Fireworks are a blast! In fact, they’re blasting all around me, but I might as well live in a hole because I can’t see them. The roofs of neighboring homes and the tall trees surrounding our community are blocking them from my view. The noisy spectacle is nonstop and will continue until the wee hours of the morning.

Brilliant fireworks displays are my guilty pleasure. This past Friday night I kicked off the holiday weekend by camping out at my Village’s July 4th celebration. I barely listened to performances by special guest singers, Keke Wyatt and Musiq Soulchild. Truthfully, I plugged in my Airpods and listened to a book on tape while my crew rocked to the songs. It was well after 9 pm, when the fireworks began.

The night was chilly, at least 68 degrees, and I hadn’t dressed appropriately. I was sneezing and could’ve walked home, but I was determined to get what I’d come for. I took the canvass carrying bag from my folding chair and wrapped it around my shoulders for warmth. I got home satisfied, or so I thought.

Tonight when I turned on the television, I caught the end of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular.

Whoa! New York spends the money!

Their fireworks were the best I’ve ever seen. I’m not ashamed to share that I recorded the last 34 minutes of the show. Who knows when I may need to get my fireworks fix on.

As I write this, at 10 pm on July 4th, I’m watching the fireworks on a PBS television special entitled, A Capitol Fourth 2022, from Washington DC.

Don’t worry, New York; Washington’s display is no threat.

 Goodnight, everyone. Happy Independence Day! God Bless our country! God bless the Village of Highland Park, IL.