Hooray! Americans are free! Free from a life of cucumber sandwiches, playing tennis on the lawn, watching cricket, drinking warm beer, driving on the wrong side of the road and speaking in forked tongues! Phew, what a lucky escape, HA!

Today, the US celebrates Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July or July Fourth, and it is a national holiday, so all non-essential federal institutions such as post offices and courts are closed.

The day marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence 241 years ago on July 4, 1776 when the Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation, the United States of America, and no longer part of the British Empire.

Many politicians make it a point on this day to appear at a public event to praise the nation’s heritage, laws, history, society, and people.

The Fourth of July is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, family barbecues and parties with buildings and homes decorated with flags and all things red, white and blue including High Meadow Ranch and our fur babies!

Patriotic Poppy-dog!

Archer catching a much-needed snooze!

Abigail only just tolerating the photo shoot!

Not even a bandana will get Artie out of Poppy’s bed!

Holly trying to use the bandana as a disguise to raid Artie’s biscuit bowl