I'm grateful more than proud. I don't think America is the best country, though I do think it's a good one; but mostly I am grateful for the opportunities and freedoms it has given me.

I remember Commander Vimes in "Jingo" saying "Sure they do, if you get them wet."

YES!!

I love me some Vimes/Pratchett.

I'm listening to Snuff today...for about the 15th time.

I have done ALL THE DISHES. And cleared and wiped my counter, and wiped the portion of the kitchen table not covered in papers, and cleaned the stovetop and sides, and wiped the portion of the refrigerator not covered in magnets. Now to change out of pjs (living large, y'all) and figure out what's next. My house has gotten really gross, and I know I'll feel better if I clean a bunch today, but my inner child is pouting about not having anything fun to do on a holiday and my inner demon is whispering that I'm a loser. I hear you both, okay? Moving on.

Don't listen! lalalala, you can't hear them. (my hands are metaphorically over your ears)

I actually have a dinner invitation that I'm not much interested in...and I really wish I had accomplished what you have so far, smonster.

I have a ton of cleaning to do but am noodling on the computer instead. I think I'll take a nap and then follow your lead...on the doing at least one thing...then we'll see where the energy is.

Don't listen! lalalala, you can't hear them. (my hands are metaphorically over your ears)

Ah, but if I don't listen, they only get louder until that's all I can hear. I see you, Mara, come in and have some tea.

Even though I slept a bunch, I might take a nap. This extrovert really needs some social time - podcasts help, but only so much.

I really need to at least vacuum; the cat hair is getting to where once I vacuum I'll have enough hair to knit a pair of (very uncomfortable) baby booties. Ugh.

And I think I'll back some strawberry rhubarb crumble. I was thinking of going to a movie, but since it's 101 outside, I'm sure most of the city has the same plans. Think I'll pass. As long as the a/c holds out, I'm fine staying at home today.

Nearly 4 hours after my last post, the baby shower favors are done.

I became much more pro-American after living there, which is no doubt better than becoming much less so. Happy You're Not The Boss Of Me Day! May you eat stuff and watch fireworks.

Downstairs has been vacuumed, trash taken out (I felt like I was being mugged by the heat when I stepped out of the door), the strawberries and rhubarb chopped and macerating in the fridge. Think I will wait until very late to actually cook it. Now to see what is on Netflix, so I can still feel like I went to the movies.

4th of July. Attended a small town parade (Tumwater) to gather signatures for a local public power initiative*. Seems very appropriate for the 4th July to petition for redress of grievances.

*Reason for the initiative. Thurston County (Washington State) has a private utility, Puget Sound Energy which has the highest rates in the state and the worst maintenance record. We are surrounded by counties with public power which have a much better record. Mason County and Tacoma both have public utility districts with good records. Even Seattle City Light, which is a somewhat awful city owned utility in Seattle has a better record than Puget Sound Energy.