Super weather + super kid = super day

Back to England. Roman artifacts. Beautiful tablet found near Alnwick.

Kiddo started out the day driving around with Grampa in the Hot Rod 47 Ford. What a grin he had on his face when they got home. We got dressed for fishing and went off to Porter Pond. He caught a nice perch on his first cast. It was so much fun to see his reaction to that fish wiggling on his line. They used up almost all of the worms dug up in the garden and he caught five more fish, mostly blue gill and pumpkin seeds. Grampa was only able to put two back in the water because the others were too badly hooked. Kiddo skunked us both as Grampa only hooked a small Dace that jumped off of his hook as he brought it in and I, using Grampa's pole, got all messed up in the weeds and had to await rescue. Kiddo was very diplomatic and said, "I guess the fish only like kids."

We came home and changed into shorts for our trip to the Drug Store to get batteries. Kiddo scootered downtown and I walked. (Grampa declined the invitation and played horseshoes and skinned the perch. We got back just in time to see the end of the skinning and washing of the fish. We want the grand kid to understand that fishing is fun but also puts food on the table. Of course he graciously gave us the fish to keep for our supper.) After the Drug Store we went to the Snak Shak for softy ice cream before the long trek home.

The weather has been more than beautiful. It was 58 when we got up this morning and the house was so pleasant and comfortable. Will cook up some pork chops for supper with garden vegetables on the side.

Quote: Fear is the mother of foresight. __H. Taylor

Check out Cynicallous' post. The photos are wonderful.

You can reach his blog from mine. Just go to the top right on my blog and click on Cynicallous. Very worthwhile trip through our past.

Wild flowers . . . disciplined walk . . .

And did I mention Queen Ann's lace, thistle, clover (red and white), mullein, hawk weed, milkweed? Gee, who'd a thunk it? And that's just at the run down Dog Track. Yes, we've been for our flights and our walk. Another dry, slightly breezy, summer day. Delightful.

Made some fresh peach and raspberry cobbler. Perfect seasonal dessert. Have to finish filling out some forms to see if we have a claim to a bit of money because the MFS Mutual Funds we had from 1999 to 2003 may not have been handled properly. I have no clue but I'll give it a try. Then off to Big Y to do a little shopping.

Quote: There is a noble forgetfulness -- that which does not remember injuries. __C. Simmons

Good side trip . . .

Such a glorious New England Day . . . dry, breezy, sunny, blue skies. Walking among the butter and eggs, wild primrose, golden rod and asters at the Dog Track was an extreme pleasure this early morning. On our return we took a trip to Willimantic to pick up political signs for our yard. It's time to turn the yard into an area of political awareness! Right now we only have 3 signs. I'm trying to get more because the primaries are coming up August 10 and we've got some real doozies that have been endorsed by the Republican Party. But we've also got a Democrat sign in the primary for Judge of Probate. A very interesting time of year. It's great to see so many candidates vying for office. Now if we can only elect some new blood who want to really change the business as usual that grips elected officials when they've been in office too long. I pretty much want to throw every one out who has been in office for more than 2-4 years!

Went to dinner at Marchetti's in RI Saturday evening with Oneco-ites. Got to Oneco in the Dodge ramming through the torrential, driving, wind blown rain. By the time we left for dinner the weather had cleared. A very relaxing time. On our return we sipped Lemoncello and ate chocolate covered caramels. Can't ask for better than that. Oh yes, watching the drags too!

Quote: The strife of politics tends to unsettle the calmest understanding, and ulcerate the most benevolent heart. -- There are no bigotries or absurdities too gross for parties to create or adopt under the stimulus of political passions. __E. P. Whipple

Grounded . . .

Since Kiddo got himself "grounded" for not only walking home from the restaurant but actually walking through the woods . . . plus a couple of extra dangerous ideas he tried to act on, we've had a somewhat unconventional week. With no electronic gadgets whatsoever and no playgrounds we've been doing quite a bit of reading and playing old fashioned games. We were allowed to use the pool and that has been a life saver. Yesterday Grampa took him fishing at Porter Pond in the rain. Such a good time. Grampa caught a small pickerel and then Kiddo missed catching a fish about 5 times before he finally hooked a pumpkin seed. He was all excited and kept fishing until he caught a blue gill and we called it a day. As we were leaving the little guy told me he was going to teach other people how to fish because he was really good at catching fish. I had to remind him that he didn't like to hold them when we had to put them back in the water. He said that that was Okay. He'd still be a great teacher. To have such confidence. Makes one wish she could go back in time to being almost six years old. I had him all decked out for our foray into Pachaug in long pants, long-sleeved shirt and an old hat. I sprayed all of his clothes with Off. Wish I had brought the camera but he doesn't like it if I take pictures of him doing things. He freezes up and has no fun i.e. not worth messing with his day for some photos. We went home by Ekonk Hill and stopped for ice creme at the Turkey Farm. By the time we got home Grampa had gotten a call and he had to leave to pick up some plane parts in Sturbridge so Kiddo decided it would be fun to drive the remote control cars in the rain around the driveway. So many skids and burnouts! Way cool and when Grampa did return he took out his gas powered car and burned up the tarmac. Only a couple of crashes as they raced around. I'm telling you they drive like maniacs. Also played with the train for a long time, so long that Kiddo thinks we should get a tunnel and an elevator. Grampa did fashion us a see through tunnel so we were satisfied for the time being.

Too hot and muggy for cooking today so we'll have sandwiches and fresh corn for supper. I hope White Merlot will taste good with it because that's all the wine we have in the house!

Quote: The devil tempts us not. It is we tempt him, beckoning his skill with opportunity. __ George Eliot

Puppy's Pop helped hide the well . . .

FLASH . . . Kiddo grounded

Just got a call from middle child to let me know that the Kiddo has been grounded. Super grounded; no TV, no video games, no Wii, no Nintendo, no PSP, no movies at the theatre, no playgrounds. So, how come? His Dad kept him home from his regular Tuesday at Stepping Stones and he was playing at the restaurant. He asked Mom if he could go outside to play. She gave the OK. So . . . He walked home!!! It's a good thing his brother was home. Big brother called and asked if they knew that Kiddo had walked home. She was fit to be tied. As she said imagine the scene if she had gone to check on him and he wasn't there. Yikes. Horrible thought. So my life in Groton tomorrow should be interesting. Lots of reading and practice tying shoes, and playing summer school. I like it. Perhaps we can even do some more baking.

Life is definitely interesting . . .

Been reading Maid in Waiting by Galsworthy, one of my mother's books, and found a train ticket from New York to New London dated 1931. Also came across two grocery bills from Brodeur's in Plainfield dated 1947 made out in MaTante's name. And . . . a note Ma left for Pa before they married. Pretty soon I'll end up going through Ma's books just to see what is hidden within!

Puppy's Pop and I took a ride to Wiscasset, ME for lunch at the Sea Basket yesterday. It is the only place where I look forward to eating the fried shrimp basket. Oh my. It is so good that I devour the entire meal. We moseyed on to Boobthbay Harbor where we had drinks overlooking the ships and boats. After a nice walk through the town I had Grampa wait for me as I loaded up on ice cream before we headed home. Still love to go to Maine. We'll go back in the Fall but will stay overnight. It's a nice ride but 4 hours one way makes it an overnighter. When we got home I found a FedEx package at the milk room door! Not only was it at the weirdest place but it was soaking wet. A pretty good thunder storm had passed through while we were gone. The outer box was soaked through and the inner box was also wet but my new Merrell's survived intact. I called Wolverine today to complain but they didn't seem too concerned. There are 7 outside doors to this old house. Not sure why the carrier picked the one that is never used and out of the way rather than a porch door or the overhang on the garage!

Took the '37 out to Palazzi's Orchard in Dayville Sunday. A beautiful ride to the farm stand. They only sell what they grow which is really cool in this day and age. Bought fresh corn and peaches. Super.

Quote: The earth was made so various, that the mind of desultory man, studious of change, and pleased with novelty, might be indulged. __Cowper

Guess who came to breakfast . . .

Photo courtesy of the cook's helper, a sophomore from PHS and most pretty young lady. As we were eating our breakfast at Lizzy B's this morning the cow took a serene, leisurely walk on the sidewalk and stopped to look into the dining area. It was so cool. This was the best photo B. could get as they tried to bring good Bessy to her home pasture. I'm glad B. had her phone with her or we wouldn't have the proof of the curious bovine. Yep, that is a bit of the Dodge Ram on the left. Bessy actually put her face right up to the window at least 3 times before they were able to lure her home with a bucket of grain and a tether. She wasn't too sure she wanted to leave though and gave them a hard time crossing the street.

Peaceful, at home day . . .

Wow, just spent over an hour filling out doctor's forms on line even before he gets a chance to visit with me! Never knew anyone could ask so many questions and I would have to look up so many answers! But it's all complete until I see him and his office tells me about everything I messed up. I was purposely non-committal on race and origin stuff. We'll see if I get castigated. That will be fun.

Had a great time yesterday with Kiddo and Grampa. It was so hot out we only played outside to race remote control vehicles around the driveway. What a blast. I'm not very good but I can control his smallest car with the sticks on the controller. I let him and Grampa use the fancy stuff with actual steering knobs or what ever you call them. After our Riverview take out supper Kiddo and I went to Killingly to see the Parks and Rec's production of Oliver, The Musical. My great nephew was in the cast of ragamuffins and it was a lot of fun to see so many young ones prancing around on stage. A former student and his wife direct and produce most of the plays for the Killingly Rec Department and they do a fantastic job. The music, cast, crew and helpers were the best. What a great show. But Kiddo was tired by 8:30 so we did leave at intermission and I had trouble keeping him awake until we got home. All in all it was a great day. This morning he beat me at Bakugan and borrowed my best one to bring to his house. I'm always getting beat. Trying to teach him how to play chess and he seems to be taking to it. I think I'll see if there's an ap for iPad that can teach it better than I.

Super hot again today. Puppy's Pop just came in from playing horseshoes. Don't know how come he doesn't wilt out there. I'm no good in the heat. Thursday Kiddo and I stayed in the pool in Groton all afternoon. I love the new bathing suit my neighbor got for me. It really is just what I need.

Quote: If God did not exist it would be necessary to invent him. __Voltaire

And all I've gotta say . . .

is "Thank God for Steroids." Wow, lost 2 pounds and I'm moving like I'm 20 years old.

Warm and breezy . . .

Harry Hotspur, real name Sir Henry Percy, born in 1364, killed in 1403, at the Battle of Shrewsbury. Eldest son of the first earl of Northumberland. Alwnwick Castle.

Walked early morning both today and yesterday and was lucky that the clouds kept me shaded both days. Walked a bit better today. It may be my imagination but I started taking my 6 day supply of prednisone this morning and it feels as if it's already helping. Saw my favorite physician's assistant yesterday and she agreed I could go off of Lipitor and Zetia. Also did some blood work and took a couple of x-rays. Wasn't surprised when she told me that I have arthritis in my lower back. Not much to do about it but I will see a neurologist to figure out how to alleviate the painful walking problem. I seem to be able to beat it some days and other days it really ticks me off. Oh well I guess bodies do start to wear out after a while and since I'm now closer to 70 than 60 I'll just keep rolling on. Doesn't seem possible that I'm finally growing up! It's taken a while.

All kinds of energy yesterday so I cleaned house. Place is looking good for 200 years old. I guess it's feeling creaky like it's owners. Even Puppy's Pop is trying a new regimen for his cholesterol. What a pair! Actually, a pretty good pair of somewhat worn Americans. Still in love and still living the good life in small town USA.

A couple of days ago our young next door neighbor (who used to hang out with today's birthday child) came over to chat. She was telling me about looking for a bathing suit. They have just put in a pool and I told her I had given up on a suit and just go into the pool in Groton wearing full dress shorts and tee shirt. Well, she showed up at the door and gave me a beautiful new bathing suit she said she found on sale and wouldn't let me pay for it. Now that was such a surprise, so unexpected and greatly appreciated. She's the healthiest we've seen her in the almost 5 years she's lived next door. Pretty lady, working hard to live a good life.

Time to go shopping. Need a few basics to augment the garden's provisions.

Quote: Pain and pleasure, like light and darkness, succeed each other; and he only who knows how to accommodate himself to their returns, and can wisely extract the good from the evil, knows how to live. ___Sterne

More than passable . . .

Another more than passable day. Luck held and the fireworks in Groton/New London went off as scheduled. It ended up being perfect weather because the clouds and a few raindrops kept the major heat away and by the time 8:30 rolled around the sky was gorgeous. We had a great night and got home in about 45 minutes. We've finally figured out the right roads take and we had Kiddo in bed by 10:45. I swear he never woke up once he got in the car and walked into the house like a zombie. Led him to the bathroom and to bed, dirt and all. Got up at 8:35 this morning none the worse for the wild time he had with all his cousins and friends. I even found a new drink for myself! One of the men at the garage party left Moosup nephew and I in charge of his small cooler while he went to Richoni's for a shot. When he returned he pretty much insisted I try one of the contents of his cache. So, I now know that I can drink Smirnoff Ice. That's pretty cool. I've never been able to hoist one with the crowd because I detest beer. But the Smirnoff Ice went down very nicely. Good things happen to those that wait.

Grampa picked raspberries after we returned from Kiddo's and so I felt like I had to do some sort of garden stuff. I picked beans, tomatoes, cukes and beets. Then I hoed the darned plot. Wasn't too bad as the sun had skittered behind the clouds at just the right time. We had hamburger steaks on the grill for supper with fresh beans and potatoes accompanied by beets and a cuke and tomato salad. Nice supper.

Naturally I still haven't caught up on my reading. But that's okay. Life is pretty damn sweet, aches and pains included. I guess Grampa and I have earned the right to slow down a bit and enjoy thinking about the kids we've provided to help unravel the grand scheme of life. Yep. Life is a bowl of raspberries. Even though I've cracked two glasses today; one water and one wine!

Quote: Lovely flowers are the smiles of God's goodness. __ Wilberforce

And it's raining . . .

Here's hoping the rain gets out of here this afternoon so Sailfest isn't canceled tonight. That would be a bummer for all concerned. Kiddo is not with us today because we're supposed to bring him home with us tonight after the fireworks. Grampa is off to play horseshoes with our 95 year old friend in RI while here in Moosup we're getting a heck of a down pour. That's a good thing right now because I won't have to water the garden tomorrow. Had to go up and close the sky light! Before leaving Puppy's Pop tried to save the Swiss Chard from the marauding deer. He used some old wire fencing, boards and twine to set up a blockade of sorts along with mothballs and an old denim shirt. Here's hoping it works. I've even lost the tops of the two Rose of Sharron bushes that younger brother entrusted to my care.

Spent most of the day yesterday in the pool with Kiddo. All of a sudden he's decided to swim underwater. Thinks that's cool. I swear he swallows more of the pool than we splash out! We also ran some errands for Richoni's and then had lunch with the cook's helper. Had a tequilaless Margarita. Not bad. I guess I really like sour!

When I got home last night Puppy's Pop had two letters addressed to Mr. Perry sitting on the kitchen table. I had to read them. Two of our neighbor kids who play in the yard had left some big rocks on the lawn and candy wrappers. Their Poppie and Mom had them write letters of apology to Grampa who let's their two dogs run in the yard besides the kids. They even offered to do yard work and promised not to do it again because they'll be grounded for two weeks. Wow, what a treat to have someone who appreciates what we allow the kids to do in our yard. Pretty neat in this day and age.

Just got a call from a childhood friend whose art work graces the cover of a new book. I bought the book but we were in England when it came out so she's going to deliver it to me on this wet, gray afternoon. She only lives in the next village but I generally keep up with her on Facebook. That's a sad commentary. She has adopted her granddaughter who is about 8 years old. My friend is quite a girl. She just got her GED as she married young and had never finished PHS. Her husband died ten years ago and she's one active lady with her art, camping and grandkids.

Quote: The object of art is to crystallize emotion into thought, and then fix it in form. __Delsarte

It's a good life, Charlie Brown . . .

Already used the second photo and don't know how to get rid of it so I added another photo instead! Ha!

And Kiddo and I had another hallmark day. We started out at the Nautilus Submarine Museum in Groton. He absolutely loved going through the Nautilus with his own talky-thing-a-ma-jig for each of the stops on the tour. That is such a neat tour, as you get to go through the hatches and narrow passages where no space is wasted. Then we went through the museum proper and naturally he was the leader. Had a chance to use a real periscope and sit at an original control room chair and command the sub. I was amazed that we stayed at least 15 minutes in the theatre watching the history of subs in WW II. He was mesmerized by the actual footage of torpedoes sinking German and Japanese ships. I bought him a tee-shirt, a flag windmill and a toy sub that is supposed to sink and surface by itself when you half fill it with baking powder. We couldn't make it work properly but he'll be able to use it in the tub without the baking powder. I think that I'll try it today with baking soda? Very impressive is the fact that the museum is free. I'm sure we'll be going back again.

Watered the garden last evening. It has been way too hot and dry and I've been watering at least twice a week. We're eating tomatoes, cukes, crook neck squash, beets, beans and Swiss chard already. Puppy's Pop is keeping up with the raspberries too. The pumpkins are pumpkining and the Indian corn has tassels so we're doing pretty well. The biggest problem is that some kind of something is causing the cucumber plants to wilt. That's driving me crazy because what Grampa and I like the most are cukes and tomatoes. I think that it's something in this old worn out earth that's giving me the problem. Sat out in my garage swing when all was done and enjoyed the evening with my glass of Cabernet-Sauvignon and waited for Grampa to return from the Jogues Club.

Leaving for Groton a bit later than usual today because I'll stay until 8pm. The Sail Fest fireworks are tomorrow evening and we'll be bringing Kiddo home with us so his folks can be ready for the gang at Richoni's after the gang at the garage! We'll bring him home Sunday morning and then I'll be trying to catch up, once again, with my reading!

Kiddo and I did find something called Pixos that he loves to use and create neat designs. They take the place of the plastic beads with the holes in them that our kids used to place on a small tray with spindles and then we had to use a hot iron to melt them together. These small, colorful beads are place on an indented tray and sprayed with water. When they are dry they stick together. Pretty cool beansies. I'm going to look for a tackle box at Walmart so he can store the varied and plentiful beads. He's very patient working with them even when my clumsy hands mess things up!

Quote: Education is the cheapest defense of nations. __Burke

But it is bright and clear with a languid breeze . . .

Okay, 90 degrees at 10:30 is like those old fashioned days in the 1940's when Ma used to send us to play under the maple trees in the front of the house. We'd put down a blanket, bring out our dolls and guns, and the neighborhood kids would laze around. We would play cops and robbers, cowboys and Indians, Checkers, Parcheesi, and the parents would provide fresh lemonade. We often messed up the lower field because we would make paths through the hay for our hiding places thereby getting Pepere upset because he couldn't sell the hay! We were a nasty lot of ruffians. How did we ever make do without air conditioning? We must have been of stoic character and expectations were high that Pa would stuff the whole neighborhood in the car and bring us to the Pond in the evening.

Walked in Sterling today and it was already 80 at eight in the morning. Went to Lizzy B's for a huge glass of ice water and a bowl of fresh fruit with a French Toast muffin. Great combination. Think I'm going to set myself up in the study upstairs with a puzzle and an air conditioner. Matante used to make her puzzles on the sun porch but I no longer wish to suffer the heat and humidity if I can be comfortable up stairs. Must be getting on in years.

Made some raspberry jelly and it came out pretty good considering I just boil the berries, strain the juice out with cheesecloth and cook it up with sugar and honey. As Kiddo would say, "Easy peasy!". I also want to get to Taftville and buy some Birkenstocks. They are the only sandals I can wear that don't cause my left leg any pain.

Quote: I have often said that all the misfortunes of men spring from their not knowing how to live quietly at home, in their own rooms. __Pascal

Could be a Louisiana morning . . .

Already 74 degrees as I'm having breakfast. Leaving the air on for the day, I expect. Puppy's Pop is already at the Sterling School flying with a young man from the Boston area who needs lots of help getting off the ground and getting back down. The grass field is a better place to learn than the Dog Track!

Wonderful, just right Fourth. Went to Mass, took the El Camino out to Buttonwood in Preston for ice cream, lazed around the yard in the afternoon and then went to Moosup nephew's home for fantastic cook out. His younger brother was visiting and it was really great to see them again. The children were so much fun. I took a tour with the 6 year old and we went around the yard. I told him all kinds of stories about when I had lived in his house and played in the yard. He got a kick out of that, especially when I told him how I learned to drive right there in the upper field in a very old and distinctive Crosley. His little sister then helped me tour the gooseberry patch and I was so thrilled because they have very nice berries. Our bush has nary a berry this year. I taught her to eat the whole berry. She was only eating the middle and spitting out the skin. What a riot that was. She spit out the first one then asked for another which she dutifully swallowed. She was picking and eating them on her own after that. Younger brother and his wife were there and her sister's family. Nice, comfortable family gathering. We stayed until about 8 so you know Puppy's Pop had a good time and great eats. Before going to bed I looked out to see Ursa Major bright and sparkling in the Northwest along with myriad fireflies and planes. Many Moosupians were adding to the sparkles with their illegal fireworks (including the nephews.) All in all a very satisfactory Independence Day.

Quote: The people never give up their liberties but under some delusion. The true danger is, when liberty is nibbled away, for expedients, and by parts. __Burke

Glorious 4th . . .

The gardens at Alnwick.

"Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day, I've got a wonderful feeling everything's going my way." Just one of those moments when you have to plagiarize a little because the music comes to mind instantaneously and you can't help but smile and be glad you're alive. Heck now I feel like finding a production of Oklahoma to enjoy. Which reminds me that I should be looking for a DVD of Oliver because in a couple of weeks great nephew who lives in the old homestead will be in a production of Oliver and I'm going to take Kiddo to see it but I always like to have him prepared for the theatre before we go.

Went out for breakfast in the 37 Ford and I'll be going to Mass soon. I haven't been in so long I'm almost feeling guilty. Grampa is back at the Sterling School for a round of flying. I went with him yesterday and managed to walk around the soccer fields and basketball courts about 4 times before I called it quits. Very pleasant walking and I found some low bush blueberries that aren't quite ripe. I imagine that the birds will beat me to them! Our raspberries are bountiful and Grampa has been keeping Lizzy B's supplied. They give you a choice of home fries, hash browns or fresh fruit with breakfast. The fruit is fantastic right now, sweet, juicy and grown in the neighborhood. She even adds wild blackberries. Salubrious!

I was just testing out Kiddo's swing after our Sterling School escapade when the 62 Vette came rumbling up the drive. What a pretty black rod along with the handsome couple. We sat out under the tamaracks and shot the breeze for a while before they went rumbling back to Oneco. Their visit made me crave chocolate and so I made some really luscious chocolate fudge with walnuts. Every time we go out with these good friends he gives me chocolates to take home. Obviously he's a chocoholic and even though I rarely keep chocolate in the house their visit stirred up those chocolate cravings. I foolishly decided to use a modern thermometer to gauge the soft ball stage for the fudge. It was almost a disaster. I did my old fashioned water test and I knew I should take the candy off of the stove and let it cool down before stirring in the vanilla and walnuts but I let the modern contraption over power my instincts. I lost. The fudge is very tasty but crumbles. Of course it's edible but it certainly doesn't look appetizing. I just close my eyes and eat it anyway.

Quote: Hail! Independence, hail! heaven's next best gift to that of life and an immortal soul! __Thomson

Summer days . . .

Have a few quick minutes to catch up! Grampa and Kiddo are out in the driveway flying the Vapor and the Dragonfly. Kiddo is catching on pretty well but has a bit of trouble finessing the controls. Too used to Nintendo and other computer type games where you can slam and crash! He's getting much better at the remote control truck. I'll have to see if his older brother has another remote control vehicle I can bring home so he and Grampa can do some racing!

Went to the Fish Hatchery yesterday and had a nice look at the Rainbow, Brook and Brown Trout they raise for Connecticut fisher folk. Then we walked to the ponds even though there was no fishing. Saw some beautiful blue herons trying their luck and watched as a farmer tedded the fields. It was such a typical New England scene out of the 40's. Even the sun and heat seemed from a different era. Kiddo should have had a straw hat and been chomping on some hay. Grampa found him a bobber and some line with a hook so we made out quite well on our outing. Went on, in the El Camino, to the Snak Shak for ice creams before coming home to play with the hose and water the garden. Kiddo did a good job just watering the roots and not the leaves of my plants. It seems as if the moth balls have kept the deer at bay. So far so good.

Not much going on tomorrow, the Fourth. We've been invited to my cousin's in Oneco for their big bash but it's almost too crowded for me even though they have the room for lots of people. With 17 brothers and sisters and their families and friends it's a wild place! We'll probably go to our nephew's at the old homestead in the early evening for hamburgers. His brother and wife are visiting from Arizona and we haven't seen them in a while. Will be a nice calm family evening with fireworks to light up the sky. Will probably see if we can watch the fireworks from home as I like to be back early so I can settle in with a good book.

Quote: Not rural sights alone, but rural sounds, exhilarate the spirit, and restore the tone of languid nature. __Cowper