As we celebrate the Fourth of July, I think of other years…of my childhood and with my daughter and grandchildren.  Although most of us in this multi-generational household have work schedules (four of us work at a supermarket), we still have time to engage in patriotic activities.

Image: sxc.hu

There are fireworks in a neighboring town on Friday night.

A parade also is held there on Saturday morning.

We prepare special foods that have become a family tradition, including a barbeque. 

If the weather is good, we also may hold a yard sale this weekend.  Yard sales have become traditional over summer holiday weekends in our town.

I’ll see what photos and memories I can find from my childhood, my daughter’s and the grandchildren.  I should begin compiling them into a scrapbook/journal. 

When I was growning up, my mother’s family always gathered on July 4th.  In later years, as the older generation passed away, my parents established traditions at our home.  I shouldn’t let these family heritage memories disappear into the past.

What do you do to save Fourth of July memories?

I am lucky, the sound of loud noises, such as thunder or fireworks, does not affect my dog’s behavior in any noticible way. For other dogs, those sudden loud noises can cause all manner of fearful and/or destructive behavior.

Some dog behavioral experts say that one way to help dogs through this period is to create a safe environment for them in your home–a quiet place to retreat to– before the thunder or loud noises begin. One suggested phrase for this area is “hidey hole”…so, “Frankie, go to your hidey hole”…

I thought, how brilliant…can you imagine if we could use this phrase at work? Got a review coming up? Let your manager know you will be in the “hidey hole” because reviews are just too much for your poor little psyche.

What if you are not at your office? Let’s say you are on the road and have a big presentation in front of “corporate”? Easy, when you check in to your hotel and they ask if you want “smoking or non-smoking”–say “non-smoking, with a “hidey hole”, please.

When I’m frightened I retreat to the “hidey Mall”. I am convinced that consumer therapy helps ease all fears and frustrations.