Fizzle
Our first 4th in lovely suburban NoCal. And we realized that we are SO spoiled. We got all pissed off last night because, for the first time in 12 years, we couldn't see the fireworks from our house.
Admittedly, in Palm Springs, we had to climb up on the roof - but, hey, with a flat roof, you just throw a couple of lawn chairs up there, bring cocktails and nibbles up the ladder with you, and you're all set!
And, last year, in Phoenix, we could see the fireworks while lounging in the pool - now, that's decadent!
But here - nada. We even climbed up on top of the landlord's boathouse in the back yard, and nothing, for miles around.
BUT - we did walk to downtown Concord yesterday to see the parade. Talk about being transported back to Mayberry! They not only showcase the 10 year old baton twirlers, they introduce them all by name! "And here's Dierdre...and Lakisha....and Lakisha...and Lakisha....and Lashondra.....and Lashondra....and Lashondra....and Susan."
AND, they not only mention who's riding there in the car, they talk about the car: "Yup, that's Deputy Mayor Jack Crindle and his lovely wife Elizabeth in that 1976 Mustang convertible, it's a 6 cylinder, candy apple red, all of the parts to remodel this beauty were supplied by Ed's Auto Parts up there on Clayton Road.....you be sure and visit Ed, y'hear?"
So, we trudged home and fired up the grill - naturally, had a very 'traditional' 4th meal - mixed grill of shrimp, scallops, and lobster. Hey, we may be living in Mayberry, but we're still fags! We got taste!
Admittedly, in Palm Springs, we had to climb up on the roof - but, hey, with a flat roof, you just throw a couple of lawn chairs up there, bring cocktails and nibbles up the ladder with you, and you're all set!
And, last year, in Phoenix, we could see the fireworks while lounging in the pool - now, that's decadent!
But here - nada. We even climbed up on top of the landlord's boathouse in the back yard, and nothing, for miles around.
BUT - we did walk to downtown Concord yesterday to see the parade. Talk about being transported back to Mayberry! They not only showcase the 10 year old baton twirlers, they introduce them all by name! "And here's Dierdre...and Lakisha....and Lakisha...and Lakisha....and Lashondra.....and Lashondra....and Lashondra....and Susan."
AND, they not only mention who's riding there in the car, they talk about the car: "Yup, that's Deputy Mayor Jack Crindle and his lovely wife Elizabeth in that 1976 Mustang convertible, it's a 6 cylinder, candy apple red, all of the parts to remodel this beauty were supplied by Ed's Auto Parts up there on Clayton Road.....you be sure and visit Ed, y'hear?"
So, we trudged home and fired up the grill - naturally, had a very 'traditional' 4th meal - mixed grill of shrimp, scallops, and lobster. Hey, we may be living in Mayberry, but we're still fags! We got taste!