I am going to ride a steam train and have a picnic in a park.Everybody have a safe and sane 4th.

Don't worry, I'll be safe and sane like usual?

I'll be out in the lake, shooting off fireworks from a little boat!

You have to be careful with those things.. follow directions: "Lay on ground. Light fuse. Get away."

(When I lay on the ground I can never get up and away in time... I light them standing up!)

Then there is the rule: "Get 20 ft away."

(I'll be on a 14 ft boat! It has 8 mortars and two platforms, oh boy what fun!)

Yeah, be safe and sane!

(Don't do anything I wouldn't do... or would do for that matter!)

WOW!.that's crazy!..i was in the fireworks biz for 15 yrs..i seen alot most didn't see.i knew someone who lost his life from using them the wrong way..Alot of people don't realize that a mortar can jam in a tube,then it's like a grenade,
even the roman candles people hold in their hands
and shoot balls at each other,i seen balls jam and when that happens, if ur holding it,kiss your hand goodbye!.NEVER hold any fireworks,nor be near ANY mortars..Be safe,think about what you can lose!

ZIM

Advice to take seriously... These things can get crazy. I like the boat because I don't have to worry about setting any fires or any people walking around the launch area.

It is a little cramped but not too bad. I use only 2 inch mortars and smaller, no paper tubes (fiberglass!) and rotate the mortars so I don't get a "hot" tube. The tubes are also reinforced with steel sleeves on the outside. I screw the tubes to a plank so they can't tip over.

All the munitions stay in metal boxes until used. There are cinders falling around!

The only ones that worry me are the ones that might go off too early just above the tube. Last year one went off about 10 ft above the boat!

Besides the ear muffs I also wear safety goggles. I have a piece of plywood I duck behind when launching. If things get too crazy I'll jump in the lake!

Now if I had a bigger boat...

I started off the 4th with a nice kayak paddle out to the Gulf with my 15 year old grandson. Now it's pool time and a few games of corn hole. Tonight, Angus burgers and corn on the cob. I love the 4th. Have a safe day everyone!

Going to get some ice cream and watch a firework show (let somebody else spend their $$

Since I got the coach back into its pad yesterday, I'll be straightening up the interior and restowing the tools and parts I got out to install the new air compressor.

I've pried myself out of this seat and am going to spend a few hours rollerblading and skateboard riding on the rail trail.

These pictures are from last fall - I'll be wearing a tank today.

We went over to Elise's son and daughter-in-law's house, had swell time with the grandkids and then fireworks! I even managed a few good photos, here is the best one:

I spent the day, actually started yesterday, dragging a 12ft. U-haul from PA to Fla. with "stuff" I left behind almost 3 years ago.
I guess age and my daughter's insistance causes me to get a room for a little sleep half way down not like I used to drive through with just "pit stops" Saw a few airials around Starke and Waldo as I went thru' just after 9 PM.
BTW....the bridge on 301 just N of Baldwin is still out. Machs gute! D.

I walked up-to the cul-de-sac at the end of my driveway, located on a fairly remote road, around 2150 last night.

I HATE mosquito spray, but I sprayed-on more than I ever have in my life [literally slick and greasy with the stuff].

I live between several cities,but could only see bits and pieces of distant fireworks [moved here last October].

It was still 99 degrees and the mosquitoes were ignoring the "grease" and just going-about their normal business.

42 years here in Minnesota and don't think I have ever seen them this thick.

-Plus- the temperature ...we go well below zero in this state ...sometimes 30 below and even further.

We humans are clearly durable creatures, living-in a 130 temperature range, inundated by little, flying Phlebotomists, nearly capable of picking-you-up, flying-off somewhere and draining-you dry.

...maybe next year...

Went to two gatherings and neither ate or drank too much. A victory.

I also reflected on how thankful I am that we had a better class of leaders in 1776. I don't think any of them increased their wealth while in office.