2006-07-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

4th of july
"Happy 4th!" chirped the checkout girl at Walmart this morning. "Uh, same to you" I answered, not sure what the correct response should be. I am aware that I'm among the Romans on this Independence Day holiday. The expression "when in rome, do as the romans do" is certainly true today. So I was ready when I made my next stop at the 7-11 and the pakistani/american man behind the counter said "happy 4th". You see, we are both immigrants to America. I am in Canadian stealth mode, as I look and mostly sound american. He is wearing a turban and has an accent.
"Bombs bursting in air", a line from the anthem is also true today. Tonight will be super-sized fireworks displays and even this morning I can hear firecrackers and twizzlers/sizzlers? bursting in the air. I have barely wet my toe in americana, as I live in the Pacific Northwest outpost of Seattle.
I am invited to a monster barbeque this afternoon. Monster being more food than everyone can eat in a week, from red,white & blue cakes to giant hamburgers. In Canada there would be much consternation of food waste and environmental impact. Here there is supreme confidence that tomorrow will take care of itself.
This morning there was a light rain, but the sun is shining now with a predicted high temp of 24. As good as it gets here in Seattle. Everyone will dress themselves, their cars, strollers, dogs in red,white&blue bunting and sparkly stars today. Flags will be flying everywhere.

Later this morning I am going to a parade here in Lynnwood. I still prefer canadian parades with less emphasis on the military and more highland marching bands - you know, with kilts and sporrans and bagpipe solos! At first I was put off by all the patriotism and cheering, but today I will cheer as loudly as the rest. Hurray for the red, white & blue! When in Rome!

2006-07-04T09:44:00.000-07:00