Heated Stars and Stripes

 

Thursday, July 4, 2024

With an excessive heat warning and 98 degrees today in Roseburg, summer is definitely here in full force. Terry and I chose to do something besides go to fireworks this year. Last year we saw a car show, then car races and the finale of the fireworks display in the fairgrounds of Roseburg. During that time, we were so hot we couldn't stand it, plus the car races were a drag. Excuse the pun. Sorry, but not sorry. 

The cars would take off with open throttle, then one or two would break down within a three minute time period, leaving the car or cars on the side of the track. This also means the rest of them had to stop while the mechanically challenged car was waiting to be towed off the track. Sometimes this would take another five or so minutes. Hooking it up then pulling it away meant about 10 to 15 minutes total. The race would begin again. Boom! Another car would be smoking soon and off we go again with a break that was longer than the race. 

Hot air was surrounding us, making it difficult to breathe or to think. The races felt like they would never end. Once they did end, they announced the winners of the day, leaving us baking in the heat for another 20 minutes. It became too much to deal with. I was ready to leave then. 

Finally, the fireworks! Those were awesome. If we would have known the car show and races were not anything to write home about, we could have saved ourselves a lot of time, effort, and sweat. 

This year? Nope. We were going to find something relaxing to do. Something quiet and out of the sun. We chose to invite Mallory and Hayden to Stewart Park in Roseburg. The Umpqua River flows by the park, but we sat up by the center pavilion to get under a nice big shade tree. It was a lovely afternoon!

We took Togo with us so Mallory and Hayden could see him again. Hayden hasn't been around for a while, so it was nice that Togo could visit with him. Lots of kisses for the fur ball. 

Togo adores humans. This was right up his alley. Kisses, hugs, child, food. Probably not in that order. 

Togo is so spoiled. All attention on him or he doesn't understand life in general. How dare someone not love on him. 

Kisses were coming regularly, but there were others in the park who should be loving on him. I mean, children, adults. What is wrong with them that they would not come over and worship at the throne of Togo? 

Hayden got his fill of Togo love and was ready to go back to read his book. He brought a book about a game he loves, so he was educating himself on the play, the characters, and the game in general. 

Togo saw a nice strawberry lying in the grass, dropped by one of us, so the loving was over. Come back and see him soon though, because a strawberry doesn't take that long to eat. Yes, the little white tufts in the green grass are pieces of our dog's hair. We pluck him while he sits. His coat has still not completely finished its shedding process, nor will it. Ever. Ever. 

Upon our return home, we had talked about how nice it was to spend the day out in the park and to see Mallory and Hayden. Awesome day, for sure. We also chatted about the heat of today and even this evening. It just would not cool down! AC in the living room and in the bedroom were both on, but you could still feel heat permeating our living areas. We had both units off while we were gone, however. Cool air had to work its way through all of the heat and then keep it cool. It did eventually and it was nice. Always grateful for our appliances. 😁😒😐😏

I just know that going to the fairgrounds to see fireworks tonight would have been a very big mistake. Like last year, we would have been trying to keep cool with cold water to drink and even some to pour over our heads. But then, the firework Gods heard our thoughts ...

I stepped onto the front porch, where lo and behold, there was a large fireworks display going off about two houses down the street. Large fireworks, such as the ones you would see at the fairgrounds. The "show" consisted of approximately 35 minutes of bursting fun. 

It was sure nice to not have to drive to the fireworks show! Thank you to our neighbors!

This was our day. We sat for about four hours in the park, lounging around, petting our fur baby, eating sub sandwiches, chips, fruit, and sweets. We had a blast and it sure was nice to hang with Mallory and Hayden. That's always fun! Afternoon flowed into evening quickly. We left around 6:30 to go home and tend to our other fur babies. 

Now it's time to get snacks and watch our show. One more day, another memory to store in our logs. Our day and evening was pleasant. Always great when spent with family. Now it's time for a nice night spent at home with each other. Tomorrow is yet another day. I have it planned to work all day. Terry has the day off. Saturday is supposed to be a weather nightmare and I'm not ready for it! 

Today is was 98, but Friday is 105. You've got to be kidding. Supposed to be 107 on Saturday. I know I'm staying home, in the AC. 

Please have a safe, happy 4th of July holiday. Be considerate and kind today. There are wild and domestic animals who do not understand what is happening or why we celebrate. They are all around you.

 People who have been traumatized in their lives cannot stand the loud booms and bangs that fireworks produce, including the lighter sounds that are not quite as bad to those of us who can handle the noise. Please know that this terrifies our veterans and those suffering from trauma, wildlife, and our domestic animals. Enjoy the holiday at a designated venue and avoid firing off personal fireworks.