arbecues
Declaration, held military displays, and gathered for outdoor meals. Some towns even staged symbolic funerals for King George III. HOW JULY 4TH BECAME A NATIONAL TRADITION
I just returned from a trip to Portugal with the whole family, and it was exactly what we needed. I spent 10 days unplugged with zero contact with the office team. I did tell them they could text me with any emergencies, but there were none, which is a testament to the value of a great team and good systems! We started our journey with four days on São Miguel, the largest of the beautiful Azores Islands. This Portuguese archipelago sits in the Atlantic Ocean about 900 miles west of Portugal. We hiked around volcanoes, relaxed in hot springs, and enjoyed some amazing seafood. It was peaceful, quiet, and full of natural beauty. After that, we spent four days in Lisbon, which the Celts settled around 800–600 B.C. It’s an amazing city full of history and charm. We explored ancient neighborhoods, visited a cork factory, toured an olive oil production facility and olive tree groves, and stopped by a couple of grape vineyards and wineries. A FAMILY ESCAPE TO PORTUGAL NATURE, CULTURE, AND A BREAK FROM THE GRIND
Congress made it official in 1870 by declaring July 4 a federal holiday. By the 20th century, it had become as much about neighborhood as nation. Fireworks grew louder and more elaborate. Cookouts became the centerpiece of the day in many parts of the country, especially as Americans moved to the suburbs and backyard culture took hold.
Today, the Fourth looks different depending on where you are. Big cities put on elaborate
fireworks shows, while small towns keep it low-key with sparklers and a parade. Either way, it’s still a chance
to step back, breathe, and appreciate the fact that this celebration didn’t come easily. History gave us the date, but the meaning is something we shape every year.
Hiking the hilltops to take in views of the Atlantic Ocean was really cool, and we also toured the coastal volcanic caves in a small Zodiac boat. Seeing the same coast from different angles made it even more special. Dinner restaurants featured live Fado music, a friendly atmosphere, and great food. Lisbon has a calm, easy pace that helped us slow down and enjoy the moment.
But the best part of the trip was spending real time with my family — no emails, no phone calls, just being together. Our jobs can make it difficult to take time away and recharge with family, but trips like this remind me that family is the real reason we do what we do.
Hey Clients! Don’t Do This! A 36-year-old mother of two filed suit claiming she was owed over $800,000 in insurance benefits after injuries disabled her from working. But — during a court hearing, a photo from a national newspaper showed her throwing a Christmas tree in a competition — and winning! Sure hope her prize was greater than $800,000!
Now that I’m back, I feel rested and ready to dive back into the work I love. I hope you find time to step away and recharge too!
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