Summer & the Fourth of July

We are quickly approaching the Fourth of July holiday and for me, once we get to that point of the summer, the rest of the season goes by so fast. That's not to say this summer hasn't already gone by quick, because it has. But that's pretty much how it's always been. The greatest season of them all in the Upper Peninsula (for me at least) always goes by way too fast. That just gives me all the more reason to enjoy it while I can. Because by the time October and November roll around, it won't be long until the snow starts flying. Even more unbelievable to me is that 2010 is nearly half over. The first year of the new decade is about half-way through the books! Honestly, where does the time go?

I am rather disappointed I wasn't able to snag the Fourth of July holiday off from work this year. Last year I happened to have that weekend off and my sister from Wisconsin also came up - so we were able to enjoy the holiday together as a family. It didn't work out as well this year, but I still do plan on enjoying the holiday as much as I can. Growing up, it was always my favorite holiday of the warm season. We'd always go to this small town parade in one of the nearby communities and although the parade was small, at least the floats made up for its shortness by going around the parade route twice! We always picked up a ton of candy from the event. I think there were only a couple of other times where we went to a different community with a larger Fourth of July celebration - otherwise we always went to this small town. We knew plenty of people there and it really was the epitome of a small town - everybody knew everyone!

But probably my most favorite part about the holiday overall is the fireworks. The last five years, I've been able to enjoy the fireworks display that the city of Marquette lights off. I think there was only one year where the fireworks disappointed me - and that was the year they didn't receive near as many donations as in previous years, and it really showed. Lately though, the fireworks displays in the city of Marquette have been spectacular. I'm not sure if I'll venture into the city this year as the Fourth of July lands on a day where I have to work a 12-hour shift, so I guess it'll depend on how I feel that evening as to whether or not I'll make the short drive into town to watch the fireworks. Then once it's over, I'll have to go right to bed for work the next morning. We'll see; it's not that far off now.

So whether you have the holiday weekend off or are one of the unfortunate people to be working, at least try and set aside some time to spend it with family and friends. It's never a good idea to be alone on an important holiday like the Fourth of July. Of course it's not like Christmas or Easter, which are important religious holidays. Yet, it's the day we celebrate our country's birthday, and it shouldn't be forgotten. July 4, 1776 was the day we declared our freedom from England and we're still going strong as a country. Sure, we've had our fair share of bumps in the road, but I don't see us going away as a country for a very, very long time. God bless America indeed.