4th of July, New Hyde Park (Carol and Liam)

JULY 3RD- IN THUNDERSHIRT

It is done. I got through it fine. What was it? America's birthday, July 4th, a very celebrated holiday.  Its beginning, the reasons for its existence all are part of our culture. That period in history is my favorite.  When did we first celebrate and how?  Here is a link that tells you everything about the Holiday- www.usa.gov/Topics/Independence-Day.shtml
and then we have Wiki, more fun
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_%28United_States%29

For me though, July 4th is not a holiday that is on top of my list. We are expected to make noise. I see the day as a lot of noise. Fireworks are beautiful, but the sounds remind me of war and violence.

First and worst, my health club is closed. I wanted so much to walk, row, lift and ride with my fellow gymsters on America's birthday while watching 8 TVs at once. I do this every day. Closed?  Really?  Not even open a half day? Liam and I will have to go for a very long walk.

COMING OUT? LET'S WALK

Pets get scared and run away. More pets are lost on July 4th than any other holiday. I think they are afraid of the music, booming sounds, multiple neighborhood parties and the garishness of the July 4th activities.   

I WON'T RUN AWAY

We don't have a barbecue- we fear gas outside.  Actually, I fear the thought of cooking more.  If there is no grill, then no cooking.  I do like to eat barbecue. Problem with no grill.

I battled back.  I had to reclaim July 4th as fun. Watched Wimbledon, then baseball, the Hot Dog eating contest.  I sprayed myself with bug off and  brought my stuff outside, listened to the parties going on, sniffed their smells. 

HOT DOG

Did a lot of posting on Social Networks as well as texting-love doing that.  Liam played with birds inside and outside.

LIAM'S SIBLINGS

Then came time for the Macy's fireworks. I have come to dread this NYC extravaganza as it has turned into a bad musical with out of work actors reading pieces of the Declaration of Independence.to the accompaniment of badly chosen patriotic songs. I live in fear of John Philip Sousa. His compositions were played at the end of lunch at my grammar school. The idea was to march us out like little soldiers. I am through with marching after eating.

But it was fine, more than fine, it was uplifting and fun. Regis was the host. What a great gig for him!  The music was perfect. Not too hokey and often beautiful, an eclectic selection that worked, except for "Yankee Doodle Dandy" which I cannot stand.  What do you expect?  I am one of the few who love the "Star Spangled Banner" and dread the day when the "America the Beautiful" folks finally get it taken away as our national anthem. And the venues were all over Manhattan.  The fireworks just stunning. Wow! 

LISTENING TO MACY'S FIREWORKS IN THUNDERSHIRT

A marvelous 4th of July. It is now coming back as a favorite holiday. I admit to wearing red, white and blue and sticking flags all over the yard front and back. Guess I am as hokey and garish as anyone.is.

One song I had to hear-this is 4th of July always...

4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)

Bruce Springsteen

Woof, Woof