Wednesday, July 4, 2018
2:43 p.m.

Happy Independence Day!

By now, we all know I am not a fan of this day. I would be totally cool with it if people would just obey the law and not shoot of fireworks in town, but people suck and they light them in the streets. So, I really hate this day.

Trixie will probably end up hiding in the bathroom, cowering between the toilet stool and the bathtub because it's a tight squeeze. Poor baby.

I was pretty gratified to see a strong police presence in the neighborhood last night. Things were quiet. I like that. I hope they keep this place under control tonight.

Okay, I am done griping for now.

I make no promises about the future.
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I am grateful to be able to observe this Holiday for what it is--a celebration of Liberty and Independence.

I had the good fortune to be be born in this country X number of years ago. Many of my ancestors were also born here, centuries before it became the United States of America, which makes me a true Native of this land.

Others of my ancestors arrived later from places like Germany, Scotland, Ireland, Spain and Portugal, which means I am also the descendent of Immigrants.

I am a mixed bag, a Heinz 57, as my father calls us.

Things in this country at this point in time have me feeling less than hopeful about the future. The last two years have been the first years of my life when I was actively worried about the future of the freedoms I have always known.

I'm not going to go off on a rant, so don't get your panties in a bunch.

I just want to remind everyone that if we want to get things back on an even keel, we need to exercise our hard-earned rights to speak freely, to demonstrate and to VOTE.

Go, freedom!
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 Tonight, I am going to exercise my right to eat good food and gamble a few dollars in an air-conditioned casino surrounded by strangers.

I haven't gone to Blackhawk and Central City, Colorado for about two years now, and I think I just need a night out all by my little self. I'm not going to get a room or anything. Holiday rates would be horrific, I'd bet on that. (A bet I would win for sure!) But a few hours and a nice nosh will do me good.

Winning something wouldn't hurt, either, but I never, ever count on that. Nor do I ever take much money with me, because that's not a great idea.

I could be leaving an hour after I get there! Ha ha.

I have no idea it there will be fireworks there--it depends on fire restrictions. It would be well-monitored at any rate, so whatever. It is a holiday, though, so I know there will be music, and that's my draw. I love good live music.
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I've got to get ready for my great escape now.

Please--BE SAFE!!

Happy 4th.