I say it's better to be loved.
Our dearest of friends, neighbors, card playing, cooking and party partners, Robert & Julie (who make it like a regular Seinfeld episode around our places at the lofts almost daily). They're actually down here in SoCal visiting mutual friends Alessandro and Robert -- the two doktors -- in Hollywood. Unfortunately, that's a coupla hours from Vista, still, and with the doggies, it just 'aint gonna work out for an all-together visit this time.
We did -- the six of us -- spend a 4-dayer up at our cabin last September, and that has to definitely be on the near horizon.
So, that's my far more important "happy happy" message to you today than the typical flag waving stuff. Sorry, but I'm just not into Gambino Appreciation Day. That's a link outta Billy's place, who has his own comments, after the quote. He 'aint celebratin', either.
"Independence day?" Listen up: cultivate a wonderful family (we just celebrated my parent's 50th on a cruise; all four of the litter, with mates), and get yourself some really kick-ass friends.
...And let the neolithic zoo animals go to hell.

No Fear: Pork Belly; It’s What’s For Dinner
Odds & Ends





I was considering burning a flag myself, the meaning of the standard now so perverted
from what it once was.
No Gambino Appreciation Day in this household either.
Also, the fire chief told me last year I can't shoot fireworks over the bay without
paying for a local government bribe (permit) Fireworks were for my niece an nephew,
not the thieving federal goverment.
Those people look very sad. Hope you didn't ruin their vacation by not making the short side trip to L.A. Probably at least you'll have to make it up to them somehow. Cheers Richard and Bea.