Independence Day--Cornopolis Style

Our first July 4th here was a low key affair. The morning took us to the end of our block, where we gathered with about fifty or so other neighborhood residents, their children, and their pets for the annual children's parade. The kids and the pets, with selves and wagons and bikes all festooned with red, white, and blue bunting and shiny fringes and other patriotically decorative touches, along with their parents and owners, followed behind a city fire truck, as it rolled slowly around the main boulevard of the neighborhood with lights flashing and sirens blaring.


The parade was followed by general fellowship and the spraying of the fire truck's hose on children and adults, alike (the author excluded, thank you). We met several new neighbors. A fine start to our day was followed by breakfast, which ended in some playfull food arrangements. Yes, we had bacon, blueberries, and raspberries (among other things).



The rest of the day, we did some shopping, said hello to Penny Lou, the neighbors cat who likes to kick it in the soon-to-be-destroyed treehouse, and spent time keeping the dog on an even keel, since he is not fond of loud noises, and everyone in town over the age of two (the author excluded, thank you) being legally required to light firecrackers and bottle rockets and Roman candles (and, according to the paper this morning, some scamps even tried to blow up an outhouse with "artillery shells"--Where in the hell did they get artillery shells, I ask?), there was a constant barrage of loud noises going on.


That was fun enough, of course, but after a tasty meal of salmon and quinoa, we retired to the basement to await the main artillery barrage, as the country club about a block away apparently has their own fireworks display every Independence Day. Monkey and I took turns watching it from the back yard. It was pretty awesome. And loud. But the dog handled himself well--the basement must seem a safe enough refuge for him. He would not go outside at all that night, however, and last night, he was still a bit skittish about it. He was okay during the day.

The big news for today is that we are getting a visitor. Our first long-term (i.e., more than a day) houseguest will be...Aunt James. She said she'd be here this afternoon. Monkeyhouse Nebraska is in full anticipation mode.

Concert Update: Gillian Welch at the Rococo Theatre in Lincoln, August 15! Please call ahead for reservations.