Happy 4th

Hope you are all having a wonderful fourth of July.  I guess the thing I love best about the fourth is Thomas Jefferson's statement in the Declaration of Independence:  " We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness

When I was a child I don't think I was aware of the importance of this day.  I know we did not have the same kind of fireworks we have today.  I was always afraid of the booming noises.(two or three big booms). I was even afraid of firecrackers.  My folks would set some off.  Then the part I loved.  Sparklers.  Mama would light one for me and I would twirl my arms around my head and think I was really doing something.  Even more, I loved cap-guns.  These my friends and I would play with for a week or two.  We were cowboys and Indians, gangsters etc.  I loved the smell the caps created when we shot them.
Our town always had a parade and little kids got to ride their scooters or push their doll buggies down the street, proud as a peacock.  I remember how angry my mother was one year.  Whoever was in charge of the children's part glued crepe-paper ruffles all over my buggy.  I thought it looked great.  Mama saw one of the few really expensive things I owned ruined.  I don't remember if she ever restored it to it's perfect state again or not.
On "the" day, we went to Lorin Farr park for a picnic.  I remember the great potato-salad, the hot-dogs, pickles & olives and a big bag of potato chips.  In the cooler we had orange-crush, lemon-lime, strawberry and cream soda pop.  the only thing I don't remember is the desert.  I know we must have had one.

Today, life is different.  We can watch huge parades, unbelievable fireworks, musical celebrations and more and never leave our living rooms.  TV has brought the would to us.  Because I am old, this is just fine, but I wonder if the younger generation is missing something if they only stay home and watch TV?
I know many of my friends are getting together with friends and family and going to parks, or to the beach------good for them.  For those who don't, please get out there and make memories for your children. Also, help them understand why we celebrate this day.  I do see a lot of people celebrating out military and for that I am thankful.

Have a wonderful fourth, create great memories and be thankful we live in a country where we have a right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Until next time
Be kind to one another