"In every walk with nature one receives more than he seeks."
John Muir

Monday, July 4, 2011

Independence Day for a New American


Independence Day!!
A day typically set aside for picnics, parades and fireworks.
But not always.
This being my 3rd July in Alaska, I no longer plan for firework displays
as the sky is bright and blue all night long.

Today was especially fun and the morning rain
stopped just before the Ester Parade began.
It didn't matter that we wore our jackets and carried umbrellas.
We had a great gang to cheer on the fire trucks and bicyclists:
Josh, Kathleen and Abigail,
Josh's parents Daryl and Linda,
and our new friend Gregg.
Little Abigail was the S*T*A*R of the show.
After all, she is a brand new American!!


She waved her flag (when she wasn't teething on it).
Her creative Mama figured out how to make a little 4th of July sundress
appropriate for an Alaskan July by adding jeans and a long-sleeved shirt.


She got the best view of the bagpipers from atop Popeye's shoulders.
The white hair was quite the distraction, however.

She wasn't really impressed with the garden float that threw
fresh radishes into the crowd
and gave a "flags down" review,


but decided she could really gum a Tootsie roll that the firemen had tossed.


Later on, at the picnic in Pioneer Park, we showed off our patriotic colors
when the sunshine came out in earnest and we could throw off the coats.


We figured out how to make our own noise.


We danced and clapped to the sounds of the local steel drum band called
"Cold Steel". This group has been a favorite of mine since I first heard them play
their island style music 2 years ago.
Can't keep still when they make their music.


Abigail got so inspired that she tried her skills on her own steel "drum".
So you see, if fireworks aren't part of the day, it's OK.
We made our own fun celebrating the 4th with our 7-month old firecracker.
Happy Birthday, America!

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