The celebration for July 4th is around the corner, and I have phoned my friend Marlene for the annual date that we have with one another. Every 4th, the benefactor of Wilmore/Nicholasville (and the biggest employer of the county) R. J. Corman, spends a lot of money and puts on the best fireworks display for the county. Marlene and I get a meal in a picnic basket and go the corner of the nearby site and watch. It is always AWESOME. You Juanito and fam, go to the river in Grand Rapids and they shoot off pyrotechnic excellences left and right. Well, we sit at the corner of the road and watch the $20K display and are thrilled. Marlene and I do his every year - and phone each other once or twice a year in the other months, around Christmas or something. Our boys played together in the 6th - 8th grade, but then Anto and Joze got too alternative and the friendship fizzled. Her lads now do Marching Band and other normal things. Sigh. I believe her oldest will start college in the Fall.

Another friend came by tonight and sat at the outdoor fire with me for an hour or more. Being a friend is 80% work and the rest enjoyment. However, with Angela, it is less work and more fun. She is doing her part in keeping the friendship alive.

I am very grateful to my women friends who are willing to have me - now a single (imagine!??) - in the mix of their own friends/relatives.

No picture tonight. Ah well. Nor anything philosophical. Watch this space tomorrow. Hugs.