Sun, Fireworks, Blueberry Cobbler

We commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, declaring independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776.

The United States of America commonly celebrates Independence Day with fireworks, parades, barbecues, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches, and various other public and private events.

We trust you will be aware and mindful of personal safety and family safety.

Whatever your plans are on this 4th of July, if you are outside during the day, there’s a good chance you will be in the sun so here are some reminders about sun safety and protection:

Stay out of the summer sun in the middle of the day if possible. If not, wearing dark, tightly-woven clothing and a wide-brimmed hat also works.

Protect your eyes and wear sunglasses that include a warranty stating they provide 99-100% UVA and UVB (broad-spectrum) protection.

Wear sunscreen - The SPF number on the sunscreen indicates how many times longer, under ideal conditions, a person can stay out in the sun without beginning to turn red in comparison with the amount of time totally unprotected skin would start to burn. Research indicates these numbers are sometimes overstated. Apply to all exposed skin 15 minutes before venturing outdoors.

Depending on your activity (swimming, sweating), sunscreen should be re-applied at least every two hours.

For Babies:

Babies 6 months of age or younger should be kept completely out of the direct sun at all times. In addition, sunscreen shouldn't be applied to babies this age.
For children over 6 months, apply sunscreen every time they go outside.

Condensed info from: Timothy DiChiara, Ph.D., About.com - Updated: May 30, 2009

Celebrate Safely:

If you drink alcohol, don’t drive.

Small children might be frightened by the loud noise of fireworks – they could wear earplugs.

Pet Safety - Keep your pet(s) inside.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety urges everyone to use sparklers in a safe and responsible manner. The Council offers the following safety tips:
Obey the local laws and use common sense.
Always read and follow instructions. Always have an adult present.
Keep burning sparklers away from clothing and flammable objects.
Only use sparklers outdoors, away from buildings and vehicles.
Light only one sparkler at a time.
Alcohol, fireworks and sparklers do not mix. Be responsible.
Do not point or throw sparklers at another person.
Children under the age of 12 should not handle sparklers.
When finished, place used sparklers in a bucket of water.

(Or, just forgo the sparklers and just watch a public display.)

Summer is berry season and I found a recipe (that I plan to try!) for BLUEBERRY COBBLER by Linda Larsen at About.com

This classic dish is very beautiful; you can substitute just about any fresh fruit for the blueberries if you'd like.

Prep Time: 20 minutes / Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
4 cups blueberries, NOT thawed if frozen
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. butter
1 cup flour
2 Tbsp. sugar
1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup whole milk

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Mix 1/2 cup sugar and cornstarch in a 2 quart saucepan and stir in blueberries and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture boils and thickens. Boil and stir for 1 minute. Pour into ungreased 2 quart glass casserole dish and keep mixture hot in oven.

In a medium bowl, cut butter into flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in milk. Drop dough by 6 spoonfuls onto hot blueberry mixture.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until topping is golden brown.

Serve warm topped with whipped cream or ice cream. 8 servings

Recipe/Author Link here

Be Safe. Check your local laws for fireworks. Wear sunscreen.