The Fourth of July is not like any other holiday to me, it’s THE holiday. The fireworks, family, friends, barbeques, and of course sparklers are the things that make this celebration so special. These same things are what make me so cautious and apprehensive of the festivities. Here is a tally of what I am putting on my list for precautions this weekend.
- Driving: our holiday post focuses on the fact that the Fourth of July weekend is considered the deadliest days on the road. Our family is traveling up north, about three hours away. My plan is to leave early Saturday morning, missing the Friday traffic and late night drivers. Also, I will be on the defense while driving, knowing that the roads will be well traveled.
- Fireworks: which are beautiful, magical and loud, very loud. When I was pregnant I actually thought that the baby in my stomach was getting ear damage from the celebration. My husband just rolled his eyes when I explained my reasoning of why we had to leave right after the festivities started. This year my daughter will be wearing ear protection. Let people stare, the single bang of a firecracker at close range can permanently damage hearing in an instant. We will also be sitting a comfortable distance from the little explosions in the sky.
- Barbeques: That delicious hamburger or hot dog has to be cooked somewhere, of course on the grill. I have a fear of using a propane grill, since I am afraid that it is going to explode every time I start it. (I don’t actually start it, someone else does.) I will be taking precautions and making sure the grill is in good condition before starting the feast.
- Sparklers: those little sticks of fire are fun are danger and excitement all wrapped into one. I will be celebrating with some sparklers, because I love them, but my daughter can watch from afar, for now.
I’m sure I could inundate you with many more things I should worry about for this weekend, but maybe I will just sit back, relax and enjoy the independence celebration. While being a little cautious of everything, of course. How about you?
