As the fireworks go off (from my bedroom window, I can see the bursts of light through the thicket of trees in the backyard), I'm celebrating this holiday by listening to an excellent MPR Midday interview with William Hogeland, author of Declaration: The Nine Tumultuous Weeks When America Became Independent, May 1-July 4, 1776. The June 25th interview was really interesting and so informative; I wish history could come alive like this more often. I'm so looking forward to getting a copy of this book.
Earlier in the day, I attended the annual 4th of July get-together at the Kramer's. Small but fun crowd (Chings, Kramers, Bowlings, and Zenkers). Talked stories: past 4th of July celebrations with Ross, fireworks, and the water balloon slingshot; the Twilight books and movies; parallels between Jeffrey and Chris and the calls home from school; Julie and Diane's NY adventure; Harry Potter vs Yoda; Kim's bad summer; Al's adventurous incidents; the neighborhood watch.
