Firecracker Firecracker Boom Boom Boom

Happy Birthday America!
Is it wrong that we didn't see fireworks this year? Are my kids going to be scarred for life? Having grown up in Brooklyn, fireworks on the 4th (and of course the 5th...leftovers you know) are, in the words of the great Tevya, "Tradition". Living on Long Island, I have had to adjust what I consider how to celebrate the 4th. No block party, just random house parties, where some of them have fireworks, but no big "displays" or sharing with the rest of the neighborhood. While various houses in my neighborhood were beginning to light their assortment of firecrackers, roman candles, jumping jacks and pinwheels, my girls were tucked safely in their beds, sneaking a peak through their windows. Maybe next year we should drive down to redneck country and buy us some of them there explosives.

By the way, my husband tells me that he did have fireworks growing up on Long Island, but I am betting that he never saw his across the street neighbor light a belt of firecrackers from his 2nd floor terrace, that accidentally spilled over onto my next door neighbor's lawn under a tree, where a box FULL of various fireworks was waiting....can you say call 911??

We got back from Vegas a few days ago, we had a great time. Before we left, I was sort of ambivalent about going, my oldest daughter Samantha was upset that her pal Jackie couldn't come, and I knew I'd miss Brig and just the whole dynamic that we are so used to. But Brig was not able to come, her mom is still in the hospital, trying to fight this evil pneumonia. I think her prognosis has improved, but she had to have an operation over the weekend to help her healing along, and she is looking at least another 2 weeks in the hospital to recover from the surgery and get off the ventilator...the vent is the key. She has to be able to breathe on her own.

But our family of 4 survived the trip, and we really enjoyed ourselves. My sister in law drove out from southern California, and spent 36 hours or so with us, and it was really nice. All of our kids' cousins live in California and Hawaii, so we don't get to "visit" much. This was a treat.

Are you wondering why the word "visit" is in quotes? Did you ever get told by your mother, after spending an entire day (or even weekend!) w/her and the rest of the family, that is was nice to see you, but that we still didn't have a "nice visit"? Well, if it hasn't happened to you yet...BEWARE. You will not know how to react. You will only be able to roll your eyes as you walk away, or if you were lucky enough to hear this over the phone, hang up the receiver. Family!