Tag Archives: Fourth of July

Happy Fourth of July! Fireworks Suck

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I hope everyone enjoys a safe and happy Independence Day. Let’s also think about what this day means for our animals.

Every year when Legoland sets off fireworks around here, dozens of terrified dogs run away. You can hear people calling out for their missing pets and the next day, there’s a plethora of sad posts online and missing pet posters taped to telephone poles.

Some of these dogs never come back home; they get hit by cars or become easy targets for coyotes. If they’re lucky and get picked up by animal control, I hope everyone chips their pets so they can be reunited.

Fireworks traumatize pets AND wildlife. My own Border Collie, Victor, was so scared that he’d crawl under the desk and his whole body would tremble until they were over.

Fireworks may also trigger PTSD in veterans, did you know that? It’s important to have a plan to help veterans if they are around fireworks so that they feel more relaxed and aren’t feeling threatened.

In my opinion, all fireworks should be banned and replaced by laser light shows.

Fireworks suck.

OPINION | Ban Fireworks #July4th #IndependenceDay

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There’s nothing to celebrate on the #July4th when traditional fireworks cause environmental pollution, scare wildlife, pets, and veterans.

Instead, let’s be smart and kind and use laser light shows. It’s virtually the same experience with zero #cruelty. #BanFireworks#IndependenceDay

Fortunately, a growing number of cities and counties are opting to prohibit fireworks, including recently adopted bans in Portland, Oregon; San Jose, California; Detroit, Michigan; and King County, Washington (home to Seattle).

The Animal Legal Defense Fund advocates in favor of such bans to protect animals and the ecosystems in which they live.

Companion Animals at Risk

Every July like clockwork, news articles and social media posts are published sharing advice for animal guardians about how to keep their companions as safe and calm as possible on the Fourth of July.

And, every July like clockwork, municipal animal shelters fill to the brim with dogs and cats who’ve escaped their homes and yards, becoming lost as they try to flee the sounds, smells, and vibrations of fireworks.

Wildlife Suffer for Fireworks

As for animals in the wild, they face perils of their own as a result of fireworks. “We know what to expect, but wildlife don’t,” the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service notes, adding that “[t]he abrupt lights and sounds are often seen as a threat by nesting bald eagles and easily startle great blue herons and other colonial nesting birds.”

Additional Problems for Humans and the Environment

Fireworks have environmental and public health impacts that are rarely considered or fully appreciated. They release particulate matter and toxins, adversely affecting air quality. They also pose a serious risk of igniting wildfires, particularly in areas facing dry conditions.

Many humans are also bothered by fireworks, including people with post-traumatic stress disorder, those on the autism spectrum, and others with sensory processing challenges.

https://aldf.org/article/animals-suffer-for-fireworks-more-localities-are-implementing-bans/

How To Make Infused Vodkas

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Perfect for the Fourth of July…or any day of the week.

infusedvodka1

Our neighbors are hosting a party for the 4th (is it next week already?) and requested my famous array of infused vodkas.

The last time I made them, we all stayed up ’til way past midnight playing ping pong and darts in our garage and running back and forth between our two houses like we were back in college.

It was awesome fun!

It’s so friggin’ easy, but you need to start NOW, because the ingredients need a chance to infuse and marry and develop flavor in the vodka.

Plus, it’s impossible to NOT indulge in a little tasting every so often LOL.

Here’s all you need to be successful:

A HUGE bottle of good vodka. I got Stoli ‘cos it was on sale.
Jalapeños
Garlic
Black peppercorns
Lavender (from our garden)
Basil (bought it, our garden’s a bit late this year)
Ginger
Rosemary (from garden)
I think any herbs would be great to experiment with. All you need is more vodka!
Clean glass jars.

infused vodkaI pour a decent amount of vodka into the jars, and start adding things. My friends love Jalapeño Garlic Pepper Infused Vodka  while I LOVE spicy hot jalapeños…my Jalapeno Infused Vodka. 

On their own, the Jalapeno/Jalapeno Garlic infusions are delicious for sipping; however the addition of low-sodium tomato juice makes a PHENOMENAL Bloody Mary. Just add celery.

Our next favorite is Ginger-Basil Infusion. Mouth waveringly delish.

Lavender Infused Vodka is flowery and herby at the same time, and AMAZING with dessert.

I’ve never tried Rosemary Infused Vodka, but it can’t be bad, ya know?

Now YOU try it!

Be creative — try lemon balm or lemongrass with basil or other herbs. I’ve used fruit too; apples and peaches and cherries are awesome.

If you’re anywhere near Casa de Enchanted Seashells on the 4th, stop by for a tasting!