I love this stretch of time----between Memorial Day and Labor Day. I don't adore the hot weather, but I am crazy about pulling out my patriotic decorations and enjoying the dickens out of them.
Today, I'll share a little of what I'm up to in the patriotic decorating department. First, here is my concrete Uncle Sam. This is his second year to reside in front of my Home Run roses. I think I must have a love affair with concrete stuff. My three verandas are concrete, as well as THE STONE RABBIT and his many little friends. Anyway, I bought Uncle Sam at the Greenwood Garden Show last year. He has a few inches of rebar coming out of this "feet" (base) and he is about 34 inches tall. My husband pounded a long, hollow, metal pipe into the spot where I wanted him located. The rebar piece goes right into the pipe and Uncle Sam stays firmly in place.
Uncle Sam proudly holds the American flag, which is wildly waving in our strong Missouri wind.
On a wall of my Breezeway Veranda, I have another favorite patriotic decoration. I bought this flag holder from Vickie who owned Old Glory in Greenwood, MO.. Sadly, her shop was destroyed in a fire a few years ago, but she now has an amazing location in the back of the Greenwood Antique Mall. I think she has even more space now. She specializes in Americana decor---antique and new. Her skills at selection and display of product is outstanding. I am amazed every time I stroll through her area in the mall.
Even the Mop Bucket Herb Garden is sporting a little flag. Most of the herbs are thriving.
Unfortunately, the Rosemary bit the dust. I replaced it with Mint. I know that baby will live!! I look forward to a Mint Julep or two on the various Verandas again this year.
THE STONE RABBIT loves my little collection of 48 Star Flags. He said he loves this time of year, too. The hot weather doesn't bother him and he thinks his coloring pops when surrounded by the patriotic hues.
He can get pretty cocky at times. Dana
I LOVE decorating for the 4th. I start when Memorial Day hits. There is something special about an American flag flying in the wind. Thank you for coming to my blog! I really enjoy yours. By the way, I can't believe how fast my girls are growing up. It really makes me want to freeze time.
Posted by: Mandie | May 30, 2008 at 09:17 AM
It all looks so pretty, Dana!
I am so behind in planting after being away two weeks. I have a wooden "Uncle Sam" planter that holds a flag in his hand that I put on my front porch every summer, and I put a small American flag in my wondow box, too.
Have a good weekend!
Hugs, Pat
Posted by: Pat | May 30, 2008 at 12:24 PM
I love Uncle Sam. I have one that I put on my porch at the holiday - I'll be sure to take a picture to share.
That Stone Rabbit is a handsome devil, isn't he?
Posted by: Beverly | May 30, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Looks great. Glad I read your blog this am. I started pulling out some of my Americana decor between taking my niece to the Nelson-Atkins Museum here in Kansas City. Hopefully can do more tomorrow after going downtown to the City Farmers Market.
Talk later.
Patty
Posted by: Patty | May 30, 2008 at 07:24 PM
I love the good old red, white, and blue, too. I think it is great for summer decorating.
I can't wait to get to Greenwood now. As if I didn't already want to go "tea room" really made me excited! My mom and I were just talking about when we should go. Soon!
Cheers! LA
Posted by: Leigh Ann | May 31, 2008 at 06:28 AM
Hurrah for the good old USA! All your decorations look wonderful.
Hugs!
Kat
Posted by: Kat | May 31, 2008 at 08:29 PM
Dana, I admire your patriotic soul, I love these American holidays as well. My Uncle was 6'7"and he always dressed up like Uncle Sam for the annual 4th of July parade in the small town where I was born in MI. My grandmother made his outfit, Lord knows he was so tall and nothing would fit him. He was born in the early 1900"s and passed away well into his 80's. He was the sweetest, kindest, man ever and loved by all
Love your post, Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | June 01, 2008 at 05:54 AM
Hi again, I have to clarify my uncle's height. It didn't show very well. One might think he was 67 years old. He was 6 foot 7 inches. That was like a giant in the early 1900's.
Jeanne smile!
Posted by: Jeanne | June 01, 2008 at 05:59 AM
Dana,
I love the red, white, and blue!
Jill xoo
Posted by: Jill | June 01, 2008 at 06:09 AM
Love the decor. My blood pumps red,white and blue. i guess if you read much of my blog you see my son is AF and leaves for Iraq son.
Posted by: Brenda | June 02, 2008 at 04:40 PM