And on the 4th of July

We started the evening early on the shores of the Miles River, at the Maritime Museum, under a clear blue sky with only a few thin horsetail clouds.  Surprisingly, for a long summer’s day, there was no humidity, and only a slight breeze to rustle the leaves in the overhead trees that provided dappled sunlight to those of us wandering about below. 

We arrived, laden with provisions, and selected the perfect spot to listen to the Shades of Blue orchestra play tunes from the 40’s and 50’s. The twenty piece band fit inside the old  white wood gazebo. On the grass next to it a temporary dance floor and tent had been set up for the evening and, while music wafted through the air, couples danced, undoubtedly remembering the first time they heard songs like String of Pearls, It’s a Wonderful World, and That Summer.  

We sat comfortably in fold out seats, surrounded by our hampers, pulling out wine and dining elegantly on cheeses, guacamole, chicken salad, all the picnic foods that make such an evening so perfect. As we ate, we watched other people dancing or sitting in little circles, like us, chatting amiably with friends, while their children and grandchildren delightedly scurried after fireflies in the early dusk; little boys in shorts and tee shirts threw beach balls at each other, little girls danced to the music in their fairy costumes, while parents stood patiently in long lines waiting for their turn to buy ice cream and hot dogs. Looking around at the relaxed adults and happy children, it could have been 1850 or 1950 or 2016; the setting was timeless. After we were done with our goodies, we moseyed around the park, meeting up with friends, chatting contentedly about the weather, the music and all and nothing of real consequence, only luxuriating in the peace and serenity of the evening, all the while leaving our hampers of leftover foods and wine unattended. Over an hour later we returned to our seats, everything exactly as was left it. 

After the sun departed the sky, the fireworks began. We moved our seats to the deck for a better look.  The clear view of the calm water provided a perfect reflection of the show that lit up the skies. We unabashedly clapped and cheered, oohed and aahed, at the colorful extravaganza. Several boats were bobbing in the nearby harbor, likewise tooting their horns in appreciation. Fireworks are the only thing I can think of that has improved over the years.  Can there be any joy greater than watching a small child’s excited eyes fill with wonder as fireworks explode overhead. Happy 4th.