I spent the 4th of July holiday working in the yard.  We’ve recently had some new cement work done, including adding a small patio in the front yard.  All of the sidewalks and steps were completed at the beginning of last week; just in time to have a couple of yards of dirt delivered so we could being filling in the areas next to the new walks.  The summer day grew hotter as I hauled the wheelbarrow full of dirt back and forth and back and forth.  Not only did the pile of dirt dwindle, but I was able to spend time reflecting on all the liberties and freedoms we enjoy in the United States. Our country’s founding fathers could not have envisioned the daily lives we lead in 2013.  How fortunate I am be able to enjoy a holiday for our Independence Day, to work in the yard, and to make this small space a better place.