4th of July

Happy Birthday, America!


The computer desk at the ranch faces the eastern sky. I can see two of my four hummingbird feeders with a beautiful sunrise in the background. The birds are swarming for their morning feast. There is just enough breeze on the porch to stir my wind chimes. (Sam swears he is going to use the chimes for target practice with his shotgun.) Kitty Kats are claiming their morning nap spots in and around the house.


Thirty years ago found me with my family camping out at the river. Our camping spot was only a mile from the house but it was camping nonetheless. My parents would invite their closest friends and families to share the 4th of July weekend on the river with us. Talk about looking like a bunch of rednecks! I seldom stayed the night at a campout. The temptation of my own bed and electricity less than a mile away was a call that I couldn't and wouldn't resist. I would ride my bike to and from the campsite. I always made sure I was back in time for breakfast. Nothing better than eggs and bacon cooked over an open flame.


We would shoot fireworks over the water to ensure no fires. Remember the Roman Candles? Nobody bothered to read the instructions or maybe there were no instructions because we held the sticks in our hands. You could feel the "THWUMP" as each fireball shot out of the candle. And who can forget SPARKLERS! Couldn't get any safer than that....

More cleaning to do today but I am looking forward to an evening of leisure with friends and food. I might even call it quits earlier than usual today and enjoy the outdoors before it gets too damn hot to do so. After all, it is a national holiday......HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!