I love the 4th of July – heat, humidty and all. Not that I would mind mild weather, but I’m not usually in places where that is likely to happen. Wednesday we went down to Key Largo for a small town parade with firetrucks, floats, and a high school beauty queen in a convertible. And while political candidates are common in parades, you don’t usually see candidates running for the county Mosquito Control Board. Yes, it was sweltering hot, but hey, that’s why they make hats and cold beverages. After the parade, it was over to one of our canal-side bar and grills for burges, fries and cold draft beer.

Back home for a few hours, then down to the Speedway that was hosting the local festivities with live music and a touching Naturalization Ceremony for five current and former military members who were officially granted citizenship. Then it was more mingling with neighbors, friends, and acquaintances, another burger (I know, I know) and of course more cold beer. The fireworks were great and a breeze even picked up. Mother Nature did threaten a bit with rain, but held off with only clouds. The Speedway or whomever is in charge of traffic flow had it figured out pretty well because we spent very little time getting out of the parking lot and headed home.

Then it was tune into the second running of A National Fourth on PBS and by that time, I was as tired as I wanted to be. It was a great day!