Fourth of july, a rebelious but well behaved mob gathered near the water at Gulfport Beach. From accross the water we could see the fireworks displays at St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island as well as private displays on tierra verde and the municipal fire works in St Petersburg. every one seemed cheerful and smug because they could see so many displays. One man yelled out "Fuck You Osama," But he probably spent his tax refund on beer. Around me people were debating sleeper cells, the new bussing voucher system and whether their kids should be allowed to set off more sparklers. Another man lit a roman candle and handed one to his son. Four cops converged and Blustered, but there was nothing to do but aim them straight out to the water until they had burned out. The cops blustered and fussed while the flares sailed out, and the boy just stoicaly held on till the last burst.
Cherokee went out and played volley ball. I guess he knew enough kids there to feel safe on his own. Masha and Tom came down to watch him. But the volley ball turned into football. one small Dredheaded five year old dominated the field. He obviously played soccer because he ran like the dickens, and tackled one older kid, a beef fed football player nearly four times his size. The rasta kid flew up at him like a terrier on a bear.
My favorite moment in a fireworks display is when a brilliant volley illuminates the crowd. I like to turn then and look back on the see of faces turned up and light with a shower of golden sparks. The pyrotechnics never equal the light in their faces.