It’s the Fourth of July today.  Here in Seattle, the marine layer is not yet burned off, so it’s cool and comfortable with the thermometer registering a very pleasant 72.  Hearing that, I’m sure those of you dealing with unbearable heat are rolling your eyes about the unfairness of it all.  I can’t help remembering the Fourth of July in 1986.  That year my son and Bill went outside the set off some fireworks.  I followed, wearing a ski parka.  Watching Fourth of July fireworks when it’s so cold you can see your breath just seems all wrong!  And, in my memory, the municipal fireworks display in Bisbee was always seen through a scrim of rain, since the first summer rainstorms usually arrived just in time to dampen the celebration.

And speaking of fireworks.  I don’t much like them.  For one thing, individual fireworks are supposed to be illegal, and I for one regard them as dangerous. So I’ve never quite understood the fascination.  But as I sit here hearing the various thumps and booms, I let them remind me of “the rocket’s red glare; the bombs bursting in air.” because that’s what this day is really about. As Lee Greenwood would say, “I’m proud to be an American cause at least I know I’m free.”    So thank you to all the men and women who have made that freedom possible for 241 years.

And I’m sitting here missing Bella.  Some of our dogs through the years were really skittish about fireworks and thunder.  Nikki and Boney come to mind, but Bella was like that, too.  When the fireworks started, that notably standoffish dog would be ready to cuddle.  Jojo doesn’t seem to be the least bit bothered.  She is sprawled in Bill’s chair, dozing her way through the day.

However you’ve spent your Fourth of July, I hope you’ve been safe and happy.

As for me?  We’ll be toasting marshmallows on the barbie later.