As I lie here writing, I can hear the sound of fireworks being exploded all along the river. It doesn't bother me one bit. After all, it's America's birthday, Independence Day! There is cause for celebration.
Mike's smoker drew the attention of passing firefighters as they saw plumes of smoke billowing over the playground fence as he cooked. They had just come from a fire elsewhere, after the thunderstorm, and came to check out where the smoke was coming from. The firemen startled Mike but also made us happy to know that they were keeping an eye on things.
My young folks are in the house with me, playing board games in the living room. They worked hard today getting their props and set ready for VBS. I got see some of their efforts as I was invited to join the group for dinner at church. Mike n Mike were making dinner for them, plus Judy and me. I hated to leave home for fear of losing my parking place, but I had nothing to worry about. No interlopers for viewing the fireworks had parked in my stall. Mike S. smoked two Boston butts, one of which we had for dinner, and the second one he portioned between me and some others. We are going to use the pork for sandwiches during the week. With the meat we had French bread, mac 'n cheese balls, baked beans, watermelon, and brownies.
I brought the kids home with me, having to battle somewhat the traffic which congested the streets around my area due to the fireworks. We had to creep down Mcintosh and Astor Street to avoid pedestrians already working their way toward Moosehaven and the river. After getting towels for the kids and my fold up chair, we got ourselves situated on the north lawn to await the fireworks. We had rain much of the afternoon (totally ruined the daytime celebrations at The Club!) so the towels were necessary.
We had the viewing area to ourselves at first. The young folks took a walk around check things out. Here they are all three on their phones.
Dinner wrapped up on the patio of The Club and diners were made their way toward the grass along the river. My friends, Nancy and Bill, were planning to watch with us, but instead they went to view the fireworks from the hotel where our other friends had taken a room for the night. That was an even better spot than my yard. Eventually more and more of my neighbors came out to join us and meet the CO kids. Prior to the fireworks show, my friend, Ellen, who was having a party, had her friends sing "Hello, Miss Kim", harmonizing as they did so. Loved that and so did those sitting out there. My neighbor, Hugh, played patriotic music while the show went on.
Part of the fun of this annual fireworks show is watching the boats gather for it. The police vessels keep the boaters from getting too close to the barge anchored in the river. Because the weather had been so bad today, complete with a thunderstorm and wind, I didn't expect as many boaters. I was way off on that prediction. It was completely dark, of course, after the fireworks display ended, so it was more interesting watching all the boats leave. How they avoid each other out there is beyond me, and I am just glad that they do!
