The weather is spectacular once again � sunny and in the 70s. If it were like this every day, I would be happy, except for the fact that the grass is a rather insipid shade of beige. We�re rapidly approaching drought conditions. The river is running low. One of the waterfalls in the nearby ponds has ceased to fall, leaving only a stagnant pond. Even the prairie grasses and ubiquitous day lilies are wilting. What we really need is several days of solid rain.

But for now, we are enjoying the cool and the sun. AJ is very excited about the holiday, despite the fact that he is mildly petrified by the noise of fireworks. He very solemnly hung a flag on the front porch, a flag which, incidentally, is there solely for his benefit, as the rest of the household is rather disinclined towards patriotism and displays thereof. The Fourth of July was never a very big deal in my family, partly because we spent a fair chunk of my childhood overseas. But my husband�s family usually has a large reunion every year on the Fourth. This year no one stepped up to volunteer (we hosted two years ago as well as the Christmas party this past year, so we were off the hook), so we�re just having my husband�s mom and siblings and their families over. AJ is accustomed to a party, and we will try not to disappoint. There will be at least two cakes, which constitutes a party in my book.

My favorite Fourth of July tradition, however, is the parade that kicks off our neighborhood party. It�s the world�s smallest parade, put on by anyone who wishes to participate. It�s usually a few kids riding bikes decorated to the nth degree in red, white and blue, a couple of people riding their horses, a couple of locals showing off their muscle cars, and one local politician who pelts the onlookers (who seldom outnumber the parade participants) with candy.

I am trying to gear up the energy to get through it all. I�m still laid up with a dreadful cold and would much rather be sleeping than baking. But AJ�s enthusiasm is contagious and I�ll probably enjoy it just the same.

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