Some fireworks were heard in the neighborhood last night and some of the towns will have their big firework displays tonight instead of tomorrow night, so there will be a few more noisy evenings.
Early Fireworks
Picture of the Day for July 5, 2015
For almost a week, a thick haze has covered the skies from the smoke generated by the Canadian forest fires turning the sun and moon into reddish blobs with no pretty sunsets. And because of the smoke haze, I wasn’t able to see the spectacular Venus-Jupiter conjunction and now will have to wait until March 1, 2023 to have another conjunction as close to the one I missed.
The air quality was “unhealthy for sensitive groups” last night from the fires but also made worse from all the fireworks in the area. But fireworks can be pretty (as long as they aren’t going off after midnight) and they come in a range of colors, shapes and styles. This one reminded me of the wild bergamot or bee balm flower with its fuzzy flower heads.
Flower Firework
Picture of the Day for July 4, 2015
Today, on Independence Day, Americans celebrate the anniversary of publication of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain in 1776. But actually we should be celebrating on the 2nd of July instead of the 4th, as that is when Continental Congress voted in favor of the resolution for independence. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence, which is the date on the document, even though most of the signers penned their names on August 2nd.
The famous Liberty Bell in Philadelphia didn’t ring on the 4th but on July 8, 1776 during the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. General George Washington didn’t know the declaration was official until July 9 and King George didn’t hear the news until mid-August.
In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday but John Adams believed that July 2nd was the correct date on which to celebrate the birth of American independence, and would reportedly turn down invitations to appear at July 4th events in protest. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826 – the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. (James Monroe also died on July 4th in 1831.)
So enjoy today’s celebrations and traditions and Happy 4th of July to Everyone!
Independence Day Flags
Picture of the Day for July 5, 2014
From backyards to large cities, last night was fill with lights and booms in all directions. And while the lights were pretty, there was a lot of critters hiding from the booms. My scary cat Tippy probably wished there wasn’t a 4th of July.
Lights and Booms
Picture of the Day for July 4, 2014
The Fourth of July in the United States is a holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. For most it means picnics, barbecues and fireworks.
It is a nice day here for those types of activities but the only thing I wish was that the mosquitoes would declare their independence and stay the heck away from me!
Celebrating the 4th
Picture of the Day for July 4, 2012
Well since there were some squishish reactions to yesterday’s spider picture, I’ll stay away from the insects today. I don’t mind the spiders so much if they are outside and I don’t get the web across my face but there is an insect I hate – those nasty mosquitoes that were biting me when I was getting the sunset last night so I didn’t venture out to take pictures the neighbor’s fireworks last night. So instead I had to use some of last year’s fireworks instead for today’s picture.
I’ll see if tonight the wind is blowing enough to chase the skeeters away and if I can get some new firework pictures.
Happy 4th of July!
