America. One nation under GOD. Home of the free because of the brave. 4th of July is a great day for our country and I salute the people whose sacrifices have made it possible. I personally can’t thank you enough for your service. It is a privilege to live in the USA. If the flag offends you, well then, see ya later. No one is keeping you here. If you can’t stand for OUR flag or see a person wearing a USA shirt and make a rude comment, then PEACE OUT! I love my country. The red, white, and blue. Why do we have to be like this?

If we all could be a little more kind to each other, a little more giving, the world would be an even better place.

Take this for instance. Last week I ran into the Dollar Tree on the Golden Strip to grab a few things. A lady was standing behind me with her hands full. I told her to put her things down in front of me because I had a basket. As the cashier was checking me out, we were just making conversation and I was just using my manners. The lady behind me says “Oh my gosh, you are just the sweetest person!”

I said to her “Thank you so much! It doesn’t cost anything to be kind!”

As I walked out to the car, I told my husband about her because she completely made my night. We were pulling out of the parking lot and she waves for my husband to put his window down and comes over and says “You just have the most sweetest wife” and continued to talk to him about me until a truck pulled up behind us and we had to leave. I wish I got this woman’s name because you couldn’t find a more sweeter soul. We both did nothing out of the ordinary. Kindness. That’s all it takes. Hold the door for someone, buy someone a coffee standing in line behind you, wish someone a good day. That’s all it takes. Even just a smile!! We live in an amazing country, where we live free, have fresh running water and can go about our everyday lives without living in fear. Folks, we are blessed!

And to the woman at the Dollar Tree if you read this, keep that spirit alive girlfriend! I hope to run into you again somewhere and find out your name! It’s people like you who make this world a better place.

God Bless the USA!

Patriotic Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 egg
• 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Red and Blue Coloring

Directions:

Mix sugar, butter, milk, vanilla and almond extract, and egg. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Mix until well incorporated. Divide dough in three equal parts. Leave one part uncolored for the white dough; color one part of dough with red coloring; color another part of dough with blue coloring. Form all three dough parts into rounds. Then flatten into disks. and cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. or place the rounds in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Take dough and combine the three colors to make a cookie, about tablespoon size or a little larger. Place cookie dough balls on baking sheet and flatten slightly with the bottom of a drinking glass. Bake in 350 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on wire rack for about 5 minutes.

Notes: I loaded my colors into a cookie scoop, but you could just press the colors together to make them. If you do use a cookie scoop, make sure you clean the scoop out, with a paper towel, after you form each cookie so that the colors won’t transfer.

This recipe is from an Old Betty Crocker Cookbook, but I love the recipe!!