4th of July

The holiday has always held a special place in my heart because it was one of the few holidays my family used to do anything for. We'd never been a very "celebrate-y" family, so the fact my father would pile us all into the car and head over to the capital where we'd stand waiting for the show to begin was a big deal. As a result, I'm one of the lucky people that can say they've seen a fireworks show within spitting distance.

However, like all good things, it eventually came to an end and so when I got my driver's license, I began going to fireworks shows myself. Perhaps it was fitting that this first step of freedom was used to celebrate America's Independence Day? Or maybe I'm waxing poetic for no reason? Anyway, one of John and my first dates were actually spent on a picnic blanket next to a man-made lake watching the fireworks. I remember we had found a spot next to the train bridge and the train had stopped to also watch the fireworks with the crowd. When the show finished, it blew its horn and everyone cheered.

This year, although John and I couldn't see the fireworks together, we saw the same ones at different locations. I went to S.'s house and had a wonderful meal. Her backyard is huge -- it can probably fit my entire apartment with room  to spare -- and from this vantage point that overlooks the city, we saw the fireworks. Maybe not within spitting distance, but still a marvelous time.

When I think of the 4th of July, I have a lot of wonderful memories. :)

If you celebrate Independence Day, I hope yours was filled with good food, good people, and a good show. :)