Happy Independence Day! Don’t hear it called that very much, do we. I’m not doing anything special, and surprisingly, few people have been setting off fireworks in the neighborhood. It could be that they are strictly illegal in this community, which is basically a forest. Even though it is not dry and crispy, it is still dry enough for a fire to start. Personally, I am happy with the restrictions, as inexperienced people setting off fireworks can not only start fires, but cause harm to themselves, to animals, to their friends, etc. They are having fireworks tonight at the Marina, performed safely and by experts, and I actually think there is a place where people can set off their own–in a designated area.

Anyway, the 4th was never really one of my favorite holidays. By that, I mean its not something that I salivated for and eagerly anticipated. And really, I don’t know very many people who really really really love the 4th, other than its a day off from work and an excuse to drink beer and fire up the coals. And a good shopping day–always 4th of July sales.

However, July 4th was always a day that I tried to work. And why not? It was holiday time pay, and again, not really a holiday that I cared one way about or another. Fireworks are great, and if I worked days, even 7 to 7, there was still plenty of time to catch the show.

The same thing for Labor Day. Another day of barbecues and sales, and when I was a child, it meant that school was about to begin. But when I was working as a nurse, it was just another day for getting holiday time.

So happy 4th.