4th of July

Again this year, I started off by running slowly in the local 4 mile road race. It was super hot and muggy, and I did just donate two units of red cells on Tuesday… So the eight-year-old who beat me last year beat me a lot worse this year.

Then the parade, with a heavy emphasis on fire trucks and military alumni organizations like the VFW, the American Legion, and the Marine Corps league. The newly crowned state champions Brattleboro Colonels softball team, got to ride behind a pickup truck.

We forayed out in the afternoon but most of the shops were closed. We did stop in for an ice cream cone at Amy’s Bakery, and we were glad that she stayed open.

In the evening, we went to Living Memorial Park, and listen to a little bit of the band, just before the fireworks. I think I first heard the phrase “fried dough” while reading the Grapes of Wrath. In that book, it was not a delicacy, but tonight we watch people line up 30 or 40 deep to get a piece. Then the fireworks, which were fine, although we missed the usual patriotic soundtrack.

Altogether, it was just like the Fourth of July in a small town is supposed to be.