4TH OF JULY FOLLIES

I've never been a big 4th of July fan.  It's always hot and sticky.  The fireworks terrify small children and make most animals go berserk.  And I hate hot dogs.  

My worst 4th of July memory was burned into my brain at the age of six.  There was a strange man with a long straggly beard, on stilts, wearing long striped red and white pants and staring down at me.  This was supposed to be fun?  Forget it.  He looked like the grim reaper in drag. Trust me, that will mess up a girl for life.

I realize it's time for an attitude adjustment.  

This 4th of July, Duncan and I aren't even going to be in the country.  We'll be on a train in British Columbia.  I hadn't planned an escape for the big day; the timing just worked out that way. If I were going to be in the states, however, I would embrace our nation's great holiday with newfound gusto and resolve, and do the following 4 things:    

1. Listen to the reading of The Declaration of Independence at my local town square. For years, a friend has invited me, but I've always slept in.   If history were to repeat itself this year, I would at least catch it on NPR.  

2.  Put up a big flag, and continue doing so every morning throughout the summer.  Maybe I'd even put up a  flagpole, to remind me of the early mornings at my beloved summer camp.  At 7:30 AM each day, "To the Colors" played over the loudspeaker, and everything stopped as the Stars & Stripes were run up the crisp, white mast at the edge of the misty lake.  Now that's Americana at its best. I get goosebumps just thinking about it.

3. Make a birthday cake for my country, and decorate it with juicy strawberries, tart blueberries, and rich whipped cream.  Then eat the extra whipped cream without thinking about the calories.

4.  Grease up a watermelon with Crisco, and play a game of "football" with it in a lake.  I know that sounds crazy, but I saw some people do it years ago, and I really wanted to join in.  Ever since, it's been on my bucket list.  I think it's a less-redneck variation of chasing after a greased pig.   In any event, it's the perfect solution to a sweltering 4th of July afternoon.  If you can't find a lake, try the ocean.  If all else fails, use the bathtub, but make it a solo event and have a mop handy.

Even if none of these ideas catches your fancy, I'm sure you'll find your own ordinary 4th of July moments to make your holiday extraordinary.  When you do, please share them with me in the Comments section below (and feel free to use a pen name!).  I will savor them, as I indulge in my joyride from Vancouver to Toronto on Canada ViaRail, amidst stunning beauty.   The Declaration of Independence at my side.

P.S.  I am going to take full advantage of my vacation, so I will not be posting blogs for the next two weeks.  Thanks for indulging me!  I promise I will be back, with new adventures to share.  XOXO Annie