Happy Independence Day and God Bless America!!!

I just wanted to take the opportunity to say Happy Independence Day to all.  I realized, after the events of the past few years, that this has become my favorite holiday for so many reasons.  I love the comraderie and genuine feeling of patriotism from proud, fellow Americans.  I love displaying Old Glory and decorating the house and, this year, our bicycles.  I love the smell of barbecues, the anticipation of eating, drinking, socializing, and especially, the fireworks.  I love that the kids delight in hanging out with their cousins and watching the fireworks from my sister's house at the beach.  Above all, I love being with my family.  It's the perfect holiday.

We started our day today by going to one of my favorite vegan restaurants for lunch.  As Steve approached the cashier to order some soup to go, the cashier glanced up at him and when she saw the external fixator on his face, she appeared a little startled.  She was more forward than most, though, and she decided to ask what happened.  We've become quite used to people's reactions now to the point where we've made a little game of it.  We like to see how curious or how uncomfortable we can make people.  Just a few times, people have asked details and figured out that Steve's a police officer.  But most of the time, IF Steve tells them the truth that he was shot, people don't know what to say and they either change the subject or just try to get the hell out of there.  This cashier, this sweet and well-intentioned young gal, probably late teens, had the funniest response yet.  She asked him what happened, Steve matter-of-factly said he got shot in the face at work, a moment of silence, and then she replied, "Ohhhh....well would you like a glass of water?"  Hilarious.

After lunch we went home to decorate our bikes for the local bike parade and 4th of July celebration.  The kids had fun seeing the fire truck and all the people in their best patriotic garb.  Even in this big city, there was a real small town feel and it was great.  After that, the kids had ice cream.  It was a great way to gear up for the holiday tomorrow.