Friday, July 04, 2008

"When, in the course of human events..."

Yes, it is that day in the US when we celebrate our independence from those rascally Brits.

For the past couple of years, I have gone with S to the parade put on in Piedmont (the wealthy little burgh which refused to be annexed by Oakland, oh, so many years ago...and is now nationally known for its bird-calling competition {I'd link to footage, but with the recent court order regarding YouTube users, you'll understand if I don't}).

This year, S and SS and I headed to said parade. Usually we arrive in Piedmont not long after 9 a.m. and search futilely for a few square inches of curb on which to put our chairs. This year, I thought I'd be clever and go earlier...but to little avail. I was later to learn that people start putting out their chairs the morning before. Still, I did find a bit of space, and laid out our blanket in the park as well, before going to pick those 2 up.

S has been having trouble with his lower back. SS has been having a foot problem (as well as a doctor problem...the woman won't return her calls to tell her what the Xray said). So I was the healthy one leading the pack this time around.

We went for the Rotary Club pancake breakfast, then listened to the jazz band playing outside while I oohed and aahed over all the beautiful and friendly dogs. We watched the parade...the best part of which is watching the children act like feral animals as pieces of candy are thrown to them from the floats. It is totally fascinating. I thought it was all over when the police chief started giving away frisbees...no riots occurred, thank the gods.

After the parade, and getting a Jr. Officers badge from a friendly police woman, we sauntered down to the park for some lunch and listening to the music. Hamburgers, watermelon, and lemonade. Good stuff.

We lolled about on the blanket for a bit before heading back to home. S read the DofI for us, just to remind us why we had to get away from those rascally Brits. It was a lovely day all around.

6 comments:

Aravis said...

It sounds like a great way to spend the day!

Cody Bones said...

I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, and it sounds like your feeling better. Good luck with that Spins

red one said...

hey, throw some more of that tea!

I've run out and desperately need a cuppa ;-)

HistoryGeek said...

Bah, red one, we Yanks don't bother with tea anymore (unless it's a chai latte).

red one said...

I'm not sure the Boston Chai Latte Party would have had the same effect...

hope you enjoyed the hols.

LB said...

...and the world now comes full circle as a couple of centuries later we basically do whatever the Americans tell us to do.

Perhaps we should have a Southport Tea Party, or something.

(or not, obv.)