Goodness! Gracious! Great Balls of Fire!

Ruby headed for work earlier than her usual time the next day. She wanted to get off in time to attend the fireworks display at the lake bank. She had made reservations on the tarp that Mungo and the rest would set out earlier in the day. She left her folding chair with Olo, so it would be ready when she arrived at 9 p.m. The hours ticked by slowly, but eventually it was time and she made her way back to town.

Bywater’s Fourth-of-July fever had reached its zenith. There was a large crowd to maneuver through when Ruby arrived at the lake. “How will I find them in this sea of humanity,” she thought. She decided to try to reach Mungo one more time on her cell phone. She entered the number, and as it started to ring, she heard Daisy call out her name. The whole group was 10-feet in front of her! Ruby rejoiced. She had reached her destination with time to spare.

Bramblerose was there and ventured out in the crowd to purchase glow-in-the-dark halos for Ruby and Daisy. Halos on their heads...they sang along with the music as they waited for the grand finale of the weekend.

Suddenly the lights went out and a hush fell over the crowd. With a large BOOM and several POPs, the fireworks show began. It was very closely set to music this year, several different styles including “I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy”, and Baby Rube and Ruby’s favorite “That Thing You Do”. There was a Fireworks waterfall over the lake to the tune of “God Bless America”. Ruby took great delight in the show.

With the same suddenness that it started, the show was over and it was time to go home. Ruby had parked by Daisy and she followed her home. They took the longer, less congested route. One of the most magical times to take a drive is between 10 and midnight on the 4th of July. Ruby was astonished at the view as they crested a hill overloooking a suburban neighborhood where each household was having their backyard fireworks.

Ruby and Daisy concluded their Independence Day extravaganza by lighting off sparklers. What a fabulous weekend it had been.