the fourth

Story circle had celebrations as the July prompt. I have already replied to that but am having thoughts about the fourth of July. So here goes. First it begins here on the 3oth of June which is the first legal sale day of fireworks. Rather it begins that night as neighbors begin firing them as soon as it is dark enough usually around 9pm and continue it for an hour or so. It ends the fifth( if they have not oversupplied themselves.). EACH NIGHT IT GOES LONGER AND THE LAST NIGHT OFTEN RUNS UNTIL 12 OR LATER.

This year it is dry, dry, dry and that is due to the triple digit weather we are having. Fire hazards abound and just last night a house in Wichita burned due to fireworks misuse. People need to be careful but many won't be as it is their American right to do what they want in the way that they want. Others however are like one young man I know who is doing it right. Lawn is cut short,watered down and dirt is handy to toss on stray sparks. He is planning a huge display from looks of the loot on his Facebook page, but he is doing it in the right way.

Fire is not the only thing that can bother neighbors. My yard becomes a collection point for spent fireworks and debris carried by wind from other yards--especially from those yards where it is not picked up and taken care of properly.Now I do sound rather witchy but dang it is annoying.

Noise is another factor. Past eleven is enough already. Booms and yelling several nights in a row gets old.It also can disturb small children and pets. Last night Winston was out for his before bed walk in the backyard. The whistles and small frizzling sounds made him sit and listen. His head turned almost every second as he tried to locate the origin of each sound. I stood by him giggling at his reactions. BOOM!! A huge thunder bombshell went off and so did Winston right for the door. 30+ lbs of running bulldog pup nearly pulled me off my feet as he drug me behind him to the door. Inside he went to sit under my computer chair but then ran to his kennel and went inside without a treat. Funny , yes it was, but he was scared. The chis were in the house so they just shook.

Now this is somewhat of a rant and it did to start out to be so negative. I love fireworks in the sky, my heart swells as they bring lines form our anthem to my inner vision but they need to be done safely, with consideration of others and in a size appropriate for their location.