Happy July 2026!

Let’s celebrate a new month, week, and a new attitude.

Photo by Justin Veenema on Unsplash

I love Mondays, especially when they mark a new month.

After a week of “vacationing” at our mountain getaway, I am more than ready to be in the air-conditioned comfort of home.

I cannot believe those words landed on a page. Until this year, that secluded retreat was my favorite place to go. I even entertained the idea of living there. At one time, Bemis, WV, was the ideal best-kept secret in the state. As with the rest of the world, my sanctuary is becoming a hub of discontent.

So, when I say we vacationed in Bemis, snark drips off my tongue and pen.

The peace of our camp has been overrun with touristy events and newcomer traffic. We even have an ice cream vendor circling the campground on her ATV, playing The Ice Cream Truck Song.

Photo by Alexandra Tran on Unsplash

Don’t get me wrong, I love ice cream. But it just doesn’t jive with camping. In the woods. Around a campfire. Consorting with mosquitos.

Don’t get me wrong, a vacay is a vacay. Even a so-so vacay is good. But, it’s always more special when family is involved. Much like this July 4, 2026.

My camping kith and kin gathered in the hills of West Virginia, bordering the Monongahela National Forest. It’s a tradition that continues to grow. This year we added a new friend. He calls me Miss Lisa and I’ve adopted him into my circle of children.

We usually hold a croquet tournament, but for the first time in years we were forced to cancel a lot of lawn games due to extreme temperatures. By 10 AM each day, 90 was the low. That is far TOO warm for even the youngest participants.

But, we didn’t care. What matters most is the visiting.

I hope and pray everyone reading this celebrated our nation’s 250th birthday surrounded by love and laughter.

July 4, 2026

(photo by author)

Lisa, Lady With the Cane

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