Independence Day
I lived for a time in Williamsburg, VA. A quiet little town dominated by “Colonial Williamsburg” – a “living history” outdoor museum made up of many of the structures of Williamsburg circa 1775 when it was the capital of the Virginia Colony. The museum attracts visitors from around the world; actors – many from adjacent William & Mary College – play roles of various characters of the pre-Revolution era. Although the museum has entrance fees, the streets are city-owned and not a legal entity of the museum. This means one may wander around Colonial Williamsburg for free with only entrance to some of the buildings and exhibits restricted. The taverns and shops are open to all.
Mrs DT and I would spend 4th of July at the site – special presentations went on all day. There were parades, exhibits, and historical speeches throughout the day, a reading of the Declaration of Independence from the Courthouse steps, a concert on the green at sunset, and of course, a fireworks show at dusk.


On the other hand, in a small town in Idaho – a farming town – one of the best fireworks shows I’ve attended takes place. For all the effort, expense, and professionalism of the big shows, the small towns seem to generate a more realistic celebration of the meaning of the day

Worth the 18 minutes:
Utube dot com/watch?v=m82nYY8Ywqo
Here’s to y’all having a glorious 4th..
Murica. Got the flags flying. Stars n Stripes as well as Trump 2024. Will smoke some whole chickens later today then watch stuff blow up in the sky this evening. Might enjoy that with a gin and tonic.
Today is a pause in the harvest that began early this year. Second cutting alfalfa is down and will need to be tedded so it can dry. Irrigation is off, waiting on the alfalfa to be baled. Annual ryegrass is in long, straight windrows. Tomorrow the combines roll, today we will take a break for a picnic lunch by the river. Grilled chicken and burgers, might make homemade ice cream. In the evening we will gather at my son’s house for a barbecue and watch the fireworks in a nearby small town, all bundled up in the evening dusk from the chill of the sea breeze off the Pacific.
My legendary boyga’s go on the fire about 6pm, if you’re in the area stop by. Bring your own drinkin’ material, otherwise suffer my dragon spit and Hamm’s tall boys.
With regard to our new president:
“Free at last, Free at last, Thank God Almighty I am free at last!”
My love and good wishes to all here.
At our house, among the other typical Fourth of July activities….flying the flag, burgers on the grill, attending my neighbor’s annual shooting-of-the-cannon, an evening bob in the pool….today is my day to read the Declaration of Independence. I like to read it out loud, even if only to myself.
Happy Fourth, everyone.
My wife bought me a couple pairs of these quick dry shorts from Beall’s. I got out of the pool about half an hour ago, sat on a chaise for about 15 mins and TA-DAAA, dry as a martini. I don’t know how they do it.
The material feels slightly crinkly but they look like normal shorts – and none of that horrifying net inside business. I’ll prolly get back in later. Gonna be HOT all weekend so I’ll be in that pool quite a bit.
Reel Legends Mens Mackerel Quick Dry Cargo Shorts
https://www.beallsflorida.com/p/reel-legends-mens-mackerel-quick-dry-cargo-shorts/?64105=155586
This time of year we don’t swim all that often during the daytime….its just too damned hot and I’ve already had enough skin cancers, thank you very much. During the few times that I swim during the day, I’ll wear my swimsuit, but once the sun goes down, I’ll swim, **ahem**, less formally. The neighbors have all been warned that they peek over the fence at their peril.
We both like the swims a bit after sunset, right before it gets dark. We like to watch the hummingbirds taking their last feedings before they head in for the night.
“Horrifying net inside business”.
That made me laugh.
Happy 4th everyone and may your trunks have no nets.
James Kunstler wrote a pretty good piece this morning. A Hoo Ray! for America… not a single utterance of that Middle East country we’ve all developed a fatigue and dread of… I’m sure. Biden described as Norman Bates’ mother running amok through the White House four years, priceless.
https://www.kunstler.com/p/the-fourth-of-july
Here’s a bit of American history you might not be aware of. I didn’t know this much, but now I do… https://www.lewrockwell.com/2025/07/thomas-dilorenzo/americas-forgotten-independence-movement/
Thanks Tom, I hadn’t been there in a week or two.
DiLorenzo twisted my head back into it’s proper place some 20+ years ago regarding his research into everything Lincoln. At that very moment the Raging Patriot 2099 was born.
From the article:
Moreover, the reason why all of the above is essentially a forgotten part of American history is that it flatly contradicts the Official History concocted by the victors after the War to Prevent Southern Independence.
Happy 4th to all!
New music vid by Overton Road
The white bearded old man on the porch near the beginning of the vid is Drew Dix, recipient of the MOH in 1969 for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity. He led men in combat and rescued a nurse and many civilians.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooRzpLfazY0
Can’t resist that old joke: “To be safe on the 4th, don’t have a 5th on the 3rd”
Not much into country but that was a nice tight toon. Thanks Walt. Neat joke too!
Yer welcome Ghost. My musical tastes, like DT’s are all over the place. Had never heard of that group before but the leader of it is a friend of Drew Dix and they were having fun and played well. Glad my “corny dad joke” (as my daughter calls them) was well-received. Your “spring in the air joke” got a laugh from me!
Happy 4th to all!
Thanks Jean. Am a little late with this but as far as I’m concerned it’s the 4th all weekend. Gained two pounds from the barbecue yesterday. The steak and other stuff was good!