Thank you Jeri, you too.

Happy 4th of July to you, too, Jeri! Carol

Happy Independence Day to you, too, Jeri! Love those fireworks on that 'Fourth of July'. I had your same thought, Carol, and here's today's "red, white, and blue" in our garden :

'Mirandy' (a little beat up by recent heat and a total diva, on her own roots at least, who insists on growing in a pot, but she's worth it):

'Souvenir de Claudius Denoyel' (I will forever thank Campanula, who once posted here, for letting me know about this rose -- this blossom is as large as my hand, has wonderful substance, and is beautifully scented. Excellent repeat, even though a climber.):

'Snowbird' (none better):

No "blue" roses, or even close to blue, at the moment, but here is beloved Salvia muirii, of South Africa, which will stay in bloom well through fall, is tough as nails, and is around many of the rose beds:

Soooo...what's going on? Both Jackie and I posted comments here, and they've gone missing...

@fig_insanity Z7b E TN There were two of Jeri’s 4th of July threads for awhile…now there is one. 🤔 Your Maya Angelou poem—thank you! Maybe you can add it again to this thread? Hopefully, Jackie can repost her photos, too! Carol

Yes. I posted this twice, so, John, will you please re-post Maya Angelou's poem??/

In my original post, after I wished everyone a Happy Fourth, I reminded us all that democracy is precious, but takes work. In spite of the the acrimony, incivility and intolerance that seems so entrenched today, we *can* work together if we just keep in mind these words of Maya Angelou. Hold them close, and act as if you truly believe them:

I note the obvious differences
In the human family.
Some of us are serious,
Some thrive on comedy.

Some declare their lives are lived
As true profundity,
And others claim they really live
The real reality.

The variety of our skin tones
Can confuse, bemuse, delight,
Brown and pink and beige and purple,
Tan and blue and white.

I've sailed upon the seven seas
And stopped in every land,
I've seen the wonders of the world
Not yet one common man.

I know ten thousand women
Called Jane and Mary Jane,
But I've not seen any two
Who really were the same.

Mirror twins are different
Although their features jibe,
And lovers think quite different thoughts
While lying side by side.

We love and lose in China,
We weep on England's moors,
And laugh and moan in Guinea,
And thrive on Spanish shores.

We seek success in Finland,
Are born and die in Maine.
In minor ways we differ,
In major we're the same.

I note the obvious differences
Between each sort and type,
But we are more alike, my friends,
Than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends,
Than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends,
Than we are unalike.

-Maya Angelou

Here are my pics again - Jackie