Celebrating the Fourth of July

I’m taking the week off to celebrate the Fourth of July. Because of my dog (and the extreme dryness of California summers), I no longer enjoy fireworks the way I used to. But a good parade never gets old. And neither do celebrations with family and friends.

How do you celebrate patriotism and independence—whether you’re American or claim another country as home?

Happy freedom day!

My husband and I celebrated the 4th of July this morning with a free five-mile run. It was my first run beyond about three miles for several months, and I’m excited to have done as well as I did. The course meandered through flat, shady neighborhoods where families came out to cheer the runners on. I saw fun costumes—including a guy wearing a tortoise shell back and hare ears on his head. But mostly there was lots of red, white and blue. What a great way to kick off today’s celebrations.

Our garden is celebrating with some natural fireworks (aka agapanthus). Enjoy some shots of them below. They’re the safest fireworks in this drought, but I imagine there will be plenty of real ones later tonight.

I wish you and yours a happy 4th of July! How are you celebrating this day of freedom?

Naturesfireworks2015_1FT Naturesfireworks2015_2FT Naturesfireworks2015_3FT