And The Rockets Red Glare

Independence Day was celebrated in true small town fashion. The neighbors contributed toward the purchase of pork, beef brisket, and ribs and one neighbor smoked it all. He used to participate in competitions, so the meat was high caliber and very tasty BBQ. Tables were set up in driveways and neighbors wandered from house to house eating, talking and introducing new friends and visiting family. Children played in the street, lighting off small firecrackers and smoke bombs. A few were in Karen's backyard swimming in their above ground pool. 28 adults were busy competing in a Chinese Horseshoe competition. It was relaxing and felt like a throwback to the 1950s. I love Karen's neighborhood.

As the sun set in the sky, the fireworks lighting increased. Several other surrounding neighborhoods were also setting off fireworks, so regardless of where you looked in the sky, you'd see something. Eventually, Bill pulled out the big ones and we watched for several hours as the night was filled with bursts of red, white and blue displays. It was quite impressive and at times I felt like we were in a war zone. The explosions were loud and the acrid smoke drifted through the air. After a while I took shelter in the garage and watched from the protective cover to avoid falling pieces of plastic.


From the block party to the fireworks, everything was a new experience for us and a lovely taste of Americana.