July 4th has two important meanings for Jay and me – the celebration of this great nation and our wedding anniversary. To be corny, I tell people he’s the only man who ever made me see fireworks. He blushes, and that’s a win! LOL.
We spent the day with our friends, Art and Cindy, joining them for a block party in their neighborhood. It was a lot of fun and we met some interesting people. Colorado Springs has numerous military and former/retired military families. This is due to the Air Force Academy, Peterson Air Force Base, and Peterson Space Force Base all being located here. I’m honestly not certain if they exist on the same base or separately. I’ve never looked into it. When we first saw the sign (Peterson SFB), we both wondered what that could possibly stand for. I had to look it up. Yep, Space Force Base. As they say here, they like to blow things up, so the skies were lit up all over the city with massive fireworks displays. Unfortunately, our two dogs were too frightened to be away from home and hearing all that noise, so we headed home. I had to hold our little one, Sophie, for a couple of hours until she calmed and was able to fall asleep in my arms. Once we were back in the RV, Tristan was fine.
We usually go to dinner for our anniversary, but not on the 4th. It’s easier to do it on a different day. This year, we went to Jay’s favorite, Hu Hot Mongolian Grill. That’s about all we do after thirty-one years of marriage now.
After church yesterday, we took our dogs back to the fun dog park, Bear Creek. This time, Art and Cindy, and their two dogs came along. A practice run since we’ll all be traveling together. The dogs did great! Tristan was the most dramatic with his excited fussing, which he does on every trip when we first start out. He gets so excited to be in the car.
Here is Tristan in the front with Violet and a new dog they met. Plus, the little ones in the background, which included Klaus. He’s behind the tan colored dog, and except for being a bit darker, he looks just like his sister, Violet.
Here’s a great photo of Klaus with Violet in the background. Well, her behind, anyway!
Tristan is getting in ALL the smells.
Sophie loves to follow her brother and sniff whatever he’s sniffing. And vice versa. They have their issues here and there, but they love each other.
A perfect cool and shady spot.
Our dogs were all standoffish with the water, but there were plenty of dogs who hopped right in! So fun to watch!
A couple more are enjoying the cool water on such a hot day.
Check out all of these beautiful babies heading in or out on Sunday. It was a hot one!
Can you tell I’m a dog lover? I love cats, too, but there is something special about a dog. The loyalty, the unconditional love, and their ability to forgive your failings. What an amazing joy dogs are in this world!
I want to wrap up with a bit about why we celebrate July 4th. It was set aside as a day to celebrate our independence from British rule. We are the only country in the world that allows true freedom of speech, religion, and allows you to live your life as you see fit. Throughout history, our military has stood to protect our country. We are free because some are brave. Some gave little, but some have given it all. Never take what this country offers with a grain of salt. Never forget what we fought to be free of under British rule. If you didn’t learn these facts in school, educate yourself. Go to the library and read up on it. This nation is not perfect. Nothing and no one is. But we are a beacon of freedom and possibility to all the other countries in the world. Never, ever, forget that.
On Hummingbirds Wings 