it's a grand old flag

I was up and out early this morning before the valley heats up to "Broil." Along the way I admired the various 4th of July decorations on the houses in the various neighborhoods on my route. The first one I saw belongs to my neighbor and fellow morning walker.

At the end of our street was this flag fluttering in the cool (for the moment) breeze.

It was actually quite a bit cooler this morning than it was yesterday even though it is supposed to hit triple digits later today and tomorrow.

At the end of the next street were these two decorations, one a bright bunting-style show, one a tiny flag in a flower pot.



We walked along the greenbelt, keeping the dogs (and ourselves) out of the sun. It was cool and lovely, and we were not the only ones with the same idea. Lots of joggers, including a "mob jog" of about a dozen women, bouncing and chatting and having a fine time. Lots of other dogs, too, enjoying the shade and freshness of the early hour.



Our route brought us to the bike path that runs along Putah Creek, now a murky, sluggish green that looks more like a drainage ditch than a creek. We usually avoid this part of the bike path because (a) it's a mosquito breeding ground at this time of year and (b) it stinks. This morning, however, it offered a tunnel of cool shade for man and beast. Back out into the sunshine, this was the last show of patriotism we saw. It is in a yard that is filled to overflowing with pots and beds of flowers. These folks also collect old Mercedes; there are at least six of them parked in the driveway and on the street. They are covered in leaves and webs and a couple of them have no tires. Don't know how many are in the garage.

The schedule for the day revolves around staying cool. Morning swim, late afternoon swim, b-b-q for dinner. It's too hot to be outside between about noon and 4 PM. We've been invited out for dinner but I think we'll stay home instead. Too hot to socialize.

Happy 4th of July to all. If you're nuts enough to be on the road, stay safe.