Independence Day: 2020.

Happy 244th birthday, America!
Being in the midst of a pandemic may have dampened this year's festivities for most Americans, but not for Vinodog 2.  Donning yet another pair of patriotic, but cheap, sunglasses she is ready for any fun today will bring (which may include a little ZZ Top).
Around the USA, Independence Day celebrations have been drastically curtailed this year, but I hope everyone can find some joy in the spirit of the holiday.
And remember, be grateful and gracious.
Oh...and God Save the Queen.

Fourth of July Party Animal.

Here is V2, being all festive and patriotic as befits the celebration of America's birthday.  Any excuse for a party, which just means an excuse to eat human food - hotdogs, burgers, chips and dip, potato/pasta salad - anything she can get her paws on, or her teeth into.  My furbaby's not fussy when it comes to food.
God bless the United States of America and its humble, quaint culinary traditions.  (All good when washed down with something tasty in the wine department.)
Oh...and God save the Queen!

Independence Day, 2018.

Happy 242nd birthday America!
Vinodog 2 (looking a lot like the cute canine-superheroine she is) and I would like to wish all American peeps a very joyous Independence Day.
Before composing this post, I took a quick look at Vinsanity's 'Independence Day' posts all the way back to the first one in 2009.  The overwhelming sentiments in each post are ones of pride and patriotism, both admirable qualities that this particular Englishwoman recognises in most Americans.  Last year's post, however, is still, if not even more, relevant this year.  If anyone living in America right now would prefer to exist under the tyrannical regimes of North Korea, China, Russia or Iran, please, feel free to go and try to live a life of personal liberty in one of those godforsaken countries.  Just sayin'.
God bless the United States of America.  (I'll even, albeit hesitatingly, include California and New York in my humble benediction.)
Oh...and God save the Queen!

Independence Day, 2017.

Happy 241st birthday America!
Vinodog 2 and I want to wish everyone a very happy 4th of July.  This adorable American poochie, of British heritage, will be partying alongside her English mum and her American dad.
Nowhere is perfect, but the U.S. of A. still seems to be the destination of choice for the "huddled masses yearning to breathe free."  I'll add just one small caveat: one should love America once one is here.
God bless America.
Oh...and God save the Queen!

Independence Day, 2016.

Happy 240th birthday America!
Never one to miss an opportunity to be festive, Vinodog 2 says, "Put on your glad rags, get some meat (lots of it) on the barbeque, pour yourself a nice glass of something red and party like it's 2016." Clever poochie.
God bless America.
Oh...and God save the Queen!

American Independence Day, 2015.

Happy 239th birthday America.
I have only been back in Vinoland for about 41 hours and I'm already getting ready to attend my second Independence Day do.  Last night, I enjoyed some bubbling rosé at Phoenix Ranch Vineyards whilst catching up with friends and watching the 3rd of July firework display at Silverado County Club.  And in just a few hours time I will join even more of my colonial cousins for a festive afternoon of patriotic merrymaking - hopefully washed down with more bubbles.  Problem is, I'm feeling particularly English right now.  But Vinodog 2 wanted to wish a happy 4th of July to all.
God bless America.
Oh...and God save the Queen!

Red, white wine and blue.

Happy 238th birthday America!
Today, I'm joining with my colonial cousins in wishing a very happy birthday to the United States of America.  So the English lost a little skirmish, big deal.  I'm still going to enjoy a glass of something white, and chilled, in honour of American independence.
From sea to shining sea, I hope the festivities are enjoyed by all who call this country home.
God bless America. 
Oh...and God save the Queen!

Happy Birthday America!

Born, or rather grown, in the US of A!  That's my Syrah grapes not me.  But not one to be a party-pooper, I'm all ready to don my glad rags and join the natives in a convivial afternoon of patriotic revelry.
Happy 237th birthday America!
Oh...and God save the Queen!

Happy July 4th!

This Old Glory proudly waves, suspended between an avenue of trees just off the Oakville Crossroad,  all year round.  I rather enjoy it's constant, cheery presence.  However, it is the Star Spangled Banner's constancy here that poses a bit of a problem (not for this particular English person though).  The United States Flag Code details very specific etiquette for flying the national flag of the US of A - including requiring that if the Stars and Stripes is flown at night it must be illuminated, and this one isn't.  Oops!

Oh well.  Happy 236th birthday America!

Oh...and God save the Queen!

Happy Independence Day.

Dear Motherland,

Do not fret, I haven't forsaken you. However, I do like a good party. So, on this 4th of July, the anniversary of the United States of America's declaration of independence from merry old England, please forgive me for breaking bread and sharing wine with our colonial cousins.

Rule, Britannia!

Lots of love,

Vinogirl.

P.S. Oh...and God save the Queen!

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July to all!
Enjoy fun, sunshine, friends, family, fireworks, good food, and wine - in no particular order (just copious amounts of each.)
Oh...and God save the Queen!

Happy 4th of July.

It maybe slightly unusual to participate in celebrating your Motherland's historic loss of a bountiful source of tax revenue...but I'm always up for a good party. The fact is, I like the 4th of July primarily for selfish reasons. I love fireworks!

Being deprived the experience of the gun powder infused air of a damp November night each year is one of the things I miss most about England. So enjoying another country's firework fuelled celebration of Independence is alright by me.

Last night, Vinomaker and I attended a 3rd of July party at Phoenix Ranch Vineyard. Besides the opportunity to spend some fun time with good friends, eat great food and taste from a large selection of wines (it was a Napa party after all), the vineyard is in extremely close proximity to Silverado Country Club and, you guessed it, the Country Club's firework display. In tinder-box dry California fireworks are generally a no-no, except for organised displays held mostly on this the biggest holiday of the year. Vinomaker and I sat on a bench on the edge of the vineyard and had an unobstructured view of the pyrotechnic bacchanalia.

This afternoon we have a 4th of July party to attend at Black Cat Vineyard, an annual event that we thoroughly enjoy, followed by fireworks downtown on the Napa river front.  Two nights of fireworks in a row, what a treat.