Going Fourth

Enjoyed the usual holiday festivities for the Fourth yesterday, beginning with the parade in our small town. I stood and applauded the vets from current and past conflicts as they marched past.

I cheered friends who passed by in the parade.

And I was quite impressed with the local Republican Committee entry -- a large truck-borne float, covered in red, white and blue, with flagwaving children and patriotic music.

Then the came the Democrats' entry -- it was all black, with the words "America Sucks" in large red letters. A hooded man with a microphone recited all the real and imagined crimes committed by the U.S. throughout its history. And they were playing Rage Against The Machine CDs.

Okay, that part didn't really happen.

We spent the rest of the day at the lakehouse of some friends, swimming, boating, eating and enjoying the company. We capped the day sitting on their lakeside patio watching as neighbors around the pond launched their fireworks.

We are very fortunate.