Yesterday was the Fourth of July. Which aside from meaning that today is the fifth of July, means that yesterday was a day set aside to celebrate America’s independence from the occupying British forces.
That independence from British rule established principles regarding life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
As part of my pursuit of happiness this year I took part in a trio of All-American festivities. At the time I woke up I was only planning to partake in one American tradition but as the day wore on I soon added a pair more to my original plan.

Photo R. Anderson
The first tradition I took part in was eating a Nathan’s hot dog on the fourth of July.
For about a century now Coney Island, New York has hosted the Nathan’s Famous July Fourth International Hot Dog Eating Championship.
And while competitors come from nations all over the world the item remains All-American in that it occurs on July 4th.
This year, Joey