America the Beautiful

The 4th of July is always an exciting time in my town. We have a very wide main street that is home to the fabulous 4th of July Parade. Fabulous may not be the best word. The number of floats in the parade has dropped drastically in recent years. (I think there were two this year.) I go to watch the High School Marching Band (I am a VERY proud former member), the Ray's Carwash boys and to get my free carton of chocolate milk. The Marching Band was wonderful and the the Ray's Carwash boys brought a fabulously choreographed dance routine providing the usual relief needed after the approximately 20 poorly drilled drill teams and cheerleading squads. I waited patiently through the endless stream of old cars and tractors, but was disappointed when I was not given my free chocolate milk. (I guess business must be slow for the local dairy.)

After the parade we ate a nice lunch on the picnic table outside and roasted some hotdogs in the fire pit. My sister had made some very yummy looking chocolate peanut butter rice crispy treats. Somehow the recipe had gone awry and we were practically breaking our teeth trying to eat them. (Literally in grandma's case.)

Later that afternoon we drove 15 miles to the a small manmade lake. (A favorite family location.) We swam around a bit and took the old green canoe out for a spin. Since my last visit, the city has installed a fun slide. My sister and I convinced Dad to go down the slide with us. I will forever have etched in my mind the picture of my dad sliding down that ridiculous slide.

All in all, it was a wonderful day with my family. I am so grateful to live in a country where all these activities are can be enjoyed.