Dear Catey, Happy 4th of July!

Dear Catey,

Ah, 'twas a quiet 4th of July for us. It was the first time in 7 years that we didn't have a bbq with friends, followed by an exodus to the grassy knoll on the hillside to watch the fireworks over downtown below. This year everyone went their separate ways. Scotty and I now live right in town, and all we had to do to watch the fireworks was walk to the end of the street, and there was the field where the pyrotechnics were lit. It was actually nice. No hassle or bustle to get food and decorations ready for a party.

We started Independence day with an early morning walk through downtown. The streets were closed for the parade, so we strolled down the middle of the streets with no regard for traffic rules. Then Sonya threw a tissy fit when we met up with a Newfie dog. Ugh, it was embarassing! So we went home.

Then I ran back into town for a 5k race, which turned out to be another 1/2 mile out of town. Needless to say, I got a very loooong warm up before the race. I used to finish races amongst the 1st half; this time I was in the lagging end. Ugh!

Then I went home and took a salt water bath because my aching body felt like limp noodle when standing. And right afterwards, I was as good as new to go back to downtown and watch the parade.

I really must be getting old because sobs kept welling up my knotted chest at the sight of people holding up our flag with pride and happiness, and of veterans... I have to stop writing about this because now I'm crying again. Ugh!

There was plenty of time from when I got home from the parade and before the fireworks, so Scotty and I watched a movie. Scotty's been under the weather with his tummy, so he skipped the parade. But he was such a sport to take that early morning walk, and to watch the fireworks that night.

We used to take Preacher and Sonya to that grassy knoll with our friends to watch the fireworks over town. It never bothered them. But this time, since we were going to be directly below the pyros, we loaded them up with Benadryl, and packed leftover meatloaf to distract them incase the ear drum shattering booms of the fireworks scared them. They were quite startled by the first set of booms. But then settled down. Sonya even looked up to watch the lights in the sky. And when it was all quiet again, we all walked home in high spirits. I think the dogs actually enjoyed the fireworks!

We had friends come over on Saturday for the world champion title UFC fight. I don't know who brought it, but there is a "Happy 4th of July" cheesecake in the fridge that's calling out my name right now. I know, it's not going to help me with any 5k's in my future, but it will help my sweet tooth for the moment. It will also wash down the ibuprofen I'm going to take for my limp noodle legs. Oh my goodness, I'd forgotten what it felt like to have running muscles. Well, at least now I know they're still there. Which means there WILL BE 5k's in my future.

Come visit anytime!

Love,

Netty