I was dreading the 4th of July…

Okay… I know I’m not supposed to say that, but we’re being honest, here. In one sense, we’re ready. Stocked up on CBD oil for the dogs in case they really do the huge fireworks thing at the lake down the street, though I can’t imagine why they would, given the pandemic and all.

Bill’s weekly male bonding event moved to Sunday.

A high likelihood of chicken wings from our friends at The Corner Pub. I inherited the fried chicken on the 4th of July gene from my mom’s family and this is pretty close. It also helps the community and requires a whole lot less cleaning.

Fried okra is not a gene pool thing for me, but I’ve lived in the south long enough to claim it as my own.

We’re still sheltering in place as much as humanly possible.

And, if we’re going to get down to the real issue, finding things to celebrate in a flag-waving sort of sense is even more complex than usual this year. At least for me.

Then, I saw this:

I know. There’s a good chance you’ve already seen it, too. And I had to hunt around for a version without ads. But, for me, this is hugely hopeful. Which, when you get right down to it, could be said for the original 4th of July as well.

Yes, we’ve got a long way to go. But at least more of us seem to be realizing that, and speaking out. And that is what I want my girls to learn… that even when we are face to face with real, better is still possible if we put our hope to work.

May you and yours, and me and mine, and all of everyone’s be blessed.

And, yes, just in case you’re wondering, there’s part of me jumping up and down inside, wanting to add a list of exceptions to that blessing, but that’s kind of the point of blessings when you get right down to it.

… all of everyone’s. So be it.

And Happy Canada Day!!!