I wasn't given a holiday for Independence Day because it fell on a Sunday (grrr), but I pulled a vacation day on Monday to make up for it. Wishing a happy 4th to everyday (and belated Canada Day) (and how does one celebrate Canada Day?).
Changing circumstances mean that the 4th of July is just not the great time that it used to be for us. First of all, the patriotic stuff is more of a turn-off now due the ugly political climate that's been developing with the teabaggers, neocons, Bachmann, Palin, Angle {Gaaaaa!! Run away! Run away!!) I love this country, and we put a USA flag out there on the house every day, along with the "American For Peace" sign, but I don't like a lot of things that are done around the world in our name. My Country Right or Wrong is a highly dangerous philosophy.
The other bit is the fireworks. People in this neighborhood go hog wild with the firecrackers/fireworks - and there's no ending time for them. It's an all-nighter. The cats are pretty stressed out by them, especially Jax, our black cat who spent his first 7 years in the streets and (I'm sure) has very good reason to be afraid of fireworks. We have gone out locally for fireworks a few times, and I hate to say this (I really do) but this town just doesn't do as good a fireworks show as St. Louis. We have been disappointed and finally lost interest in attending them (and the ones at Lake Travis - same deal - as far as we're concerned, not worth the hassle unless you have a comfy location with a good view).This year it's tempting to go down to New Braunfels to see Ryan Bingham ("The Weary Kind" from "Crazy Heart") with the Band of Heathens opening (on the 4th) - but that's a high stress event: standing, heat, humidity, and drive time followed by all night crying cats. We will probably stay home and play cat-nurse instead. During the day I'd like to go down to The Tiniest Bar in Texas (which may have actually been the tiniest bar in Texas at one time, but certainly isn't now) to grab a Veggie Dog at the Veggie Hot Dog Eating Contest put on by I Love Mike Litt. Yes, we have a community activist named Mike Litt!
On Monday the 5th I want to go and see David Garza playing free at the Cactus Cafe. He's been playing there free every Monday lately, and the Cactus is soon to be transformed into who-knows-what with new management, so we've only got until August to enjoy the glory days.
I will leave you with the awesome Jake Shimabukuro on ukulele backed by steel pans. Live from Wrigley Field:
4 comments:
He plays a soulful ukulele! Happy 4th of July to you, Mr. Blueberry, Jax and Henry.
watched the fireworks here at west last night was fantastic..over an hours worth of fire display..had a great time..now get to go stuff some jalapenos with cheese for 4th of july party..sigh
hope you have a good one.
It turned sunny out! Went to the veggie weiner thing, and to 2 grocery stores. Now I'm going to get my feet up.
Canadians celebrate Canada Day in similar ways-With food, BBQ and fireworks. Beer is obviously also on hand. ;)
Many people go to Parliament Hill in Ottawa (our capital) to watch performances and listen to politicians make boring speeches. This year the Queen of England was visiting so everyone was anxious to see her.
Personally, I don't like crowds, so I like to relax somewhere out of town.:)
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