"May the sun in his course visit no land more free, more happy, more lovely, than this our own country! "

The day is perfect. I've been busy all morning. Something about getting up early and being greeted by the sun gives me lots of energy. For a while I was out on the deck enjoying the morning but decided to drag myself in to write Coffee. Here, from my den window. I can see the sun glinting through the leaves of the oak tree. The leaves almost seem to shine. A cooling breeze is blowing. Today is a gift.

I remember the 4th of July when I was a kid. The town next to us always had the biggest parade, still does, and the town green was a center for all sorts of festivities. They had a decorated doll carriage contest. My sister once was a hula girl with a carriage to match. The decorated bicycle contest was usually next. Red, white and blue crepe paper was fanned around most of the wheel spokes, and I think every bike had a card attached with a clothespin for that clacking sound effect. One time there was even a pie eating contest. A band always played in the big gazebo. People milled around enjoying the day and each other. At night, in that same park, there were always fire works. I remember the oohs and ahs of the crowd as each one burst overhead. I loved the ones with multiple bursts of color. The last firework seemed to last forever. It was a spectacular finish.

Yesterday I put out all the flag banners on the fence and back porch. Today I'll be wearing my flag t-shirt. I'm going to a barbecue later. I love the 4th of July, all that it stands for and all the festivities that celebrate the birth of our nation.