Hodge Podging in the U.S.A.

If this is Wednesday, then this must be Hodge Podge.  I am so glad you stopped by.  If you are interested in playing, then in a post all your own....answer the following questions, then hop over by clicking here to Joyce's blog and linking up there.  It is as simple as that.  Oh!  And stop by and visit someone else while you are there.

1. On Saturday July 4th America celebrates her Independence. (If you're not American,  feel free to answer in terms of a national holiday in your own country) What is your favorite thing about the day? Your favorite food on the 4th? Do you fly a flag at your house? Fireworks-yay or nay? Any special plans this year?  I love watching the fireworks from Washington, New York on TV.  Favorite food would be hot dogs and hamburgers with family.  We do fly an American flag at the house.  I am not big on fireworks live.  We have them pretty close, there is a Sheriff's rodeo and fireworks in Wedowee, we have Thunder on the Chattahoochee in Franklin, and Calloway Gardens has a fabulous show.  When we lived in Alex City there was always a concert and fireworks at the Amphitheater at Kowliga.  I loved going to that.  We are going to my cousin, Amanda's, house for the day to be with family.  There will be good, music, fun.  I am excited.
2. What's something you recently got for free?  I got a senior citizens drink for free at a restaurant when we were in Knoxville.  That was a pretty good deal and it shaved 2.50 off my bill.3.  The Statue of Liberty, The Liberty Bell, The Washington Monument, or Mount Rushmore...how many on the list have you seen? What is your favorite historical American monument, and why?  I have seen them all, I loved seeing them all, I cried as we crossed to see Miss Liberty.    My favorite...hum.... would be all of them....and every other American monument.  On our honeymoon Frank and I got a National Park Passport.  Yeah, I know...we are a couple of old nerds.4. When it comes to the news are you more ostrich (stick my head in the sand) or hog (they have room to take a whole lot in)? How much attention have you given the recent news reports regarding ISIS and the acts of terror they've perpetrated against those who do not share their beliefs or support their cause?  I wish I could always stick my head in the sand and not pull it out until it is over....but I alas, I am a hog. 
5. We're talking plain ice cream...vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry? Choose one.  Since we are talking about plain ice cream I will have to go with plain Vanilla.
6. Share a song you love containing the word 'stars' in the lyrics or title?  That is an easy one for me, "Stars Fell On Alabama."  I love crooning along with this song...especially the version by Jimmy Buffett 
7. Describe and/or say goodbye to June with an acrostic.

Just spending time

Under the

Night skies

Enjoying myself
8.  Insert your own random thought here. Since Saturday is the 4th of July I thought I would leave you with some of my favorite patriot songs to peruse.  I hope you will take a moment or two and listen.

The National Anthem

God Bless The USA

Patriotic Medley - Josh Groban, et. al

Battle Hymn of the Republic

US Military Songs Medley

Happy and Safe 4th to you all!