In my hometown, there are only about 2,000 people (it's on a hill top in East San Diego). So on July 4th, they have their own parade. About 200 people walk about a mile in a circle around the community. It is the kind of parade where everyone dresses in crazy red-white-and-blue ensembles and ride their horses (with manes braided in patriotic ribbons) or motorcycles (decked with tiny flags waving) i.e. Hickville Southern California. While I was thinking about the 4th of July, and running the old Parade route, I remembered July 4, 1976-- the year of the bi-centennial. I was 8 years old, my mother had died less than a month before, and I was walking my dog in the parade looking for her face along the crowd even though I knew she wouldn't be there. I can not believe that was 33 years ago. Thankfully much better memories this year for me and my children on this 4th of July. Parades, home-made snow cones, fireworks, grilled foods, all the regular stuff. It's nice to be reminded of where I came from, but am so grateful to call Utah home. I forgot how unforgiving tank tops are for the general population of Southern California. | 