Q: My wife and I are history buffs, and one of our favorite holidays is the Fourth of July.

Both of our great-grandfathers served in the Civil War, but on opposite sides. We have some souvenirs, including a cap and nine shirt buttons.

The more we dig into how July 4 is celebrated the more different accounts by historians we find.

What is your take?

A: I take the sides researched by National Geographic. Brian Handwerk says history has the wrong date. The Second Continental Congress voted for a Declaration of Independence on July 2, not July 4. His study also indicates that Paul Revere did not ride solo to warn that the British were coming. Revere was only one part of the lantern-warning plan.

He states that Revere and fellow riders, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott, were sent on different routes. All three were later captured by the British.

He also believes liberties regarding Revere's ride were taken by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who intended for his famous 19th-century poem to stroke patriotism on the eve of the war.

Often myths and inaccuracies result regarding important events, because individuals do not always agree on what they experienced or choose to twist the actions in their favor.

In this case the fact that we won the war was the winning goal. So be it!

The fact that you are researching our history and digging out the details humanizes us and reflects what has made America great!

Q: I had always counted on my husband for household repairs and maintenance. He has been gone for nearly three years and recently the next-door neighbor told me my roof looks like it could leak during our next rainy season. Where can I get the best advice for both repairs and reasonable prices?

A: Both installing new roofs and repairing them is expensive. The first concern is always how you plan to pay for it. Do you want to pay cash or finance the costs? You will need to determine whether you can get by with just repairs or will have to bite the bullet and install a totally new roof. Remember, a new one enhances the value of your home.

To get estimates, preferably three, requires time and outguessing weather conditions. The Internet can help you in locating a qualified and reputable contractor. Finding one will take time.

It could be that you don't need a total reroofing but just a partial one. There also could be major differences based on the type of material you choose, getting a fair price, when and how long it will take to complete the work, and other important details. Check out neighbors who have reroofed and drive around to see if any of your neighbors have roof work in progress. If so, park your car and ask the owner if they are satisfied with the work being done. Warranty periods differ, which makes it important to ask how long the contractor has been in business (roofing contractors tend to experience turnovers). Also, some charge for quotes.

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California Retirement community. Contact him at deardoug@msn.com. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.