Hmpf. Happy Fourth of July Weekend(s).

As an adult, I’ve never really fallen in love with the Fourth of July holiday. Since meeting HWMMS and spending that weekend at the French & Indian Encampment at Old Fort Niagara I’ve been happily able to shrug off the festivities and parties and firework displays in favor of hanging out with friends pretending to be back in time. No questions asked, no saying no to invites, that’s our gig.

As most of you know, I HATE THE HEAT AND HUMIDITY more than most things in life. I’m a Winter Baby through and through. Anything over 80 degreesish makes me cranky. 90 degrees? Forget about it. I NEED TO BE in front of a fan in an air-conditioned room hibernating away from all the people. Honestly, I have no idea how I spent so much of my 20s outdoors at festivals. Now? I can’t even think of it without wanting to hide under the covers. Reverse Seasonal Depressive Disorder. I’m physically and mentally affected by the heat and humidity in the same miserable manner that many are with the cold, dark, frigid winters.

If it weren’t for my love of gardening, I would hate the season even more. No beaches for me thank you.  The idea of sitting in the hot sun on top of a layer of smoldering sand is not my idea of a good time. I think of Memorial Day Weekend as the unofficial kick off to Summer (like we all do) because —GARDEN TIME. But after that? Once the 4th 0f July weekend hits? I want to hide until Labor Day.

I’m not even a fan of fireworks for the most part. Back in the day, I do recall enjoying them on New Year’s Eve in Downtown Buffalo. (Key: WINTER) Oh and when I worked for the BPO being at the BISONS game on Independence Eve listening to the orchestra play patriotic tunes and watching the fireworks under the baton of Paul Ferington made me smile. But I’m a sucker for all things cheeky simple ballpark shenanigans and I’m the girl who cries pretty much every time I hear the National Anthem.

But for the most part, meh. I don’t like the LOUD BOOMING fireworks AT ALL. And in general, all I can think of is how much money is going up in smoke. Especially in small communities or small festivals they COST SO MUCH MONEY that could be used for a million other things that last longer than 15 minutes—in my humble opinion.

I know, Debbie Downer right? (Aside: I can’t even do the sad trombone sound here now because Corey Lewandowski ruined that for anyone who loves America.)

Growing up, our family would host an annual “reunion” every year, celebrating my Gma Smith’s birthday on the 3rd. Both sides of the family and second and third cousins and all the neighbors and friends would gather at the Smith Homestead for a BBQ picnic. Lawn Jarts, Badminton, Croquet, Horseshoes, Volleyball, Water Guns, Water Balloons. Endless food and drink and fun.

My Uncle Ron would buy fireworks during his travels to Ohio and all the kiddos would load on the trailer behind the tractor and Dad would drive us back to the woods where we had one of our large open fields nearby and would set off a small fireworks display. And on the 4th, my parents would take me and my brother up to the hills in our car to watch the fireworks from a long, long distance away. No BOOMS. Lots of snacks. Good memories.

Nostalgia.

So many of those people I loved the most who made those celebrations special aren’t here anymore: My Dad, Gma & Gpa Baker, Gma & Gpa Smith, Aunt Sylvia & Uncle Ron, Uncle Bill, Jan and Bill, Chuck, Chrissy…

Where does the time go? 

After my family as I knew it fell apart around 1990, I recall spending lots of fun 4th of July weekend parties in High School (and coming home from college) with my Joey and her family. Same kind of parties my family would host. Good times.

That wasn’t my point…

Sigh. Where was I?

As a child and young adult I didn’t mind this time of year. Now? Meh.

Don’t even get me started about all the rogue fireworks around this time of the year and the scared pets. Ugh.

And sadly, even more so after the events of the last two years under the current administration, I find it even harder to want to gather together and celebrate our independence when it feels like each day it is being taken away from us piece by piece. YES I KNOW this is the time to stand up and fight even harder for the ideals we hold so dear, but damn it’s disheartening.

For those of you (many I love and hold close to my heart) who COMPLETELY DISAGREE WITH ME and love this weather and love this holiday, more power to you! Enjoy the weekend—and all week—and next weekend too! I’ll be (trying not to be too miserable) jumping in and out of the pool, in the basement at night in front of a fan, or in the bedroom near the window air-conditioning unit.

See ya around, September.