(Kiki's Corner by Kiki Angelos - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Hello everyone. I want to start with the most important thing, to wish all of you along with your families “Happy Independence Day!”

It’s a perfect time to celebrate a day that is so important to all of us, and at the same time to wish everyone with sincere gratitude and huge appreciation, “God Bless America, the land of the free.”

You’re going to get tired of me saying that we live in the best country in the world. Don’t forget that. And if you don’t believe me, just travel and visit other countries and come back and tell me!

The whole country will be celebrating. Many places will be closed, so friends, families and patriots will celebrate the special day for our country. I hope everyone (and I mean all the Americans and everybody that loves this country) gets together and remembers that day and the Declaration of the Independence on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America! There will be many parades all over the country. State parks, homes and other parts of our country will be celebrating, decorating and having great community events, ceremonies, fairs, carnivals, reunions, concerts, picnics, barbecue, fireworks, etc., because no one but no one needs to forget that day!

May the United States of America always shine, not only here but in the world, and be proud. As citizens, we need to know that no one can take the power that this country has and also no one can compare with America, the greatest and the land of opportunity!

The pride that we feel inside is extra special for all of us! So today and every day, hang the American flag out, and don’t forget to wear your red, white and blue outfit to show your pride.

And last but not least, let’s not forget the importance of Independence Day. And let’s remember our past, understand the value of our freedom and patriotism, and celebrate, all together, the spirit and diversity that defines our country.

And let’s don’t forget to teach our children the true meaning of today!

Till next week, enjoy the long weekend, celebrate and cheer. Hooray! Hooray USA!

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Strawberry bread

3 cups flour

2 cups sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

4 eggs, beaten

1 1/4 cup oil

1 10-oz. package strawberries, frozen, chopped, thawed

Combine first five ingredients in a large bowl. Make a well in center. Combine remaining ingredients, add to the dry ingredients. Stir until well combined. Spoon mixture into 2 greased and floured 9x5x3-inch loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour, 5 minutes or until done.Cool loaves in pan 10 minutes.