4th Of July

Yesterday was my favorite holiday. I love Independence Day.

I started out the day at work, and when I finally was off, I went to DJ's to take care of the kitties, then I hurried home so I could change and drive out to my sisters for a short BBQ. After that, my sister and her two friends M and B and I drove back into my neighborhood, where we hastily departed for downtown.

We arrived at Hawthorne Bridge at about 9 pm. The plan was to arrive early so we could get a decent viewing position. We were looking good until the authorities forced us all off so they could let the barge through. I'm telling you right now that the barge didn't need the bridge raised to get under, but whatever.

When they let us back on, we found a new place to stand, a bit closer to the extremity so that if they booted us for another boat, we would not have to go very far. Sure enough, at about 9:45 they kicked everyone off the bridge again. Then they put up police tape. We finally got fed up with all the pushing and shoving so we exited the bridge entirely. They weren't letting anyone view the show from the bridge. It wasn't until about 10:10 that we realized why.

There were two barges---one on each side of the bridge. Had we stayed in our places, we would only have been able to see one. The display was the best fireworks show I've ever seen. Each barge put on a 25 minute show. They were almost perfectly matched so from where we were standing, there were double the fireworks and since we ended up standing right about the bridge on ramp from Naito Parkway we had a perfect view of both barges.

I didn't take pictures because I admit I still don't know how to use my camera. However, B did take pictures and they plan on sending them to me. I'll post them upon receipt.