Happy Independence America!

I'll never take for granted my freedom. I live in the greatest country in the world and I'm thankful for the people who keep it free and safe.

Someone asked on a chat board I frequent if anyone was afraid of a terrorist attack in the US today. I hadn't thought about it, even with the recent incidents in the UK. I won't live my life in fear.

We really considered going to the DC mall tonight for the fireworks but locals have told us that it is not the best place for a family. That is really unfortunate. We might go to the county display tonight. Or we might not. The kids aren't dying to go and they are at the pool right now.

Ah, yes, the pool. There apparently are no public pools around here. All private and require membership, and that means hundreds of dollars for a summer of swimming. Of course, Mike gave in while I was traveling and bought us in, but it really is a nice place. The kids are able to stay there without us since Zak is 13 and both times I've dropped them off, there have been more lifeguards than swimmers. They love it.

A day off in the middle of the week was just what I needed to chill. Lots of folks are taking the rest of the week off, so I expect a quiet couple of days on the job and maybe I'll catch up on email.

We're leaving Saturday morning to drive the kids half-way to Mom's, so I need to think about packing for them and the doggies. One more week of work before we leave for NYC, then it will be time to drive to Pam's wedding. It's going to be a busy, busy month!