When can we do Fireworks?

That was the question we kids bugged my mother with until my father came home from a late night working at the grain elevator. The Fourth always meant Dad would be late and we’d have to wait. Fireworks are best in darkness anyway, where they really show their stuff.

I credit playing with matches as giving me a great respect for fire. I love pyrotechnical displays. I may even have purchased some in the past – like on the 5th of July when they are on sale? However, I am not a purist, and will take a beautiful light show in abstentia, as we have to do this year. Two years ago the City and County building allowed us to picnic as they put on their Old Glory praise. It was just as beautiful, and more pet-friendly.

You might be able to find me lighting some snakes today, or those goofy tanks that drive about, or a pretty stinky smoke bomb. Maybe those hens that lay eggs, or the pop-its, or the fake guns that spew confetti? I will do it with my garden hose in hand and my flag in the other!