Independence Day Woes

So this is the most impressive instance of illegal fireworks I’ve ever experienced outside my windows. The entire neighborhood is lit up and the shock waves are strong enough to shake my walls. Maybe because very few sanctioned fireworks shows are occurring tonight. I imagine a bunch of my neighbors running up to Wyoming to buy mortars, Roman candles, M-80s - you name it, they’re exploding it. And of course, with no representation from the fire department on site. I've always loved fireworks, the closer and louder the better, right up until the illegal ones burn down my house, which almost happened a few years ago. 

It's a good thing my little dog Mandy does so well with it, but she was still ready to bolt to anywhere else, when I took her out to go before bedtime. The neighbors started lighting off firecrackers, and all she could do, was drop to the ground, and run in any direction as fast as she could. I now understand how even well-behaved dogs go missing during these times. I had to chase her down, and carry her inside. Maybe it will quiet down after midnight, so my dog can relieve herself in the yard without being literally scared sh*tless. I've always loved fireworks, but after 13 years with this sweet little rescued dog, I really appreciate those whom it hurts. It’s too bad we can’t celebrate winning a war, without waging a little war of our own, against our poor defenseless pets.

I agree, of course July 4th is the day to celebrate the signing of our Declaration of Independence from King George III, and to honor all the lives that were lost, fighting for our freedom during the war that followed. There are also, of course, other ways to celebrate, without blowing things up - maybe an awesome family meal and a great movie afterwards - just a thought, considering current times. I don't expect all "red-blooded Americans" to eliminate fireworks from our July 4th experience, but it would be nice, if we didn't try to burn up our neighbors' houses doing it. It's bad so many public displays were canceled, mostly because of COVID-19, as that drove a lot more people to set off their own illegal fireworks. Instead of joining in the sacrifice to help stop the rapid spread of the disease, I'm confounded to witness so many people simply rebelling against the few common sense guidelines.