Happy Independence Day
I have to say this isn’t my favorite of holidays. I am not at all unpatriotic or anti-American. What I am is anti-noise. I am happy to celebrate my country, I just don’t care to do it at the expense of my hearing or at risk of burning down my home.
You would think that just avoiding the places where firecrackers can be used would do the trick. Perhaps purchasing a home in a town where they are prohibited, and the police actually advertise a zero-tolerance policy would be helpful. But unfortunately, that is wrong.
Last Saturday someone was setting off something nearby that was making the entire house shake. A visit from the police only stopped it for a half hour or so. Then on Sunday the town had their celebration and professional display in the park. Walking the two blocks home that night, we first had to stop and finally ask a family to not throw things on the street and sidewalk any longer so we could walk past to get home. Then a block later stopped again when we saw someone lighting something in the street, then had to comfort a terrified RM the rest of the way home when the resulting explosion deafened us and set off car alarms all over the neighborhood. Last night we spent wondering if the house would catch fire from the bottle rockets across the street. (I guess all the recent rain has had some advantage.)
We shall now see what tonight brings I suppose. The dogs are already cowering in their kennels, only venturing out for a quick drink of water and trip to the backyard.
I sound and feel like a grumpy old woman. I think I can live with that. There are safe and appropriate ways to show your enthusiasm for the holiday. But I think some of my neighbors missed out on that lesson.
Have a very safe Independence Day all. And don’t forget your earplugs and fire extinguishers.
