Our annual celebration of our Declaration of Independence was 5 days ago.

Every evening and night since, I hear or see fireworks going off. I know we Americans like a good fireworks display, but 5 days later it gets a little old.

Why not save the leftovers and shoot them off on January 1st?

Just a suggestion.

~

American proud:


U.S.A.!

This little ditty was just made for some of you on NN:

"First there is a mountain, then there is no mountain, then there is." Line from an old Donovan song from the '60s.

That's how I felt today when I was outside... back and forth between clouds and sunshine.

~

I was cutting through an alley downtown when I happened to see a kid working on breaking down boxes for his store's dumpster.
There was a very high stack of flattened boxes lying there as he worked on another box.

I nodded and asked if the work was keeping him busy. He answered (with a straight face):

"I've had my hands in more boxes today than a gynecologist at a free clinic."

I winked, smiled and told him I'd leave him to it, then and walked on to my destination.

~

The road I live off of is a major artery in my little town. It traverses from the east to west ends, straight through the heart of the city. Even with little or no traffic, it would take you around a half an hour to drive its' length.

This past year it has been repaved. Quite a feat that took several months of work, finally being finished in May. I love driving on it... there's nothing quite like a long smooth ride through town now.

Last night I had a silly dream. Someone was patching several spots where the road had been dug up for utility work. I was outraged and threatened physical violence to these people for destroying months of hard work.

After I awoke this morning, I walked out to get my morning paper from my mailbox. I walked a little further and just stood there, alternately looking east and west at this fine road. I know it's only a matter of time until that surly dream becomes a reality. But for now, I can smile and revel in that which to me is a man made work of labor and art.

I feel a drive coming on.

Just wanted to see if this works yet.


~

"Woke up, fell out of bed, dragged a comb across my head. Made my way downstairs and drank a cup." - The Beatles, 'A Day in the Life' from Sgt. Peppers.

I did that too, today. Then I trimmed my hair, worked out and paid my electric bill online.

Now I need a snack before I go to the grocery.

Later, I'll be grilling hot dogs and drinking an ice cold Bud.

Much later, I'll be watching a war movie... maybe Fury with Brad Pitt. It seems fitting for Independence Day.

Later, folks. Have a safe and happy 4th of July, y'all!

The holiday is upon us here in the U.S.A. and already I can tell the regular workers are taking vacation time.

For the past two days, I have been unable to view or share any videos from Youtube. And I can't post any pictures anywhere, either.

Youtube's advice? Reboot.

So I did. I can now watch videos on Youtube, but still can't share them anywhere (like here).

Progress... in baby steps.

A friend of mine passed away a couple of days ago. I had known him since the 7th grade. When we met, I was 5'2" and he was already 6' tall. He was always an exceptional athlete, concentrating on football and basketball. He was always all business while playing, but the rest of the time he had a smile that would light up any room he was in. He loved to joke around and laugh. he always had everyone smiling, too.

Surprisingly, he didn't go to college. After high school he went to work for the local GM plant. He got married and raised a family in his 30 years of work before he retired at age 48. He always said he was blessed, so I know he made the right decision.

The last time I had a chance to talk with him was at our 30th class reunion. Same man as always: He walked up smiling, shook my hand and wanted to know how I was getting along.

His passing has rocked our community. What a fine tribute to someone, to have so many people relate how he had touched their lives in a positive way.

I will always remember him for being my friend. He was a wonderful human being and the world got a bit colder in his passing.

R.I.P., my brother.

~