the civil and world wars.   This list is not at all inclusive.   Our freedom did not come without a cost.  I am very grateful to all the people(civilians, politicians,  and military) that have fought and/or gave their lives for all the freedom that we all enjoy.  This is a celebration of our freedoms and their triumphs.  Thank you.  They are reminders that we too need to protect and fight for our freedoms.

Sporting the Red, White and Blue

Here are couple of shots of my dear Savannah sporting the red,white and blue.

 

The Lemonade Stand

Sophie is all into making the dollar.  In celebration of our American entrepreneurial freedom, we decided to setup a good old all-American neighborhood lemonade stand.   You may be thinking who will be in the neighborhood on July 4th that would enjoy some lemonade.  To be honest, we were a little concerned about this also especially since Sophia would have to reimburse us of the startup costs of the stand.  Well, this concern did not curb our enthusiasm.  We crossed our fingers and purged ahead.

Here is the creation of the all important  sign.  

The discussion of the lemonade selling strategy.

Lunch break at the lemonade stand.

The girls were startled by their first customer.   How can you resist buying some lemonade from these faces?  I guess I am a little bit biased. :)

Here is our first customer.  I had been watching our neighbor mowing his lawn. What better to enjoy than a cold glass of lemonade after mowing your lawn in summer heat ?  I find it even more fitting that he is proudly and appropriately wearing his “Army” t-shirt on Independence day.

Now for the finishing touches on the first sale. 

In the end, due to a last minute rush, Sophie was able to show a profit.  Thanks everyone!