BothellBob
Member
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2005
- Messages
- 103
It’s 4th of July Eve in Bothell, and as I mentioned last year, while we are very much a suburban, bedroom community of Greater Seattle, tomorrow we will celebrate in the traditions of small-town America. We will bring the town to a halt and have a real parade down Main Street, lead off by the kids, pets, Seafair Pirates, bands, cheesy floats, fire trucks, restored military vehicles, Masonic groups, Knights of Columbus, Veterans, sports teams, antique and sports cars; it brings people from all the surrounding towns to relive the Americana of our youth. Again the black powder guys will dress up as British Regulars and the Colonial Minutemen and reenact the Battles of Lexington/Concord where the wooden pedestrian bridge crosses the river. (They've been doing it for over 80 years and the Minutemen have never lost.)
Come supper time, many smaller neighborhoods throw block parties, and in our cul-de-sac we will take over the street, bring out the barbeques, tables, chairs, umbrellas, and all our favorite beverages for a potluck that lasts until dark, (well, dusk, when the kids can't stand it any longer and we clear off the street for our local fireworks show; most of which was purchased at one of the nearby Indian Reservations; and yes, it is all banned by local law, but the City Police station is all of three blocks away and we haven't seen them yet. I let the kids shoot one of my muzzle loading pistols until they have had their fill (Learn and obey all the safety rules, paper wads only, of course), and the only objection I get from their parents is they want their turn, too.) Hey, if "British regulars" can discharge firearms in a crowded park in the middle of town, then why not me? It's remarkable what one can learn about one's neighbors’ firearms collections from eager six year olds. We may never discuss among ourselves what we have, but if the kids are to be believed, I suspect our small cul-de-sac could arm a small country.
I just got back from down town. I’m lucky to live but a few blocks away. A neighbor had me stake out our claim with one of those large blue tarps. I was clearing the blackberries and Scotchbroom (an invasive weed of notorious vigor) off an abandoned city lot where a few of us lay out our blankets for a good view overlooking Main Street. Nobody asked to see my environmental impact statement. My fellow townspeople are driving in and setting their lawn chairs on the sidewalk, to reserve their good place for the parade. The chairs are already lined up by the hundreds, and they will all be there in the morning. The police will not have to set a guard. The crew at the fire station will be serving free pancake breakfast starting at 8:00am. See you there!
I pray that you are as fortunate,
-BothellBob
Come supper time, many smaller neighborhoods throw block parties, and in our cul-de-sac we will take over the street, bring out the barbeques, tables, chairs, umbrellas, and all our favorite beverages for a potluck that lasts until dark, (well, dusk, when the kids can't stand it any longer and we clear off the street for our local fireworks show; most of which was purchased at one of the nearby Indian Reservations; and yes, it is all banned by local law, but the City Police station is all of three blocks away and we haven't seen them yet. I let the kids shoot one of my muzzle loading pistols until they have had their fill (Learn and obey all the safety rules, paper wads only, of course), and the only objection I get from their parents is they want their turn, too.) Hey, if "British regulars" can discharge firearms in a crowded park in the middle of town, then why not me? It's remarkable what one can learn about one's neighbors’ firearms collections from eager six year olds. We may never discuss among ourselves what we have, but if the kids are to be believed, I suspect our small cul-de-sac could arm a small country.
I just got back from down town. I’m lucky to live but a few blocks away. A neighbor had me stake out our claim with one of those large blue tarps. I was clearing the blackberries and Scotchbroom (an invasive weed of notorious vigor) off an abandoned city lot where a few of us lay out our blankets for a good view overlooking Main Street. Nobody asked to see my environmental impact statement. My fellow townspeople are driving in and setting their lawn chairs on the sidewalk, to reserve their good place for the parade. The chairs are already lined up by the hundreds, and they will all be there in the morning. The police will not have to set a guard. The crew at the fire station will be serving free pancake breakfast starting at 8:00am. See you there!
I pray that you are as fortunate,
-BothellBob