07.05.2026 MAGNIFICENT!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Awesome. Spectacular. Beautiful. Magnificent.

Those are the words that describe the firework extravaganza following the Boston Pops concert on the Esplanade. I had decided a while ago that I wanted to be a part of the celebrations of the 250th birthday of America. So I joined the half million or so lining up along the Charles River to watch what was the most incredible firework display I have ever see - and I have seen many!

Yes, it was very hot. And yes there was a 'severe" rainstorm that moved people from the esplanade and park to find cover under the bridges. And it was worth it - every minute. Some young men started singing the Star-Spangled Banner and were joined by most of the people there. Everyone seemed to know all of the words and even hit the high notes much better than some of the professional singers who perform at sporting events. Maybe they should find these men! 

We all patiently waited hours - some more prepared than others.

People under the bridge during rainstorm. And there were a few who stayed out in the rai. It was warm - so why not!

When the first 6 drones appeared, the crown clapped with tremendous enthusiasm. Was it anticipation of what was to come or were people really bored with waiting? I don't think any drones have ever received such a welcome! The drones are the paired red and blue lights.

Finally - the show began. Drones displaying blue lights first swarmed the sky over the river. What was this? I have never seen such a display. Then the program unfolded and the drones turned colors and formed revolutionary shapes. It was magical.

The infamous lantern - one if by land, two if by sea. The British are coming! 

Drones depicting the Boston Tea Party. No taxation without representation!

Honoring the Minute Men. They promised it would take only a minute to be ready if the British advanced.

Canons.

Signing the Declaration of Independence.

Celebrating Massachusetts role in 1776 and the fight for Independence.

My videos are too long to upload, but once I can edit them I will show them. The transformation from one image to the next was a real crowd pleaser.

And then the 1812 Overture canons sounded and the fireworks commenced. I don't think I will ever tire of watching a firework display. I try not to miss any! This year I found a nice and relatively clear spot along the Charles River, just across from the barges that held the fireworks. There was a branch that just hung down a little and no doubt the police would not be impressed if I tried to cut it down! I think it only enhances the pictures as it adds scenery. While waiting for the show to begin I entertained myself watching the many female ducks and ducklings swimming back and forth that must have felt displayed from their resting places along the shore and one bunny who hopped back and forth probably trying to settle down in his resting place as well.

The entire display included multiple fireworks at a time - just like the typical end of a display. It was fantastic. Having a wonderful view and well worth the wait, it felt like the display was just for me. And a half million others were allowed to share the experience! 

The end!

Happy Birthday America!!!

07.04.2026 Happy 250th Birthday America!!!!

This is a big one for us Americans! 

Two hundred fifty years ago our founding fathers declared our independence from England and adopted the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While the war for freedom took many more years (April 19, 1775 to September 3, 1983) and much loss of life, we celebrate the birth of our nation on July 4th. On October 19, 1781 the Continental Army under General George Washington along with French troops, won the decisive victory against the British forces led by General Charles Cornwallis, ending the major hostilities and effectively securing independence for USA. The final battle was on October 19, 1781 at Yorktown, Pennsylvania. It was the signing of the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783 that the war was officially ended. I suggest we also celebrate that date as well. Cannot have too many celebrations!

We will definitely celebrate this day. We have plans for a cookout and of course, will watch the fireworks. 

From my boys and me - Happy Birthday America!

And we always remember my spirited Fionnegan (photograph 07/04/2025). We all miss him very much.

Until next time....................................

05.25.2026 Spring Gardens

Spring gardens are definitely among my favorites. And while most of my daffodil bulbs have been eaten by those underground critters, and the deer have devoured by mountain laurel and rhododendrons, I still have enough flowering plants and shrubs for the gardens to look pretty.

The dark pink azaleas are very showy and do attract a lot of bees.

Most of the flower beds are covered with mounds of johnny-jump-ups (violets). They are wild flowers and I let them populate wherever they can. Even some of my outdoor flower pots contain these pretty little flowers.

The white violets have vastly outnumbered the purple ones.

The wisteria survived severe cutting back along the road - they are climbing up a large tree and look dramatic.

Purple lilacs are also growing along the driveway - a nice treat when coming home late from work.

We also have a large white lilac in the back year. Another white one by the front door blooms later in the Spring.

Pretty in pink - a gorgeous rhododendron.

The only red flowering shrub in the gardens. 

I love dandelions. They bring early color to the Spring gardens!

And they are now finished blooming and are in seed. Yes, I let these wild flowers grow!

Pretty light pink rhododendron.

The irises are just starting to bloom.

Miniature lilacs.

Wild honeysuckle.

The pink flowering dogwood was spectacular this year.

Sweetly fragrant verbena.

Hazelnut flowers.

And my Gunnarr and Shorty are enjoying the Spring with lots of runs in the yard and time watching the world from the vantage of the kitchen porch and the front porch.

Flowers on Fionnegan's grave. Will always remember my special Fionn.

Fionn and Gunnarr

Fionnegan. He would always move to my seat in the car whenever I ran an errand. He was a cutie!

Hope you are enjoying the Spring and hope you enjoy seeing some of my flowering plants.

Until next time.................