4th of July

4th of July is for families. Starting about 35 years ago my father started having a 4th of July party at his home in Southern California. Over the years I have only missed a couple, notably last year when we were in Florida. The highlight of the party is usually the burning up of small amounts of gunpowder (fireworks) in my Dad’s back yard. When the parties started all those years ago there was a small number of attendees and over the years it grew in size, probably 20-30 at its peak.

A couple of years ago, my Dad didn’t make it to his party! This year there were 10 of us. We swam in the pool and then headed home early. Victims of ordinances that call for a $1,000 fine for shooting off fireworks. There is just too much fire danger. It was a great day with the family all around, a family tradition for sure. We came home and around 9 p.m. in the evening a huge fireworks show happened, practically in our backyard. Ben said, "This is the greatest day of my life." (our own attempt at pulling a few poppers left me with a bad attitude and a stung finger.

We don’t have a cake, like my good friends the Banes’, but this annual event is a kind of anchor for the Wear family. I don’t know how many more years the event will continue as the family has scattered to Alaska, Oregon, Maryland, Florida, Tennessee and other American venues. But as long as it does we will enjoy our family time together.