Happy Fourth of July

Everyone be careful with Fireworks out there.

Old What’s Her Face went to visit her brother for a few days. I’ll be keeping the dogs company during the neighborhood fireworks, and probably downing a beer or two.

Let’s all celebrate High Treason

Back in 1776, a group of British subjects, men of stature and position, signed a document that proved conclusively they were committing high treason. Today we would call it Exhibit Number One at their hanging.

Their chances of success weren’t all that good, England held the most powerful military on Earth, and had all the muscle they needed to crush these rebels like grapes.

More signatures were added later, but they all walked in knowing what the stakes were. I find this line to be almost chilling, but very few take the time to interpret what it’s actually saying: “… with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

They weren’t kidding either. The penalty for this kind of treason was death. These were educated men, with something to lose, but they consciously chose to move ahead.

Americans are not held in high regard these days, even within our own borders. Still, the ramifications of the Declaration of Independence circled the globe and changed the course of history forever. Even the British monarch no longer holds the kind of power held in 1776. I think those ideals in the document are something we can all still support.

Happy Fourth of July from Entertaining Stories. You guys be careful with fireworks out there now.

Still reading? You really should go have a beer and a hotdog. As a late addition I find that Jefferson should have used an Oxford comma. I also find it interesting that he wrote honor, as opposed to honour. It was written by a British subject at the time. Finally, knowing the military odds, I think divine Providence must have played a role in the outcome.

Yesterday

When I drove to work yesterday, the Boise foothills were on fire. This kind of thing seems to happen fairly regularly, and it usually makes for a smoky day.

As I got close to the office I saw open flames and they were right on the edge of town. It was about a half mile or less from my office. When I pulled into the parking lot, I lost view of the Flames because of the trees. This might not mean much to you, but it indicates a fire right at the base of the foothills. Authorities suspect illegal fireworks. Happy Fourth of July!

That isn't flame, it's sunrise. I've heard reports that one home was lost, and that two homes were actually lost. Either way, that's too damned close.

This is what Tablerock looked like after work from +/- the same spot.

Be careful outdoors this summer. Things are all dried up now, and campfires, cigarettes, fireworks, and even a dragging chain on an RV can cause this.

Otto decided to get up at 3:00 again. He's been pretty good for a week, but today he's an early bird. I've been up since then, and might as well post this now.

My wife is taking Otto to Nevada to show him to family this weekend. I'm staying behind and spraying trees in the back yard. It's best if a little puppy isn't around for a day or two for that.

A good holiday

I have a large international following. In case you missed it on all the social media, today is a holiday in the USA.

Old What’s Her Face* took the grandkids to the water park. At some point, a man decides what isn’t a good time and bows out. That’s what I did today. There was a time when such things were fun, but I’m just not into it any more.

I decided to budget my alone time on three projects. I need to keep moving forward on getting Arson edited. I could probably get close to finished this weekend, but I’m being sociable despite bowing out of the water park.

I also want to spend some time on act one of my next story. I’m still trying out names and have changed one about five times. Nothing seems to fit for this character — yet. I’ve added a bunch of photos to my story board.

I’m also spending some time with Conor Kelly and the Four Treasures of Eirean. I’m just getting started, but I’m really enjoying it so far. Check out this book by Ali Isaac. She’s a fun blogger too, and posts about some really interesting topics.

This afternoon is going to be a big barbecue, followed by setting off all our illegal fireworks. Idaho is one of those places where it’s perfectly legal to sell all kinds of fireworks, and legal to buy and own them. It’s just illegal to set them off. I suppose the Legislature thought we were all collectors.

I don’t feel too bad. Our entire neighborhood sounds like a war zone every night for a week before the fourth and two weeks after. Of course the holiday gets the most action. This is going to be a good time with a large chunk of our family in attendance.

Whatever you’re up to, I hope you’re having a great time. For the rest of you Americans out there happy Independence Day.

* Not my wife’s actual name.